Hematologic and serum biochemical reference ranges and an assessment of exposure to infectious diseases prior to translocation of the threatened western ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis)

J. Clarke; K. Warren; M. Calver; P. de Tores; J. Mills; I. Robertson

doi:10.7589/2011-12-345

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Hematologic and serum biochemical reference ranges and an assessment of exposure to infectious diseases prior to translocation of the threatened western ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis)

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Hematologic and serum biochemical reference ranges and an assessment of exposure to infectious diseases prior to translocation of the threatened western ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis)

J. Clarke, K. Warren, M. Calver, P. de Tores, J. Mills and I. Robertson

Journal of Wildlife Diseases, Vol.49(4), pp.831-840

2013

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7589/2011-12-345

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Abstract

Health screening of animals before translocation is important to minimize the risk of pathogen transmission between sites and species. Reintroduction has been incorporated into management of the endangered western ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis) to mitigate for habitat loss within the species' core range in southwestern Australia. Between November 2005 and March 2008 we screened 47 wild and 24 captive P. occidentalis and 68 sympatric common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula hypoleucus) for infectious diseases that might compromise possum survival or fecundity at translocation sites. We found no evidence that infectious disease limits translocation success, and neither possum species showed evidence of infection with Salmonella spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Leptospira spp., or Chlamydophila spp. Antigen of Cryptococcus gattii was detected in one T. v. hypoleucus but was not of pathologic significance. Hematologic and serum biochemical reference ranges were determined for 81 wild and 24 captive P. occidentalis. Site differences were identified for red blood cell count, hemoglobin, albumin, urea, and globulin, suggesting that habitat quality or nutrient intake may vary among sites. Differences between wild and captive values were found for several parameters. These data are useful for health evaluations of injured P. occidentalis and the future monitoring of wild populations.

Details

Title: Hematologic and serum biochemical reference ranges and an assessment of exposure to infectious diseases prior to translocation of the threatened western ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis)
Authors/Creators: J. Clarke (Author/Creator) - Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
K. Warren (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
M. Calver (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
P. de Tores (Author/Creator) - Department of Environment and Conservation, Western Australian Wildlife Research Centre, P.O. Box 51, Wanneroo, Western Australia 6946, Australia
J. Mills (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
I. Robertson (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
Publication Details: Journal of Wildlife Diseases, Vol.49(4), pp.831-840
Publisher: Wildlife Disease Association
Identifiers: 991005544251707891
Copyright: © Wildlife Disease Association 2013.
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Veterinary and Life Sciences
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Citation topics: 1 Clinical & Life Sciences; 1.307 Laboratory Medicine; 1.307.1039 Lab Quality Control
Web Of Science research areas: Veterinary Sciences
ESI research areas: Plant & Animal Science