This study aimed to analyze the admission causes, outcomes, primary causes of death, and main lesions observed in the post mortem examinations of Western European hedgehogs, Erinaceus europaeus (Linnaeus, 1758), in the north of Portugal. The data were obtained by consulting the records from the two main wildlife rehabilitation centers located in the north of Portugal (Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre of Parque Biologico de Gaia and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre of the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro). Over 17 years (2002–2019) a total of 740 animals were admitted. Most of the animals were juveniles, with the highest number of admissions occurring during summer (36.8%) and spring (33.2%). The main reasons for admission were debilitation (30.7%) and random finds (28.4%). Of the total number of individuals admitted to these centers, 66.6% were successfully released back into the wild. The most relevant causes of death were trauma of unknown origin (32.7%), nontrauma causes of unknown origin (26.6%), and nutritional disorders (20.2%). The main lesions observed were related to trauma, including skeletal and skin lesions (fractures, hemorrhages, wounds) and organ damage, particularly to the lungs and liver. The hedgehog is a highly resilient and adaptable animal. The urban environment has many benefits for hedgehogs, yet the presence of humans can be harmful. In the future, the public needs to become even more involved in the activities of the wildlife centres, which will make a positive difference for these populations.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance in fecal Escherichia coli isolates from wildlife is crucial for monitoring the spread of this microorganism in the environment and for developing effective AMR control strategies. Wildlife can act as carriers of AMR bacteria and spread them to other wildlife, domestic animals, and humans; thus, they have public health implications. A total of 128 Escherichia coli isolates were obtained from 66 of 217 fecal samples obtained from different wild animals using media without antibiotic supplementation. Antibiograms were performed for 17 antibiotics to determine the phenotypic resistance profile in these isolates. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production was tested using the double-disc synergy test, and 29 E. coli strains were selected for whole genome sequencing. In total, 22.1% of the wild animals tested carried multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates, and 0.93% (2/217) of these wild animals carried E. coli isolates with ESBL-encoding genes (bla_CTX-M-65, bla_CTX-M-55, and bla_EC-1982). The E. coli isolates showed the highest resistance rates to ampicillin and were fully susceptible to amikacin, meropenem, ertapenem, and imipenem. Multiple resistance and virulence genes were detected, as well as different plasmids. The relatively high frequency of multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates in wildlife, with some of them being ESBL producers, raises some concern regarding the potential transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria among these animals. Gaining insights into antibiotic resistance patterns in wildlife can be vital in shaping conservation initiatives and developing effective strategies for responsible antibiotic use.

One of the significant challenges facing modern medicine is the rising rate of antibiotic resistance, which impacts public health, animal health, and environmental preservation. Evaluating antibiotic resistance in wildlife and their environments is crucial, as it offers essential insights into the dynamics of resistance patterns and promotes strategies for monitoring, prevention, and intervention. Klebsiella and Raoultella genera isolates were recovered from fecal samples of wild animals and environmental samples using media without antibiotic supplementation. Antibiograms were performed for 15 antibiotics to determine the phenotypic resistance profile in these isolates. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production was tested by the double-disc synergy test, and one ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae isolate was screened by PCR and whole-genome sequencing. Biofilm production was analyzed using the microtiter plate method. A total of 23 Klebsiella spp. and 3 Raoultella spp. isolates were obtained from 312 fecal samples from wild animals, 9 Klebsiella spp. and 4 Raoultella spp. isolates were obtained from 18 river and stream water samples, and 4 Klebsiella spp. and 3 Raoultella spp. isolates from 48 soil samples. Regarding antibiotic resistance, only one isolate of K. pneumoniae from soil samples was an ESBL-producer and showed resistance to six antibiotics. This isolate harbored multiple β-lactams genes (bla_CTX-M-15, bla_TEM-1, bla_SHV-28, and bla_OXA-1), as well as genes of resistance to quinolones, sulfonamides, tetracycline, aminoglycosides, and chloramphenicol, and belonged to the lineage ST307. Most of the Klebsiella spp. and Raoultella spp. isolates were biofilm producers (except for one Klebsiella isolate), and 45.6% were weak biofilm producers, with the remaining being moderate to strong biofilm producers. We can conclude that antibiotic resistance is not widespread in these environment-associated isolates, which is a positive epidemiological outcome. However, identifying a single ESBL-K. pneumoniae isolate should serve as a warning of potential hotspots of resistance emergence.

The surgical treatment of an exposed compounded comminuted fracture of the right radius and ulna in a free-ranging adult female Iberian Wolf (Canis lupus signatus) with an osteosynthesis plate and screws and subsequent post-operative care are described. The evolution of the fracture healing was very similar to those expected in a dog of the same size. The prompt surgical intervention and a proper housing, feeding and wound management adapted to a free-ranging wolf, in view to reduce manipulation and post-operative complications, allowed the subsequent rehabilitation and release of the animal. After 10th post-operative weeks the wolf was fitted with a Global Positioning System (GPS) for wildlife tracking collar and released in the same area where it has been caught. GPS telemetry data showed that the animal covered increasingly large distances confirming a complete functionality of the right thoracic limb and its successfully return to the wild. This report could constitute the first detailed report of a long bone fracture treatment in a free-ranging wolf and its successfully rehabilitation, release and adaptation to the wild.