Identification of freeze-thaw artifact in fresh and decomposed black rockfish () and steelhead trout ().

Identification of freeze-thaw artifact in fish can help to determine whether they have been harvested within the appropriate season and monitor adherence to fishing regulations. Recognition of freeze-specific changes will also prevent potential misinterpretation due to decomposition, disease, injury, or species variation. An initial survey using black rockfish () identified which tissues reliably exhibit freeze artifact.

ANTICOAGULANT EXPOSURE IN GOLDEN EAGLE (AQUILA CHRYSAETOS) POWER LINE ELECTROCUTION AND WIND TURBINE MORTALITIES.

Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) are susceptible to anthropogenic mortality factors, including toxic compounds in the environment such as anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) and sources of man-made energy. The physical and behavioral effects of some toxins may predispose eagles to certain causes of death (COD). To investigate the influence of ARs on mortality of Golden Eagles at wind turbine farms, we randomly tested liver samples from 31 eagles found dead on wind farms and submitted to the National Fish and Wildlife Forensic Laboratory from 2013-20.

Qualitative identification of imidacloprid in postmortem animal tissue by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

During an avian mass mortality event investigation at the National Fish and Wildlife Forensic Laboratory in Ashland, OR, imidacloprid became an insecticide of concern. A qualitative analytical toxicology screen of seeds, plucks (tongue, esophagus, and trachea), and ventricular contents was requested. A method for the extraction and qualitative analysis of the insecticide in animal tissues was therefore developed.

CHRONICALLY EMBEDDED LEAD PROJECTILES IN WILDLIFE: A CASE SERIES INVESTIGATING THE POTENTIAL FOR LEAD TOXICOSIS.

Research has demonstrated that intramuscularly embedded lead in humans and rats may cause direct plumbism, albeit rarely, and has identified risk factors to this end. To the authors' knowledge, this has not been investigated in wildlife, despite a high incidence of embedded lead in these animals secondary to cynegetic activities. Fourteen wildlife cases submitted to the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory for cause-of-death determination had chronically embedded lead projectiles that were unrelated to the cause of death.

Uterine adenomyosis in southern three-banded armadillos (Tolypeutes matacus).

Uterine adenomyosis was diagnosed in five southern three-banded armadillos (Tolypeutes matacus) from four different zoological collections in North America between 1995 and 2012. Two cases were diagnosed after ovariohysterectomy and histopathologic evaluation of the uteri, and the remaining cases were identified incidentally at the time of postmortem examination. Animals ranged from 5 to 14 yr of age at the time of diagnosis.

Using an alternate light source to detect electrically singed feathers and hair in a forensic setting.

Mortality due to electrical injury in wildlife may occur in the form of lightning strike or power line contact. Evidence of electrical contact may be grossly obvious, with extensive singeing, curling, and blackening of feathers, fur, or skin. Occasionally, changes may be subtle, owing to lower current or reduced conductivity, making a definitive diagnosis of electrocution more difficult.

Retrospective analysis of mortalities in elephant shrews (Macroscelididae) and tree shrews (Tupaiidae) at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, USA.

Investigations into the cause of mortality and other important findings at necropsy were made into two families of small mammals at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park (SNZP; USA). Necropsy reports from 1976 through 2008 were reviewed for all elephant shrews in family Macroscelididae (n = 118) and all tree shrews in family Tupaiidae (n = 90) that lived for greater than 30 days at the SNZP. Causes of mortality were classified by body system and etiology to identify prevalent diseases and trends across demographics for each family.

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in a Rothschild's giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi).

Abstract: A 3-yr-old male Rothschild's giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) presented for acute swelling caudomedial to the left parietal horn. Following initial diagnostics and supportive treatment, the mass was surgically resected and intralesional chemotherapy was administered. Despite treatment, the giraffe's condition worsened and euthanasia was performed.

Mortality of captive black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) at Smithsonian's National Zoological Park, 1989-2004.

Black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) mortality was investigated retrospectively based on the pathology records of 107 captive animals held at Smithsonian's National Zoological Park from 1989 to 2004. The majority of deaths in neonates were due to cannibalism (n = 42; 64.6%) and maternal trauma (n = 11; 16.

Uterine leiomyomas in three captive eastern Bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci).

Uterine leiomyomas occurred in three eastern bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) 10, 15, and 16 yr of age at three separate zoological institutions. Two animals were nulliparous, and one had given birth to 14 calves over its lifetime. Two of the leiomyomas originated in the cervix.