Reptile-associated Salmonella infections are an increasing problem for humans. We have prospectively screened two breeding groups of 16 pet snakes for colonization with Salmonella species. Various serovars of S. enterica subsp. diarizonae were found in 81% of the snakes. To avoid transmission, strict hygienic precautions should be applied when reptiles are handled.

We have labelled single, primary auditory neurones in three reptile and one bird species. After functional characterization of the neurones, hexamminecobaltic chloride was iontophoretically injected through the recording micropipette. Precipitation of cobalt sulfide followed by silver intensification of the cochlear duct as a whole-mount preparation revealed stained neurones in over 90% of case...

The reptile and mammals fauna of North-East of Iran were investigated and the contraction and fragmentation of some species due to climatic changes and human activities were analyzed. The sampling was carried out in selected stations throughout the Great Khorsan. The results showed that there are approximately 71 reptiles (including 39 species of lizards, 32 snakes and one turtle) and 83 specie...

While eating has substantial benefits in terms of both nutrient and energy acquisition, there are physiological costs associated with digesting and metabolizing a meal. Frequently, these costs have been documented in the context of energy expenditure while other physiological costs have been relatively unexplored. Here, we tested whether the seemingly innocuous act of eating affects either syst...

Stimulated by animal-welfare concerns, community programs to ‘‘rescue’’ urban wildlife generate many interactions between humans and wildlife. Such rescue activities (1) may have direct ecological effects (by modifying mortality patterns of wildlife, or geographic distributions at the local level), and (2) may provide valuable information on local abundance and distribution of taxa, the nature ...

The draft genome sequences of two Salmonella enterica serotype Infantis isolates are reported here. One of the strains was isolated from a western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) with colitis. The second strain was isolated from a reptile that inhabited the same premises. Whole-genome sequencing demonstrated that these isolates were not clonal.

Ultraviolet lighting is integral for the growth and maintenance of many reptile and amphibian species. But providing an adequate source of light can be challenging. Many disease processes seen by veterinarians are attributed to ultraviolet lighting deficiencies. In mammals, disease due to excess ultraviolet lighting has been noted, and some veterinarians feel this may be a potential issue in re...