• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.31-39
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• 2004

This study was performed to investigate the rabies surveillance in Gangwon-do from 1997 to 2001. Of 185 laboratory submissions for rabies diagnosis, 65(35.1%) cases were determined to be infected with the rabies virus. Annual incidence of animal rabies was 10 cases in 1997, 20 cases in 1998, 16 cases in 1999, 3 cases in 2000, and 16 cases in 2001, respectively. The total number of the reported cases were increased 382% compared with that of the previous period from 1993 to 1996(7 cases). The relative contributions of infected animals in this period were as follows: cattles(24 cases), dogs(26 cases), and raccoons(15 cases). Rabies outbreak in raccoon were steadily expanded. Epidemiologic surveillance showed the rabies outbreaks spreaded to the southern area in Gangwon-do. All rabies cases were showed positive results to rabies tests such as clinical signs, histopathological findings, indirect flourescent antibody test, and mouse inoculation test. Further studies such as genetic and phylogenetic analysis of the isolates should be performed in order to figure out accurate rabies outbreak.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.230-240
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• 2008

The primary aim of this study is to estimate the home range of a pair of raccoon dogs(Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis) and to compare with the previous study of raccoon dogs in a rural area of Gurye, the southern part of South Korea. Radiotracking was regularly carried out on 2 raccoon dogs for 2 days every 2 months(in June, August, October and December, 2006). During the 2 days, radiotracking was usually conducted every $1{\sim}3$ hours through day and night. The analysis of tracking data with a total of $46{\sim}64$ bearings showed that the total home range size of the pair was $0.41km^2$, and mean home range size was $0.32km^2$ by 95% minimum convex polygons(MCP) estimate. The home ranges of the male and female were largely overlapping(about $70{\sim}95%$), and the sizes were not very much different from each other. However, there was a big difference between day $(0.01km^2)$ and night-time $(0.35km^2)$ home ranges, and it was largest in summer$(0.56km^2)$ and smallest in winter $(<0.01km^2)$. In addition, the home range of the pair included 1 core area and 4 different feeding areas. In conclusion, our raccoon dog home range data using the same individuals but with more frequent bearings per day and more extended tracking intervals still showed very similar results to the previous study with less frequent bearings per day and more extensive tracking days.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.259-263
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• 2006

The objectives of this paper are to estimate home range and core habitat area of raccoon dog living in the rural area of Korea. A radio-telemetry study was carried out on 22 raccoon dog individuals. Among these individuals, 4 raccoon dogs made 2 pairs and they were monogamous and moved together all the year round. Mean home-range size of 9 individuals which were radio-tracked more than 3 months was $0.80km^2$ (100% MCP). The mean home range size of male individuals was $0.98km^2$ (N=5, 100% MCP) and that of female individuals was $0.58km^2$ (N=4, 100% MCP). On the other hand, in case 95% MCP(Mininlum Convex Polygon) was applied, the gap of home-range size between sex distinction was closed to $0.63km^2$ (male) and $0.42km^2$ (female). The home range size of two pairs of which the male and the female were radio-tracked at the same time showed little difference. In case of one pair, the home range size(95% MCP) was $0.28km^2$ (male) and $0.26km^2$ (female) and in case of the other pair, it was $0.36km^2$ each (male and female). Consequently there seems no significant difference in the home-range size between a male and a female racoon dog except the unusual cases such as unpaired individuals or the ones with no fixed territory.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.401-409
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• 2010

From 2006 through 2007, the highest need for the most urgent attention in Gangwon-do Wild Animal Rescue Center was wildlifevehicle collisions (WVC). The Korean Ministry of Environment reported 6543 WVC's in 2005 and 5565 cases of WVC's in 2006. In this study, data from the Gangwon-do Wild Animal Rescue Center was utilized to analyze WVC incidents and the movement of wildlife near roadways in Korea. From 2006 through the first half of 2008, the portable GPS device recorded accident location of the injured wildlife. Attempts were made to track and monitor the movements of four raccoon dogs and five Korean water deers near the roads. One raccoon dog and one Korean water deer were successfully tracked and monitored. Their locations were transmitted to cell phones. The amount of WVC's was highest amongst the roads near the forests of Gangwon-do. The devices installed on the nearby roads did not protect the wildlife from WVC's. Results using the CDMA-type GPS collar showed that wildlife often crossed the road even with devices installed to prevent this from crossing roads. This research analyzed the behaviors of different wildlife animals and WVC's. New preventative measures need to be established to avoid roadkill. It is suggested that new streets be built or for an appropriate speed limit be implemented.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.335-343
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• 2004

Although human rabies deaths are rare, the disease remains a public health problem in Korea. Here we report the outbreaks and surveillance of animal rabies in Gangwon-do. Animal rabies infections were identified in 119 animals from 1993 to 2003. The $78\%$ of all rabid animals were domestic species in Gangwon-do. Wild Korean raccoon dog (N. p. koreensis) continued to be the only reported rabid wildlife species. Outbreaks of rabies infections in Korean raccoon dogs are found in broad geographic regions across the northern Gangwon-do. The principal rabies hosts today are probably wild animals in Gangwon-do. The malaise, cerebral dysfunction, anxiety, confusion, agitation and abnormal behavior of the animals were the important symptoms of the disease. The Encephalitis, infiltration with lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes and the inclusion bodies (Negri bodies) in neuronal cells were the specific histopathological signs. The results of indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFA) for animal rabies diagnosis were identical and the technique was useful to diagnose the disease. Preexposure vaccination is recommended for persons in high-risk groups, such as laboratory workers, veterinarians and certain animal handlers.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.17-26
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• 1977

Parasites of wild animals are closely related with parasites of domestic animals. Wild animals take charge of an important role at parasitic infestation of domestic animals because of unrestrained movement. The authors carried out the work of actual condition of parasitic infestation on wild animals, total 1,014 cases, in the Korean Zoo. The results are summarized as follows: 1. Total rate of parasitic infestation was 36.1% with infestation of 366 among 1,014 cases. The rate of single infestation was 32.6% with infestation of 331 cases, double infestation 3.1% with 31 cases, triple infestation 0.2% with 2 cases and quadrople infestation 0.2% with 2 cases. 2. The parasites on the zoo animals were identified as follows: Lion: Sarcoptiform, Toxocara sp., Toxascaris leonina, Ancylostoma sp. and Isospora spp. Puma: Toxocara sp., Ancylostoma sp. and Isospora sp. Leopard: Toxocara spp., Ancylostoma sp., Trichuris sp., Dibothriocephalus sp. and Physaloptera sp. Wolf: Sarcoptiform and Dibothriocephalus spp. Fox: Trichuris sp., Capillaria aerophila, Spirocerca sp., Paragonimas kellicotti. Jackal: Sarcoptiform, Ascaris sp. and Echinococcus granulosus. Wild Cat: Dibothriocephalus sp. Tiger: Toxascaris leonina. Bear: Sarcoptiform, Metastrongylus apri, Ancylostoma sp. and Ascaris sp. Raccoon and Raccoon dog: Sarcoptiform, Paragonimus kelliotti, and Isospora sp. Boar: Oesophagostomum spp. and Eimeria spp. Mortkey: Sarcoptiform, Trichuris sp., Physaloptera spp.. Enterobius sp. and Isospora sp. Elephant: Sarcoptiform, Strongyloides sp. and Strongylus spp. Deer: Sarcoptiform, Strongyloides sp., Trichuris ovis, Mccistocirrus digitatus, Haemonchus sp., Oesophagostomum radiatum, Paramphistornum spp., Bunostomum phlebotomum, Fasciola hepatica and Eimeria spp. Bison: Sarcoptiform, Haernonchus sp., Marshallagia sp., Nematodirus sp. and Eimeria sp. Zebra: Strongylus sp. and Parascaris equorum. Goral and Barbary: Sarcoptiform, Haemonchus sp., Oesophagostomum venulosum, Moniezia sp. and Eimeria spp. Lama: Strongyloides sp. and Haemonchus sp. Kangaroo: Strongyloides sp. and Haemonchus sp. Camel: Strongyloides sp., Trichuris ovis and Eimeria sp. Peacock and the Other Birds: Sarcoptiform, Capillaria contorta, Capillaria caudinflata, Ascaridia spp., Heterakis spp., Hymenolepis sp., Eimeria spp., Histomonas, Ornithionyssus bacoti, Macrochelidae and Trichomonas. 3. Among the zoo animals, wild carnivora were infestated with the parasites which are common parasites of dogs and cats, wild herbivora were infestated with the parasites of herbivora domestic animals. and wild fowls were infestated with the parasites of domestic fowls.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.207-212
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• 2017

Infections of Toxoplasma gondii and Babesia microti are reported in many wild animals worldwide, but information on their incidence and molecular detection in Korean wild fields is limited. In this study, the prevalence of T. gondii and B. microti infection in blood samples of 5 animal species (37 Chinese water deer, 23 raccoon dogs, 6 roe deer, 1 wild boar, and 3 Eurasian badgers) was examined during 2008-2009 in Gangwon-do (Province), the Republic of Korea (=Korea) by using serological and molecular tests. The overall seropositivity of T. gondii was 8.6% (6/70); 10.8% in Chinese water deer, 4.3% in raccoon dogs, and 16.7% in roe deer. PCR revealed only 1 case of T. gondii infection in Chinese water deer, and phylogenic analysis showed that the positive isolate was practically identical to the highly pathogenetic strain type I. In B. microti PCR, the positive rate was 5.7% (4/70), including 2 Chinese water deer and 2 Eurasian badgers. Phylogenetic analysis results of 18S rRNA and the ${\beta}$-tubulin gene showed that all positive isolates were US-type B. microti. To our knowledge, this is the first report of B. microti detected in Chinese water deer and Eurasian badger from Korea. These results indicate a potentially high prevalence of T. gondii and B. microti in wild animals of Gangwon-do, Korea. Furthermore, Chinese water deer might act as a reservoir for parasite infections of domestic animals.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.281-285
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• 2014

Ticks were collected from 35 animals from 5 provinces and 3 metropolitan cities during 2012. Ticks also were collected by tick drag from 4 sites in Gyeonggi-do (2) and Jeollabuk-do (2) Provinces. A total of 612 ticks belonging to 6 species and 3 genera were collected from mammals and a bird (n=573) and by tick drag (n=39). Haemaphyalis longicornis (n=434) was the most commonly collected tick, followed by H. flava (158), Ixodes nipponensis (11), Amblyomma testudinarium (7), H. japonica (1), and H. formosensis (1). H. longicornis and H. flava were collected from all animal hosts examined. For animal hosts (n>1), the highest Tick Index (TI) was observed for domestic dogs (29.6), followed by Siberian roe deer (17.4), water deer (14.4), and raccoon dogs (1.3). A total of 402 H. longicornis (adults 86, 21.4%; nymphs 160, 39.8%; larvae 156, 38.9%) were collected from wild and domestic animals. A total of 158 H. flava (n=158) were collected from wild and domestic animals and 1 ring-necked pheasant, with a higher proportion of adults (103, 65.2%), while nymphs and larvae only accounted for 12.7% (20) and 22.2% (35), respectively. Only 7 A. testudinarium were collected from the wild boar (6 adults) and Eurasian badger (1 nymph), while only 5 I. nipponensis were collected from the water deer (4 adults) and a raccoon dog (1 adult). One adult female H. formosensis was first collected from vegetation by tick drag from Mara Island, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do Province.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.93-105
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• 2004

The Shihwa wetland, a newly developed constructed wetland prototype in Korea with an area of approximately 104 ha, was established to improve the water quality severely polluted inflow streams into Lake Shihwa. Because this wetland could play a role as an ecological park in addition to improving the water quality, an ecological impact of the Shihwa constructed wetland has been a national concern. This paper focused on reporting the survey results for fauna among the entire investigation results for 3 years. A total of 129 terrestrial insect species have been observed from August 2001 to June 2002. Among them, Ischnura asiatica (Brauer) (order Odonata), Scymnus species (order Coleoptera) and Orthopteran species were frequently found in the reed bushes. A total of 77 bird species were recorded in a seasonal count, the maximum number of species was 34 in winter and the maximum number of individuals was 4,599 in summer. For the freshwater fish, only 4 species were found in 2000, however in 2001 and 2002, 12 species and 459 individuals were collected at four survey points. Among these 12 species, the dominant species were Mugil cephalus(36%), followed by Carassius auratus (25%) and Rhinogobius brunneus (22%). Meanwhile,12 individuals of Oryzias latipes were observed nearby, mostly downstream of the wetland. For the Herpetofauna at four survey areas, 3 species of amphibians and 3 species of reptiles were recorded. Because of remaining salinity in the soil of the Shiwha constructed wetland, Herpetofauna inflow to the wetland was scanty and mainly inhabited the upstream area. A total of 8 mammal species were recorded. Small-sized species were the striped field mouse, the Ussurian harvest-mouse, the Manchurian reed vole and the brown rat. Middle- and large-sized species were Korean water-deer, Korean raccoon dogs, Korean yellow weasels and feral cats.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.22.1-22.9
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• 2020

Rabid raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis) have been responsible for animal rabies in South Korea since the 1990s. A recombinant rabies vaccine strain, designated as ERAGS, was constructed for use as a bait vaccine. Therefore, new means of differentiating ERAGS from other rabies virus (RABV) strains will be required in biological manufacturing and diagnostic service centers. In this study, we designed two specific primer sets for differentiation between ERAGS and other RABVs based on mutation in the RABV glycoprotein gene. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of the glycoprotein gene revealed two DNA bands of 383 bp and 583 bp in the ERAGS strain but a single DNA band of 383 bp in the field strains. The detection limits of multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were 80 and 8 FAID₅₀/reaction for the ERAGS and Evelyn-Rokitnicki-Abelseth strains, respectively. No cross-reactions were detected in the non-RABV reference viruses, including canine distemper virus, parvovirus, canine adenovirus type 1 and 2, and parainfluenza virus. The results of multiplex RT-PCR were 100% consistent with those of the fluorescent antibody test. Therefore, one-step multiplex RT-PCR is likely useful for differentiation between RABVs with and those without mutation at position 333 of the RABV glycoprotein gene.