Mortalities associated with herpesvirus infection in captive macropods

Fatal cases of herpesvirus infection in a quokka (Setonix brachyurus), eight grey dorcopsis wallabies (Dorcopsis muelleri luctuosa) in two separate outbreaks, as well as presumptive fatal herpesvirus infection in a western grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus) are described. All were captive animals and deaths were preceded by a period of stress. Lesions occurred most often in alimentary tract epithelium, respiratory tract, skin, genital epithelium, conjunctivae, liver and adrenal cortex. Herpesviruses were recovered from the quokka and a grey dorcopsis wallaby from each outbreaks. The implications, particularly concerning certain apparently susceptible species, for those responsible for the health of macropod collections are discussed.     

Cryptosporidium fayeri n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) from the Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus)

The morphology and infectivity of the oocysts of a new species of Cryptosporidium from the faeces of the red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) are described. Oocysts are structurally indistinguishable from those of Cryptosporidium parvum. Oocysts of the new species are passed fully sporulated, lack sporocysts, and measure 4.5-5.1 microm (mean=4.9) x 3.8-5.0 microm (mean=4.3 microm) with a length to width ratio 1.02:1.18 (mean 1.14) (n=50). Oocysts were not infectious for neonate ARC Swiss mice. Multi-locus analysis of numerous unlinked loci demonstrated this species to be distinct (90.64%-97.88% similarity) from C. parvum. Based on biological and molecular data, this Cryptosporidium infecting marsupials is proposed to be a new species Cryptosporidium fayeri n. sp.     

Host-parasite associations of Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa:Eimeriidae) in kangaroos and wallabies of the genus Macropus (Marsupialia:Macropodidae)

Faecal samples from 514 kangaroos and wallabies representing 12 species of the genus Macropus were examined for oocysts of Eimeria spp. Six species of Eimeria were redescribed from their type hosts, and on the basis of finding homologous oocysts in the faeces of other Macropus spp., host ranges for these coccidia were extended. Eimeria hestermani Mykytowycz, 1964 is redescribed from M. giganteus (eastern grey kangaroo) and is described from M. fuliginosus (western grey kangaroo), M. rufogriseus (red-necked wallaby), M. dorsalis (black-striped wallaby), and M. eugenii (tammar wallaby). E. toganmainensis Mykytowycz, 1964 is redescribed from M. rufus (red kangaroo) and the host range is extended to M. giganteus, M. fuliginosus, M. rufogriseus and M. eugenii. E. wilcanniensis Mykytowycz, 1964 is redescribed from M. rufus, and the host range is extended to M. giganteus, M. fuliginosus and M. robustus (euro or wallaroo). E. macropodis Wenyon & Scott, 1925 is redescribed from M. rufogriseus, and is described from M. giganteus, M. fuliginosus, M. rufus, M. irma (western brush wallaby), M. parryi (whip-tailed wallaby), M. dorsalis, M. eugenii, and M. parma (parma wallaby). E. fausti Yakimoff & Matschoulsky, 1936, E. cunnamullensis Mykytowycz, 1964 and E. purchasei Mykytowycz, 1964 are synonymized with E. macropodis. E. marsupialium Yakimoff & Matschoulsky, 1936 is redescribed from M. giganteus, and from M. fuliginosus. E. gungahlinensis Mykytowycz, 1964 is redescribed from M. fuliginosus, and from M. giganteus. Seven new species of Eimeria are described. E. flindersi, new species, is described from M. eugenii, M. rufogriseus, and M. antilopinus (antilopine wallaroo). E. prionotemni, new species, is described from M. eugenii, M. parryi, M. rufogriseus, M. agilis (agile wallaby) and M. dorsalis. E. mykytowyczi, new species, is described from M. agilis, M. antilopinus, and M. parryi. E. parryi, new species, is described from M. parryi. E. yathongensis, new species, is described from M. fuliginosus and M. giganteus. E. parma, new species, is described from M. parma, and E. desmaresti, new species, is described from M. rufogriseus. E. kogoni Mykytowycz, 1964, and E. rufusi Prasad, 1960 are considered species inquirendae. The host-parasite associations of these coccidia, and of similar species of Eimeria in other genera of Macropodoid marsupials, are discussed in relation to the postulated phylogeny of the hosts.     

Bacteriophages from the forestomachs of Australian marsupials.

Bacteriophages were observed in forestomach contents from three species of Australian macropodoid marsupials possessing a foregut fermentative digestion: the eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), the eastern wallaroo (Macropus robustus robustus), and the rufous bettong (Aepyprymnus rufescens). Forty-six morphologically distinct phage types, representing the families Myoviridae, Siphoviridae, and Podoviridae, were identified. The range of forms varied between host species. The greatest diversity of phage types was found in forestomach contents of the wallaroo, and few phage types were recorded from the rufous bettongs. It is concluded that macropodoid marsupials, in common with their eutherian counterparts, possess diverse populations of bacteriophages in their fermentative forestomachs.     

Bacteriophages from the forestomachs of Australian marsupials.

Bacteriophages were observed in forestomach contents from three species of Australian macropodoid marsupials possessing a foregut fermentative digestion: the eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), the eastern wallaroo (Macropus robustus robustus), and the rufous bettong (Aepyprymnus rufescens). Forty-six morphologically distinct phage types, representing the families Myoviridae, Siphoviridae, and Podoviridae, were identified. The range of forms varied between host species. The greatest diversity of phage types was found in forestomach contents of the wallaroo, and few phage types were recorded from the rufous bettongs. It is concluded that macropodoid marsupials, in common with their eutherian counterparts, possess diverse populations of bacteriophages in their fermentative forestomachs.     

Ciliate Protozoa in the Rumen of Brazilian Water Buffalo,Bubalus bubalis Linnaeus*

SYNOPSIS Total numbers and distribution of genera, subgenera and species were determined for the ciliate protozoa in rumen contents of 4 Brazilian water buffalo Bubalus bubalis Linnaeus. The fauna of one animal, housed in close proximity to European and zebu-type cattle, differed considerably from that of the remaining animals, which were somewhat isolated on a large ranch. Several of the protozoan species observed in the semi-isolated animals were first described in rumen contents from humped Indian cattle, and their subsequent occurrence in other hosts and geographic locations has been limited or absent. In all, 49 different species of protozoa were found, 8 of which have not been previously described. Three of the new species belong to the genus Entodinium: E. ciculum sp. n., E. spinonucleatum sp. n. and E. triangulum sp. n.: 4 to Diplodinium (Ostracodinium): D. (O.) brazili sp. n., D. (O.) esalqum sp. n., D. (O.) nucleolobum sp. n., and D. (O.) tiete sp. n.; and one to Diplodinium (Eudiplodinium): D. (E.) bubalus sp. n.     

Novel isotrichid ciliates endosymbiotic in Australian macropodid marsupials

Samples of foregut content were collected from 86 macropodid marsupials and examined for the presence of endosymbiotic ciliates. Four host species were examined: Macropus giganteus (eastern grey kangaroo), M. fuliginosus (western grey kangaroo), M. robustus (common wallaroo) and Thylogale billardierii (Tasmanian pademelon). Ciliate morphology was determined by microscopical examination of live and silver-impregnated specimens. Isotrichid ciliates were detected in 51 (59%) of the 86 animals examined. Five new species and one new genus are described. Three of the species belong to the genus Dasytricha Schuberg, 1888: D. dehorityi n. sp. from M. giganteus, D. dogieli n. sp. from M. robustus and D. mundayi n. sp. from T. billardierii. Bitricha n. g. is characterised by the possession of two fields of somatic ciliation, a transverse ventral and a longitudinal dorsal field. B. oblata n. sp. is described from M. giganteus and M. fuliginosus and B. tasmaniensis n. sp. is described from T. billardierii. The occurrence of isotrichid ciliates in both metatherian and eutherian mammals suggests that the family either evolved prior to the divergence of the mammalian lineages or switched hosts from one group to the other following host diversification.     

Climatological correlates for body size of five species of Australian mammals

Size variation of body and skull of five species of Australian mammals (echidna, Tachyglossus aculeatus ; brush-tail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula ; eastern grey kangaroo, Macropus giganteus ; western grey kangaroo, M. fuliginosus ; red kangaroo, M. rufus ), is related to climatic factors. All five species show trends in body size that conform with Bergmann's rule, individuals from colder environments being larger than those from warmer areas. The western and eastern grey kangaroos also conform with Allen's rule, the relative size of their extremities being large in warmer areas. In four of the five species (not the red kangaroo) body size is also correlated with indices of biomass productivity. However, since biomass productivity and ambient temperature are related to some extent, it is difficult to separate the effects of these factors.     

Facieplatycauda pratti gen. n., sp. n. and Two New Species of Myxobolus (Myxosporida)*

Synopsis. Facieplatycauda pratti gen. n., sp. n. and Myxobolus kozloffi sp. n., from the Klamath Lake sucker, Catostomus luxatus (Cope), are described. The new genus is placed in the family Myxobolidae between Henneguya and Myxobolus. The spore valves beyond the sporoplasmic space are broad and long but not attenuated as an inverted triangle as in certain species of Myxobolus with tails, or of Henneguya with sometimes bifurcated tails. An organism resembling Myxobolus insidiosus (Wyatt & Pratt) was found in the muscle of the body of Salmo clarki (Richardson). Differences in spore structure and site of infection suggest this is a subspecies of the previous form which should be designated Myxobolus insidiosus clarki. A previously unreported species of Myxobolus from Cottus aleuticus (Gilbert) is also described.     

Characterization of culturable anaerobic bacteria from the forestomach of an eastern grey kangaroo, Macropus giganteus

AIM: To determine the culturable biodiversity of anaerobic bacteria isolated from the forestomach contents of an eastern grey kangaroo, Macropus giganteus, using phenotypic characterization and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Bacteria from forestomach contents of an eastern grey kangaroo were isolated using anaerobic media containing milled curly Mitchell grass (Astrebla lappacea). DNA was extracted and the 16S rDNA sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. Forty bacterial isolates were obtained and placed in 17 groups based on phenotypic characteristics and restriction enzyme digestion of 16S rDNA PCR products. DNA sequencing revealed that the 17 groups comprised five known species (Clostridium butyricum, Streptococcus bovis, Clostridium sporogenes, Clostridium paraputrificum and Enterococcus avium) and 12 groups apparently representing new species, all within the phylum Firmicutes. CONCLUSIONS: Foregut contents from Australian macropod marsupials contain a microbial ecosystem with a novel bacterial biodiversity comprising a high percentage of previously unrecognized species. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study adds to knowledge of Australia's unique biodiversity, which may provide a future bioresource of genetic information and bacterial species of benefit to agriculture.     

Four New Species of Eimeria and One of Tyzzeria from the Ceylon Jungle Fowl Gallus lafayettei*

One species of Tyzzeria and 4 new species of Eimeria are described from the Ceylon jungle fowl Gallus lafayettei. The sporulated oocysts of Tyzzeria galli sp. n. are 13.8 (12–15) μ m; of Eimeria lafayettei sp. n., 19.5 (19–21) X 14.2 (13.5–15) μ m; of Eimeria indentata sp. n., 30.3 (29.5–32) X 21.4 (20–22) μ m; of Eimeria symmetrica sp. n., 35 × 28.5 μ m, and of Eimeria dissanaikei sp. n., 21 (19–23) X 14 (12–16) μ m. E. indentata, E. symmetrica, and E. dissanaikei produced patent infections in domestic fowl but T. galli and E. lafayettei did not. This is the 1st record of the genus Tyzzeria from the order Galliformes.     

Eimeriidae of the Herbivorous Mole-Rat, Spalax ehrenbergi Nehring

SYNOPSIS. A survey of 41 herbivorous mole-rats, Spalax ehrenbergi Nehring, in Urfa, Adiyaman, and Maras provinces of Turkey revealed 7 new species of Eimeria in addition to previously described Eimeriidae. The shape, average dimensions (in μm) of their oocysts, and the numbers of hosts from which the new species were isolated were as follows: Eimeria urfensis sp. n., ellipsoidal (33 × 21), from 8 hosts; Eimeria adiyamanensis sp. n., ovoid to ellipsoidal (33 × 18), from 6 hosts; Eimeria haranica sp. n., elongate ovoid (37 × 20), from 22 rats; Eimeria marasensis sp. n., ellipsoidal (36 × 18), from 2 rats; Eimeria oytuni sp. n., pear-shaped (24 × 17), from 2 hosts; Eimeria celebii sp. n., ellipsoidal (16 × 9), from 1 rat; and Eimeria torosicum sp. n., spherical to subspherical (11 × 10), from 2 animals.     

Revision of the genus Noculacia Mayer, 1903 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Caprellidea) with the description of two new species

The genus Noculacia Mayer, 1903 is reviewed. Two new species, N. africana n. sp. and N. australiensis n. sp., are described based on material collected from southeast Africa and western-southern Australia, respectively. Noculacia bullata Mayer, 1903, the type species of the genus, is redescribed. Noculacia bogisa Mayer, 1903 is transferred to the genus Pseudoprotella Mayer, 1890 mainly on the basis of the presence of a well developed molar, the structure of pereopods 3 and 4, and the setal formula of the mandibular palp being 2-x-1. The genus Noculacia is presently composed of three species: N. africana n. sp., N. australiensis n. sp, and N. bullata Mayer, 1903. The genus Pseudoprotella is composed of P. bogisa (Mayer, 1903), P. inermis Chevreux, 1927, and P. phasma (Montagu, 1804).     

New Family,Genus, and Species of Microsporida (Protozoa: Microsporida) from the Tropical Fire Ant,Solenopsis geminata (Fabricius) (Insecta: Formicidae)*

SYNOPSIS. A new species of Microsporida, Burenella dimorpha sp. n., representing a new family, Burenellidae fam. n. and genus, is described on the basis of light- and electron-microscope observations. The family is characterized by 2 sequences of sporogony, each sequence having morphologically different sporonts and spores. The parasite infects the tropical fire ant, Solenopsis geminata (Fabricius), producing distinct pathologic manifestations (clearing of the cuticle and eye malformation) and death in the pupal stage of development. Transmission of the infection per os to healthy S. geminata, to the Southern fire ant, Solenopsis xyloni McCook, and to the red and black imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren and Solenopsis richteri Forel, is reported.     

Two new Australian Monomorium Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), including a highly distinctive species

Abstract Two new Australian ants of the genus Monomorium Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are described. The most distinctive of the two species, Monomorium sublamellatum sp. n., pushes back the diagnostic boundaries of the genus Monomorium , and can not be placed at present in existing Australian species-groups of Monomorium . Monomorium punctulatum sp. n. belongs to the Monomorium rubriceps species-group.     

Monocystid Gregarine Parasites of Nigerian Earthworms

SYNOPSIS Seven monocystid gregarine parasites including 6 new species are described from the perivisceral coelom and seminal vesicles of Nigerian earthworms, which have not been so far investigated for monocystid parasites. The new species are: Apolocystis iridodrilii sp. n. from Iridodrilus preussi and Iridodrilus roseus ; Apolocystis libyodrilii sp. n., Monocystis abegbei sp. n., Monocystis libyodrilii sp. n., and Zygocystis violacea sp. n. from Libyodrilus violaceus ; and Nematocystis bunmii sp. n. from Heliodrilus lagosensis. Apolocystis herculea (Bosanquet) was recorded from Libyodrilus violaceus.     

Coccidia (Protozoa: Eimeridae) of the Herbivorous Mole-Rat, Spalax leucodon Nordmann

SYNOPSIS. A survey of 96 herbivorous mole-rats, Spalax leucodon Nordmann, in Lalahan district of Ankara, Turkey, revealed the presence of 6 new species of coccidia. The species found, the shape and average length-width dimensions (in micrometers) of their oocysts, and the numbers of animals from which they were isolated were as follow: Eimeria lalahanensis sp. n., subspherical to ellipsoidal (20.3 × 12.5), from 10; Eimeria tuzdili sp. n., spherical to subspherical with radially striated oocyst wall, (20.5 × 16.5), from 3; Eimeria spalacis sp. n., ellipsoidal to cylindrical (16.3 × 9.8), from 90; Eimeria elliptica sp. n., ellipsoidal (14.3 × 10.1), from 8; Eimeria turkmenica sp. n., ellipsoidal (11.3 × 8.9), from 1; Isospora anatolicum sp. n., spherical (7.6 × 5.1), from 1 animal. The overall infection rate for 96 examined herbivorous mole-rats was 100%.     

Resolution of portions of the kangaroo phylogeny (Marsupialia: Macropodidae) using DNA hybridization

We generated a DNA hybridization matrix comparing eleven 'true' kangaroos (Macropodinae) and two outgroup marsupials, the rufous rat-kangaroo Aepyprymnus rufescens (Potoroinae) and the brush-tailed phalanger Trichosurus vulpecula (Phalangeridae). A small matrix included additional species of the genus Macropus (large kangaroos and wallabies). The results indicate that the New Guinean forest wallaby Dorcopsulus vanheurni, and the quokka Setonix brachyurus, represent successively closer sister-groups of other macropodines. The remaining taxa examined form two clades: the tree kangaroo Dendrolagus matschiei with die pademelons Thylogale and rock wallabies Petrogale, and Macropus including the swamp wallaby Wallabia bicolor. The smaller matrix of five Macropus species and Wallabia (with Dorcopsulus as an outgroup) pairs the red-necked wallaby M. rufogriseus and Parry's wallaby M. parryi, with the eastern grey kangaroo M. giganteus as their nearest relative; and associates the red kangaroo M. rufus and wallaroo M. robustus, with Wallabia as their sister-taxon. In the larger study, we found mat inclusion of both outgroups provided little resolution among the macropodines, judging by jackknife and bootstrap tests. When Aepyprymnus was deleted, the Dendrolagus-Thylogale-Petrogale association obtained; with Trichosurus eliminated instead, the Wallabia-Macropus group was recovered. Only analysis of the eleven ingroup taxa by themselves gave a topology which supported both major clades. Our findings suggest that, at least for DNA hybridization studies, when ingroup taxa are separated by very short internodes experimental error in outgroup-to-ingroup distances may seriously compromise determination of ingroup affinities as well as the position of the root. We recommend that in such cases separate analyses with the outgroups sequentially eliminated and rigorous validation of die topology at each step should be conducted.     

Entodiniomorph Ciliates from the Stomach of Hippopotamus amphibius, with Descriptions of Two New Genera and Three New Species

Entodiniomorph ciliates, belonging to the family Cycloposthiidae, are described from the stomach contents of Hippopotamus amphibius. Monoposthium acanthum gen. n., sp. n., with typical cycloposthiid structure, differs from other genera in having only 1 caudalium. Parentodinium gen. n., represented by P. africanum sp. n. and P. ostrea sp. n., although superficially resembling Entodinium, is considered to be a relatively unspecialized cycloposthiid.