A força-tarefa de combate à doença de Newcastle intensificou as ações de vigilância e controle sanitário no oeste de Santa Catarina.

Até quarta-feira (28), três focos da doença haviam sido confirmados em criações comerciais de aves nos municípios de Nova Itaberaba, Coronel Freitas e Nova Erechim.

Coordenada pelo Coezoo (Centro de Operações de Emergência Zoossanitária), a operação reúne 124 profissionais de diferentes instituições, incluindo 90 agentes da Cidasc (Companhia Integrada de Desenvolvimento Agrícola de Santa Catarina), além de equipes do Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária (Mapa), da Secretaria da Agricultura, Pecuária, Produção Sustentável e Irrigação (SEAPI), do Icasa e da Polícia Civil.

A estrutura conta com cinco barreiras sanitárias para desinfecção e controle do trânsito de veículos nas áreas afetadas.

O primeiro foco foi confirmado em 18 de outubro, em Nova Itaberaba. A depopulação das aves, a limpeza e a desinfecção da propriedade foram concluídas, e o local entrou em período de vazio sanitário no dia 23.

Em Coronel Freitas, onde o segundo foco foi detectado em 24 de outubro, a retirada e o enterrio das aves, da cama e da ração foram finalizados. A propriedade passa pelas etapas de limpeza e desinfecção das instalações e dos equipamentos.

O terceiro foco foi confirmado em 26 de outubro, em uma propriedade comercial de perus de corte em Nova Erechim. As equipes iniciaram a depopulação das aves na quarta-feira, com instalação de uma barreira sanitária no acesso ao estabelecimento.

Mais de 400 propriedades vistoriadas

A vigilância também foi ampliada nas propriedades rurais da região. Na quarta-feira, 51 equipes realizaram inspeções em 362 propriedades com criações de subsistência e em 57 estabelecimentos comerciais.

As informações sobre a ocorrência sanitária são comunicadas continuamente à OMS (Organização Mundial de Saúde Animal).

Além das medidas de contenção, a força-tarefa iniciou ações educativas para orientar produtores rurais e moradores sobre a prevenção da doença e a importância da notificação de casos suspeitos.

Nas visitas às propriedades, os técnicos reforçam práticas de biosseguridade, como restringir o acesso de pessoas e veículos, higienizar e desinfetar equipamentos e materiais e adotar cuidados no manejo das aves.

A orientação é que produtores comuniquem imediatamente à Cidasc qualquer sinal ou situação suspeita, para permitir a investigação e a adoção das medidas sanitárias necessárias.

A força-tarefa também esclarece que, conforme as orientações sanitárias oficiais, o consumo de produtos de origem animal provenientes de estabelecimentos submetidos à inspeção sanitária oficial e identificados com o selo correspondente não representa risco à saúde do consumidor.

In the Buffalo Zoo in New York, the arrival of autumn brought a specific seasonal task for staff and a novel puzzle for two of its most powerful residents: the Amur tiger Sungari and the polar bear Sakari. Both animals received bright orange pumpkins, a standard enrichment tool, but their interactions with the object revealed distinct behavioral drives that separate the species' evolutionary histories from the anthropomorphic stories often attached to them. When observing a tiger's interaction with a pumpkin, viewers often interpret the action as playful mimicry of a house cat. However, the underlying mechanism is physiological rather than imitative. As noted in the source material, domestic cats and Amur tigers share more than 95% of their DNA. This genetic proximity results in identical behavioral algorithms for hunting and play, regardless of whether the subject weighs ten pounds or 200 kilograms. When Sungari bat at the pumpkin or rolls it with its paws, the animal is not acting "cute”; it is executing a predatory motor pattern that is genetically conserved across the Felidae family. The behavior is an instinctive response to a novel, mobile object, triggered by the same neural pathways that govern a kitten's interaction with a ball of yarn. The polar bear Sakari's response to the same stimulus was functionally different. Where the tiger treated the pumpkin as a prey item to be chased and manipulated, the bear approached it as a structural obstacle to be dismantled. Using its powerful jaws, Sakari crushed the vegetable into pieces. For a polar bear, this action engages different physical systems than the tiger's rapid, agile movements. Crushing hard objects mimics the natural behaviors required to access food or investigate the environment, utilizing jaw strength and persistence. The contrast highlights how two apex predators process the same object: one through agile, pincer-based manipulation, the other through brute force and dental application.

For decades, the waters off the coast of Baja California and the Mexican Gulf offered a nightly spectacle that defied casual observation. Fishermen called them "red devils,” a name earned by the flickering, reddish bioluminescence of Humboldt squid as they surfaced in massive aggregations. These cephalopods, capable of reaching two meters in length and weighing up to 45 kilograms, were not merely large for their species; they were structural pillars of the ecosystem. Their presence supported commercial fisheries and provided the primary sustenance for sperm whales, which depended on their bulk for survival in these waters. Today, that structure has collapsed. The giant squid remain, but they are no longer giants. The shift represents a measurable change in biological strategy driven by sustained environmental stress, with cascading effects on human economics and marine predation dynamics. From Abundance to Miniaturization The transition was not gradual in the way a slow population decline might be, but rather a sharp demographic shift visible in catch data and satellite records. Tim Frowley, a researcher at Stanford University, noted the stark contrast when working in the Gulf of California. The familiar sight of massive individuals filling fishing nets has been replaced by a prevalence of juvenile-sized specimens. These smaller squid are often too undersized for industrial processing, rendering the traditional economic model of the fishery obsolete. The species has not vanished, a distinction critical for understanding the current state of the ecosystem. Instead, the average size has dropped dramatically, signaling a fundamental alteration in the life history of Dopidona pealeii in this region. This miniaturization is the result of a specific oceanographic driver known as an "oceanographic drought.” For much of the last century, the local environment was regulated by the oscillation between El Niño (warming) and La Niña (cooling) phases. The cooling phases were biologically essential, allowing the squid population to recover, mature, and restore the trophic balance. However, recent years have seen a dominance of prolonged El Niño conditions. The water in the Gulf of California has remained anomalously warm for extended periods, a state that disrupts the physiological rhythms required for the squid to reach their former massive sizes. This persistent warmth acts as a chronic stressor, forcing the population to alter its reproductive and growth strategies to survive.

In Inner Mongolia, a fossilized skull and skeleton preserved for over 160 million years have offered a rare, unbroken view into the early architecture of a mammal. The specimen, identified as Megacauda sungei, weighs an estimated one to two kilograms, placing it in the same size range as a modern platypus. Researchers described the find in the journal Nature, noting that the animal lived during the Jurassic period in what is now China. Using micro-computed tomography, the team analyzed the internal structures of the skull and skeleton without disturbing the fragile ancient bones, revealing a creature that defies simple categorization. A Chimeric Anatomy The anatomical profile of Megacauda sungei presents a mosaic of traits that, in modern fauna, belong to entirely different groups. The animal possessed a robust, flexible tail resembling that of an otter, a structure that likely provided significant maneuverability in water. Its jaws featured cutting teeth similar to those of a seal, indicating a predatory lifestyle. Furthermore, the architecture of its pelvis shared specific characteristics with primitive egg-laying mammals, linking its evolutionary lineage to the monotremes. Together, these features suggest that Megacauda sungei was a semi-aquatic hunter that preyed on small creatures in the freshwater ecosystems of the Jurassic era. The Mechanics of Nursing While the external morphology is intriguing, the study's most significant contribution lies in its insights into the physiological roots of mammalian care. Researchers focused on the bony structures within the oral and throat regions, areas that in living mammals support the complex musculature required for suckling and swallowing liquids. The presence of these specific anatomical supports in a 160-million-year-old fossil indicates that the physical machinery necessary for nursing was already established during the mid-Jurassic period.

In the murky depths of the Amazon basin, the arapaima (Arapaima gigas) moves as a silent, submerged monument to biological engineering. This freshwater giant, which can reach lengths of up to 4.5 meters and weigh nearly 200 kilograms, possesses a physical trait that has captured both scientific and popular imagination: its scales. While internet folklore often circulates claims about the fish's resistance to shotgun blasts, the documented reality is far more precise and biologically significant. The arapaima's integument is not merely a thick skin; it is a sophisticated bio-composite material that serves as a critical shield in one of the most competitive aquatic ecosystems on Earth. The primary function of this armor is not defense against human weaponry, but against the predatory pressures of its native habitat. In the dense waters of the Amazon, competition is intense, and even a fully grown adult must contend with threats such as piranhas. Research into the structure of arapaima scales reveals a dual-layered design: a hard, rigid outer surface paired with a flexible internal structure. This combination allows the scales to dissipate impact forces effectively, rendering the teeth of smaller predators ineffective against the giant's body. The result is a biological mechanism where the aggressor's weapon breaks against the defender's armor, leaving the arapaima unharmed. The Mechanics of the Hunt and Growth Beyond its defensive capabilities, the arapaima is a highly efficient predator that relies on tactical precision rather than brute force alone. The fish utilizes the dense vegetation of the river as cover, remaining motionless until a prey item enters its strike range. The attack is instantaneous; the arapaima opens its massive mouth rapidly, creating a powerful suction flow that draws the victim inward. This hydrodynamic capability is supported by the species' rapid developmental trajectory. Despite its eventual massive size, young arapaima grow at a remarkable rate, capable of gaining approximately 10 kilograms of body weight in a single year. By the age of five, individuals typically reach a length of 1.5 meters, transitioning quickly into the adult form that dominates the upper trophic levels of the local food web.

The typical image of a domestic rabbit is one of a small, fluffy creature weighing only a few pounds. However, the Flemish Giant-often referred to as the Belgian Giant-challenges this perception. These animals can reach weights of up to 12 kilograms, placing them in a size category more comparable to a medium-sized dog than a traditional house pet. From Agricultural Utility to Companionship The Flemish Giant is not a product of modern genetic manipulation but is one of the oldest recognized breeds. While formal records date back to 1860, evidence suggests the breed has existed for approximately 400 years, originating in the historical region of Flanders in present-day Belgium. Historically, these rabbits were bred for the production of meat and high-quality fur. Over time, their utility in commercial agriculture declined due to specific biological constraints. They exhibit lower fecundity compared to smaller breeds and are predisposed to several health complications. Their massive frame makes them susceptible to joint dysplasia and heart failure, while their weight often leads to the development of pododermatitis-painful calluses on the soles of their paws. Additionally, their size makes them particularly sensitive to overheating during hot weather.

Uma menina de 8 anos foi hospitalizada com ferimentos graves após ser atacada por um lobo dentro do recinto de um zoológico na Alemanha.

A menina estava com outras duas crianças e um funcionário quando pelo menos um lobo a atacou na manhã de quarta-feira no Parque de Vida Selvagem Johannismühle, ao sul de Berlim, informou a polícia em um comunicado divulgado no mesmo dia.

O local estava promovendo um evento especial para crianças no momento do incidente, segundo a agência de notícias Associated Press (AP), que citou autoridades do distrito de Teltow-Fläming.

O tratador de animais interveio antes que as outras duas meninas, que estavam no recinto dos lobos-do-ártico, fossem atacadas, de acordo com a AP.

A menina ferida foi transportada de helicóptero para o hospital, enquanto as outras duas aparentemente não sofreram ferimentos, informou a polícia, que investiga o caso.

Segundo o site do zoológico, o local permanecerá fechado até pelo menos 2 de novembro.

O ataque é o mais recente de uma série de incidentes envolvendo animais em cativeiro que ganharam destaque nos últimos meses.

Um tratador de animais na Holanda morreu na terça-feira, três dias depois de ser atacado por um leopardo no parque de safári onde trabalhava.

No início deste mês, um homem morreu após ser atacado por um tigre ao entrar no recinto do animal em um parque de vida selvagem no Reino Unido.

Em setembro, um tratador de tigres ligado a Joe Exotic, conhecido pela série Tiger King, morreu após ser atacado por um dos felinos na reserva de animais em Oklahoma onde trabalhava.

Enquanto isso, uma mulher foi mordida por um lobo em uma área comercial de Hamburgo no início deste ano, informou a AP, citando autoridades. Acredita-se que tenha sido o primeiro ataque desse tipo desde o retorno dos lobos à Alemanha, em 1998.

A mother cat's supervision of her kittens often appears as strict instruction, but it is primarily a series of observable interactions that shape survival skills. The process begins in the first few days of life and continues until the kittens are approximately three months old. During this period, the foundation for hygiene, social boundaries, and physical coordination is established through specific, repeated behaviors rather than abstract instruction. Hygiene and Physical Care Cleanliness is the first skill transmitted. Immediately after birth, the mother stimulates the kittens' vital functions by licking them. This action serves a dual purpose: it is both a hygiene procedure and a massage that aids digestion in the newborns. As the kittens grow, they begin to mimic this behavior, clumsily attempting to wash their paws or flanks. By observing the adult cat, the young ones learn how to groom their own fur independently. A critical component of this training is the use of the litter box. The mother demonstrates the proper technique by digging into the substrate and covering her waste. If a kitten ignores these standards near the nesting area, the mother may enforce compliance through physical intervention, such as pressing a paw against the kitten or a gentle bite. These corrections establish the boundaries of acceptable behavior in shared living spaces.

In a scene captured for the PBS documentary series Tiger Island, a male tiger slowly approaches his cubs. Rather than displaying the aggression or indifference traditionally expected from a solitary apex predator, he begins to bob his head rhythmically. The mother rests nearby, calm and unbothered. This specific interaction, filmed in Nepal, challenges the long-standing biological assumption that tigers are strictly solitary and that fathers play no role in rearing offspring. Observing the Social Structure For decades, the prevailing scientific view held that female tigers raise their cubs in complete isolation for approximately two years, with the male offering neither protection nor interaction. The footage from Nepal complicates this narrative by showing a cohesive group dynamic. This is not presented as an isolated anomaly but as evidence of a social architecture that is more complex than previously documented in textbooks. Further observations of female tigers reveal instances of cooperative care, where one female may assist in raising another's cubs. In the world of large cats, this behavior stands in stark contrast to infanticide-a practice where a new male kills the cubs of his predecessor to induce estrus in the female. Mutual aid among females acts as a survival strategy, directly increasing the likelihood that the offspring will reach adulthood.

Benjamin, a blind senior dog, spent one month in a shelter before moving to a temporary foster home. In the initial days, he remained withdrawn and required quiet time to recover from the stress of his previous environment. However, within a week of warm baths and a sense of security, he began to reveal his true temperament. A video shared on American social media by the user Celine shows Benjamin inviting his foster mother to play, a moment that has resonated with many observers of his journey. Observation vs. Interpretation The visible action here is the initiation of play. Before this, the observable state was suppression. The transition from a closed-off demeanor to an invitation for interaction is the central fact. It does not prove that Benjamin was "guilty" of being difficult earlier, nor does it confirm he was seeking revenge for any past treatment. Instead, it indicates a shift in his internal assessment of safety. The behavior separates the animal's immediate reaction to a new environment from the human narrative of "healing" or "transformation," which, while emotionally compelling, is a subjective overlay on a biological process of stress reduction. The Mechanism of Adaptation Veterinary experts, including those at VCA, emphasize that adaptation is not an instantaneous event. The standard framework for understanding this timeline is the "3-3-3" rule, which outlines three distinct phases of habituation. The first three days are characterized by decompression, where the dog may appear stressed, refuse food, or exhibit withdrawn behavior. This is a survival response, not a judgment of the owner. The next three weeks involve the animal beginning to grasp the household rules and routine, gradually extending trust to the new caregivers. Finally, after three months, a dog typically reaches a state of full adaptation, where a stable bond forms and the true personality emerges.

Uma sucuri-amarela foi filmada enrolada em um jacaré dentro de um lago, no Pantanal de Mato Grosso do Sul. O registro foi feito durante um safari nesta segunda-feira (26).

Na filmagem, realizada pelo técnico em agropecuária Adriel Abreu, é possível ver a sucuri com o corpo enrolado no animal. Assista:

“[Quando chegamos] A sucuri-amarela já estava submersa na água dando para ver as arrodias dela envolta do jacaré, quando ela faz esse processo de asfixia da presa”, disse o técnico.

Na ocasião, Adriel acompanhava um grupo de turistas, que puderam se aproximar do lago e ver a movimentação do animal.

“Era um lago pequeno desses de beira de estrada mesmo, a água estava até um pouco turva. Sucuri não é muito normal [de ser vista], mas nesses últimos dias ela está aparecendo com mais frequência”, concluiu Abreu.

The Pseudechis australis, commonly known as the mulga or king brown snake, occupies a distinct position in Australia's ecological hierarchy. While its common name suggests a link to true brown snakes, taxonomically it is closer to the genus Pseudechis, which also includes the black snakes. This robust elapid is not defined solely by its size, but by a defensive strategy that significantly elevates the risk of human interaction. Understanding this creature requires distinguishing between its general physical traits and the specific physiological consequences of its venom, a distinction that matters most when assessing the severity of a potential envenomation. Physical Profile and Habitat Range Adult mulgas typically measure between 1.5 and 2 meters in length, though records document individuals reaching three meters and weighing up to six kilograms. Their morphology is characterized by a broad head and heavy musculature, contributing to an intimidating presence. The species exhibits significant regional variation in coloration, ranging from pale yellow and reddish-brown to olive and nearly black tones. Dorsal scales often feature dark edging, creating a reticulated pattern, while the ventral surface is usually cream or pinkish, occasionally marked with bright orange spots. Sexual dimorphism is evident, with males generally larger than females. The snake's adaptability allows it to inhabit much of mainland Australia, excluding Tasmania and the southeastern periphery. It thrives in diverse environments, including dry savannas, open woodlands, acacia scrub, and tropical forests. Shelters often include abandoned mammal burrows, deep soil cracks, or spaces beneath rocks. Behavioral patterns vary by geography; in the hot northern regions, the snake is primarily nocturnal, whereas in the south, it is frequently active during the day, basking in the sun. The species does not inherently fear human proximity and may establish territories near farms or residential structures where rodent populations are abundant.

The Atlas Mountains of North Africa were once the domain of large carnivores, including the Barbary lion and the Atlas bear. Both species have vanished from the wild, leaving the Barbary leopard as the last major predator in the region. Its survival is no longer a matter of abundance but of uncertainty; while it remains the last of the area's large cats to face potential extinction, the evidence for its continued existence in the wild is increasingly thin. The species now exists primarily as a historical footnote, its presence in the modern landscape reduced to sporadic, unverified reports from remote highlands. The Physical and Ecological Niche Historically, this subspecies, formerly classified as Panthera pardus panthera, occupied a specific ecological niche defined by the rugged terrain of Morocco and Algeria. While modern genetic studies from the early 2000s consolidated continental African leopards into a single group, the Barbary population retained distinct physical traits adapted to its environment. The dense coat of the highland population provided insulation against the cold nights of the Atlas range. Morphologically, the animals were larger than their sub-Saharan counterparts, with male individuals reportedly weighing up to 90 kilograms, significantly exceeding the average of 70 kilograms for standard African leopards. Their coat coloration varied from pale buff to deep gold, with rosette patterns that field observers have noted resemble the spots of a jaguar more than those of other leopard subspecies. Their habitat consisted of arid slopes, rock crevices, and mountain forests. This environment dictated a diet of wild boar, Barbary sheep, and Barbary macaques. The scarcity of such prey in human-adjacent zones often forced the cats into conflict with pastoralists. When natural prey was scarce, leopards targeted domestic livestock. This created a long-standing cycle of retribution, where local residents killed the cats to protect their herds, a dynamic that intensified over decades as human encroachment into the mountains increased.

The king cobra (*Ophiophagus hannah*) can lift the front third of its body vertically, presenting a posture that allows it to visually align with the head of an adult human. This behavior distinguishes it from most other serpents, which lack the muscular mass and structural support to raise their bodies so high off the ground. As the world's longest venomous snake, this species relies on size not merely for dominance, but as a biological resource that enables the production and storage of significant venom reserves. Adult king cobras typically range between three and four meters in length, with documented individuals exceeding 5.5 meters and weighing more than 10 kilograms. Despite its stature, the species is not defined by the potency of its individual venom molecule. Instead, the king cobra employs a strategy of volume, injecting large doses of neurotoxin that paralyze the respiratory system of prey. This physiological mechanism is particularly effective against its primary food source: other snakes, including cobras, kraits, and small pythons. Beyond Length: Mass and Venom Delivery While length is a prominent metric in snake classification, body mass and delivery mechanisms offer different insights into predatory efficiency. The Gaboon viper (*Bitis gabonica*), for instance, represents a different ecological archetype. It rarely exceeds two meters in length but can surpass 10 kilograms in weight. This heavyset build supports the longest venomous fangs in the snake world, which can measure up to five centimeters.

A casual stroll through a forest or along a ravine often reveals unassuming holes in the slopes that serve as gateways to sophisticated underground systems. Red foxes are skilled architects, constructing multi-level dens that may serve as ancestral homes for several generations of predators. The Architecture of a Fox Den Foxes typically prioritize sandy slopes for their homes, as this soil is easier to excavate and offers superior drainage, keeping the living quarters dry. A standard den is not merely a hole, but a structured network consisting of a narrow, inconspicuous main entrance and a series of deep tunnels. At depths ranging from one to three meters, foxes create spacious nesting chambers where females raise their kits. To ensure a safe escape during a perceived threat, these systems almost always include secondary emergency exits. While they are capable builders, foxes are also opportunistic, frequently occupying abandoned badger setts or sharing existing subterranean spaces with other species.

O “olhar de culpa” que seu cachorro demonstra quando faz algo de errado na verdade pode não ser arrependimento, mas uma reação por você repreendê-lo. É o que aponta um estudo feito pela National Library of Medicine (NLM) após testes com 14 cães domésticos (Canis familiaris) e publicado pela revista “Science Direct”.

Os animais foram gravados na sala de estar das casas em que vivem, tendo de obedecer ou não à ordem de não comer um petisco quando o dono não estava por perto – outros estudos já haviam demonstrado que os cães interpretam a ausência do tutor na sala como um sinal de nível mais baixo de atenção. Dez segundos depois de terem cumprido ou não o pedido, os tutores voltavam.

O que se viu foi que um número maior de animais fez a “cara de culpado” ao ser repreendido pela desobediência, apontando que a reação seria mais uma resposta ao comportamento do dono do que a consciência de ter violado o “código de conduta”.

Dúvida antiga

Os tutores interpretam as evidências comportamentais, ou a aparência externa do animal, como a compreensão e experiência dos bichos. Essa atribuição de características, comportamentos, sentimentos, pensamentos ou formas físicas humanas a seres não humanos é conhecida como antropomorfismo.

O olhar de culpa – reconhecido por quem tem ou não cães -, já é discutido há décadas. Em 1954, o zoólogo e observador do comportamento animal Konrad Lorenz (1903–1989) acreditava que poderia se “presumir com certeza que o cachorro esconde uma consciência culpada” ao cometer alguma transgressão. Uma pesquisa de 2008 com 307 tutores apontou que a maioria acreditava que seus cães sentiam tristeza, alegria, surpresa e medo, entre outras emoções, e que 74% disseram que os animais sentiam culpa.

Entre as atitudes, desviar o olhar, implorar “perdão” oferecendo freneticamente a pata, recuar de forma submissa ou colocar o rabo entre as pernas ou encolher-se costuma ser associado à culpa.

Resultado

A observação do estudo é que esse olhar seria uma resposta dos cães à repreensão, castigo ou à presença de um dono, independentemente de ter obedecido ou desobedecido ao comando, e não uma consciência espontânea de que se comportou de uma maneira “errada” específica.

E como os cães vivem no presente, dar bronca horas depois do que eles fizeram não é eficaz – eles perceberão que você está bravo, mas não conseguirão associar com algo que já aconteceu, gerando ansiedade e sem resolver o problema.

Confira as raças de cachorro mais populares no Brasil

 

Owners often mistake a cat's relaxed posture for an open invitation to touch. When a pet lies on its back, exposing the belly, it is displaying a state of vulnerability, not necessarily requesting contact. Understanding this distinction is critical for maintaining trust and avoiding defensive bites or scratches. The Belly: Trust, Not an Invitation In the wild, the abdomen is the most exposed area of the body, housing vital organs. A cat that turns on its back is signaling that it feels safe enough to lower its guard. This is a profound demonstration of trust. However, when a human hand approaches this sensitive zone, the animal's predatory instincts often override the initial trust. The cat may swat, bite, or clamp its paws around the arm. This is a natural defensive reflex, not a sign of ingratitude or malicious intent. Tail and Paws: Sensitive Communication Channels The tail is a primary tool for balance and communication, densely packed with nerve endings. Squeezing or holding the tail is physically uncomfortable and disrupts the cat's sense of equilibrium. If the tail begins to twitch or thump against the floor while you pet the animal, it is a clear signal that the interaction has become overstimulating. Similarly, the paw pads are complex sensory organs used to detect vibrations and texture. Because they contain a high concentration of receptors, direct pressure or handling of the toes is often perceived as intense and threatening, prompting the cat to pull its limbs away.

Choosing a dog is often framed as a search for a loyal companion, but for breeds with strong protective or defensive instincts, it is a commitment to managing complex behavioral risks. Experts note that dogs do not attack without cause; their actions are reactions to their environment and their interaction with their owners. When a dog displays aggression, the root usually lies in how the human-animal relationship is structured, not in an inherent flaw of the animal itself. Behavior vs. Interpretation Several breeds require high levels of owner discipline and psychological understanding. The Alabai, or Central Asian Shepherd, is bred for territorial protection. To the dog, the household is a pack that must be defended. However, this drive depends on a clear social structure. If the owner fails to establish consistent leadership, the dog may assume the role of the protector-manager. In such cases, when a family member intervenes or a stressor appears, the dog may act aggressively. To the human observer, this looks like unprovoked violence or family betrayal. To the dog, it is an attempt to enforce the hierarchy it perceives as its duty. Similarly, the American Pit Bull Terrier possesses high energy and endurance. These dogs require regular physical and mental outlet. Without this release, frustration accumulates. If early socialization and clear boundaries are absent, this pent-up energy can manifest as impulsive or unpredictable behavior. The aggression here is often a result of unmet needs rather than malice. The dog is not plotting revenge; it is responding to a state of internal tension that has no appropriate discharge channel.

In Norse mythology, cats held a status rare among animals. Ancient sagas describe a chain forged from the soft sound of a cat's footsteps, a device used to bind the giant wolf Fenrir. The goddess Freyja, according to legend, did not ride a chariot drawn by stags, but by a pair of male cats. These myths did not arise in a vacuum; they were shaped by the daily reality of the Norwegian Forest Cat, a breed whose physical history is inextricably linked to the survival of Northern peoples. The formation of this distinct phenotype began approximately 1,500 years ago during the migration of various feline ancestors into Scandinavia. In the harsh conditions of the North, natural selection was ruthless. It favored individuals with robust constitutions and specific genetic traits that allowed them to survive in a cold climate. This pressure resulted in a recognizable physique: a large, sturdy animal that can weigh up to 9 kilograms (approximately 20 pounds). Engineered for the Boreal Forest The most significant biological adaptation is the coat. Unlike the delicate, silk-like fur of many other long-haired breeds, the Norwegian Forest Cat possesses a double coat that is exceptionally durable. The outer layer is coarse and water-resistant, while the undercoat is thick and insulating. This structure is highly resistant to matting, a critical feature for a predator that must remain agile and mobile in snowy, dense forests.

VTM

José Manuel Fernandes afirmou que o vírus Shamonda, transmitido por insetos do género Culicoides, “não leva a mortalidade dos animais” e garantiu que “não há nenhum perigo de contágio para as pessoas”.

O governante sublinhou que “não vamos é entrar num alarme, que neste momento não se justifica”, referindo que o impacto na saúde animal não é grave. O ministro destacou um caso isolado em França, onde uma pessoa com estado de saúde muito debilitado contraiu o vírus, mas enfatizou que não se pode afirmar que a morte tenha sido causada pelo vírus.

Atualmente, ainda não existe um plano específico para lidar com o vírus Shamonda. A solução proposta pelo ministro é a monitorização e a melhoria das condições sanitárias nas explorações pecuárias. Fernandes defendeu a necessidade de “avançar rapidamente numa investigação” à escala da União Europeia para desenvolver vacinas eficazes e acessíveis.

O veterinário do Agrupamento de Defesa Sanitário (ADS) de Palaçoulo, no concelho de Miranda do Douro, alertou na quinta-feira, em declarações à Lusa, para o preço elevado das análises a bovinos para a deteção do vírus Shamonda que afetou uma exploração em Vimioso.

Luís Fernandes explicou ter obtido a informação de que o preço das análises ronda mais de 30 euros, o que numa vacada, por exemplo com 50 animais, já requer algum investimento por parte dos produtores pecuários onde existam sintomas.

Questionado sobre a possibilidade de comparticipação nas análises devido às dificuldades financeiras dos produtores, o ministro não se comprometeu. “Não vamos fazer análises que não sejam necessárias; nós avaliaremos e se for necessário apoio, fazemos”, disse.

A Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária (DGAV) confirmou a deteção do vírus em vários países da União Europeia, incluindo Portugal e Espanha. O último relatório indicava casos nos concelhos de Odemira, Vimioso, Évora, Loures, Crato e Montijo.

Os bovinos são os mais afetados pela infeção, embora ovinos e caprinos também possam ser suscetíveis sem manifestações clínicas evidentes. Os bovinos com infeções agudas podem apresentar febre, diarreia e redução na produção leiteira entre 10% e 20%.

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