FIVE YEARS OF SNAIL PRE-EXPORT HEALTH SCREENING.

Between 2015 and 2019, a health screening was carried out annually on captive-bred snails prior to export for reintroduction as part of an international effort to repopulate areas of French Polynesia, where the snails were extinct or critically endangered. In total, 129 separate tank populations of 12 different species were screened at ZSL London Zoo. Wet mounts and smears stained with modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) of 535 fecal samples were examined, and 45% contained flagellated protozoa, and 35.

DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A STANDARDIZED SYSTEM FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF LOCOMOTOR HEALTH IN ELEPHANTS UNDER HUMAN CARE.

Although lameness is a common problem in elephants (Asian elephant [] and African elephants and ) under human care, there has not been a standardized lameness assessment system to date. This study developed and evaluated a standardized system for the assessment of locomotion in elephants under human care regardless of husbandry system. In total, 72 elephants out of a possible 73 in the United Kingdom and Ireland were filmed from behind, from in front, and from both sides.

Somatic mutation rates scale with lifespan across mammals.

The rates and patterns of somatic mutation in normal tissues are largely unknown outside of humans. Comparative analyses can shed light on the diversity of mutagenesis across species, and on long-standing hypotheses about the evolution of somatic mutation rates and their role in cancer and ageing. Here we performed whole-genome sequencing of 208 intestinal crypts from 56 individuals to study the landscape of somatic mutation across 16 mammalian species.

Longitudinal Improvements in Zoo-Housed Elephant Welfare: A Case Study at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.

Over the last two decades, criticisms were raised regarding the welfare experienced by elephants in European and North American zoos. Concerns regarding the welfare of zoo-housed elephants in the UK and Europe were consolidated in the publication of several key reports, and media interest peaked. Throughout this study we aim to outline the behavioural measures of welfare observed in the current group of Asian elephants () at Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Whipsnade Zoo, using key welfare indicators for this species and comparing them to previous published work.

Detection of Usutu virus infection in wild birds in the United Kingdom, 2020.

In August 2020, as part of a long-term disease surveillance programme, Usutu virus was detected in five Eurasian blackbirds () and one house sparrow () from Greater London, England. This was initially detected by reverse transcription-PCR and was confirmed by virus isolation and by immunohistochemical detection of flavivirus in tissues. Phylogenetic analysis identified Usutu virus African 3.

Isolation and characterisation of from fish examined postmortem at ZSL London Zoo between 2014 and 2018.

Background: When suspect were cultured from fish at ZSL London Zoo, investigations were carried out to determine whether they were possible causes of cholera.

Methods: Bacterial culture was carried out on fish examined postmortem and colonies were identified using standard techniques including the API 20NE biochemical test kits. Suspect isolates were submitted to the Public Health England laboratory for additional testing.

MYCOBACTERIAL DISEASE AND SUBSEQUENT DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATIONS IN A GROUP OF CAPTIVE PINNIPEDS IN NEW ZEALAND.

This case series includes a single case of disseminated tuberculous disease due to in a New Zealand fur seal (), which was being cared for by a zoo in New Zealand. The remaining five pinnipeds in the colony underwent extensive mycobacterial disease surveillance over the following 4 yr, involving a total of 26 anesthetic procedures and numerous diagnostic tests that included comparative intradermal tuberculin skin tests, mycobacterial antibody serology, respiratory and gastric lavages, and computed tomography (CT) scans. An additional case of chronic sinusitis due to and was identified in a California sea lion ().

Culicoides species composition and molecular identification of host blood meals at two zoos in the UK.

Background: Culicoides biting midges are biological vectors of arboviruses including bluetongue virus (BTV), Schmallenberg virus (SBV) and African horse sickness virus (AHSV). Zoos are home to a wide range of 'at risk' exotic and native species of animals. These animals have a high value both in monetary terms, conservation significance and breeding potential.

POSTMORTEM FINDINGS IN EIGHT SPECIES OF CAPTIVE CAECILIAN (AMPHIBIA: GYMNOPHIONA) OVER A TEN-YEAR PERIOD.

Between July 2007 and June 2017 there were 86 deaths in the populations of eight caecilian species at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) London Zoo. The mortality rate (deaths per animal-year at risk) ranged from 0.03 in the Congo caecilian () to 0.

Successful management of Heinz body hemolytic anemia associated with leek (Allium ampeloprasum) ingestion in a South American coati (Nasua nasua).

Objective: To describe the diagnosis, management, and outcome of Heinz body hemolytic anemia in a South American coati (Nasua nasua) secondary to suspected leek (Allium ampeloprasum) toxicosis.

Case Summary: A South American coati presented with Heinz body hemolytic anemia following addition of leeks to its diet for 2-5 days prior to initial presentation. Administration of a whole blood transfusion from an animal of the same species (conspecific) and supportive care resulted in immediate improvement in clinical signs.

FERLAVIRUS-RELATED DEATHS IN A COLLECTION OF VIPERID SNAKES.

Between June and October 2013, 26 snakes of six viperid species kept in two adjoining rooms died ( n = 16) or were euthanized on medical (1) or welfare grounds (9). Two were from the main zoo collection, but the other 24 had been imported and quarantined for a minimum of 6 mo. Four of those that died and the single snake euthanized on medical grounds showed minor signs of respiratory disease prior to death, and five were weak, lethargic, and/or poor feeders.

Retrospective study of mortality in Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) in the European breeding population between 2000 and 2014.

Although the European population of Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) has been managed under the European Endangered Species Program (EEP) since 1990, little is known about the health status of the population. This study was designed to characterize mortality for this population through examination of the studbook and other records on 392 Asiatic lions living in the EEP between 2000 and 2014. A total of 270 animals died during the period with 80% of them being under 1 year old.

THE IMPACT OF ELEPHANT ENDOTHELIOTROPIC HERPESVIRUS ON THE CAPTIVE ASIAN ELEPHANT (ELEPHAS MAXIMUS) POPULATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IRELAND (1995-2013).

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is one of the most devastating infections and causes of mortality in captive Asian elephant ( Elephas maximus ) populations. Eight confirmed fatal EEHV cases have occurred since 1995 within the captive Asian elephant population of the United Kingdom and Ireland. This report aims to review the impact of EEHV on the captive Asian elephant population in the United Kingdom and Ireland, document and compare fatal cases, and recommend a framework of monitoring within the United Kingdom and Ireland to increase the success of treatment of EEHV hemorrhagic disease (EEHV HD) in the future.

A novel antigen capture ELISA for the specific detection of IgG antibodies to elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus.

Background: Elephants are classified as critically endangered animals by the International Union for Conservation of Species (IUCN). Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) poses a large threat to breeding programs of captive Asian elephants by causing fatal haemorrhagic disease. EEHV infection is detected by PCR in samples from both clinically ill and asymptomatic elephants with an active infection, whereas latent carriers can be distinguished exclusively via serological assays.