Mortalities, amyloidosis and other diseases in free-living red squirrels () on Jersey, Channel Islands.

Between 2007 and 2014, 337 free-living red squirrels () on Jersey, Channel Islands, were examined post mortem as part of a mortality and disease surveillance scheme. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) were attributable for 50.7 per cent (171/337) of the casualties, 34.

Distribution and molecular phylogeny of biliary trematodes (Opisthorchiidae) infecting native Lutra lutra and alien Neovison vison across Europe.

The recent identification of Pseudamphistomum truncatum, (Rudolphi, 1819) (Trematoda: Opisthorchiidae) and Metorchis bilis (Braun, 1790) Odening, 1962 (synonymous with Metorchis albidus (Braun, 1893) Loos, 1899 and Metorchis crassiusculus (Rudolphi, 1809) Looss, 1899 (Trematoda: Opisthorchiidae)) in otters from Britain caused concern because of associated biliary damage, coupled with speculation over their alien status. Here, we investigate the presence, intensity and phylogeny of these trematodes in mustelids (principally otters) across Europe (Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Poland and Sweden and Britain). The trematodes were identified to species using the internal transcribed spacer II (ITS2) locus.

First description of adiaspiromycosis in an Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Italy.

Adiaspiromycosis is a pulmonary disease caused by the inhalation of the ubiquitous fungus Emmonsia spp., a common soil inhabitant. Information about the replication and dissemination of the fungus from the primary site is lacking.

High liver content of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) in otters (Lutra lutra) from England and Wales.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), used as flame retardants since the 1970s, are being phased out of use, but are persistent and widespread in the environment. Historical declines in Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) populations have been associated with exposure to dieldrin and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), but links with other persistent organic pollutants have not been explored. In this study, liver samples from 129 otters, collected across England and Wales from 1995-2006, were analysed for PBDEs, together with PCBs, DDT breakdown products, and hexachlorobenzene.

Emerging infectious disease leads to rapid population declines of common British birds.

Emerging infectious diseases are increasingly cited as threats to wildlife, livestock and humans alike. They can threaten geographically isolated or critically endangered wildlife populations; however, relatively few studies have clearly demonstrated the extent to which emerging diseases can impact populations of common wildlife species. Here, we report the impact of an emerging protozoal disease on British populations of greenfinch Carduelis chloris and chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, two of the most common birds in Britain.

Adiaspiromycosis due to Emmonsia crescens is widespread in native British mammals.

Adiaspiromycosis caused by Emmonsia crescens is primarily a respiratory disease affecting small mammals, especially members of the Families Rodentia, Carnivora and Mustelidae. Although isolated reports exist of adiaspiromycosis in free-living British wildlife, the extent of infection in wild animals in the UK, and the significance of any associated pathology are unclear. Here, we report the results of histopathological examination of lungs of free-living wild mammals from the south-west UK coupled with digestion of lung material in potassium hydroxide followed by centrifugation and microscopic examination for the presence of adiaspores.