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GB Wildlife Disease Surveillance

Partnership quarterly report

Disease surveillance and emerging threats

Volume 27: Q4 – October-December 2019

Highlights

Garden Wildlife health summary – page 8

Mass mortality of starlings – page 19

Cetacean strandings investigation programme – page 21

Contents

Introduction and overview .................................................................................................... 2

Notifiable diseases ............................................................................................................... 2

Zoonotic Diseases ............................................................................................................... 5

Ongoing new and re-emerging diseases, unusual diagnoses and horizon scanning ........... 7

UK Priority and Conservation Concern Species ................................................................ 21

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Introduction and overview

The GB Wildlife Disease Surveillance Partnership comprising the Animal and Plant Health

Agency (APHA), SRUC Veterinary Services, Institute of Zoology (IoZ), the Centre for

Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (CEFAS), the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust

(WWT), Natural England (NE), the Forestry Commission England (FCE) and the Garden

Wildlife Health (GWH) project produces the GB Wildlife Disease Surveillance Partnership

Quarterly Reports:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wildlife-disease-surveillance-reports-2018.

A full explanation of how data is analysed is provided in the annexe available on GOV.UK

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/information-on-data-analysis

Issues and trends

This is the final quarter report for the year and summarises to some extent the major

findings during 2019. In addition, in the Appendices we are adding wildlife submission data

which will be followed in future WQRs by wildlife diagnostic data from three of our

Partners, APHA, SRUC and GWH (IoZ). This network surveillance collaboration has been

a long term aim of the GB Wildlife Disease Surveillance Partnership. It is reassuring to see

it start to come to fruition and we here acknowledge the help we have had from Maggie He

and Sara Robertson at the APHA Surveillance Intelligence Unit (SIU) – many thanks to

both. Please bear with us as we work to improve these data. With so much data,

improvements take time and there will be errors, for which we apologise. However, it is

great to see that wildlife data from three different organisations (one non-government) can

be combined and analysed.

Notifiable diseases

Avian Influenza (AI) Virus

Great Britain AI Wild Bird Surveillance (AIWBS): October – December 2019

Total wild bird surveillance

During the fourth quarter of 2019 there were 168 dead wild birds tested under the Avian

Influenza surveillance scheme. One mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) tested positive for

influenza A in early October; further characterisation revealed that this was not an H5

subtype. The last finding of highly pathogenic avian influenza was in April 2018, a

Eurasian buzzard (Buteo buteo) found in Suffolk.

The threshold criteria for collections and submissions of wild birds found dead for the

purposes of AI surveillance remains at three or more waterfowl target species –

specifically wild geese, wild ducks, swans, and gulls found in the same location; and at

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one or more for birds of prey, and five or more of any species, found in the same location

(mass mortality event) in England, Scotland and Wales.

Table 1: Number of wild birds tested and results in GB - 4th Quarter

Surveillance

activity

Number of

birds tested

Positive AI virus result

and species of bird Comments

Found dead/injured 168 (152) 1 x mallard duck (Anas

platyrhynchos), Sussex.

Scanning surveillance

All-year-round

*Number of birds tested (figure may be slightly different from other reports due to exact

query run on dataset). Figures for 4th Quarter of 2018 are shown in brackets Data query

used for this report-date ‘M gene approval’

Warden Patrol Scheme

The main emphasis is on AIWBS in found dead wild birds, including mass mortality

incidents, and patrols of designated reserves by skilled wild bird ecologists and wardens.

These Warden Patrols continue all-year-round, but are also seasonally targeted in the

winter and spring periods (October to March) each year.

During the period 1st October – 31st December (Q4 2019), a total of 405 Warden Patrols

were performed at sites across GB. This compares with a total of 522 Warden Patrols

performed during the same period in 2018 (Q4-2018) in GB. During Q4-2019, the Warden

Patrols were mainly performed by Natural England and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

In total during Q4-2019, 60 wild birds found dead were tested, with no HPAI detections.

This compares with a total of 71 wild birds found dead and tested during the same period

of 2018.

In Q4-2019, Whooper Swans were the most common target species found and birds were

most commonly found in the South West region, with none submitted from the Midlands.

Whooper Swans were also the most common target species found in Q4-2018, but birds

from that period were most commonly found in the East region, with none submitted from

the Midlands.

Current EU situation

On 31st December 2019, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 was reported on

a turkey farm in the region of Lubartowski, Poland. Since then, further countries have

reported this newly-emerged HPAI in farmed poultry (chickens, turkeys, geese and ducks),

and also a scant number of wild birds; and the epidemiological assessment indicates that

the source of infection is due to wild bird contact. The risk to the UK is currently deemed

LOW; however, the situation is such that the risk is proactively reviewed weekly, and also

reactively upon receipt of new information.

APHA, in collaboration with Defra, monitors the international situation and distribution of

avian influenza detections:

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https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/animal-diseases-international-monitoring.

Current UK Situation

There were no outbreaks of HPAI in commercial or captive poultry or wild birds in the UK

in 2019. However, there were two incidents of LPAI in poultry in Q4 of 2019. The first was

a finding of LPAI H6N5 in two poultry holdings in the north of England, in November 2019.

The second case was LPAI H5N3 in a poultry holding in the east of England. Both

incidents were quickly and effectively contained. In both incidents the likely source was via

wild birds, as genomic sequencing revealed that both viruses were of Eurasian wild bird

ancestry.

In wild birds, the last HPAI reported was H5N6 in a buzzard found in April 2018. In poultry,

the last HPAI reported was H5N8 in 2017. The OIE/FAO international reference laboratory

and the UK national reference laboratory at Weybridge have the necessary ongoing

diagnostic capability to investigated and report on both LPAI and HPAI virus strains in wild

birds and commercial poultry.

In England – call the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. The Helpline is open

Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm and there is an out of hour’s facility on the same number

for reporting suspicion of disease in animals.

In Scotland and Wales, contact your local APHA Field Services Office:

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/animal-and-plant-health-agency/about/access-and-opening

Further information regarding avian influenza in poultry and wild birds is also available:

Avian influenza guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu.

When and how to register your poultry flock, and which species must be registered in Great

Britain: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/poultry-registration.

Information about the chargeable testing scheme offered in GB by APHA that enables

veterinarians to request ‘Testing for Exclusion of notifiable avian disease’ in chicken and

turkey flocks, in circumstances that would not require the implementation of statutory

disease control measures (Gibbens and others, 2014):

Avian influenza and Newcastle disease/PPMV-1 events, including H5 HPAI internationally,

are also summarised in GB Wildlife Disease Surveillance Partnership quarterly reports.

References

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu-in-europe

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wildlife-disease-surveillance-reports-2018

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www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/608529/ai-birdflu-

factsheet-170413.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-in-wild-birds

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_

data/file/759784/ai-rationale-hras-nov2018.pdf

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_

data/file/862077/ai-epi-report-jan-2020.pdf

Rowena Hansen, Avian Virology, APHA Weybridge

Joanna Tye, Department of Epidemiological Sciences, APHA Weybridge

Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust’s (WWT) role in GB Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance (AIWBS):- October - December 2019

Summary: Threats - HPAIV, targeted active surveillance of wetland birds

Throughout this quarter as migratory waterbird numbers increased, WWT continued to

carry out passive surveillance of avian influenza across our reserves. Between October

and December 2019, 63 dead wild birds were found across nine WWT sites located in

Gloucestershire, Camarthenshire, Somerset, West Sussex, Greater London, Norfolk, Tyne

and Wear, Lancashire, and Dumfries and Galloway. Of the birds found, 61 were sampled

for avian influenza virus (two heavily predated carcases were unable to be sampled).

A total of 13 priority target species were sampled during this quarter. These included

species of swans, geese, ducks, gulls, and rails, as well as a great cormorant

(Phalacrocorax carbo).

All samples tested negative for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses. For

further details of HPAI surveillance from across Great Britain, please refer to the APHA

report for this quarter.

WWT

Zoonotic Diseases

APHA Diseases of Wildlife Scheme (DoWS); Salmonellosis in wildlife;

4th Quarter; October - December 2019

Threat: Zoonotic, farmed and pet animal risk

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There is no routine monitoring of Salmonella in wild birds or wild mammals. Therefore, all

isolates are usually from clinical cases, although Salmonella may often not be the primary

cause of disease. Occasionally it is isolated from small-scale surveys.

There were no reports of Salmonella in wildlife for this quarter.

Catherine Man, APHA Diseases of Wildlife Scheme

Report from Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector Borne Disease Research Group; 4th Quarter; October - December 2019

Summary - threat: Zoonotic, farmed, pet animal and international trade risk

Passive surveillance for lyssaviruses in UK bats

Sixty bats were tested for lyssavirus under passive surveillance. One Daubentons bat from

Cambridgeshire was positive for EBLV 2; all other tested bats were negative.

Six zoo bats were tested in this quarter for lyssaviruses. All were negative.

Rabies diagnosis

One dog, 1 cat and 1 Serotine bat as suspect cases as well as 2 dogs and 1 rabbit which

died in quarantine were tested for rabies with negative results.

Rabies surveillance in terrestrial wildlife

Vigilance continues for this notifiable disease in UK wildlife but no samples from terrestrial

wildlife were submitted for testing this quarter.

WNV surveillance in wild birds SV3045

Brain and kidney tissue from 128 wild birds representing 34 identified species received

from APHA Veterinary Investigation Centres, the Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme

(PBMS) and ZSL were tested by TaqMan PCR for WNV during this period with negative

results.

Usutu virus surveillance in wild birds SV3045

Brain and kidney samples from 4 blackbirds, 4 tawny owls, 1 barn owl and 1 carrion crow

were tested by TaqMan PCR for Usutu virus with negative results.

West Nile virus surveillance in Equids

One serum sample, from a horse exhibiting neurological signs, was tested for WNV by

cELISA (detects both IgM and IgG) as part of differential diagnosis during this period with

negative results.

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Paul Phipps, Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector Borne Disease Research Group, APHA

Weybridge

Ongoing new and re-emerging diseases, unusual diagnoses and horizon scanning

Wildlife Diseases, horizon scanning; points for interest and potential threats associated with wildlife and wildlife disease. Very brief summaries are given, including possible wildlife disease threats to human, livestock and biodiversity health

Red Squirrel in NE England threatened by pox and adenovirus.

Reference: WQR Q3, pages 10-11. November 2019:

http://apha.defra.gov.uk/vet-gateway/surveillance/seg/wildlife.htm

Autochthonous cases of Zika in the south of France. There have been annual, isolated

incursions of the mosquito vector Aedes albopictus in south of England in recent years.

Reference: European Centre for Disease Control:

https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/epidemiological-update-second-case-locally-

acquired-zika-virus-disease-hyeres-france

Rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis) expanding geographical range and detected

for the first time in Western Europe.

Reference: Eurosurveillance Rapid Communication 25.07.2019 and Emerging Infections

Summary, August 2019, PHE.

Marine mammal Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) - publication describing oceans as

reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes emanating from our homes, hospitals and farms.

Reference: Schaefer A, Bossart G, Harrington T, Fair P, McCarthy P, Reif J. Temporal

Changes in Antibiotic Resistance Among Bacteria Isolated from Common Bottlenose

Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, 2003-2015. Aquatic

Mammals 2019;45(5):533-542

https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.5.2019.533

Moose Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Third case of CWD in moose in same county in

Sweden as previous cases, is this apparent clustering significant?

Reference: PHE Emerging infections Summary August 2019

Starling mass mortality on Welsh road. APHA DoWS investigation indicates deaths due to

trauma.

Reference: Disease surveillance in England and Wales, January 2020. Vet Rec

2020;186(4):111-116 http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.m376

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-50741457

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Wagtail mass mortality at a Midlands hospital

Reference: https://www.birdguides.com/news/mystery-surrounds-mass-pied-wagtail-die-off/

Also reported or re-reported on Country Life, Coventry Life, Coventry Telegraph, among

other sources.

Aujeszky’s disease in wild boar, as a possible source of zoonotic disease, and disease to

dogs.

Reference: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/24/6/17-1612_article

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2019.00534/full

Grey seals; two infected with H5N8 stranded on coast of Poland.

Reference: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/25/12/18-1472_article

Appearance of Cryptococcus gattii in NW Pacific may be linked to tsunamis and therefore

be characterised as a ‘black swan event’ (a particular type of unusual event).

Reference: Engelthaler D, Casadevall A. On the Emergence of Cryptococcus gattii in the

Pacific Northwest: Ballast Tanks, Tsunamis, and Black Swans. mBio 2019;10(5):1-10

https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.02193-19

Increase in geographical range of the tick Haemaphysalis punctata in the UK may possibly

be associated with movements of sheep to provide conservation grazing in areas of

Southern England.

Reference: Medlock J, Hansford K, Vaux A, Cull B, Pietzsch M, Gillingham E, Johnson N,

Phipps L. Has the red sheep tick, Haemaphysalis punctata, recently expanded its range in

England? Med Vet Entomol 2018;32(4):473-480 https://doi.org/10.1111/mve.12335

Garden Wildlife Health summary

The total number of disease incident reports received, and postmortem examinations

conducted by the Garden Wildlife Health project during Q4 2019 are summarised in

Table 2.

Routine testing of wild animals examined postmortem includes microbiological screening

of the liver and small intestinal contents for all bird and mammalian species; parasitological

examination of the small intestinal contents in all animals; culture of a crop sample from

birds to screen for the presence of Trichomonas gallinae; molecular testing (PCR) for

ranavirus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans for all

amphibian species, as well as for Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola (the causative agent of

snake fungal disease) in snakes. Additional diagnostic tests, including histopathological

examination, are conducted when indicated.

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Table 2: Garden Wildlife Health disease incident reports and postmortem examinations for

Q4 2019. Bird disease incident reports are further divided into suspected diagnoses based

on set definitions (follow link for further information on these conditions).

Taxon

No. of disease

incident reports

(No. of sites)

Total No. of

animals observed

sick/dead

No. of postmortem

examinations

(No of sites)

Amphibians 10 (9) 3/7 1 (1)

Reptiles 3 (3) 1/2 2 (2)

Hedgehogs 121 (67) 12/116 25 (18)

Birds 766 (329)

Finch leg lesion: 238 (92) Avian pox: 147 (70)

Trichomonosis: 72 (46) Other: 316 (184)

804/236 22 (15)

Total 900 (408) 820/361 50 (36)

IoZ

Mammal reports

Wild mammal reports from Scotland

A perforated duodenal ulcer was found in a female otter cub (Lutra lutra) which was found

under a car near Liverpool, before transfer to an otter rehabilitation centre in Scotland

three days later. Melaena was noted a week after rescue and the otter died two hours

later. International Otter Survival noted that there has not been report of an otter in

Liverpool since the decline in the 1950’s-60’s associated with pollution of the waterways.

The re-emergence of an otter in the area therefore sparked both hope that this could

indicate that the waterways were recovering, but also concern that pollution may have

been implicated in the death. Necropsy found a significant amount of clotted blood in the

abdomen, particularly in the gastric omentum, associated with a 3mm hole in the wall of

the duodenum adjacent to the pyloric sphincter of the stomach. There was haemorrhage at

the margin of the hole and the stomach contained pink mucus. There was a small amount

of bloody fluid in the chest. There was no evidence of trauma, and melaena was

confirmed. There was no gross evidence of peritonitis, consistent with death soon after

perforation. It was suspected that stress could have been a contributor to the ulcer

development. Unfortunately, as the otter was English in origin, it was not possible to

schedule toxicology screening through the Scottish WIIS, although this case may have

been pursued further by the submitting person through the English WIIS with regard to the

queries about pollutants.

Renal amyloidosis was diagnosed in a male red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) from an area of

Dumfries and Galloway where a healthy population of red squirrels had been reported until

a decline in numbers appeared to have occurred over approximately six months following

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reported sightings of grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis). At necropsy, the squirrel was

thin, and gross examination was fairly non-specific. Histopathology found severe chronic

glomerulonephropathy, causing a protein-losing nephropathy and which involved

accumulation of large amounts of material consistent with amyloid. No underlying cause

was detected.

This case was of interest as published reports of the causes of mortality in red squirrels

from Scotland between 2002 and 2012 have not described cases of amyloidosis. In

contrast a study of red squirrels on Jersey between 2007 and 2014 identified amyloidosis

in almost 20% of 337 squirrels examined. One suggestion was that artificial feeders may

increase squirrel numbers leading to increased social stress with impacts on health.

Reference: Blackett T, Simpson V, Haugland S, Everest D, Muir C, Smith K, Mill A.

Mortalities, amyloidosis and other diseases in free-living red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) on

Jersey, Channel Islands. Vet Rec 2018;183:503 https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.104779

Nonsuppurative encephalitis and meningitis and concurrent diazinon exposure were seen

in an adult female red fox (Vulpes vulpes) which was found circling and seizuring in a field,

and was euthanased on welfare grounds. At necropsy, body condition was good and the

brain was found to be slightly yellow in colour. Histopathology found a severe significant

nonsuppurative encephalitis and associated meningitis. The anatomical lesion distribution

ruled out zoonotic viral causes of encephalitis in canids, and no evidence of distemper or

adenovirus infection was detected. SRUC Veterinary Services commented that a wide

range of agents including viruses, protozoa and cell-associated bacteria as well as

possible genetic factors can result in nonsuppurative panencephalitis. The possible causes

of non suppurative encephalitis in foxes were investigated in a study in Germany (Bourg et

al, 2016). The condition was identified in 16 of 59 brains examined. Distemper virus was

confirmed in 6 but the cause remained unknown in the other 10.

Toxicology had also been carried out in this case, and 0.474 mg/kg Diazinon was found in

stomach contents, which were scant and composed of mainly hair, with some beetle

remnants and small fragments of bone. Diazinon is an active ingredient used to control

ectoparasites in sheep. This was categorised as a veterinary use case. It was noted that

diazinon toxicity can cause neurological signs such as seizures. In this case, it appears

that the encephalitis/meningitis was the most likely cause of morbidity; however, the

possibility of diazinon contributing to the clinical signs could not be ruled out.

Reference: Bourg M, Nobach D, Herzog S, Lange-Herbst H, Nesseler A, Hamann H-P,

Becker S, Höper D, Hoffman B, Eickmann M, Herden C. Screening red foxes (Vulpes

vulpes) for possible viral causes of encephalitis. Virology Journal 2016;13:151-163

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-016-0608-1

Lungworm infection with suspected Protostrongylidae was seen in a yearling roe deer

(Capreolus capreolus) which was one of several yearlings culled on a premises in

Dumfries and Galloway. On observation of lesions in the lungs, the pluck was submitted

for examination. There were multiple firm pale grey nodules of 2-3 cm in diameter within

the lung parenchyma, but no lungworm grossly visible in major airways. Histopathology

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found that the nodules were composed of a mix of inflammatory cells, with large numbers

of nematode eggs and larvae. Larvae appear to have a tail appendage typical of the

Metastrongyle superfamily of nematodes, to which the family Protostrongyloidae belong.

More specific identification was not possible on histopathology, but the lack of adult worms

in the lung sections was consistent with the findings of Simpson and Blake (2018) in their

case report of Varestrongylus capreoli.

Reference: Simpson V, Blake, D. Parasitic pneumonia in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

in Cornwall, Great Britain, caused by Varestrongylus capreoli (Protostrongylidae). BMC

Veterinary Research 2018;14(1):198-204 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-018-1525-x

Amyloidosis and parasitism were diagnosed in an adult male brown hare (Lepus

europaeus) which was found in a moribund state and euthanased in Inverness-shire. At

necropsy, a large volume of serosanguinous pericardial fluid was found, and the kidneys

were prominent but otherwise unremarkable. The bladder was grossly distended and

occupied much of the abdomen, although the urethra was patent and the urine was normal

in appearance. A heavy worm burden was identified by worm egg count on intestinal

content. Histopathology found severe amyloidosis in the spleen and in the kidney, causing

a protein-losing nephropathy. There were also foci of acute haemorrhage in the kidneys

and lungs, and evidence of mild haemolysis. These findings were consistent with

disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which can occur in cases of severe

amyloidosis due to glomerular loss of clotting factors. DIC could therefore have been the

eventual cause of death.

The few reports in the literature of amyloidosis in hares indicates it is usually the reactive

type, and usually secondary to a chronic inflammatory conditions. Hares usually present in

poor body condition. Chronic parasitism has been suggested as a predisposing factor,

which may be important here given the heavy worm burden detected. Another small study

suggests that genetics may affect susceptibility to development of amyloidosis.

References:

Geisel O, Linke R. Generalized AA-amyloidosis in two hares (Lepus europaeus)

immunohistochemically identified using poly-and monoclonal antibodies. Vet Pathol

1988;25(5):391-393 https://doi.org/10.1177/030098588802500511

Posautz A, Westermark P. Experimental transmission of AA amyloidosis in the European

brown hare (Lepus europaeus)- first results. Amyloid: The international journal of

experimental and clinical investigation: Amyloid 2019:26(sup1):121-122

https://doi.org/10.1080/13506129.2019.1593131

Caroline Robinson, SRUC Veterinary Services

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Wild mammal reports from IoZ

Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV)

Summary including possible threats and information points; potential threat to

mammalian health and dormouse biodiversity

The hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) is considered vulnerable to extinction in

the UK and is a Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.

Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) is a non-enveloped single-stranded RNA virus with

two identified genetic variants/serotypes EMCV-1 and EMCV-2. In laboratory ICR Swiss

mice EMCV infection may be asymptomatic however it has also been associated with

disease (Cerutis et al 1989). EMCV-1 induced myocarditis with progression to heart failure

has been documented in laboratory mice (Higuchi et al 2008). In the free-living situation

EMCV-1 has been isolated from clinically ill edible dormice (Myoxus glis) in Italy (Amaddeo

et al 1995). EMCV-2 was first isolated from a captive wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus)

in Germany in 2012 and its host range remains otherwise undetermined (Philipps et al

2012).

Between 1999-2019, 54 cases of cardiorespiratory disease were detected in submitted

free-living hazel dormice during postmortem examination at the IoZ. Gross pathological

findings included dark red to black myocardial discolouration, pulmonary congestion or

consolidated lungs which sank in water. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was carried

out on pooled samples of lung tissue from seven pathological cases at APHA Weybridge.

DNA analysis detected a viral nucleotide sequence with a 94% match to EMCV-2. Three of

the seven cases were confirmed positive for EMCV using a quantitative Polymerase Chain

Reaction (qPCR) at the APHA. A further 37 samples were analysed using the qPCR at the

IoZ and 14 confirmed positive for EMCV. Investigation into whether there is an association

between infection with EMCV and disease is ongoing and the potential implications that

associated disease may have for population health of this native endangered species

requires further research.

References

Amaddeo D, Cardeti G, Autorino G. Isolation of encephalomyocarditis virus from dormice

(Myoxus glis) in Italy. J wildlife diseases 1995;31(2):238-242

https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-31.2.238

Cerutis D, Bruner R, Thomas D, Giron D. Tropism and histopathology of the D, B, K, and

MM variants of encephalomyocarditis virus. J med virol 1989;29:63–9

https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.1890290112

Higuchi H, Hara M, Yamamoto K, Miyamoto T, Kinoshita M, Yamada T, Uchiyama K,

Matsumori A. Mast cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of viral

myocarditis. Circulation 2008;118:363–72

https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.107.741595

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Philipps A, Dauber M, Groth M, Schirrmeier H, Platzer M, Krumbholz A, Wutzler P, Zell R.

Isolation and molecular characterization of a second serotype of the encephalomyocarditis

virus. Vet microbiol 2012;161(1-2):49-57 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2012.07.006

IoZ

Wild mammal reports from APHA DoWS

Courtship and mortality in foxes

Summary including possible threats – Point for information (PFI); Potential threat to

wild fox health

A fox (Vulpes vulpes) found dead on a lawn was described as looking as if it was just lying

down. It was submitted to APHA Thirsk Veterinary Investigation Centre (VIC) as part of the

Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) to investigate the case as a potential

poisoning. At gross necropsy, the vixen carcase weighed 5kg, was moderately autolysed

and in poor to fair body condition. Subcutaneous tissues around the left eye and muzzle

were markedly oedematous with a presumptive puncture hole. Severe pyothorax was

found (Figure 1). Considering the time of year, it was thought that the vixen had died

following infection from a bite wound it received during courtship. Routine bacterial culture

identified Streptococcus dysgalactiae equisimilis as part of a mixed flora, which is typical of

the isolates from fox bite wounds.

Figure 1: Severe pyothorax

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Figure 2: Fox dead in the open

Courtship among carnivores is potentially hazardous as misinterpretation of behavioural

cues may lead to attack. With cases similar to this one, submitted around January the time

of the vulpine rut, this is what we believe occurs (Duff and Hunt, 1995). Foxes appear

particularly susceptible to severe septicaemia and pneumonia caused by Streptococci,

probably commensals in the mouths of the assailant animal and introduced by deep bites.

Animals often die in the open, presumably overcome by the fulminant infection (see photo

2). Toma and Andral (1977) postulated that, as seen in other countries, the increase in

fights during the rut leads to an increase in incidence in fox rabies during the first trimester

of the year. Our findings support this observation with regards to fighting.

References

Duff J, Hunt B. Courtship and mortality in foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Vet Rec

1995;136(14):367 https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.136.14.367

Toma B, Andral L. Epidemiology of fox rabies. Advances in Virus Research 1977;21:1-36

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-3527(08)60760-5

Edward Fullick, APHA Thirsk

Avian Reports

Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) report: October - December 2019

Passive surveillance of waterbirds

Postmortem examinations were performed on 44 wild birds originating from five WWT

sites (Slimbridge, Gloucestershire; Arundel, West Sussex; Welney, Norfolk; Martin Mere,

Figure 2: Fox dead in the open

15

Lancashire; Caerlaverock, Dumfries and Galloway). A total of 16 species were examined,

including mute swan (Cygnus olor) (6), whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus) (6), greylag goose

(Anser anser) (4), pink-footed goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) (1), mallard (Anas

platyrhynchos) (11, including one suspected domestic hybrid), Eurasian teal (Anas

creccai) (1), common pochard (Aythya ferina) (1), common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)

(2), Eurasian coot (Fulica atra) (1), black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) (3),

common gull (Larus canus) (2), Eurasian jackdaw (Corvus monedula) (1), rook (Corvus

frugilegus) (2), Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) (1), common pheasant

(Phasianus colchicus) (1) and barn owl (Tyto albal) (1). The primary causes of death are

summarised below (Table 1)

The most notable cause of mortality this quarter was traumatic injuries affecting 27% of

wild birds examined (n=12). Injuries were attributable to predation (n=4), intraspecific

aggression (n=1), window strike (n=1) or unknown causes (n=6).

Cases of renal failure affected two mallards, one common gull and one greylag goose

(n=4). Avian mycobacteriosis was also suspected in three mallards and one Eurasian teal

(n=4).

Two cases of lead poisoning were found in whooper swans, one from Welney and one

from Caerlaverock. In the second instance, noticeable neurological signs associated with

lead poisoning were observed by reserve staff prior to the bird’s death. Postmortem

examinations revealed lead pellets in the gizzard, suggesting intoxication as a result of

lead pellet ingestion. Ingestion of spent lead shot remains a substantial threat to grazing

wildfowl such as whooper swans, with current UK restrictions on the use of lead

ammunition doing little to mitigate this threat (Newth et al. 2013, 2015).

Two current initiatives under the EU’s REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation,

Authorisation & restriction of Chemicals) (EC 1907/2006) are likely to lead to greater

restrictions initially for lead shot in wetlands (to be voted on soon) and then all lead

ammunition types in all habitats. This latter proposal would provide greater protection for

human health as game for human consumption would be killed with non-toxic ammunition.

With respect to Brexit, the relationship between the UK, REACH and the European

Chemicals Agency are to be determined.

16

Table 3: Confirmed & suspected causes of wild bird mortality (including morbidity meriting

euthanasia on welfare grounds) at WWT reserves between October and December 2019; †n

denotes juvenile birds, and number of juvenile birds; *n denotes euthanased birds, and

number of euthanased birds

Primary cause of

death/PM findings Total Species (and notes)

Trauma 12 2x whooper swan†1, 1x greylag goose*1, 1x pink-footed goose

(powerline?), 2x mallard, 1x common pochard, 1x black-

headed gull†1, 1x coot, 2x moorhen, 1x common pheasant

Renal failure 4 1x greylag goose (incl gout), 2x mallard, 1x common gull

Avian mycobacteriosis 4 3x mallard*2, 1x teal

Cardiac failure 3 3x mute swan†3*1 (juveniles in poor body condition)

Lead poisoning 2 2x whooper swan

Other 10

1 x whooper swan†1 – aspergillosis

1 x whooper swan*1 – enteritis

1x mute swan†1 – pneumonia

1x mute swan – internal haemorrhage and air sacculitis

1 x greylag goose*1 – leg damage

1 x mallard (hybrid), 1x common gull†1*1 – hepatitis

1x mallard*1 – unknown bacterial infection

1 x Eurasian collared dove*1 – suspected paramyxovirus?

1x barn owl – suspected enteritis (quite autolytic)

No diagnosis (due to

heavy predation,

decomposition or lack of

gross abnormalities)

9 1x mute swan*1 (very poor body condition), 1x greylag

goose*1, 2x mallard, 2x rook, 2x black-headed gull, 1x

Eurasian jackdaw

Sarcocystis surveillance project

Between October and December 2019, the Sarcocystis surveillance project received 37

reports of infection in wildfowl submitted by members of the hunting community.

Approximately 65% of reported cases were in mallards Anas platyrhynchos (24), with

additional cases in Eurasian teal Anas crecca (6), Eurasian wigeon Mareca penelope (5),

northern pintail Anas acuta (1) and gadwall Mareca strepera (1). Approximately 76% of

cases were reported in males, possibly reflecting bias in the hunting bag rather than

infection predilection. These results bring the total number of reports submitted from the

start of the September 2019 shooting season to 43 – similar to the previous shooting

season. For further information on Sarcocystis surveillance in UK waterfowl and for

previous reports, please refer to the Sarcocystis Survey website

(http://www.sarcocystissurvey.org.uk/).

References

Newth J, Cromie R, Brown M, Delahay R, Meharg A, Deacon C, Norton G, O’Brien M,

Pain D. Poisoning from lead gunshot: still a threat to wild waterbirds in Britain. Eur J Wildl

Res 2013;59:195–204. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-012-0666-7

17

Newth J, Rees E, Cromie R, McDonald R, Bearhop S, Pain D, Norton G, Deacon C, Hilton

G.Widespread exposure to lead affects the body condition of free-living whooper swans

Cygnus cygnus wintering in Britain. Environ Pol 2015;209:60-67

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2015.11.007

Wild Bird reports from Scotland: October - December 2019

Gastric parasitism due to Echinuria spp was diagnosed in a mute swan (Cygnus olor)

found dead in a river near Haddington. This carcase caused local public concern due to

publicity about avian influenza and about lead poisoning. At necropsy, body condition was

poor and a firm mass in the wall of the proventriculus was found. Sectioning revealed

multiple dry white foci at the centre. The GIT tract was generally otherwise empty.

Bacterial culture of the mass yielded a mixed growth including Escherichia coli and

Clostridium perfringens. Histopathology found large large parasites containing eggs

present in cavities in the muscular wall of the proventriculus. There was a marked

inflammatory response in the cavities and on the eroded luminal surface. Numerous eggs

with thick walls were present in the exudate and there was evidence of invasion by mixed

bacteria but this was secondary. Based on the location of the parasite and the appearance

of the eggs the worms were consistent with Echinuria sp. These are a well-recognised

parasite in swans and are associated with masses in the stomach wall which may obstruct

the proventriculus entirely.

Reference

Wobeser G. Diseases of Wild Waterfowl, second edition, pub. Springer Science and

Business Media 1997, Section iv: Parasitic infections, p141.

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis was isolated in association with deaths in choughs

(Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) on Islay. Choughs are rare in Scotland, with 90% of the

population found on Islay, so these colonies are of particular concern. Two choughs were

necropsied in the field, with foci found in the liver and lung of one chough, and an enlarged

liver and spleen found in the other. Y. pseudotuberculosis infection was suspected by the

practitioner, liver, lung, heart and spleen were submitted from both, and growths of Y.

pseudotuberculosis were obtained from the liver in one, and the heart and liver of the

other. Growths of Klebsiella pneumoniae were also obtained from the heart, lung and liver

of one, coliforms were obtained from both choughs, and haemolytic Escherichia coli from

one.

Pasteurella multocida (corvid respiratory syndrome) was diagnosed in three out of four

crows (Corvus coronae) were found dead in a garden in Dumfries and Galloway. The case

was reported due to the concern of the householder. All four were thin. Lesions observed

included markedly thickened air sacs, white plaques visible on the air sacs, fibrin

deposition on the heart, and pneumonia. Histopathology confirmed the air sacculitis,

pericarditis, pneumonia and a perihepatitis to be consistent with bacterial infection, and P.

18

multocida was isolated from tissues. This is a common cause of outbreaks of mortality in

corvids.

Reference

Strugnell B, Dagleish M, Bayne C, Brown M, Ainsworth H, Nicholas R, Wood A, Hodgson

J. Investigations into an outbreak of corvid respiratory disease associated with Pasteurella

multocida. Avian Pathol 2011;40(3):329-336

Louping ill virus, or exposure to louping ill virus, was found in red grouse (Lagopus lagopus

scotica) in a number of cases this quarter. Louping ill is a disease of economic concern for

grouse moors. The cases included diagnosis by serology and gross findings in one case,

histopathology and PCR on brain tissue in two cases, PCR on brain tissue alone in three

cases (in one case, the bird also showed a negative serology, in all three cases the birds

were shot showing no obvious clinical signs, and in one of the cases histopathology was

performed and found no obvious histological evidence of encephalitis)

Caroline Robinson, SRUC Veterinary Services

Wild bird reports from APHA DoWS

Trichomonosis in wild birds

Summary including possible threats – Point for information (PFI); Potential threat to

wild bird health, mass mortality event

Seven wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) carcases were submitted from a mass mortality

of this species in North Devon, where approximately 14 birds a week had been found dead

over the past month. Examinations at APHA Starcross VIC revealed necrotic oral lesions

in all birds typical and almost pathognomonic for trichomonosis (Figure 3.) which is also

known as ‘canker’ in pigeons. Examinations for avian influenza virus gave negative results.

Trichomonosis mass mortality incidents in wood pigeons probably occur annually during

winter months in Great Britain and have been reported relatively frequently by the APHA

Diseases of Wildlife Scheme (DoWS) in Wildlife Quarterly Reports (WQRs)

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/animal-disease-surveillance-reports#wildlife.

For example, in 2002 (a series of incidents across southern England), in 2006 (in 4 English

counties), in 2010 and 2018. In the 2018 incidents (WQR 2018, Vol 23, p 23), birds were

described as being lethargic and ill for several days. It is assumed that there is a lingering

death due to starvation caused by an inability to eat. A severe outbreak with more than

2,600 wood pigeon deaths was reported in Spain in 2001 where the species winters. Here

an association was made with the supplementary food provided for game birds and utilised

by the wood pigeons (Höfle et al, 2004). These seasonal mortalities therefore may be

linked to flocking, flock migration, communal feeding and the supplementary feeding

19

intended for other game species. A Garden Wildlife Health factsheet on trichomonosis in

garden birds is available at:

https://www.gardenwildlifehealth.org/portfolio/trichomonosis-in-garden-birds-2/

Figure 3: Trichomonosis lesions in a wood pigeon

Reference

Höfle U, Gortazar C, Ortiz J, Knispel B, Kaleta E. Outbreak of trichomoniasis in a

woodpigeon (Columba palumbus) wintering roost. Eur J Wildlife Res 2004;50(2):73-77.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-004-0043-2

APHA Diseases of Wildlife Scheme

Mass mortality of starlings

Summary including possible threats – Point for information (PFI); mass mortality

event

A mass mortality of starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) in North Wales was widely reported in the

media in early December 2019. Carcases from the incident have been examined by the

APHA Diseases of Wildlife Scheme at APHA Shrewsbury VIC. Approximately 300 birds

died one evening on a rural road. Tests for avian influenza virus were negative. The

postmortem findings indicate that traumatic injury was involved in the deaths and further

20

work has not found evidence of underlying disease. We have investigated several

incidents of mass mortality in groups of starlings previously and found similar signs of

trauma. Investigations as to possible causes are in progress at APHA and results will be

published later.

Figure 4: Starling impaled on a branch in hedgerow at side of road

Paul Holmes, APHA Diseases of Wildlife Scheme

Mass mortality of pied wagtails

Summary including possible threats – Point for information (PFI); mass mortality

event

Pied wagtails (Motacilla alba) were seen dying on the ground in the evening outside a

hospital. They were videoed by a member of the public as they landed on the ground.

Examination of birds at Shrewsbury was consistent with trauma, with multiple

haemorrhages in the carcases. There was no histological evidence of infectious disease.

It was suspected that they had collided with the hospital windows near their roosting site.

21

Figure 5: Pied wagtail from a mass mortality incident

Paul Holmes, APHA Diseases of Wildlife Scheme

UK Priority and Conservation Concern Species

Cetaceans - Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme

Summary including possible threats – Point for information (PFI);

Potential threat to cetacean welfare

During the last quarter of 2019, the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP)

investigated a number of independent high-profile stranding events.

An 8.4m juvenile female humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), which was first

sighted in the Thames at the beginning of October, was found floating dead near

Greenhithe on 8th October 2019 (SW2019/556). During postmortem examination (Figure.

6.A) it was found that the whale was nutritionally compromised, with no evidence of recent

feeding and a heavy intestinal parasite burden. Large wounds on both the dorsal and

ventral aspect of the head, associated with a longitudinal fracture of the right mandible,

were considered to be consistent with ship-strike.

A 9.7m juvenile female sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) was found floating dead in the

Thames on 18th October 2019 (SW2019/580). The whale (Figure. 6.B) was in moderate

nutritional condition with no evidence of recent feeding and a largely empty gastrointestinal

tract. A heavy burden of acanthocephalan parasites (provisionally identified as Bolbosoma

22

turbinella) were found within the intestinal tract and evidence of live stranding was also

noted. This was only the seventh recorded stranding of a sei whale in the UK since the

inception of the programme in 1990.

A 6.7m juvenile male sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) live stranded and died at

Hell’s Mouth in Gwynedd on 29th October 2019 (Fig. 6.C; SW2019/609). The animal was

found to be in moderate-poor nutritional condition, with no evidence of recent feeding. A

large piece of blue plastic sheeting and a large mass of ropes, fragments of monofilament

line and other plastic fragments were found within the fundic stomach. There was no

evidence that the marine debris had caused an impaction and communications with the

other stomachs appeared to be clear. This was the first sperm whale recorded stranded on

the Welsh coast since records began in 1913 and it was also the second smallest sperm

whale recorded in the UK (data credit Natural History Museum and CSIP).

A 5.8m juvenile male minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) was found stranded at

Battersea Bridge in the Thames on 29th November 2019 (Figure. 6.D; SW2019/664). The

whale had been sighted alive in the Thames on multiple occasions over the preceding day.

Upon examination evidence of live stranding and ante-mortem ship-strike (propeller cuts

and diffuse dorsal haemorrhage and oedema) was found.

A 1.88m adult male leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) was found stranded in

Mundon Creek, Essex on 11th December 2019 (Figure. 6.E; T2019/16). During

postmortem examination the turtle was found to be nutritionally compromised with no

evidence of recent feeding. A small amount of marine debris was present within the

gastrointestinal tract. Initial results from the examination and subsequent bacterial culture

(further identification pending) indicate potential bacterial meningitis.

A 4.6m juvenile male killer whale (Orcinus orca) was reported stranded in the Wash on

13th December 2019 (Figure. 6.F; SW2019/693). Given the decomposed condition of the

body and restricted access to the stranding location, the examination was limited to

sample collection. This was a markedly unusual stranding event, representing only the fifth

recorded stranded killer whale in England and Wales since the inception of the programme

in 1990 and the first to be examined in England since 2001 (34 have been recorded

stranded in Scotland over the same period).

Investigations on these stranding events continue and results of all cases examined during

2019 will be published within the CSIP annual report to Defra later this year. Further

details are also available on the CSIP social media pages

(https://www.facebook.com/UKCSIP).

23

Figure 6: A: Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) examination (SW2019/556); B: Sei

whale (Balaenoptera borealis) examination (SW2019/580); C: Sperm whale (Physeter

macrocephalus) stranding, Hells Mouth (SW2019/609); D: Minke whale (Balaenoptera

acutorostrata) stranding, Battersea Bridge (SW2019/664); E: Leatherback turtle

(Dermochelys coriacea) (T2019/16); F: Killer whale (Orcinus orca) stranding near RAF

Holbeach (SW2019/693); Images credit: CSIP-ZSL and Gareth Mottram (SW2019/664)

IoZ

24

Appendix 1:

It has been a long term aim of the GB Partnership that Partners’ data on wildlife submissions would be collected and analysed together using shared data processing. Appendix 1 incorporates data from APHA Diseases of Wildlife Scheme, SRUC and Garden Wildlife Health submission data in calendar year 2019.

Table of content

Overview of submissions by country and by organisation Page 24

Submission count at animal group level Page 26

Submission count at species level Page 27

Zoonotic disease in wildlife Page 30

Provisional disease diagnoses of submissions Page 31

Table 1: Summary of submission count by country and category

Location Animal Category APHA IOZ SAC Grand Total

ENGLAND Birds 112 94 2 208

Mammals 146 46 192

Amphibian, Reptiles 57 57

ENGLAND Total 258 197 2 457

WALES Birds 3 5 1 9

Mammals 3 16 19

Amphibian, Reptiles 2 2

WALES Total 6 23 1 30

SCOTLAND Birds 15 10 68 93

Mammals 6 19 25

Amphibian, Reptiles 3 3

SCOTLAND Total 15 19 87 121

Unspecified Location Birds 38 2 17 38

Mammals 38 13 38

Unspecified Location Total 76 76

355 241 120 716

*There were submissions for reasons outside diagnosis reason (eg. monitoring, project, etc.), but this report covers submission for diagnostic reason only.

25

Figure 1: Submission count monthly

Table 2: Quarterly summary

Animal Category Year Quarter APHA IOZ SAC Grand Total

Birds 2019 1 21 32 29 82

2 71 31 26 128

3 60 31 24 115

4 16 17 9 42

Birds Total 168 111 88 367

Mammals 2019 1 45 11 12 68

2 47 20 9 76

3 61 19 8 88

4 34 18 3 55

Mammals Total 187 68 32 287

Amphibian, Reptiles 2019 1 17 17

2 20 20

3 23 23

4 2 2

Amphibian, Reptiles Total 62 62

Grand Total 355 241 120 716

23 28 31 3653

40 4433 38

20 175

2123

2525

27

2432

2630

2815

12

2

15 3

12

5

13

73

1

1

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Janu

ary

Feb

ruary

March

Ap

ril

May

Jun

e

July

Au

gust

Sep

tem

ber

Octo

be

r

No

vemb

er

Dece

mb

er

2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019

Sub

mis

sio

n C

ou

nt

Calendar month/year

Submission count by month and animal category

Birds Mammals Amphibian, Reptiles

26

Table 3: Summary of submission count by animal subcategory

Category Sub Category APHA IOZ SAC Total

Birds Bird of Prey 35 1 1% 47 54% 84 23%

Game Bird 62 37% 0 0% 9 10% 71 19%

Garden Bird 24 14% 110 99% 11 12% 145 39%

Others 16 10% 0 0% 12 13% 28 8%

Water Bird 31 18% 0 0% 9 10% 40 11%

Birds Total 168 100% 111 100% 88 100% 367 100%

Mammals Bat 10 5% 0 0% 0 0% 10 3%

Deer 22 12% 0 0% 4 13% 26 9%

Fox 21 11% 0 0% 5 16% 26 9%

Hare 23 12% 0 0% 6 19% 29 10%

Hedgehog 25 13% 68 100% 1 3% 94 33%

Mole 0 0% 0 0% 1 3% 1 0%

Mustelid 11 6% 0 0% 9 28% 20 7%

Rabbit 7 4% 0 0% 1 3% 8 3%

Seal 38 20% 0 0% 2 6% 40 14%

Squirrel 30 16% 0 0% 3 9% 33 11%

Mammals Total 187 100% 68 100% 32 100% 287 100%

Amphibian, Reptiles Frog 26 42% 26 42%

Lizard 1 2% 1 2%

Newt 9 15% 9 15%

Snake 13 21% 13 21%

Toad 13 21% 13 21%

Amphibian, Reptiles Total 62 100% 62 100%

Grand total 355 241 120 716

27

Table 4: Submission count by Species – Mammals

Category Sub Category Group Common name Scientiifc (latin)_name APHA IOZ SAC Total

Mammals Land Bat Natterers Bat Myotis nattereri 2 2

Pipistrelle Bat Pipistrellus pipistrellus 6 6

Unspec.Bat 1 1

Brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus 1 1

Deer Fallow Deer Dama dama 7 7

Red Deer Cervus elaphus 2 2

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus 12 3 15

Unspec.Deer 1 1 2

Fox Fox Vulpes vulpes 20 5 25

Raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides 1 1

Hare Brown Hare Lepus Europaeus 23 6 29

Hedgehog Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus 25 68 1 94

Mustelid Badger Meles meles 9 5 14

Eurasian Beaver Castor fiber 1 3 4

Otter Lutra lutra 1 1 2

Rabbit Rabbit Oryctolagus cunniculus 7 1 8

Squirrel Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis 3 1 4

Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris 27 1 28

Unspec. Squirrel 1 1

Mole Mole 1 1

Marine Seal Common Seal Phoca vitulina 26 1 27

Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus 12 12

Unspec. Seal 1 1

Mammals Total 187 68 32 287

Table 5: Submission count by Species – Birds

Category Sub Category Group

Common name Scientific_name APHA IOZ SAC Total

Birds Bird of Prey Eagle

White tailed eagle Haliaeetus albicilla 2 2

Hawk Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 1 3 4

Owl Barn Owl Tyto alba 1 7 8

Tawny Owl Strix aluco 2 2 4

Unspec. Owl 1 1

Raptor Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 10 17 27

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos 1 1

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus 1 1

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 1 1

Osprey Pandion haliaetus 2 2

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 2 1 4 7

Red Kite Milvus milvus 3 6 9

28

Category Sub Category Group

Common name Scientific_name APHA IOZ SAC Total

Game Bird Game Bird Pheasant Phasianus colchicus 60 60

Partridge 16 16

Grouse Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix 1 1

Capercaillie Tetrao Urogallus 1 4 5

Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus 4 4

Garden Bird Bunting Yellowhammer Emberiza citronella 1 1 2

Corvid Carrion Crow Corvus corone 3 2 2 7

Jackdaw Corvus monedula 1 1 2

Raven Corvus corax 1 3 4

Dove/Pigeon Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto 6 6

Feral Pigeon Columba livia f. domestica 8 1 9

Unspecified Dove/Pigeon 1 1

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus 6 3 9

Dunnock Dunnock Prunella modularis 8 8

Finch Brambling Fringilla montifringilla 3 1 4

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula 1 1 2

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 18 2 20

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 1 6 7

Greenfinch Chloris chloris 11 11

Siskin Spinus spinus 3 3

flycatcher Robin Erithacus rubecula 2 2

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 2 2

Sparrow House Sparrow Passer domesticus 1 8 9

Tree Sparrow Passer montanus 3 3

Starling Starling Sturnus vulgaris 2 1 1 4

Swallow Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 2 2

Swift Swift Apus apus 2 2

Thrush Blackbird Turdus merula 8 8

Song Thrush Turdus Philomelos 1 1

Tit Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus 4 4

Coal Tit Periparus ater 1 1

Great Tit Parus major 10 10

Wagtail Pied wagtail Motacilla alba 1 1

Woodpecker Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major 1 1

Cuckoo Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 1 1

Water Bird Duck Eider Duck Somateria mollissima 1 1

Mallard Duck Anas platyrhynchos 5 5

Unspec.Duck 2 2

Godwit Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa 1 1

Goose Canada Goose Branta canadensis 3 3

Pink Footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus 1 1 2

29

Category Sub Category Group

Common name Scientific_name APHA IOZ SAC Total

Unspec.Goose 2 2

Grebe Great Crested Grebe 1 1

Gull Gull 1 1

Herring Gull Larus argentatus 2 1 3

Lesser Black-Backed Gull Larus fuscus 2 1 3

Unspec.Gull 1 1

Swan Mute Swan Cygnus olor 9 9

Unspec.Swan 3 3

Tern Tern 3 3

Others 16 12 28

Birds Total 168 111 88 367

Table 6: Summary of submission count by Species – Amphibian, Reptiles

Category Sub Category Group Common name Sceintific_name APHA IOZ SAC Total

Amphibian, Reptiles Land Lizard Western Green Lizard Lacerta bilineata 1 1

Snake Adder Vipera berus 6 6

Aesculapian Snake Zamenis longissimus 1 1

Grass Snake Natrix natrix 6 6

Toad Common Toad Bufo bufo 12 12

Natterjack Toad Epidalea calamita 1 1

Water Frog Common Frog Rana temporaria 26 26

Newt Palmate Newt Lissotriton helveticus 2 2

Smooth Newt Lissotriton vulgaris 6 6

Unidentified newt Salamandridae sp. 1 1

Amphibian, Reptiles Total 62 62

30

Table 7: Zoonotic disease in wildlife

Zoonotic disease in wildlife

2019 Grand

Q1 Q1 Q2 Q2 Q3 Q3 Q4 Q4 Total

Birds Mammal Birds Mammal Birds Mammal Birds Mammal

Cryptosporidiosis 2 2 1 5

Fasciolosis 1 1

Listeriosis systemic/enteric NOS

1 1

Louping ill 4 4

Pasteurella multocida (and fowl cholera)

1 1 2

Pasteurellosis /Mannheimiosis

1 1

Pneumonia dt Pasteurella spp.

1 1

Bat Rabies(EBLV) 1 2 1 4

Ringworm 1 1

Salmonellosis dt S. Typhimurium - including garden bird cases

1 1

Salmonellosis dt Salmonella NOS

1 2 1 1 4 3 12

Streptococcal infection NOS

2 2 1 5

Tuberculosis 2 3 2 1 8

Yersiniasis NOS 2 1 3

Grand Total 3 10 2 11 6 10 1 6 49

Table 8: Provisional disease diagnoses of submissions received by APHA, IOZ and SAC in

calendar year 2019

Diagnoses by Species will be listed in future

Disease category Disease description Birds Amphibian,

Reptiles Mammal 2019

total

Circulatory Tick-borne fever 1 1

Circulatory Total 1 1

Enteric Amyloidosis 1 2 3

Enteric Candidiasis 1 1

Enteric Coccidiosis 11 4 15

Enteric Colibacillosis - enteric 1 1

Enteric Cryptosporidiosis 5 5

Enteric Fasciolosis 1 1

Enteric Helminthosis NOS 1 1

Enteric Hepatic trichomonosis 2 2

Enteric Impactions of crop/gizzard/duodenum 2 2

31

Disease category Disease description Birds Amphibian,

Reptiles Mammal

2019 total

Enteric Necrotic enteritis dt Clostridium perfringens 1 1

Enteric Oral trichomonosis (avian) including oesophagitis in garden birds 53 53

Enteric PGE - Haemonchosis 1 1

Enteric PGE NOS 7 7

Enteric Red squirrel adenovirus enteritis 7 7

Enteric Rotavirus disease 21 21

Enteric Spironucleosis (formerly Hexamitiasis) 7 7

Enteric Ulcerative enteritis (Quail Disease) (C. colinum) 1 1

Enteric Visceral parasitism 1 8 9

Enteric Yolk sac infection/omphalitis - syn Mushy Chick Disease 2 2

Enteric Total 104 1 35 140

Musculo-skeletal Osteomyelitis/Bursitis/Spondylitis 1 1

Musculo-skeletal Skeletal defects NOS 1 1

Musculo-skeletal Total 1 1 2

Nervous / Sensory Louping ill 4 4

Nervous / Sensory Meningitis/encephalitis NOS 1 1

Nervous / Sensory PMV of pigeons (PPMV-1) 2 2

Nervous / Sensory Total 6 1 7

Reproductive Diagnosis not listed - reproductive disease (other than foetopathy) 1 1

Reproductive Egg peritonitis/salpingitis complex 1 1

Reproductive Total 1 1 2

Respiratory Mycoplasmosis dt M. gallisepticum 1 1

Respiratory Mycoplasmosis NOS 1 1

Respiratory Parasitic pneumonia 14 14

Respiratory Parasitic pneumonia "husk" 9 9

Respiratory Pneumonia dt Bordetella bronchiseptica 1 1

Respiratory Pneumonia dt Pasteurella spp. 1 1

Respiratory Pneumonia NOS 3 6 9

Respiratory Toadfly 1 1

Respiratory Total 5 1 31 37

Skin Avian pox 16 16

Skin Cellulitis (usually E.coli, scratching) 1 1

Skin Ectoparasitic disease caused by lice 2 2

Skin Ectoparasitic disease NOS 9 5 14

Skin Ranavirus-associated disease of amphibians 3 3

Skin Ringworm 1 1

Skin Squirrel pox 7 7

32

Disease category Disease description Birds Amphibian,

Reptiles Mammal

2019 total

Skin Total 27 4 19 50

Systemic & Misc Adverse environment - asphyxiation 1 1

Systemic & Misc Adverse environment NOS 2 1 3

Systemic & Misc Botulism 11 11

Systemic & Misc Colisepticaemia 6 4 10

Systemic & Misc Diagnosis not listed - systemic disease 7 3 10

Systemic & Misc European Brown Hare Syndrome 2 2

Systemic & Misc Listeriosis systemic/enteric NOS 1 1

Systemic & Misc Malnutrition NOS 10 3 4 17

Systemic & Misc Metabolic disease NOS 1 1

Systemic & Misc Neonatal hypothermia/ starvation 1 1

Systemic & Misc Neoplasm NOS 1 1

Systemic & Misc Pasteurella multocida (and fowl cholera) 2 2

Systemic & Misc Pasteurellosis /Mannheimiosis 1 1

Systemic & Misc Peritonitis of wild waterbirds - aetiology unknown 1 1

Systemic & Misc Poisoning dt bracken 1 1

Systemic & Misc Poisoning dt chemicals NOS 10 6 16

Systemic & Misc Poisoning dt lead 1 1

Systemic & Misc Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (including RHD2) Species Specific 4 4

Systemic & Misc Salmonellosis dt S. Typhimurium - including garden bird cases 1 1

Systemic & Misc Salmonellosis dt Salmonella NOS 2 10 12

Systemic & Misc Septicaemia NOS 2 2

Systemic & Misc Staphylococcal infection NOS 3 6 9

Systemic & Misc Starveout - failure to feed in first week of life 2 2

Systemic & Misc Streptococcal infection NOS 5 5

Systemic & Misc Trauma/fracture NOS 67 2 29 98

Systemic & Misc Trauma: Predation 18 10 22 50

Systemic & Misc Trauma: Road Traffic Accident 1 1 11 13

Systemic & Misc Trueperella pyogenes infection NOS 1 1

Systemic & Misc Tuberculosis 3 5 8

Systemic & Misc Yersiniasis NOS 3 3

Systemic & Misc Total 149 16 123 288

Others Syngamus species infection (Gapeworm) 1 1

Others topathy dt dystockia 1 1

Others Total 1 1 2

Grand Total

293 23 211 528

*not all submissions for diagnosis reason have diagnoses reached, hence the total submissions count with diagnoses

confirmed was less than total submission count.

33

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