HEMATOLOGY AND BIOCHEMICAL REFERENCE INTERVALS AND SEROPREVALENCE OF HEMORRHAGIC DISEASES FOR FREE-RANGING MULE DEER () IN WEST TEXAS.

Wildlife species are routinely captured for translocation, general health monitoring, and research-based pursuits to guide wildlife management. Mule deer () were captured for various research projects and management actions in the Trans-Pecos and Panhandle regions of Texas from 2015 to 2019. The objective of this study was to develop hematologic and biochemical parameters for free-ranging mule deer in Texas and to develop a health monitoring system for current and future mule deer population management.

HEMATOLOGY AND BIOCHEMICAL REFERENCE INTERVALS FOR FREE-RANGING PRONGHORN () IN WEST TEXAS.

Pronghorn () are considered a keystone species of North American grasslands and an important economic source for many landowners in Texas. Pronghorn restoration projects routinely capture and translocate individuals from surplus populations to restoration areas. The objective of this study was to generate normal hematological and biochemical reference intervals (RI) for free-ranging pronghorn populations in Texas as a health monitoring tool for pronghorn restoration efforts.

Distinct mtDNA lineages in free-ranging (aoudad) from the United States indicate multiple introductions from northern Africa.

Translocation records indicate aoudad () populations in the United States are a product of multiple human-mediated introductions. Two mitochondrial markers (cytochrome , cytb; displacement loop, D loop) and one nuclear gene (prion protein gene exon 3, ) were used to determine: (1) genetic variation, (2) if genetic units correspond to taxonomic designations, (3) the number and geographic origin of translocations, and (4) divergence times. Three phylogenetic analyses (Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood, and parsimony) produced similar topologies with two clades (I and II).

Characterization of the prion protein gene in axis deer () and implications for susceptibility to chronic wasting disease.

Axis deer () occur both in captivity and free-ranging populations in portions of North America, but to-date, no data exist pertaining to the species' susceptibility to CWD. We sequenced the prion protein gene () from axis deer. We then compared axis deer PrP sequences and amino acid polymorphisms to those of CWD susceptible species.

Bioaccessibility of antimony and other trace elements from lead shot pellets in a simulated avian gizzard environment.

Many studies have used grit (in the form of lead (Pb) pellets) presence in avian gizzards as an indicator of Pb shot exposure. However, due to nearly complete pellet absorption in gizzards or rapid passage of pellets, the absence of Pb shot presence in a gizzard does not confirm lack of Pb shot exposure. This study provides the basis for an additional technique to identify if elevated tissue Pb concentration is due to Pb shot exposure.

Exposure, Effects and Absorption of Lead in American Woodcock (Scolopax minor): A Review.

Due to long term declines of American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) and widespread distribution of environmentally available lead (Pb) throughout their geographic range, it is important to assess if Pb exposure is a potential contributor to these declines. Woodcock are exposed to Pb through various environmental sources and are known to exhibit relatively high bone-Pb concentrations. Absorption of Pb by birds, and woodcock specifically, is not well understood.

Baseline Blood Pb Concentrations in Black-Necked Stilts on the Upper Texas Coast.

There are no known biological requirements for lead (Pb), and elevated Pb levels in birds can cause a variety of sub-lethal effects and mortality. Historic and current levels of Pb in mottled ducks (Anas fulvigula) suggest that environmental sources of Pb remain available on the upper Texas coast. Because of potential risks of Pb exposure among coexisting marsh birds, black-necked stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) blood Pb concentrations were measured during the breeding season.