This experiment is part of the Wildlife Disease Association Challenge Grant Challenge Grant. Browse more projects

Dogs, cats and the health of capuchin monkeys at touristic paradise of Costa Rica

$1,369
Raised of $4,449 Goal
31%
Ended on 10/20/18
Campaign Ended
  • $1,369
    pledged
  • 31%
    funded
  • Finished
    on 10/20/18

Sampling methods

Capuchin (Cebus imitator) monkey capture sites will be selected through the characterization and the establishment of optimal areas. These sites will be located near areas with reports of the presence of sick monkeys. Monitoring will be conducted in two periods, rainy and dry seasons. 

Blood samples will be collected from free-ranging capuchin monkeys from Montezuma community. Monkeys will be captured in situ by chemical immobilization with darts (Type P, 1ml, Pneu Dart Inc.), and compressed gas rifle (X-Caliber Gauged CO2, Pneu Dart Inc.) for individuals over long distances, or blowgun for individuals located closely. Anesthetics will be used are Medetomidine (0.15 mg/kg), and ketamine (4 mg/kg) (Thierault et al. 2008, West et al. 2014). As soon as the animal will be anesthetized, the geographic coordinate reading of each trapping will be made, and a blood sample (2-4 ml) from the femoral, saphene or cephalic vein will be taken.  The monkeys will be monitored until awakening from narcosis and safely released into their habitat. 

Sampling will be aimed at domestic dogs and cats, with blood samples, nasal swabs, skin scrapings for dermatophytes and ectoparasites collected with the consent of the owners. Body measurements of each dog and cat, race, sex, age, owner information.

The blood samples will be collected in tubes with EDTA and the nasal swabs will be collected with sterile swabs, and maintained at 4°C until arrival to the laboratory. Samples were kept at -80ºC until analysis.

The skin scrapings will be collected in sterile vials, and ectoparasites samples will be collected in sterile vials with 70% alcohol. 


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