Characterization of incidental lesions and common causes of morbidity and mortality among free-ranging Leporidae in Canada.

Hunter, Summer T.

Characterization of incidental lesions and common causes of morbidity and mortality among free-ranging Leporidae in Canada.

dc.contributor.advisor	Rothenburger, Jamie
dc.contributor.advisor	Checkley, Sylvia
dc.contributor.author	Hunter, Summer T.
dc.contributor.committeemember	Weese, J. Scott
dc.contributor.committeemember	Cork, Susan
dc.date.accessioned	2023-10-17T16:45:35Z
dc.date.available	2023-10-17T16:45:35Z
dc.date.issued	2023-09-18
dc.description.abstract	Wildlife disease surveillance is an important tool for the discovery and mitigation of disease outbreaks. Research into wildlife disease often focuses on charismatic megafauna, but many small and common species play a vital role in their ecosystem and have regular contact with humans. Leporids are common throughout Canada, are an important prey species, and frequently interact with humans through lawns, gardens, domestic animals, and harvesting activities. However, little is known about their diseases, risks to humans and overall health, particularly in an urban setting. The objectives of this thesis were to investigate major causes of morbidity and mortality as well as common incidental lesions and pathogens amongst leporids in Canada. I conducted a retrospective analysis of 569 cases of deceased leporids submitted to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative between 1990 and 2019. Trauma (215/467; 46.0%), specifically vehicle collisions (51/215; 23.7%), was the most common cause of mortality. Moderate to good body condition, male sex, and no incidental findings were associated with an increased odds of trauma related mortality. Incidental lesions were common amongst all categories of mortality. Zoonotic pathogens observed included Francisella tularensis, Pasteurella spp. and Toxoplasma gondii. I also completed autopsies on 140 presumed road-killed urban leporids collected from within Calgary, Alberta, Canada. There were 29 (20.7%) cases of non-trauma related mortalities, which included one case of Tularemia. The majority of non- trauma related mortalities were classified as open diagnosis (21/140; 15%). Incidental lesions were observed in 37.9% of cases and included nephroblastoma (11/140; 6%), Taenia spp. cysts (20/140; 14%), idiopathic splenomegaly (7/140; 5%), and idiopathic interstitial nephritis (11/140; 8%). Again, moderate to good body condition and a lack of incidental lesions or pathogens were associated with an increased odds of trauma related mortality. Overall, this thesis illustrates that Canadian leporids are competent hosts for a variety of zoonotic pathogens but are themselves vulnerable to human related mortality, particularly if they are in apparent good health. The results from this thesis can be used by the public, human health care professionals, veterinarians, and wildlife biologists to make informed decisions on interacting with and conserving free-ranging leporid populations in Canada.
dc.identifier.citation	Hunter, S. T. (2023). Characterization of incidental lesions and common causes of morbidity and mortality among free-ranging Leporidae in Canada (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.
dc.identifier.uri	https://hdl.handle.net/1880/117380
dc.language.iso	en
dc.publisher.faculty	Graduate Studies
dc.publisher.institution	University of Calgary
dc.rights	University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.
dc.subject	Wildlife
dc.subject	Pathology
dc.subject	Leporids
dc.subject	Rabbit
dc.subject	Hare
dc.subject	Zoonotic
dc.subject	Disease
dc.subject	Disease surveillance
dc.subject	Urban
dc.subject.classification	Animal Pathology
dc.title	Characterization of incidental lesions and common causes of morbidity and mortality among free-ranging Leporidae in Canada.
dc.type	master thesis
thesis.degree.discipline	Veterinary Medical Sciences
thesis.degree.grantor	University of Calgary
thesis.degree.name	Master of Science (MSc)
ucalgary.thesis.accesssetbystudent	I require a thesis withhold – I need to delay the release of my thesis due to a patent application, and other reasons outlined in the link above. I have/will need to submit a thesis withhold application.