Attachment Insecurity in Rats Subjected to Maternal Separation and Early Weaning: Sex Differences

Attachment insecurity in the forms of attachment anxiety and avoidance is associated with mental disorders in humans. In this research field, rodents, especially mice and rats, are commonly used to study social behaviors and underlying biological mechanisms due to their pronounced sociability. However, quantitative assessment of attachment security/insecurity in rodents has been a major challenge. The present study identified attachment insecurity behaviors in rats subjected to maternal separation (MS) during postnatal days (PD) 2–16 and early weaning (EW) during PD 17–21. This MSEW procedure has been used to mimic early life neglect in humans. After MSEW, rats continued to survive until early adulthood when they were subjected to open-field, social interaction, and elevated-plus maze tests. Compared to CNT rats in either gender, MSEW rats moved longer distances at higher velocities in the open-field. The MSEW rats also showed lower ratios of travel distance at central zone over that on whole arena of the open-field compared to CNT rats. In social interaction test, male CNT rats preferred to investigate an empty cage than females; whereas female CNT rats spent more time with a partner-containing cage as compared to males. This gender-specific difference was reversed in MSEW rats. On elevated-plus maze female CNT rats exhibited more risk-taking behaviors as compared to male counterparts. Moreover, female MSEW rats experienced a greater difficulty in making a decision on whether approaching to or averting from which arms of elevated-plus maze. Taken together, male MSEW rats behaved like attachment anxiety while females’ phenotype is alike to attachment avoidance described in humans. These results shall prompt further application of MSEW rat in abnormal psychology and biological psychiatry research.

Food Niche Overlap of Avian Predators (Falconiformes, Strigiformes) in a Field and Forest Mosaic in Central Poland

Food niche overlap statistics are a common way to show competition for food resources in a group of animals. Niche breadths of various species are very variable and their diet composition changes reflecting prey availability. The aim of this study was to evidence the food niche overlap of the whole assemblage of avian predators (eight raptor and owl species, some of them reaching very high densities) in a field and forest mosaic of central Poland. The diet composition was assessed on the basis of pellet analyses and the identification of prey remains found under the nests in the breeding period. The extent of the niche overlap was calculated using a Pianka formula. The food niche overlap indices ranged from 0.02 to 0.93 (mostly below 0.5). The most separate food niche was that of the white-tailed eagle, who regularly preyed on fish. The highest niche overlap was recorded for the common buzzard and common kestrel, two species preying on field rodents, switching to soricomorphs when the former were scarce. Our results confirmed that the food niches of species coexisting in the same area were considerably separate, which is a result of preying on various prey species or searching for them in different habitats.

T-standpoint assists the waiting of predatory birds in lucerne

Field rodents can cause considerable economic losses in perennial crops, especially lucerne. Predatory birds can provide biological control of field rodent populations. However, modern arable landscape usually provides few or no natural standpoints for predatory birds to wait for their prey. According to the old farmers in eastern Croatia, T-standpoints installed into lucerne were traditional implements assisting the bird predation over field rodents. Aim of this study was to check whether the T-standpoints really are appropriate installations for the predatory birds to wait for their prey on the ground or not. The research has confirmed that predatory birds (Buteo buteo and Falco tinnunculus) descended on the installed T-standpoints (in average 1.35 arrivals per day of observation), waited (average period of stay was 17 minutes in the morning and 34 minutes in the afternoon) and landed on the ground, most probably to catch the prey (in average 13 % of arrivals to T-standpoints ended with landing to the ground, likely for the prey attack). Small forest restoration in arable landscapes and less chemical rodent control would probably improve the predatory bird populations, thus enhancing the biological control of field rodents. There remains the need for further investigation of efficiency of field rodent control by predatory birds

Long-term retrospective observation reveals stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in Hebei, China

Background Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is an emerging zoonotic infectious disease caused by hantaviruses which circulate worldwide. So far, it was still considered as one of serious public health problems in China. The present study aimed to reveal the stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in Hebei province located in North China through a long-term retrospective observation. Methods The epidemiological data of HFRS cases from all eleven cities of Hebei province since 1981 through 2016 were collected and descriptively analyzed. The rodent densities, species compositions and virus-carrying rates of different regions were collected from six separated rodent surveillance points which set up since 2007. The molecular diversity and phylogenetic relationship of hantaviruses circulating among rodents were analyzed based on partial viral glycoprotein gene. Results HFRS cases have been reported every year in Hebei province, since the first local case was identified in 1981. The epidemic history can be artificially divided into three phases and a total of 55,507 HFRS cases with 374 deaths were reported during 1981-2016. The gender and occupational factors of susceptible population were invarible throughout, however age of that was gradually aging. The annual outbreak peak always present in spring, while the main epidemic region had gradully altered from south to northeast. Surveillance of rodents revealed that residential rodents significantly possessed higher density and virus-carring rate than field rodents. The house rat, Rattus norvegicus, was the dominant rodent species and Seoul virus S3 sub-genotype which is continued but slightly evolving perhaps to be the sole pathogen for local HFRS cases of Hebei province. Conclusions This long-term province-wide surveillance and epidemiological analysis has revealed the stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in North China. In order to improve current prevention and control strategies of HFRS in China, all surveillance should be continuously enhanced and variations should be paid more attentions.

Ecological and epizootic roles of Golden jackal, genus Canis aureus in the Northwest of Black Sea coast

Penetration of jackal, typical representative of Asia Minor-Balkan group, genus Canis aureus into the territory of the Northwest Black Sea coast - has become a rather unexpected phenomenon and led to environmental, zoogeographical and epizootic issues. The last one may lead to the development of potentially dangerous epizootic processes, the assessment of the threat and possible consequences require systematic researches. The purpose of this work was to study the ecological and epizootic role of Canis aureus in the territory of the Northwest Black Sea coast. The investigations concerning epizootic status of jackal were carried out during 2014–2018 in the territory of Odesa and Mykolayiv Regions with means of laboratory control samples of the materials which were selected and taken from hunters. The results of researches have shown that there is a complete, self-regulating and rather dense population of C. aureus in this region, it does not lose the rate of intensive reproduction and has a clearly expressed western line of genus penetration. In the process of migratory settlement, jackal demonstrates clear and static dependences on humidified and hydro morphed landscapes. When the bodies of animals were observed, we could find the presence of ticks and several types of fleas that could act as a biological transmission objects in the circles of spontaneous circulation of naturally occurring zoonotic pathogens, ensuring their inter-species migration and short-term reservation. According to the results of laboratory examinations of 9 samples of jackals’ blood serum, the presence of antibodies to the causative agent of erysipelas was determined in 5 (55.5%) cases. In response to a single brucellosis antigen The specific antibodies were not found in the reaction with single brucellosis antigen. The investigations on the presence of leptospirosis were carried out with test strains of 9 serogroups. Specific anti-lepidopteran antibodies were found in all investigated serum samples. The predominance of antibodies to the Grippotyphosa, Hebdomadis, Sejroe, Bataviae serogroups, mice field rodents are their host, indicates the trophic nature of antigenic contacts. The new species for Ukraine – jackal Cainis aureus carries a significant potential epizootic threat as a host and carrier of pathogens natural-focal zoonotic infections and invasions, the most dangerous among them is rabies.

Long-term retrospective observation reveals stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in Hebei, China

Background Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is an emerging zoonotic infectious disease caused by hantaviruses which circulate worldwide. So far, it was still considered as one of serious public health problems in China. The present study aimed to reveal the stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in Hebei province located in North China through a long-term retrospective observation. Methods The epidemiological data of HFRS cases from all eleven cities of Hebei province since 1981 through 2016 were collected and descriptively analyzed. The rodent densities, species compositions and virus-carrying rates of different regions were collected from six separated rodent surveillance points which set up since 2007. The molecular diversity and phylogenetic relationship of hantaviruses circulating among rodents were analyzed based on partial viral glycoprotein gene. Results HFRS cases have been reported every year in Hebei province, since the first local case was identified in 1981. The epidemic history can be artificially divided into three phases and a total of 55,507 HFRS cases with 374 deaths were reported during 1981-2016. The gender and occupational factors of susceptible population were invarible throughout, however age of that was gradually aging. The annual outbreak peak always present in spring, while the main epidemic region had gradully altered from south to northeast. Surveillance of rodents revealed that residential rodents significantly possessed higher density and virus-carring rate than field rodents. The house rat, Rattus norvegicus, was the dominant rodent species and Seoul virus S3 sub-genotype which is continued but slightly evolving perhaps to be the sole pathogen for local HFRS cases of Hebei province. Conclusions This long-term province-wide surveillance and epidemiological analysis has revealed the stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in North China. In order to improve current prevention and control strategies of HFRS in China, all surveillance should be continuously enhanced and variations should be paid more attentions.

Long-term retrospective observation reveals stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in Hebei, China

Background Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is an emerging zoonotic infectious disease caused by hantaviruses which circulate worldwide. So far, it was still considered as one of serious public health problems in China. The present study aimed to reveal the stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in Hebei province located in North China through a long-term retrospective observation. Methods The epidemiological data of HFRS cases from all eleven cities of Hebei province since 1981 through 2016 were collected and descriptively analyzed. The rodent densities, species compositions and virus-carrying rates of different regions were collected from six separated rodent surveillance points which set up since 2007. The molecular diversity and phylogenetic relationship of hantaviruses circulating among rodents were analyzed based on partial viral glycoprotein gene. Results HFRS cases have been reported every year in Hebei province, since the first local case was identified in 1981. The epidemic history can be artificially divided into three phases and a total of 55,507 HFRS cases with 374 deaths were reported during 1981-2016. The gender and occupational factors of susceptible population were invarible throughout, however age of that was gradually aging. The annual outbreak peak always present in spring, while the main epidemic region had gradully altered from south to northeast. Surveillance of rodents revealed that residential rodents significantly possessed higher density and virus-carring rate than field rodents. The house rat, Rattus norvegicus, was the dominant rodent species and Seoul virus S3 sub-genotype which is continued but slightly evolving perhaps to be the sole pathogen for local HFRS cases of Hebei province. Conclusions This long-term province-wide surveillance and epidemiological analysis has revealed the stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in North China. In order to improve current prevention and control strategies of HFRS in China, all surveillance should be continuously enhanced and variations should be paid more attentions.

Long-term retrospective observation reveals stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in Hebei, China

Background Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is an emerging zoonotic infectious disease caused by hantaviruses which circulate worldwide. So far, it was still considered as one of serious public health problems in China. The present study aimed to reveal the stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in Hebei province located in North China through a long-term retrospective observation. Methods The epidemiological data of HFRS cases from all eleven cities of Hebei province since 1981 through 2016 were collected and descriptively analyzed. The rodent densities, species compositions and virus-carrying rates of different regions were collected from six separated rodent surveillance points which set up since 2007. The molecular diversity and phylogenetic relationship of hantaviruses circulating among rodents were analyzed based on partial viral glycoprotein gene. Results HFRS cases have been reported every year in Hebei province, since the first local case was identified in 1981. The epidemic history can be artificially divided into three phases and a total of 55,507 HFRS cases with 374 deaths were reported during 1981-2016. The gender and occupational factors of susceptible population were invarible throughout, however age of that was gradually aging. The annual outbreak peak always present in spring, while the main epidemic region had gradully altered from south to northeast. Surveillance of rodents revealed that residential rodents significantly possessed higher density and virus-carring rate than field rodents. The house rat, Rattus norvegicus, was the dominant rodent species and Seoul virus S3 sub-genotype which is continued but slightly evolving perhaps to be the sole pathogen for local HFRS cases of Hebei province. Conclusions This long-term province-wide surveillance and epidemiological analysis has revealed the stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in North China. In order to improve current prevention and control strategies of HFRS in China, all surveillance should be continuously enhanced and variations should be paid more attentions.

ASSESSMENT OF SUGARCANE VARIETAL DAMAGE FROM FIELD RATS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT STRATEGY IN SINDH

Sugarcane crop is highly vulnerable to attack by a complex of rodent pest species due to its long duration, providing excellent protective cover for field rats to feed and thrive throughout the year. Damage survey conducted at crop maturity stage (September-November) at Palejo Farm, Thatta revealed that BL-4 variety was heavily attacked due to its softness (10.40%) followed by BF-129 variety (8.63%) and least affected was Thatta-10 variety (6.62%). Rat damaged cane become further infested with other micro-organism and physical stress, resulting in reduction in weight and sugar recovery. Rodent control trials through application of PARC Rat bait formulations containing Zinc Phosphide (2%), Bromadiolone (0.005%) and Brodifacoum (0.005%) alongwith additive (Egg 3%) showed remarkable reduction in pest population. Brodifacoum mixed bait emerged as highly effective formulation showing 92.63% reduction in pest population followed by Bromadiolone bait (89.02%) and Zinc phosphide bait (83.54%). For effective management of field rodents, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach is recommended with combination of mechanical, chemical and habitat manipulation practice to enhance the crop yield through effective rat pest management.

Фазові етапи та структура кіл епізоотичної циркуляції збудника бешихи в умовах степової зони північного Причорномор'я

Erysipelas agent of swine is a typical bacterial agent of sapronosis nature which has successfully formed and steadily supports polyhostal antropurgic epicenters of mixed (naturally – synantropic) and farming type. Taking into consideration significant differences in the genesis, ethiology and structure of all these epicentres, realities of their arrangement, activity and specificity of functioning permanently come into contradiction concerning commonly known principles and regularity which are characteristic to most naturally epicentric zoonoses. The aim of our researches was to determine primary ecologically epizootic reasons that provide phase and stage changes of erysipelas local epicenters of activity (of antropurgic type). The main materials for analytical general conclusions that have been carried out were accumulated during the research of erysipelas epicenters of different ecotypes in 2009–2015. All factual data were subjected to standard statistical analysis with the help of software programme methods of «Statistica» block in the «Exel-2012» system. The generalized analysis results of density dynamics data of field rodents (without their species detailization) and the results of their bacteriological control deny the existence of the direct dependence in the system «rodents’ number – infection activity» showing more complicated (multifactorial) essence of natural regularity of spontaneous epizootic process of this infection. The enzooticity of intrazonal territories of flooded areas and river overflow lands where natural circles of erysipelas circulation is supported by the unified complex of natural ground conditions and narrow hostile reservoir – community of warm blooded hosts with ecologically, statially and etologically similar characteristics has been established. It has been found out that the main hosts field strains E.insidiosa can be considered to be a grey field mouse (without taxonomic detailization) and exantropic domestic mice. The largest amount of agent occurrences took place in autumn at a time when the number of the population is the highest (with the high level of the young). In spring the amounts of rodents’ population increase and the isolation amounts of the cultures E.insidiosa from them are noticeably less which is perhaps stipulated by the death of the ultimate mass of carriers in the winter period.