Sporadic cases of visceral and neural nematode larva migrans have been diagnosed at necropsy in the endangered New Zealand kiwi (Apteryx spp.), but the causative organisms have not yet been definitively identified. From an initial group of five affected kiwi, PCR was performed on DNA extracted from archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections in which larval nematodes had been histologically identified. Sequencing of positive results from four out of the five kiwi aligned with sequences from Toxocara cati, a nematode parasite whose definitive host is the domestic cat. PCR was then performed on a second group of 12 kiwi that had histologic inflammatory lesions consistent with larva migrans, but variable larval presence. Repeatable positive PCR results were only achieved in one tissue, in which larval organisms were histologically confirmed. This study supports the use of PCR as an alternative or adjunct to the morphological identification of nematode larvae in formalin-fixed histopathological samples, as well as showing that in investigation of larva migrans, PCR has greatest chance of success from sections where nematode larvae are evident histologically. The identification of Toxocara cati from lesions of larva migrans in kiwi reflects an indirect, parasite-mediated effect of an invasive mammalian species on a native species.

Avian malaria caused by Plasmodium species is a known cause of mortality in avifauna worldwide, however reports within New Zealand kiwi (Apteryx spp.) are scant. Postmortem reports from kiwi were obtained from the Massey University/Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa School of Veterinary Science Pathology Register from August 2010–August 2020. Gross lesions were described from postmortem reports, and archived H.E.-stained slides used for histological assessment. Nested PCR testing was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples to assess the presence of Plasmodium spp. and Toxoplasma gondii DNA and cases with a PCR-positive result were sequenced to determine the lineage involved. Of 1005 postmortem reports, 23 cases of confirmed or suspected avian malaria were included in this study. The most consistent gross lesions included splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and interstitial pneumonia with oedema. Histological lesions were characterised by severe interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary oedema, interstitial myocarditis, hepatic sinusoidal congestion and hypercellularity, and splenic macrophage hyperplasia and hyperaemia/congestion with numerous haemosiderophages. Cytoplasmic meronts were consistently found within endothelial cells of a variety of tissues, and within tissue macrophages of the liver, lung and spleen. A diagnosis of avian malaria was confirmed via PCR testing in 13 cases, with sequencing revealing P. matutinum (LINN1) and P. elongatum (GRW6) as the species involved. This is the largest case series describing the pathology of avian malaria as a cause of mortality in endemic New Zealand avifauna.

Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) products are widely established for soft tissue repair, reconstruction, and reinforcement. These regenerative biomaterials mimic native tissue ECM with respect to structure and biology and are produced from a range of tissue sources and species. Optimal source tissue processing requires a balance between removal of cellular material and the preservation of structural and biological properties of tissue ECM. Despite the widespread clinical use of dECM products there is a lack of comparative information on these products. This study provides a comparative analysis of 12 commercially available dECM products. One group of products consisted of materials intended for dermal repair including ovine forestomach matrix (OFMm), porcine peritoneum (PPN), porcine placenta (PPC), and porcine small intestinal submucosa (SISu). The second group, intended for load-bearing reconstruction, consisted of material derived from ovine forestomach matrix (OFMo), porcine urinary bladder matrix (UBM), porcine small intestinal submucosa (SISb and SISz), human dermis (ADM), porcine dermis (PADM), and fetal/neonatal bovine dermis (BADM). A minimally processed product consisting of human placental tissue was included as a control. Products were compared histologically and by agarose gel electrophoreses to assess structural features and decellularization. Structurally, some dECM products showed a well-preserved collagen architecture with a broad porosity distribution, whereas others showed a significantly altered structure compared with native tissue. Decellularization varied across the products. Some materials surveyed (OFMm, PPN, PPC, OFMo, UBM, SISz, ADM, PADM, and BADM) were essentially devoid of nuclear bodies (mean count of 50 cells per HPF). Pathology assessment of the products demonstrated that OFMm, OFMo, and PADM had the highest qualitative assessment score for collagen fiber orientation and arrangement, matrix porosity, decellularization efficiency, and residual vascular channels scoring 10.5 ± 0.8, 12.8 ± 1.0, and 9.7 ± 0.7 out of a maximum total score of 16, respectively. This analysis of commercially available dECM products in terms of their structure and cellularity includes 12 different commercial materials. The findings highlight the variability of the products in terms of matrix structure and the efficacy of decellularization. Impact Statement: The comparative analysis of 12 commercially available decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) products reveals a spectrum of structural integrity and decellularization efficacy crucial for soft tissue repair and reconstruction. Although some dECM materials exhibit well-preserved collagen architecture and minimal cellularity, others display significant alterations and residual cellular components. Notably, products derived from ovine forestomach matrix, porcine peritoneum, and porcine placenta demonstrate optimal decellularization and structural fidelity, promising improved clinical outcomes. This study underscores the imperative for comprehensive assessments of dECM products, shedding light on their variable quality and potential implications for tissue regeneration. Such insights lay the groundwork for informed clinical decision-making and advancements in regenerative medicine.

Cancer is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in domestic cats. Because the mutational landscape of domestic cat tumors remains uncharacterized, we performed targeted sequencing of 493 feline tumor–normal tissue pairs from 13 tumor types, focusing on the feline orthologs of ~1000 human cancer genes. TP53 was the most frequently mutated gene, and the most recurrent copy number alterations were loss of PTEN or FAS or gain of MYC . By identifying 31 driver genes, mutational signatures, viral sequences, and tumor-predisposing germline variants, our study provides insight into the domestic cat oncogenome. We demonstrate key similarities with the human oncogenome, confirming the cat as a valuable model for comparative studies, and identify potentially actionable mutations, aligning with a “One Medicine” approach.

This pilot study aimed to assess the welfare impacts of different causes of pre-weaning deaths in piglets. Piglets that died between 0–7 days after birth (n = 106) were collected from two commercial pig farms and subject to post-mortem examination to confirm their cause of death as well as any contributing factors. Using the Five Domains Model, the most likely affective experiences associated with the pathological findings were carefully inferred to better understand affective experience as it related to known causes of liveborn piglet mortality. The most common causes of liveborn piglet mortality were starvation (23%), crushing (23%) and non-viable (21%). Thirty one piglets had evidence of starvation, but it was only considered the primary cause of death in 15 piglets, as cofactors such as poor viability (n = 13) were also present in many piglets with evidence of starvation. All 15 piglets that were crushed died within 24 h after birth and most had evidence of thoracic and/or abdominal internal bleeding. This study found that common causes of liveborn piglet death were associated with compromises in Domains 1 (Nutrition/hydration), 3 (Health/function), and4 (Behavioural interactions), with the most likely resulting affective states described in Domain 5 (Mental state). This highlights the interaction between physical/functional and situation-related (behavioural) aspects that influence an animals’ welfare status.

To examine and assess causes of mortality of kiwi (Apteryx spp.) submitted to Massey University between 2010 and 2020 across the five recognised species according to location, age group and captivi...