Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in Eurasian badgers.

Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were detected in samples collected from 90 live-trapped adult Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) sampled at three sites (two agricultural and one woodland) in southern England. Serum was tested using a qualitative latex agglutination test procedure and 63 of 90 (70%) badgers tested positive for T. gondii antibodies.

The use and assessment of ketamine-medetomidine-butorphanol combinations for field anaesthesia in wild European badgers (Meles meles).

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of four ketamine-based anaesthetics in badgers using a quantitative anaesthesia assessment technique.

Study Design: Prospective randomized 'blinded' experimental trial.

Methods: The quality of induction, of anaesthesia (at 5-minute intervals) and of recovery were assessed in 93 badgers, given either one of three ketamine (K)-medetomidine (M)-butorphanol (B) combinations: group A - M K B at 20/40/80 microg kg(-1); group B - M K B at 20/40/60 microg kg(-1); and group C - M K B at 20/60/40 microg kg(-1), or ketamine (K) alone at 2 mg kg(-1) (group D).

High rectal temperature indicates an increased risk of unexpected recovery in anaesthetized badgers.

Objective: To identify factors associated with sudden early recovery (SER) from anaesthesia in badgers (Meles meles).

Study Design: Experimental trial.

Animals: Ninety-three adult wild badgers.