Is the development of infectious keratoconjunctivitis in Alpine ibex and Alpine chamois influenced by topographic features?

Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) caused by Mycoplasma conjunctivae is a widespread ocular affection of free-ranging Caprinae in the Alpine arc. Along with host and pathogen characteristics, it has been hypothesized that environmental factors such as UV light are involved in the onset and course of the disease. This study aimed at evaluating the role of topographic features as predisposing or aggravating factors for IKC in Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra) and Alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex). Geospatial analysis was performed to assess the effect of aspect (northness) and elevation on the severity of the disease as well as on the mycoplasmal load in the eyes of affected animals, using data from 723 ibex and chamois (583 healthy animals, 105 IKC-affected animals, and 35 asymptomatic carriers of M. conjunctivae), all sampled in the Swiss Alps between 2008 and 2010. An influence of northness was not found, except that ibex with moderate and severe signs of IKC seem to prefer more north-oriented slopes than individuals without corneal lesions, possibly hinting at a sunlight sensitivity consequent to the disease. In contrast, results suggest that elevation influences the disease course in both ibex and chamois, which could be due to altitude-associated environmental conditions such as UV radiation, cold, and dryness. The results of this study support the hypothesis that environmental factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of IKC.

Sexual Size Dimorphism and Body Condition in the Australasian Gannet

Funding: The research was financially supported by the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment.

The mourning dove in Alabama /

Includes bibliographical references (p. 34-35).

Outreach program /

Description based on: FY 1992; title from cover.

Quarterly report.

"Iowa State Conservation Commission, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, and Wildlife Management Institute, cooperating."

Effects of several metals on smolting of coho salmon /

Mode of access: Internet.

Manual of procedures for the salvage and necropsy of carcasses of the West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) /

"A few minor corrections were made and this manuscript was reprinted in September 1984."

Review of literature: pheasant nesting and production and the effect of weather, cover reduction, and agricultural land-use on nesting success.

Colorado Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Colorado A. & M College, Fort Collins, Colorado [and] Colorado Game and Fish Department, Denver, Colorado, cooperating.

Biology, ecology, and management of deer in the Chicago metropolitan area, 1 July 1983 - 30 June 1984 /

"Section of Wildlife Research."

Biology, ecology, and management of deer in the Chicago metropolitan area, 1 July 1985 through 30 June 1986 /

"Section of Wildlife Research".

Illinois state reclamation plan for abandoned mined lands pursuant to Title IV of the Federal surface mining control and reclamation act of 1977 /

"July, 1980."

Illinois state reclamation plan for abandoned mined lands pursuant to Title IV of the Federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 /

Funded by the U.S. Dept. of Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.

The status of game birds and mammals in Alabama,

"Literature cited": p. 38.

The wild turkey in Virginia ; its status, life history and management /

"This publication is a contribution of the Virginia Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries (Pittman-Robertson Projects, Division of Game) and the Virginia Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, cooperating." - prelim. p. iv.