In the setting of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to animals has been reported in both domestic and wild animals and is a matter of concern. Given the genetic and functional similarities to humans, non-human primates merit particular attention. In the case of lemurs, generally considered endangered, they are believed to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We have conducted a study for evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among the 43 lemurs of Mundomar, a zoological park in Benidorm, Spain. They belong to two endangered lemur species, 23 black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata) and 20 ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta). Health assessments conducted in 2022 and 2023 included molecular analyses for SARS-CoV-2 RNA of oral and rectal swabs using two different RT-qPCR assays, always with negative results for SARS-CoV-2 in all animals. The assessment also included serological testing for antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein (S) of SARS-CoV-2, which again yielded negative results in all animals except one black-and-white ruffed lemur, supporting prior infection of that animal with SARS-CoV-2. Our data, while not indicating a high susceptibility of lemurs to SARS-CoV-2 infection, show that they can be infected, adding to the existing information body on potential ways for SARS-CoV-2 virus spreading in zoos, highlighting the need for animal surveillance for the virus.

Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are essential in intraocular surgeries to improve surgical conditions and ensure optimal ventilation. However, residual blockade can pose significant risks, particularly in pinnipeds due to their unique diving physiology. This case report describes the use of sugammadex for reversing rocuronium and AMG for monitoring neuromuscular block (NMB) in a California sea lion undergoing lensectomy. The objective is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of sugammadex for reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade and acceleromyography (AMG) for monitoring neuromuscular function in pinnipeds, with the goal of improving anesthetic management and recovery. Rocuronium (0.3 mg/kg IV) was used to achieve complete NMB, and an additional 0.1 mg/kg IV was administered to prolong the block. Sugammadex (1 mg/kg IV) reversed the NMB, with recovery within 90 s. Neuromuscular function was monitored using AMG, with the ulnar nerve of the foreflipper as the stimulation site. AMG allowed for an objective assessment of neuromuscular function, ensuring accurate titration of the NMBA and reversal agent. This is the first report documenting the use of sugammadex for the reversal of rocuronium and AMG for neuromuscular monitoring in a sea lion. This successful application highlights the potential of these techniques to improve anesthesia protocols, patient safety, and welfare in marine mammal medicine.

Altrenogest is a synthetic progestin used as a contraceptive method in various animal species, including bottlenose dolphins. This is a retrospective study based on the analysis of data collected between 2020 and 2025. Eighteen female dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from four zoological parks on the Iberian Peninsula were included, treated with the progestin for variable periods. The animals were monitored through ultrasound examinations, behavioral observations, and hormonal assays for progesterone and estrogen. The results showed statistically significant changes in hormone levels, with a significant decrease in serum progesterone and a significant increase in estrogen levels in treated dolphins compared to untreated ones. These findings suggest that Altrenogest inhibits LH secretion, while it does not appear to directly affect FSH, allowing some degree of follicular activity to persist. Despite its demonstrated contraceptive efficacy, prolonged use of the drug was associated with the development of pyometra in four individuals and follicular cysts in three individuals. These results highlight the effectiveness of Altrenogest in reproductive management of dolphins, while also emphasizing the need for careful evaluation of treatment duration and the potential risk of long-term adverse effects.

Clinical monitoring is essential for disease prevention, both in an individual animal and even more in a captive animal population, where the susceptibility of different animal species in the same environment can lead to the onset of various pathologies. Periodic clinical monitoring must necessarily include an assessment of clinical status through a comprehensive physical examination, including body weight assessment and laboratory tests including fecal, urinary, and blood tests. The aim of this study was to monitor the health of a group of 45 lemurs (Lemur catta and Varecia variegata) in a zoo, focusing in particular on hematological and biochemical-clinical parameters obtained from blood samples collected annually over a three-year period. The hematological parameters measured were erythrocytes, packed cell volume, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell distribution width, leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, basophils, platelets, and mean platelet volume. The biochemical parameters measured were alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, glucose, amylase, lipase, cholesterol, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, calcium, inorganic phosphate, total protein, creatinine, and urea. Observed parameters highlighted some differences between the two species over time and in relation to age. For example, red blood cell count consistently showed higher values in V. variegata compared to L. catta. In Lemur catta, an increase in erythrocyte parameters, red blood cell distribution width and lipase was observed, compared to a decrease in mean corpuscular hemoglobin and bilirubin. Our results reveal a variation in hematological parameters in conjunction with the second blood sample with a greater increase in parameters in Varecia variegata than in Lemur catta. Results from this study partially disagree with those obtained in other lemur species kept in captivity and elsewhere. This would suggest that the management conditions, over three years, of the ring-tailed lemur and the variegated ruffed lemur at the zoo under study are particularly favorable, respecting the welfare of these animals.