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The Dog Aging Project: Helping Your Pet Live a Longer, Healthier Life

by Rosa
written by Rosa

The Dog Aging Project: Helping Your Pet Live a Longer, Healthier Life

Understanding Dog Aging

Dogs are beloved members of our families, and watching them age can be heartbreaking. But what if there was a way to slow down the aging process and help our furry friends live longer, healthier lives?

That’s the goal of the Dog Aging Project at the University of Washington. Led by biologist Daniel Promislow, the project is investigating the biological and environmental factors that affect dog lifespan.

Why Do Dogs Age Differently?

In most animal species, larger animals live longer than smaller ones. But within the dog species, the opposite is true. A small Chihuahua can live up to 18 years, while a large Newfoundland has an average lifespan of only 10 years.

This paradox has puzzled scientists for years. Promislow and his team are working to uncover the reasons behind this unusual aging pattern.

The Dog Aging Project

The Dog Aging Project is a long-term study that involves testing medications that could potentially enhance dog life spans. The team is also conducting research on the following:

  • Understanding the genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors that influence dog aging
  • Developing new methods for measuring dog aging
  • Identifying environmental risk factors that may affect dog lifespan
  • Exploring the potential benefits of Rapamycin, a compound that has been shown to improve cardiovascular health in dogs

How to Participate

Promislow and his team are recruiting dogs of all kinds for their study. They are interested in dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. If you are interested in participating, you can visit the Dog Aging Project website.

The Benefits of the Dog Aging Project

The Dog Aging Project has the potential to revolutionize the way we care for our dogs. By understanding the aging process in dogs, we can develop new strategies to help them live longer, healthier lives.

In addition, the project may also have benefits for human health. Dogs share many of the same diseases as humans, and studying dog aging could help us to better understand and prevent these diseases in both species.

Conclusion

The Dog Aging Project is a groundbreaking study that has the potential to improve the lives of both dogs and humans. By participating in the study, you can help to advance this important research and make a difference in the lives of our beloved companions.

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Animal Science

Roosters Recognize Their Reflections: Expanding Our Understanding of Self-Recognition in Animals

by Peter
written by Peter

Roosters May Recognize Their Reflections, Expanding Our Understanding of Self-Recognition in Animals

A Novel Approach to Testing Self-Awareness

Traditionally, self-recognition in animals has been assessed using the mirror test, which involves marking an animal and observing whether it touches the mark when placed in front of a mirror. However, this test has limitations, as some species may not be motivated to touch marks on their bodies.

To address these limitations, researchers have developed new methods for testing self-recognition that incorporate behaviors connected to the animals’ day-to-day activities. One such method involves measuring alarm calls in roosters.

Roosters and Alarm Calls

When predators are nearby, roosters typically make alarm calls to warn others. However, they remain silent if they are alone. Researchers hypothesized that if roosters recognize their reflections in a mirror, they would not feel the need to vocalize a warning, as they would understand that the reflection is not another bird.

Experimental Setup and Findings

The researchers tested 68 roosters in various experimental conditions:

  1. Rooster alone with no mirror
  2. Rooster with mirror and hawk silhouette above
  3. Rooster with another rooster and no mirror
  4. Rooster with another rooster behind a mirror

They found that roosters made significantly fewer warning calls when placed next to a mirror versus next to a rooster they could see. This suggests that the roosters recognized their reflections and did not perceive them as threats.

Implications for Animal Cognition

The findings of this study challenge the traditional view that self-recognition is limited to a few highly intelligent species. They suggest that self-awareness may be more widespread in the animal kingdom than previously thought.

Ecological Relevance in Animal Cognition Research

The use of ecologically relevant behaviors, such as alarm calls in roosters, in self-recognition studies provides a more accurate assessment of animals’ self-awareness. It allows researchers to investigate how animals use self-recognition in their natural environments.

Limitations and Future Directions

While the study provides strong evidence for self-recognition in roosters, it is important to note that the researchers cannot know exactly what went through the animals’ minds. Further research is needed to explore the cognitive processes underlying self-recognition in roosters and other species.

Potential Implications

The findings of this study have implications for our understanding of animal intelligence and consciousness. They raise questions about the nature of self-awareness and its role in animal behavior. Future research may shed light on the evolution of self-recognition and its significance in the animal kingdom.

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Animal Science

Vaccinating Apes Against COVID-19: San Diego Zoo’s Pioneering Role in Animal Health

by Rosa
written by Rosa

San Diego Zoo Vaccinates Apes with Experimental COVID-19 Vaccine

A Pioneering Step in Animal Health

The San Diego Zoo has taken a groundbreaking step in animal health by vaccinating several apes with an experimental COVID-19 vaccine designed for pets. This marks a significant milestone, making these apes the first non-human primates to receive such a vaccine.

The Vaccine

The vaccine, developed by Zoetis, a veterinary pharmaceutical company, was provided to the zoo after they requested assistance in vaccinating their apes following the positive COVID-19 tests of several gorillas in January. The vaccine works similarly to the Novavax vaccine for humans, introducing a synthetic form of the COVID-19 spike protein to prime the immune system to fight infection.

The Decision to Vaccinate

Despite being an experimental vaccine, Nadine Lamberski, chief conservation and wildlife health officer for San Diego Zoo Global, deemed it necessary to vaccinate the apes at the zoo and safari park. Conservationists are deeply concerned about the vulnerability of apes to human diseases, which can lead to deadly outbreaks. Additionally, scientists worry about the potential for the virus to lie dormant in animal populations and reemerge, infecting humans once again.

The Selection Process

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 among the apes, veterinarians with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance carefully selected five bonobos and four orangutans to receive the experimental vaccine. These apes were identified as being most at risk due to their indoor living conditions.

The Vaccination Process

The selected apes received two doses of the vaccine, and no adverse reactions were observed. Blood will be drawn from the apes to monitor the presence of antibodies and assess the effectiveness of the vaccine. The gorillas previously infected with coronavirus will also receive the vaccine once they have fully recovered.

Future Availability

Various other zoos have expressed interest in obtaining doses of Zoetis’s vaccine. The company anticipates having increased quantities available by June, with plans to expand production for use in mink once commercial approval is granted.

Significance of the Vaccination

The vaccination of apes with an experimental COVID-19 vaccine is a significant step forward in animal health. It demonstrates the concern and commitment of conservationists to protect these endangered species from the threat of human diseases. The vaccine’s effectiveness will be closely monitored, potentially paving the way for broader vaccination programs among apes and other animal populations.

Vulnerability of Apes to Human Diseases

Apes share a close genetic relationship with humans, making them susceptible to many of the same diseases. This includes respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19, which can spread easily among captive ape populations. Outbreaks of human diseases among apes can have devastating consequences, leading to high mortality rates.

Prevention of Disease Spread

Maintaining strict hygiene practices and limiting contact between humans and apes is essential for preventing the spread of disease. Zoos and conservation organizations have implemented comprehensive protocols to minimize the risk of transmission. Vaccination is an additional layer of protection that can help safeguard these animals from the threat of human viruses.

Ongoing Research

Research into the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in apes is ongoing. Scientists will continue to monitor the health of the vaccinated animals and assess the vaccine’s ability to protect them from infection. The results of this research will inform future vaccination strategies and contribute to the overall understanding of animal health and disease prevention.

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Animal Science

Dog DNA Database: Naples Cracks Down on Irresponsible Pet Owners

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Naples’ Dog DNA Database: Tracking Irresponsible Pet Owners

Problem: Dog Waste Plaguing Naples

Naples, Florida, has a serious problem with pet waste. Dog poop litters the streets, creating an unpleasant and unsanitary environment for residents. To address this issue, the city has implemented a unique solution: a city-wide dog DNA database.

Solution: Dog DNA Database

The dog DNA database is a registry that contains the DNA profiles of pet dogs in Naples. When piles of dog poop are found on the streets, samples are collected and entered into the database. This allows the city to identify the irresponsible owners behind the mess and fine them accordingly.

Effectiveness of Dog DNA Database

The dog DNA database has proven to be effective in reducing canine waste in public spaces. In a similar program implemented in Massachusetts, the number of offending dogs dropped significantly after DNA testing was introduced. In Texas and New Jersey, apartment complexes using DNA technology have imposed high fines for repeat offenders, resulting in a cleaner and more pleasant living environment.

Other Extreme Measures to Counter Canine Waste

Besides DNA testing, cities and communities have implemented various extreme measures to tackle the problem of canine waste:

  • Postal Service: A Spanish mayor mailed dog poop back to irresponsible owners.
  • Public Shaming: Some cities have publicized the names of offending owners.
  • Bribery: Parks in Mexico City offered free Wi-Fi in exchange for bags of dog waste.

Adoption of Dog DNA Testing in the U.S.

In the United States, neighborhoods, apartment complexes, and gated communities have been quicker to adopt dog DNA testing than entire cities. Condo developments have seen a steep decline in offending dogs after implementing DNA testing programs.

Fines for Irresponsible Pet Owners

Naples is taking a strict approach to enforcing its dog DNA database. Culprits who fail to clean up after their pets will be fined $685. Other cities and communities have also imposed hefty fines for dog waste violations, ranging from $150 to $1,000 for repeat offenders.

Conclusion

Naples’ dog DNA database is a cutting-edge solution to the problem of irresponsible pet ownership. By identifying and fining dog owners who leave their pets’ waste on the streets, the city is creating a cleaner and more pleasant environment for all residents. As more cities and communities adopt similar measures, the issue of canine waste in public spaces can be effectively addressed.

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Animal Science

The Evolutionary Significance of Dog Eye Color: How Humans Shaped Canine Appearance

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Why Most Dogs Have Brown Eyes: The Evolutionary Impact of Human Perception

Domestication and Eye Color

Throughout the domestication process, humans have played a significant role in shaping the physical characteristics of dogs. One such trait that has been influenced by human preferences is eye color.

Researchers have discovered that domestic dogs tend to have darker and redder irises compared to their wild wolf ancestors. This suggests that humans may have selected for dogs with darker eyes because they perceived them as more friendly and youthful.

Eye Color and Human Perception

Humans have a tendency to associate darker eyes with friendliness and immaturity. This is because our own pupil size decreases with age, making larger pupils appear more infant-like and in need of care.

Studies have shown that participants rate dogs with darker eyes as more friendly and less mature than dogs with lighter eyes. This perception may have influenced our selection of dogs for companionship and protection.

Evolutionary Significance

The preference for dark-eyed dogs may have provided an evolutionary advantage. Dogs with darker eyes may have been more likely to be perceived as non-threatening and in need of protection, making them more adaptable to living alongside humans.

The Role of Breeders

While it is clear that humans have played a role in the evolution of dog eye color, it is less certain when this selection occurred. Some experts believe that it may have happened during the initial domestication process, while others suggest it may be a more recent phenomenon influenced by breed standards set by breeders.

Further Research

More research is needed to determine the exact time frame of the eye color change in dogs. Additionally, studies could explore the genetic basis of eye color and how it interacts with other physical and behavioral traits.

Implications for Dog-Human Interactions

The findings on dog eye color and human perception have implications for our understanding of dog-human interactions. It suggests that our own biases and preferences have shaped the physical characteristics of our canine companions.

By understanding these influences, we can better appreciate the complex relationship between humans and dogs and the ways in which we have mutually influenced each other’s evolution.

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Animal Science

Two-Headed Snake Makes a Comeback at Texas Zoo: A Tale of Resilience and Adaptation

by Peter
written by Peter

Two-Headed Snake Makes a Comeback at Texas Zoo

Recovery and Return

After a two-year hiatus to heal from an injury, Pancho and Lefty, the rare two-headed snake, has returned to the spotlight at Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas. The snake’s new enclosure is meticulously designed to prevent further injury.

A Rare Condition

Pancho and Lefty’s unique condition, bicephaly, occurs when a single embryo begins to divide into identical twins but fails to fully separate. Bicephaly is also known as conjoined twins in humans. Scientists have traced this phenomenon back at least 150 million years, with the discovery of a two-headed reptile fossil in China.

Navigating with Two Brains

Having two heads and, thus, two brains, presents challenges for Pancho and Lefty. Their body receives conflicting signals from two command centers, resulting in uncoordinated and awkward movements. This unique neurology makes everyday tasks, such as moving and feeding, challenging.

Injury and Recovery

In February 2021, Pancho and Lefty injured their left neck while attempting to move in two different directions simultaneously. Zookeepers swiftly removed the snake from public view to facilitate a lengthy recovery process.

The wound required over a year to heal fully. Subsequently, veterinarians granted the snake an additional year off exhibit to regain optimal health.

Custom Enclosure

Pancho and Lefty’s current enclosure within the zoo’s freshwater aquarium building is designed to maximize their safety and well-being. The absence of rocks and branches eliminates potential hazards that could snag their necks. The enclosure provides ample cover to ensure the snake’s security without compromising its physical safety.

Physical Characteristics

At eight years old, Pancho and Lefty measure between two and three feet in length, slightly smaller than the typical size range of three to five feet for Western rat snakes.

Dominant Head

Initially, the left head of Pancho and Lefty was more dominant, consuming the majority of the snake’s food. However, the right brain currently appears to have assumed control. This shift in dominance has impacted the snake’s movement patterns.

Survival Challenges in the Wild

Two-headed snakes often struggle to survive in the wild. The conflicting neurological signals can lead to indecisive behavior, especially during critical moments like evading predators. This vulnerability makes two-headed snakes more susceptible to predation.

A Case Study

In 2020, a family in Florida encountered a two-headed southern black racer snake after their cat brought it into their home. This incident underscores the challenges faced by two-headed snakes in natural environments.

Evolutionary Implications

The existence of two-headed snakes raises intriguing evolutionary questions. Researchers speculate that bicephaly may be an evolutionary disadvantage, hindering survival in the wild. However, the longevity of Pancho and Lefty in captivity suggests that bicephaly may not always be a death sentence.

Conclusion:

Pancho and Lefty’s return to public exhibit is a testament to the resilience of these extraordinary creatures. Their unique condition offers valuable insights into the complexities of neurology, anatomy, and animal behavior. While two heads may not always be better than one in the wild, Pancho and Lefty continue to captivate and educate visitors at Cameron Park Zoo.

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Animal Science

Chincoteague Ponies Battle Swamp Cancer with New Vaccine: A Beacon of Hope

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Chincoteague Ponies Battle Swamp Cancer with New Vaccine

Swamp Cancer: A Deadly Threat to Chincoteague Ponies

For over three centuries, the wild ponies of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge have roamed the barrier island of Assateague Island. However, a new threat has emerged in recent years: swamp cancer, a deadly ailment caused by the fungus-like microorganism Pythium insidiosum. This disease has claimed the lives of seven ponies since 2017, leaving the herd’s fans and custodians worried.

Swamp cancer primarily infects horses, dogs, and humans. Infection typically occurs through contact with water containing the swimming zoospores of P. insidiosum, which are attracted to open wounds. Once inside a host, the microbe spreads via snaking filaments that it uses to feed on the animal’s tissues.

Climate Change and the Spread of Swamp Cancer

P. insidiosum is primarily found in tropical climates. However, as climate change heats up the globe, cases of swamp cancer have begun to creep northward. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge has conditions that are ideal for the parasite: wetlands with stagnant water and summer temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Preliminary tests have shown that the microbe is “fairly ubiquitous” across the refuge.

The Vaccine: A Hope for the Ponies

In response to the threat of swamp cancer, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which owns and cares for the ponies, began testing a vaccine in 2019. The vaccine targets P. insidiosum and aims to protect the ponies from infection. While the treatment is still in early stages, it appears to be working. Spokeswoman Denise Bowden said, “We need to continue to vaccinate over the next [two to three] years to tell better if this vaccine was/is an effective tool in this herd along with environmental management practices.”

Saltwater’s Potential Role in Combating Swamp Cancer

Interestingly, the scourge of swamp cancer has spared the herd of ponies on the Maryland side of Assateague Island. Scientists are investigating whether the saltwater in the standing water on the Maryland side may be killing the disease-causing microbe.

Annual Pony Roundup: Monitoring the Herd’s Health

Each spring, the ponies undergo a health checkup. As of April 18, all 160 Virginia ponies were free of swamp cancer. The roundup also targeted a dozen ponies that had yet to receive the experimental vaccine.

Cautious Optimism for the Future

Richard Hansen, the creator of the vaccine, is “cautiously optimistic” about its potential to keep the ponies healthy. “So far, it seems to be doing really well,” said Bowden. “We didn’t have an extremely wet, rainy end of summer last year. I’m thinking that between that and the vaccine, we’re on the right path here.”

The fight against swamp cancer is ongoing, but the new vaccine offers hope for the survival of the Chincoteague ponies. Continued vaccination and environmental management practices will be crucial in protecting this iconic herd.

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Animal Science

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by Rosa
written by Rosa

Gorillas Make New “Snough” Noise to Get Their Keepers’ Attention

Captive Gorillas Learn to Communicate with Humans

Years ago, Dr. Roberta Salmi, a biological anthropologist at Zoo Atlanta, noticed an unusual sound coming from the gorillas. When zookeepers approached with food, the gorillas would open their mouths wide and let out a theatrical noise between a cough and a sneeze—a “snough.”

At first, Salmi and the zookeepers were amused, but they soon realized that the snoughing was more than just a funny noise. It was a way for the gorillas to communicate with their human caretakers.

Zoo Gorillas Snough to Get Food

To study this behavior, Salmi and her colleagues conducted an experiment involving eight western lowland gorillas at Zoo Atlanta. They placed a bucket of grapes outside the animals’ enclosure, had a keeper stand outside the cage, and had the keeper hold a bucket of grapes.

The gorillas mostly stayed quiet when presented with just the grapes or just the keeper. However, they snoughed—and made other attention-grabbing noises and motions—when the keeper held the food.

Half of the gorillas snoughed during the experiment, and they kept making the noise until the zookeeper reacted. The gorillas never snoughed toward each other, which suggests that the sound is reserved for humans.

Snoughing Is a Rare Capability Among Animals

Scientists have never observed gorillas snoughing in the wild, which suggests that captive gorillas can learn to make new sounds. This is a rare capability among animals. Most animals are limited to the vocalizations they are born with, but some primates, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans, have shown the ability to learn new vocalizations in captivity.

Snoughing May Be a Form of Vocal Learning

The findings of Salmi’s study add to a growing body of evidence that suggests primates may have limited or moderate vocal learning abilities. Vocal learning is the ability to learn new vocalizations through imitation. Humans are the most proficient vocal learners, but some animals, such as birds and whales, also have this ability.

Other Apes Have Also Learned to Make New Sounds

Scientists have documented other apes in captivity learning to make new noises, including chimpanzees and orangutans. For example, some chimpanzees have learned to imitate human speech, and some orangutans have learned to make a variety of vocalizations, including whistles and clicks.

Snoughing Is a Way for Gorillas to Request Food

The researchers believe that gorillas started snoughing to get their keepers’ attention. They may have realized that sounds connected with illness got a response from the keepers, so they began to snough to request food.

Snoughing Is a Complex Behavior

Snoughing is a complex behavior that involves both vocal and physical components. The gorillas open their mouths wide, exhale forcefully, and sometimes make other noises and motions, such as clapping, beating their chests, and banging on the enclosure.

Snoughing Is a Social Behavior

Snoughing is a social behavior that is directed toward humans. Gorillas only snough toward zookeepers and other humans, not toward each other. This suggests that snoughing is a way for gorillas to communicate with humans.

Snoughing Is a Learned Behavior

Snoughing is a learned behavior that is not found in wild gorillas. This suggests that gorillas are capable of learning new vocalizations and behaviors in captivity.

Snoughing May Help Gorillas Cope with Captivity

Snoughing may help gorillas cope with the challenges of captivity. By learning to communicate with their human caretakers, gorillas can get their needs met and improve their well-being.

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Animal Science

Bulldogs: A Breed in Danger Due to Lack of Genetic Diversity

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Bulldogs: A Breed in Danger

Health Concerns

Bulldogs are a beloved breed, but they face serious health challenges due to a lack of genetic diversity. Breeding practices over the years have prioritized certain physical traits that have compromised the overall health of the breed.

Inbreeding has led to an increased risk of congenital diseases, such as hip dysplasia, breathing difficulties, skin problems, and autoimmune disorders. Bulldogs also have a relatively short lifespan, with most living an average of only 8 years.

Breeding Practices

The modern bulldog is the result of centuries of selective breeding. Originally bred for bull-baiting, bulldogs were later transformed into popular house pets. This transformation involved breeding for exaggerated features, such as a short muzzle, loose skin, and a stocky body.

While these features may be desirable to some, they have had detrimental effects on the health of the breed. Bulldogs are now largely unable to reproduce naturally and often require artificial insemination and cesarean section.

Genetic Diversity

Genetic diversity is crucial for the health and sustainability of any breed. It allows for a wider range of genetic traits, which reduces the risk of inherited diseases. However, bulldogs have lost a significant amount of genetic diversity due to inbreeding.

A recent study found that all purebred bulldogs today are descended from just 68 founding dogs. Subsequent bottlenecks have further reduced the gene pool, making the breed highly susceptible to health problems.

Breeding for Health

Some breeders are taking steps to improve the health of bulldogs. The Kennel Club has altered the regulations for breeding to discourage the exaggeration of features that compromise health. Breeders are also creating non-pedigreed, mixed bulldog breeds that have more genetic diversity and better health.

The Future of Bulldogs

The future of bulldogs depends on breeders embracing a more diverse approach. By introducing new genes from outside the purebred line, breeders can improve the overall health and longevity of the breed.

Hybrid breeds, such as the Olde English Bulldogge and the Continental Bulldog, offer a potential solution. These breeds retain some of the distinctive characteristics of bulldogs but have a more athletic build and fewer health problems.

If breeders are willing to embrace diversity, the future of bulldogs can be brighter. By prioritizing health over appearance, they can ensure that this beloved breed continues to thrive for generations to come.

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