No abstract

Live‐capture is a necessary component for the scientific study and management of most mammals, but it may negatively affect their health and physiology. We compared blood parameters related to the stress response (nominal base levels) from red squirrels Tamiasciurus hudsonicus after capture of up to 4.5 h in five different live trap models (Hava‐hart, Sherman, Tomahawk 102, Tomahawk 103 and ‘Special Squirrel’ trap) with true base levels (obtained in less than three minutes). In addition, we evaluated the capture rate in the five trap models. We found that (1) prolonged time in live traps altered stress hormone concentrations compared with true base levels, but maximum corticosteroid‐binding capacity was unaffected; (2) squirrels captured in a trap model with reduced visibility (a roof cover – Hava‐hart) had significantly lower (c. 50%) mean free cortisol levels compared with those captured in a trap model with full visibility (Tomahawk 102), but all other blood parameters were similar; (3) cortisol levels and white blood cell counts (mainly neutrophil counts) were positively related to duration of capture; (4) a non‐covered trap (Tomahawk 102) was most effective and fully covered trap (Sherman) was least effective at capturing squirrels. We discuss the use of effective, yet less stress‐inducing trap models to mitigate the stress caused by live‐capture on these animals. We conclude that covered traps such as the Hava‐hart may reduce trap‐induced stress in red squirrels, but at the same time also reduces their capture rates.

Background: Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that LRTIs are the most common global cause of death from infectious diseases. However, the specific etiologic agent associated with LRTI is often unknown. We determined the bacterial infections and seasonal patterns associated with LRTIs among hospitalized cases at Jordan University Hospital (JUH) for a period of five years. Methods:We conducted a retrospective multi-year study among hospitalized patients in Jordan on LRTI-associated bacterial etiology. Results:We found bacterial infections among 105 (21.1%) out of 495 LRTI patients. The most frequently identified bacteria in the LRTI patients were Staphylococcus aureus (7.7%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.1%). Most of the LRTI patients (95.2%) had at least one chronic disease and many were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (16.8%). Of the 18(3.64%) patients with LRTIs who died at the hospital, 2 had a bacterial infection. We noticed a seasonal pattern of bacterial infections, with the highest prevalence during the winter months. Conclusions:Our findings suggest that early identification of bacterial agents and control of chronic disease may improve clinical management and reduce morbidity and mortality from LRTIs.