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  • 1
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Occurrence of Microplastics in Harbour Seals (Phoca vitulina) and Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus) from German Waters
    MDPI AG ; 2022
    In:  Animals Vol. 12, No. 5 ( 2022-02-23), p. 551-
    Details
    In: Animals, MDPI AG, Vol. 12, No. 5 ( 2022-02-23), p. 551-
    Abstract: The level of knowledge on microplastic exposure in marine mammals is limited by the access to dead and alive individuals. Focusing on the Northeast Atlantic area, some studies already confirmed the microplastic presence in free-ranging marine mammals, such as harbour porpoises or harbour seals inhabiting the North Sea (NS). In contrast, knowledge on the exposure to grey seals and particularly on specimen inhabiting the Baltic Sea (BS) are scarce. This study examined 63 gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) of harbour seals and grey seals originating from German waters (NS and BS) found between 2014 and 2019. Besides the documentation of microplastic findings, this study is dealing with life history and health parameters, attempting to identify correlations with microplastic presence. This study confirmed beside the presence, the egestion of microplastics ( 〉 100 µm; MPs) in the examined seals, without correlations in parasite infestations or inflammation responses. 540 suspected MPs were identified in 62 intestinal samples (42% fibres, 58% fragments), and 228 MPs in seven stomachs (28% fibres, 72% fragments). In accordance, first evidence of the retainment of fragments in the GIT were given. However, no significant difference in MP occurrence was indicated for different sex or age groups.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2076-2615
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/ani12050551
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2606558-7
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  • 2
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    An Approach for Investigating Sexual Maturity in Wild Boar Males: Testosterone and 17β-Estradiol Analysis
    MDPI AG ; 2022
    In:  Animals Vol. 12, No. 17 ( 2022-09-05), p. 2295-
    Details
    In: Animals, MDPI AG, Vol. 12, No. 17 ( 2022-09-05), p. 2295-
    Abstract: Analyses of sexual steroid hormones in wild boars are rarely described. Testosterone (T) and 17β-estradiol (E2) concentrations are useful to recognize sexual maturation. As threshold values for this species are unknown, additional parameters are required. A total of 127 blood samples from wild boar males were collected to measure T and E2. Age and weight were recorded. Thirty-one epididymides were sampled too. Males were sorted into pre-and postpubertal groups based on the absence/presence of spermatozoa in epididymides and on morphological data following previous results. Forty-four males were prepubertal: the mean age and weight were 10 months and 23 kg, respectively. They showed no spermatozoa. The mean concentrations of T and E2 were 1.2 ± 1.2 ng/mL and 39.7 ± 120.3 pg/mL, respectively. Sixty-six males were postpubertal, twenty-nine of which presented spermatozoa. Their mean concentration of T was 7.6 ± 6.3 ng/mL and E2 was 664.3 ± 250.4 pg/mL. Seventeen samples could not be defined; the hormone concentrations between the two groups suggested a transitional phase consistent with puberty. Wild boars before 12 months of age had high hormone levels like older boars, indicating that they could attempt to reproduce. Hormones at the end of the mating season (January) were high so that reproduction could occur thereafter, shifting farrowing from spring to summer.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2076-2615
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/ani12172295
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2606558-7
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  • 3
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    Online Resource
    Targeted COVID-19 Vaccination (TAV-COVID) Considering Limited Vaccination Capacities—An Agent-Based Modeling Evaluation
    MDPI AG ; 2021
    In:  Vaccines Vol. 9, No. 5 ( 2021-04-27), p. 434-
    Details
    In: Vaccines, MDPI AG, Vol. 9, No. 5 ( 2021-04-27), p. 434-
    Abstract: (1) Background: The Austrian supply of COVID-19 vaccine is limited for now. We aim to provide evidence-based guidance to the authorities in order to minimize COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths in Austria. (2) Methods: We used a dynamic agent-based population model to compare different vaccination strategies targeted to the elderly (65 ≥ years), middle aged (45–64 years), younger (15–44 years), vulnerable (risk of severe disease due to comorbidities), and healthcare workers (HCW). First, outcomes were optimized for an initially available vaccine batch for 200,000 individuals. Second, stepwise optimization was performed deriving a prioritization sequence for 2.45 million individuals, maximizing the reduction in total hospitalizations and deaths compared to no vaccination. We considered sterilizing and non-sterilizing immunity, assuming a 70% effectiveness. (3) Results: Maximum reduction of hospitalizations and deaths was achieved by starting vaccination with the elderly and vulnerable followed by middle-aged, HCW, and younger individuals. Optimizations for vaccinating 2.45 million individuals yielded the same prioritization and avoided approximately one third of deaths and hospitalizations. Starting vaccination with HCW leads to slightly smaller reductions but maximizes occupational safety. (4) Conclusion: To minimize COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths, our study shows that elderly and vulnerable persons should be prioritized for vaccination until further vaccines are available.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2076-393X
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9050434
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2021
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2703319-3
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  • 4
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Ovarian Filariasis in a Wild Southern Tamandua (Tamanduatetradactyla; Mammalia: Myrmecophagidae)
    MDPI AG ; 2022
    In:  Pathogens Vol. 11, No. 8 ( 2022-08-15), p. 918-
    Details
    In: Pathogens, MDPI AG, Vol. 11, No. 8 ( 2022-08-15), p. 918-
    Abstract: Knowledge of reproductive health in wild southern tamanduas (Tamandua tetradactyla; Mammalia: Myrmecophagidae) is fragmentary. During necropsies of roadkill xenarthran species in Brazil, a case of ovarian filariasis in an adult female southern tamandua was observed. Macroscopically, both ovaries were irregularly enlarged and had numerous smooth protuberances. Histologically, the affected ovarian parenchyma presented adult nematodes (including females with microfilaria) surrounded by pleocellular inflammatory infiltrates. The morphological characteristics of the nematodes were consistent with the superfamily Filarioidea (order Spirurida). The adjacent ovarian parenchyma had developing and atretic follicles at different stages of maturation. Filarial nematodes were not observed in other tissues. The cause of death of this tamandua was fatal acute polytrauma as a consequence of the motor vehicle collision. This case adds to a prior report of ovarian filariasis in two southern tamanduas in Nicaragua and Guatemala, dating back almost 100 years, and suggests filarial infections could potentially have an impact on reproductive success in southern tamanduas and possibly other xenarthrans. Several xenarthran species are under different levels of threat and knowledge of their basic reproductive health is crucial for conservation programs.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2076-0817
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080918
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2695572-6
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  • 5
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Back from Exile? First Records of Chewing Lice (Lutridia exilis; Ischnocera; Mallophaga) in Growing Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) Populations from Northern Germany
    MDPI AG ; 2023
    In:  Pathogens Vol. 12, No. 4 ( 2023-04-13), p. 587-
    Details
    In: Pathogens, MDPI AG, Vol. 12, No. 4 ( 2023-04-13), p. 587-
    Abstract: Arthropod ectoparasites of aquatic wildlife often have complex relationships with their host species that have developed over long evolutionary time scales. Specialist parasite occurrence might depend on these hosts’ distributions. Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) populations are recovering in Northern German federal states, such as Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony. Chewing lice (Lutridia exilis; Ischnocera; Mallophaga) are considered otter-specific yet rare parasites in their known range. In 2022, they were recorded for the first time on nine otters found dead in Northern Germany. All otters originated from the years 2021–2022 and were dissected during population health monitoring programs in 2022. Females (n = 6) were 0–5.5 years old and showed signs of disease in five cases. Males (n = 3), in contrast, were 0–1.6 years old and showed disease in a single case. Individual lice intensity of infection ranged from 1 to 75 specimens per otter. No direct adverse health effects of chewing lice on the otters were noted. Lutridia exilis morphological characteristics were documented and measurements were taken to study specialized adaptations that allow lice to attach to semi-aquatic otters. In addition, morphology was compared between lice from different geographical regions and specimens from previous reports. A region of the COI mDNA was amplified to molecularly characterize L. exilis for the first time and detect genetic differences between otter lice populations in Germany. It is believed that specialist parasites reduce in numbers even before their host populations decline. Recovering otter populations in Northern Germany could be an example of a reverse effect, where the comeback of a host species results in the return of a specialist parasite, which reflects an ultimate boost in overall species biodiversity.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2076-0817
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040587
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2023
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  • 6
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    Online Resource
    Energetic Compounds in the Trophic Chain—A Pilot Study Examining the Exposure Risk of Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima) to TNT, Its Metabolites, and By-Products
    MDPI AG ; 2022
    In:  Toxics Vol. 10, No. 11 ( 2022-11-12), p. 685-
    Details
    In: Toxics, MDPI AG, Vol. 10, No. 11 ( 2022-11-12), p. 685-
    Abstract: The Baltic and North Seas still contain large amounts of dumped munitions from both World Wars. The exposure of the munition shells to the seawater causes corrosion, which leads to the disintegration of shells and a leakage of energetic compounds, including the highly toxic 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), and consequently threatening the marine environment. To evaluate the risk of accumulation of energetic compounds from conventional munitions in the marine food chain, we analyzed the presence of TNT and its metabolites 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene (2-ADNT) and 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene (4-ADNT) as well as their byproducts 1,3-dinitrobenzene (1,3-DNB) and 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) in different tissues (including muscle, liver, kidney, brain, and bile) from 25 Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima) from the Danish Baltic Sea. Tissues were prepared according to approved protocols, followed by GC-MS/MS analysis. None of the aforementioned energetic compounds were detected in any of the samples. This pilot study is one of the first analyzing the presence of explosive chemicals in tissues from a free-ranging predatory species. This study highlights the need for continuous monitoring at different levels of the trophic chain to increase our knowledge on the distribution and possible accumulation of energetic compounds in the marine environment in order to provide reliable data for decision-making tools and risk assessments.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2305-6304
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/toxics10110685
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2733883-6
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  • 7
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Handle with Care—Microplastic Particles in Intestine Samples of Seals from German Waters
    MDPI AG ; 2020
    In:  Sustainability Vol. 12, No. 24 ( 2020-12-13), p. 10424-
    Details
    In: Sustainability, MDPI AG, Vol. 12, No. 24 ( 2020-12-13), p. 10424-
    Abstract: The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) aims to reduce the marine debris burden in the marine environment by 2020. This requires an assessment of the actual situation, which includes the occurrence as well as the caused impacts. Information on both is scarce when it comes to top predators like marine mammals and the burden of microplastic. This is hampered by the limited access to free ranging marine mammals for collecting samples, as well as sample handling. The present study investigated gastrointestinal tracts and faecal samples of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) regularly occurring in the German North Sea and Baltic Sea with the aim of gaining information on the occurrence of microplastics. In total, 255 particles ≥100 µm (70 fibres, 185 fragments) were found in exemplary ten intestine and nine faecal samples. The findings ranged from zero fibres and six fragments, up to 35 fibres and 55 fragments per sample. Additionally, this study established a protocol for sample handling, microplastic isolation (≥100 µm) and quantification of gastrointestinal tracts and faecal samples of marine mammals with a low share of contamination. This approach helps to quantify the presence of microplastics in free-ranging marine mammals and is therefore applicable to assess the real burden of microplastic presence in the marine environment.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2071-1050
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/su122410424
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2020
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2518383-7
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  • 8
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Heavy Youngsters—Habitat and Climate Factors Lead to a Significant Increase in Body Weight of Wild Boar Females
    MDPI AG ; 2023
    In:  Animals Vol. 13, No. 5 ( 2023-03-01), p. 898-
    Details
    In: Animals, MDPI AG, Vol. 13, No. 5 ( 2023-03-01), p. 898-
    Abstract: As one of the most abundant game species in Europe, European wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations prove highly adaptable to cultivated landscapes. The ongoing process of climate change and the high agricultural yields seem to further optimize the living conditions for this species. In long-term reproduction monitoring, we collected data on the body weight of wild boar females. Over an 18-year period, the body weight of wild boar females increased continuously, then stopped and decreased. It was possible to detect differences between the body weights of animals from forest and agricultural areas. For these areas, differences in body weight development also led to a significant distinction in the onset of puberty. We conclude that, even in a highly cultivated landscape, forested areas provide habitat characteristics that may strongly influence reproduction. Second, with dominant agricultural areas in Germany, wild boar reproduction has been favored in recent decades.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2076-2615
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/ani13050898
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2023
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2606558-7
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  • 9
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    Online Resource
    Streptococcal Infections in Marine Mammals
    MDPI AG ; 2021
    In:  Microorganisms Vol. 9, No. 2 ( 2021-02-10), p. 350-
    Details
    In: Microorganisms, MDPI AG, Vol. 9, No. 2 ( 2021-02-10), p. 350-
    Abstract: Marine mammals are sentinels for the marine ecosystem and threatened by numerous factors including infectious diseases. One of the most frequently isolated bacteria are beta-hemolytic streptococci. However, knowledge on ecology and epidemiology of streptococcal species in marine mammals is very limited. This review summarizes published reports on streptococcal species, which have been detected in marine mammals. Furthermore, we discuss streptococcal transmission between and adaptation to their marine mammalian hosts. We conclude that streptococci colonize and/or infect marine mammals very frequently, but in many cases, streptococci isolated from marine mammals have not been further identified. How these bacteria disseminate and adapt to their specific niches can only be speculated due to the lack of respective research. Considering the relevance of pathogenic streptococci for marine mammals as part of the marine ecosystem, it seems that they have been neglected and should receive scientific interest in the future.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2076-2607
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020350
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2021
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2720891-6
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  • 10
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    Online Resource
    Pathological Findings in Eurasian Otters (Lutra lutra) Found Dead between 2015−2020 in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
    MDPI AG ; 2021
    In:  Animals Vol. 12, No. 1 ( 2021-12-28), p. 59-
    Details
    In: Animals, MDPI AG, Vol. 12, No. 1 ( 2021-12-28), p. 59-
    Abstract: In times of massive biodiversity loss and ongoing environmental crises, it is extremely important to ensure long-term conservation efforts of threatened species like Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra). To gain insights into the status of Northern Germany’s otter population, 92 otters found dead in Schleswig-Holstein between 2015−2020 were collected and underwent detailed dissection with the aim to establish a monitoring program for this population. Examinations followed a protocol especially designed for otters, including various biological data assessments and extended sampling. The finding sites showed a clear concentration in the Continental region. Seasonal concentration differed among the years, yet peaks were seen from fall to winter. Overall, more males than females were found, although this differed among the years. The majority of otters that could be aged were between 1–3 years. Placental scars and pregnancy were recorded in only few females. Nutritional status was good in most cases. Infectious diseases found included Vagococcus lutrae, Toxoplasma gondii, and Emmonsia spp. A major cause of death was roadkill. Known sample bias in studies focusing on roadkill was considered in the finding interpretation. Continuation of the population health investigations is mandatory to analyze potential trends and to establish an actual monitoring program for Eurasian otters in Schleswig-Holstein.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2076-2615
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/ani12010059
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2021
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2606558-7
    SSG: 23
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