Postmortem Findings in Free-Ranging North American Beavers (Castor canadensis) Reveal Potential Threats to California's Freshwater Ecosystems.

ABSTRACT: North American beavers (Castor canadensis) are semi-aquatic rodents recognized as keystone species because they increase the diversity of freshwater ecosystems. This study aimed to characterize the mortality and pathological findings in free-ranging beavers in California and, based on these results, identify potential threats to freshwater ecosystems. This study included 18 beavers submitted for postmortem examination at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, UC Davis, between 2008 and 2024. Gross and microscopic examinations, and bacteriological, parasitological, immunohistochemical, and molecular techniques, were used as tools to diagnose the cause of death/reason for euthanasia and comorbidities in the beavers. Baylisascaris spp.-associated or -suspected

SUBMITTER: Gonzales-Viera OA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11816171 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature