Yersinia pseudotuberculosis causes yersiniosis in a wide range of mammalian and avian taxa worldwide. This review aims to provide an overview of the current literature on yersiniosis in non-domesticated mammals and birds in captivity. Data on the prevalence of Y. pseudotuberculosis in captive populations are scarce. Transmission is primarily via the fecal–oral route, with wild rodents and birds as primary reservoirs. Predisposing factors to yersiniosis include young age, inclement weather, stress, and genetic factors. Symptoms are often non-specific, with sudden death occurring frequently, particularly in avian species. Gross pathological examination typically reveals multiple white-yellow foci in visceral organs, while histopathology demonstrates necrosis with central bacterial colonies. Ante-mortem diagnosis can be challenging as bacterial culture and isolation from fecal samples are often hindered by intermittent excretion and competition with other gastrointestinal flora. Although killed and subunit vaccine formulations have demonstrated limited protective efficacy, live attenuated strains may hold greater promise for inducing more robust and durable immunity. Y. pseudotuberculosis remains a significant threat to animal health, highlighting the need for faster and more reliable diagnostic techniques and the development of more effective treatment and prophylactic strategies.

Reproductive success in captive non-human primates (NHPs) has increased the demand for safe, effective, and reversible population control methods. This review provides an overview of the current literature on hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives as reproductive control methods in NHPs. Where available, behavioral and welfare implications, as well as drug efficacy, reversibility, and associated adverse effects, are considered. However, a paucity of data exists for NHPs, particularly in regard to non-hormonal contraceptives, emphasizing the need for institutions to share their experiences with reproductive management techniques in the species under their care.

Background/Objectives: Toxoplasma gondii is a major cause of zoonotic infections in both humans and animals, resulting in significant mortality in susceptible species, such as New World primates and marsupials. Toxoplasmosis is particularly concerning in zoos and wildlife reserves, where outbreaks threaten conservation efforts for endangered species. In the absence of a commercially available vaccine against toxoplasmosis for humans and captive wild animals, current prevention strategies are limited to restricting the access of cats to enclosures, controlling rodent populations, and maintaining strict food hygiene. Recent research has shown promising results with an intranasal vaccine (VXN-Toxo) composed of maltodextrin nanoparticles conjugated with a purified, inactivated T. gondii parasite. This experimental vaccine does not pose a risk of causing disease and offers advantages such as better stability compared with live pathogen-based vaccines. Methods: This study presents a large-scale evaluation of the effect of VXN-Toxo administered to captive wildlife across 20 zoos in Europe and the Americas between 2017 and 2025. Seven hundred and eighty-four animals, representing over 58 species (including primates, marsupials, rodents, and felids), were vaccinated without any adverse events reported. Results: Retrospective mortality data from 20 participating zoological institutions revealed an overall 96.7% reduction—and, in many cases, a complete elimination—of toxoplasmosis-associated deaths post vaccination. Conclusions: These results demonstrate, for the first time, consistent and broad-spectrum protection against T. gondii of different strains in a wide array of captive wildlife species. This universal vaccine represents a promising tool for toxoplasmosis prevention in zoological collections, with significant implications for animal health and conservation strategies.

Invertebrates are increasingly consumed and kept as pets, research models, and in zoological exhibits, creating a growing need to better understand their clinical management and welfare. However, the knowledge regarding nociception, pain perception, and euthanasia in invertebrates remains limited, and standardized protocols are largely absent. Current guidelines are incomplete, often anecdotal, and omit several major invertebrate phyla. To address this gap, we conducted a narrative review of the literature, aiming to critically evaluate existing euthanasia methods, associated welfare implications, and opportunities for refinement. The amount of peer-reviewed species-specific literature is limited and scattered. In addition, most described methods are insufficiently studied and/or do not align with our definition of euthanasia. Based on the available literature, and to provide practical guidance despite these limitations, we propose a two-step approach to invertebrate euthanasia. The first step consists of inducing anesthesia to achieve loss of responsiveness, followed by a second step; a terminal procedure involving physical or chemical destruction of the brain or major ganglia. Our review focuses on the application of this two-step approach. The effectiveness and humaneness of euthanasia techniques vary considerably across taxa and life stages. Substantial further research is required to validate and optimize humane end-of-life procedures for diverse invertebrate species.

One of the primary challenges encountered in managing captive callitrichids is a group of gastrointestinal disorders that are collectively known as Marmoset Wasting Syndrome (MWS). Unfortunately, MWS is still not well understood. It is suggested that MWS has a multifactorial etiology; stress, infection, malnutrition, malabsorption, and enteritis or colitis may be associated with MWS. Usually, animals demonstrate more than one of the following clinical signs: progressive weight loss, alopecia, chronic diarrhea, muscle atrophy, hypoproteinemia, and anemia. Recent advances in diagnostics, mostly noninvasive fecal and urine tests, yielded promising results. Good treatment results have been achieved with the administration of glucocorticoids and tranexamic acid, although no cure has been found yet. Probiotics and gel diets also demonstrated to be potentially useful. However, once animals are affected by MWS, treatments eventually become ineffective, and animals will inevitably require euthanasia to prevent further suffering. Preventative measures should be aimed at reducing stress and optimizing housing, husbandry, and diets. More research is warranted to elucidate the pathogenesis of MWS in captive callitrichids and to refine diagnostic and treatment methods.

Chelonians are frequently presented to veterinarians with shell disorders of diverse etiology. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of non-infectious shell disorders in chelonians, emphasizing their pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and prevention. Following an overview of relevant shell anatomy and development, detailed consideration is given to the triage and stabilization of traumatic and thermal shell injuries, including analgesia, antimicrobial therapy, wound debridement, and advanced wound management. Conventional and adjunctive modalities such as negative pressure wound therapy, laser therapy, and three-dimensional printing are discussed with respect to their efficacy and clinical applicability. Methods for shell fracture stabilization, including adhesive and hardware fixation techniques, are reviewed. Non-traumatic shell pathologies are explored with focus on neoplasia, congenital malformations, and husbandry-related conditions, including secondary hyperparathyroidism (metabolic bone disease), pyramidal growth syndrome, and shell ankylosis. For each disorder, diagnostic approaches, treatment principles, and welfare implications are outlined. Special emphasis is placed on preventive strategies addressing nutritional and environmental factors affecting shell health. By integrating clinical experience with existing literature, this chapter aims to provide clinicians with a practical and comprehensive guide for the management of non-infectious shell disorders in chelonians, promoting improved outcomes and welfare standards in both captive and wild populations.