The Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research (OJVR), is the official publication of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute. It publishes scientific papers reporting original research on diseases and disease vectors of livestock and wildlife with a focus on Africa, but with results of more than local interest.

Although African lions (Panthera leo) are listed as vulnerable species, it is a famous practice in certain nations to display them in the circus. To date, the gastrointestinal bacterial flora of lions is poorly understood. This study aimed to clarify the zoonotic potential isolation of the bacteria posed by lions of the Egyptian national circus along with PCR screening for their virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. Nine captive African lions were examined bacteriologically. Clostridia spp. was the most prevalent bacteria (55.5%) in lions, then Staphylococcus spp. (33.3%), followed by E. coli and Edwardsiella spp. (22.2% for each) and Serratia spp. (11.1%). The isolated bacteria showed multiple drug resistance patterns of multiple antibiotics (ampicillin, cefepime, cefoxitin, piperacillin, amoxicillin, chloramphenicol, ceftazidime and tetracycline). Two isolates of C. perfringens were positive for Alpha toxin and bla resistant genes using PCR. Also, all S. aureus isolates were confirmed by the presence of 16s rRNA gene and exhibited the virulence (spa, and coa) and resistance (blaZ) genes. Additionally, the two isolated E. coli strains were positive for virulence (phoA, eaeA) and resistance (Aada1) gene but, Aada2 was completely absent. In conclusion, this study is actually unprecedented and provides a start for the upcoming research to investigate the current health status of captive wild animals exhibited at the circuses.

Regular investigation of captive lions is essential to improve the healthcare of this vulnerable species. Dermatophyte infection caused by Microsporum canis was detected in 4 diseased lion cubs and an apparently healthy one in Giza Zoo, Egypt. Infected lions showed irregular to rounded patches of hair loss with grayish scales disseminated all over the animal body. Moreover, a rounded, erythematous skin lesion was found in the arm of one of the zookeepers who comes in direct contact with lions. The trial for the treatment of the cubs was proved by using Enilconazole (0.2%) solution. The efficiency of medication was assessed by remedy of the infected animals, the disappearance of lesions, and the re-growth of hair. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first record of M. canis in captive lion-cubs in Egypt. Further studies are needed to evaluate the incidence of ringworm in wild and zoo animals in Egypt. Zoo veterinarians and zookeepers should be aware of this potentially zoonotic infection. Acknowledgment The authors strongly express their thanks and faithfulness to the soul and personality of their late scholar Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abd-El Haleem Gamal-Eldin the original owner of the idea of this work and dedicate the completion of this work to his forever existing great soul.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the general health status of three aged female tigers around 20 years old at a local circus in Egypt for first time. Tigers (Panthera tigris) are one of the largest Felidae species, which are classified as Endangered species. Blood and fecal samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analysis and parasitological and bacteriological examination. The hematological results revealed macrocytic normochromic anemia and non-significant changes in leucocyte and differential leucocytic count. The biochemical analysis showed a normal level of liver enzymes. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and cholesterol were higher than normal. On the other hand, normal Glucose (GLU), Creatinine (CREA), Calcium (Ca), Phosphate (PHOS), Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), and Chloride (Cl-) were observed. In addition to, low levels of total Carbon dioxide (tCo2) and platelets. The parasitological examination of fecal samples was negative, and tigresses were free from any external or internal parasitic infestation. The bacteriological examination of the fecal sample indicated the presence of Clostridium perfringens spores. Advanced studies are required to cover the complete picture of tiger status in captivity.

The Dorcas gazelles (Gazella Dorcas) are strict herbivorous which play an important role in the ecological balance. They are breed in zoos and susceptible to various bacterial affections such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Klebsiella, causing them as a source of diseases for other animals and human. The present study aimed to investigate the gastrointestinal bacteria in the population of Dorcas gazelles at Giza Zoo at different seasons of the year and identifying their antibiotic sensitivity, virulence, and resistance traits with PCR. A total of 70 fecal swabs were collected and examined. The yielded E. coli was the most dominant bacteria followed by Klebsiella then Salmonella and others. The isolated bacteria showed high multiple resistance with various degrees to erythromycin, tetracycline, ceftazidime, clindamycin and cefaclor. The fimH and invA virulence genes were detected in the isolated E. coli and Salmonella isolates respectively. Moreover, the molecular examination of antibiotic resistant genes was confirmed the presence of blaCTX-M and tetA in all isolates of E. coli and Salmonella. To our knowledge, this is the first study which reports the fecal shedding of these zoonotic bacteria from Dorcas gazelles in Egypt. Further studies are required to evaluate the other bacterial burden infecting this vulnerable species.