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E-M@il

I like to recall everybody to remember that every time you sell your pelts, to ask the buyer to send the 10 cents to the promotion fund of the CIC. That money allows the CIC to canalize funds at the right people to help the industry. Nothing can be done alone; we have to work side by side in a common effort to promote our product.

Through this note I would like to thank the Argentinean Association of Chinchilla Breeders, the Brazilian Association ACHILA, Instituto de la Chinchilla from Chile and Mexican Association and other Latin-American associations that allowed us to use their premises for the CIC meeting. In front of more than 400 ranchers from different countries helped us to show what we do and what is the importance of been part of the organization. Thanks again to everyone that was involved in organizing that big event.

The next meeting was proposed along with the Empress National Show in March 2006, at Saint Louis.

Guillermo Holzer
Chairman

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At this opportunity the CIC's board meeting was held right after the live animal show in one of the rooms of the Double Tree Hotel, place that have come to be the traditional home for the Empress National Show at Denver every three years. Through this note I would like to thank Jim Burnett, president of the Colorado's branch for the help to the CIC and also to extend our gratitude to all members who contribute with their work to have an impeccable show.

CIC member's attendance had been important and their ideas help to improve our participation and presence in the fur world. To this meeting we counted with the presence of Patricia Perrin for Mexico; Dr. Jim Butler for MCBA; Brent Poley for Canchilla, Canada; Fernando Aleandri seating for Hector Aleandri, Argentina; Gary Neubauer for ECBC; Pete Kiseskey Vice-Chairman for Sullivan Fur Dressing; Anna Harris Sec/Tres, and Guillermo Holzer Chairman representing Chile

At that time it was the opportunity to switch the Sec/Tres. position from Anna Harris. Anna resigned last years because of personal problems and she couldn't continue doing her job. Thank you Anna for a well done job through the time, from now on Wendel Bird was appointed as Secretary and Brent Poley will hold the Treasures position.

Mr. Poley offered a very short and concise report of the chinchilla pelt market. The world pelt production is diminishing and moving to this hemisphere. On this side of the world the production is increasing and in contrast with the East Europeans countries where production is diminishing. This situation had brought a slow and steady increase of pelt prices, which allows and provides the stability we are looking for. Because of his words the good news can be spelled in only eight letters "optimism"

That report allows us, as ranchers, to make plans for the future and to leave behind the threats of continued low prices as in the last couple year's uncertainty's market. Maybe this is the time to start again our entire ranch's productive potentials, especially after the years we have restrained our selves and been waiting and preparing to produce the best

Also it was discussed the importance to remained ranchers that they can send their contributions directly to the advertising fund. Remember that every live animal sold is one pelt less in the market and is less money to the fund. It was approved to ask ranchers to contribute voluntary with 25 cents for each live animal sold. That voluntary contribution replaces the former one. That money can be send direct to our treasurer Mr. Poley or via your representative to the CIC in your country. CIC is looking forward to find a better way to identify permanently those who contribute with the advertising fund.

Some donations were approved during the period to those organizations that help to our cause and defend the fur industry. FICA, US Sport's Alliance, Americans for Medical Progress, etc. More information about those organization's activities can be found in the internet

I would like to remain you that the museum of the chinchilla is functioning, thanks to Gary Neubauer who built a special place in his propriety for the museum; that unique place dedicated exclusively to the chinchilla had been already visited by many local people and foreigners. Any material related to the history of chinchilla that can be donated to the museum will be deeply appreciated

For unanimous decision the board members were reelected for another period, Wendel Bird as Secretary, Brent Poley as Treasurer, Pete Kiseskey vice Chairman and Guillermo Holzer as Chairman.
We will continue working through the year and ask everyone to send their ideas that will help to improve chinchilla's position into the fur world.

Guillermo Holzer

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It is very important to begin this note with a big thanks to the people from region I, at Ohio, they made a big effort to organize and run a good show, special occasion to remember the 50th anniversary of the first Empress Show, very good surroundings for the CIC meeting.
Too bad the only free time for our meeting was late Saturday, everyone was so tire, making very hard to keep us awake.
The attendance was acceptable, Pete Kiseskey Vice-president seating for dressers, big ranchers Ralph Shoots, Gary Neubauer or Empress, Randy Jagielo seating for NCBA, pelt buyers, Brent Poley, for the Mexican Association Patricia Perrin, Carlos Perez for the Brazilian Associations, Fernando Aleandri representing the Argentinean associations, seating for Nat Berkowitz and furriers Sue Kiseskey, Secretary/Treasurer Ann Harris and representing the Chilean Association Guillermo Holzer as Chairman.
After approving agenda, last meeting minutes and treasurer's report, Mr. Poley pointed out that his market report was already presented during the time of the banquet. His presentation shown what was going on in the world markets, how was affecting us and his positive view of the future of our industry.
Afterwards we analyzed requests for donations to organizations that usually the CIC is contributing. For the Fur Industry Council of America (FICA) a donation of $ 1000 was approved, and for the Americans for Medical Progress a contribution of $100 was approved
Mr. Poley made a small story of what happened with the eight garments manufactured by Mr. Zuki presented at fairs last season, some were sold to Nieman Marcus and others, he is not quite sure went to Nordstrom, both very important retail stores in the USA. Also he pointed out that apparently because that exposure at the Montreal and Milan fairs, today there has been an improve demand of our product, making unnecessary to manufacture more garments to show at other stores as it was planned last meeting. The increasing demand o chinchilla pelts have allowed get rid of the overstock in hand of brokers. It is important to say that this increase in demand is doing to the diminishing of ranchers in other countries especially former eastern European countries.
Mr. Neubauer informed about the development of the "chinchilla museum' at the Bowen's ranch in Anza, and again remained us to contribute with any thing related to the history of chinchilla to complete that important collection. It was discuss if he needed any economical contribution from the CIC, but it is not necessary at this time.
Number 10th future projects, there was lot of discussions and a hard speech from Mr. Poley trying to encourage ranchers to promote live animals' sales and the business.
The new board of directors was elected unanimously, as follows:
Chairman Guillermo Holzer
Vice-President Pete Kiseskey
Secretary/Treasurer Anna Harris

The session was adjourned late that night until first weekend of November 2003 at Omaha along with the Empress national meeting.

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.Go To Spanish.

Meeting of the CIC, October of the 2006.

Beginning to 06:15 pm in The Mexico City.

Call of the Members:

Carlos Perez, represented Brazil.
Hector Aleandri, represented Argentina.
Patricia Perrin, represented Mexico.
Ralph Shoots, represented Bigest Ranchers.
Brent Poley, by Canchilla and NCBC.
Guillermo Holzer, represented Chile and Institute.

The called of The members was aproved as it presented by Brent Poley, second by Patricia Perrin. The agenda was aproved as it presented by Patrícia Perrin, second Hector Aleandri.

Minute of The meeting of March was aproved as it was send by Brent Poley of mail, second Hector Aleandri. Reported of the Treasurer was presented by Brent Poley that gave details of the initial balance U$$ 20.580.26, of which Canchilla obtained from the breeders U$$ 4.234.20, made payments to Rogerio Oliveira U$ 2500, to FICA in the United States U$ 1.000, to FUR trade, Industry Council of Canada U$ 1.000, to FUR Comission USA U$ 500, banking taxs U$----------, that gives a total of U$ 19.809.11.

Was aproved by Carlos Perez, second by Patricia Perrin.

As a part of Agenda, Reported of The Market was given by Brent Poley. Refered about two important points: The Market is good for both by four or five next years, the prices stay strong, but it is necessary to be alert, since as all cicle tends to lower. The most important The fall/Winter 06/07, the skin of Chinchilla is good represented in diferents fashion pages with a strong place in the industry.

In the part of mail, we received by USA reported of fall/Winter 06/07 which showed the last tendencies and comments about the Chinchilla skin, by Fur Allience.

The last news of the group called animals defended, was that their member called Coronado go away the group, to dedicate his time for the family and doesnt stay in the prison.

Developing project, Hector Aleandri gave reported about the page www.chinchillaindustrycouncil.com, which was worked well, but it need a new material that will be taken of this meeting. Continued the reported of The Artificial Insemination, Rogerio Oliveira sent material by Carlos Perez, This is in the Stage of Frozing of semen of Chinchilla, which is a fundamental step for the continuation of the work. With the received money he has brought material essential for the project.In the same time he works with study of Giardia, problem that worries to Brazil which brings tens of deaths by years. At the moment,they are controlling periodically of this diseases. The Objective is the total control, with the study of the feces of chinchilla wild in Chile to determinate if it is a carry usually, exists in the wild animal or the contamination occurs in the animal in captivity.

With respect to Empress, it was spoken in the next meeting. Donations: was given the second payment to Rogerio U$$ 2500, Donation to Empress U$$ 1500, IER Marques Mexico U$$ 1500, Withe Life the U.S.A.U$$ 500 and the last to Sullivan Fur Dressing U$$ 1000.

Election of New board, after 7 mandates years Guillermo Holzer decided to pass his mandate. Brent Poley was mention to Carlos Perez of Brazil like the new President and to Hector Aleandri like Vice President, and continuity in his position of Secretary of Treasury. Guillermo Holzer beginning the voting in favor of this names , with aprovation of the presents. Continued with appointment of a member, Guillermo Holzer proposed to Rogerio Oliveira like a new member of the CIC, represented the Tanners of Brazil, second Hector Aleandri. For the next meeting Patricia Perrin,second Ralph Shoots, proposed that it will be in St Louis, USA, for March of the 2007. The exact date to be given later. Before finish the Meeting Guillermo expressed his gratefulness to the presents and said some words of support to new President and Vice President. Brent Poley gave to him a gold and silver key with a chinchillas picture. The meeting was finished between welcome and goodbye at 19:01 hs.

Carlos Luis Perez

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OLIVEIRA, Rogério G..1; OLIVEIRA, Rafael G.2; OLIVEIRA, Ricardo G. 3 ; FIALHO, Cristina. G.4; ARAUJO, Flávio A.P.5

ABSTRACT

Chinchilla lanigera is a native rodent from Chile, and its commercial breeding started in the USA. Since the eighties, there has been a natural reserve, in Chile, where this species is protected. Feces samples from 220 Chinchillas, from a commercial breeding, and 35 samples of chinchillas, from Reserva Nacional las Chinchillas, were collected and submitted to the Faust and Collaborators Test. The total amount of positive samples for Giardia sp. cysts was 36% in the commercial breeding. All of the samples from the animals in the Reserve were negative.

INTRODUCTION

Chinchilla lanigera is a rodent that, long ago, inhabited a great extension of the Cordillera of Chile, 400 to1,500 meters above see level; in a climate that suffers variations from 0 to 30°C. The genus Chinchilla belongs to the Chinchillidae family and has two species; C. lanigera and C. brevicaudata (NEVES, 1987; LINDEN, 1999).
Some historians appoint the interest of Chinchas Indians - that is probably from where the name comes - in these animals; using pelts for warming, hair for weaving and meat for feeding. After the the Incas domain over the Chinchas, they were forbidden to wear the pelts that were related as a symbol of superiority of the Inca royalty.
The world's first breeding was initiated by an American called Chapman; who brought, to the USA, 12 specimens from Chile in 1923 (ALEANDRI, 1998; LINDEN, 1999). Over years, in captivity conditions, these animals were improved through a process of discerning genetic selection with matings; being, today, very different from the few samples seen in nature. Wild chinchillas are approximately 26 cm long and weigh as little as 350 grams, whereas the ones in captivity reach up to 30 cm and 600 grams. (NEVES 1987; LINDEN 1999).
Since 1983, there is a natural reserve, in Chile, that protects Chinchilla lanigera. It is the Reserva Nacional las Chinchilas, located 15km from Illapel, in Vale do Choapa. This area has an extension of 4,229 hectares; and approximately 6 thousand Chinchillas live in this habitat, sheltering in cactus and on rocky ground (CONAF, 2008).
Diseases in breeding chinchillas are most commonly caused by errors from the breeders themselves, regarding food, water, hygiene of cages and constructions, wind, among others; mainly reflecting in bacterial, fungal and parasite problems. Of the parasites problems, two diseases caused by protozoa are mentioned in literature, giardiasis and trichomoniasis (ALEANDRI, 1998; LINDEN, 1999).
Giardia sp. is a flagellated protozoa that lives in small intestines of many animal species, including man. This protozoa has two forms: trophozoite and cyst. Cyst is the resistant form in feces and environment (NEVES, 2005). It usually does not cause clinical signs to its host; however, in certain conditions, it can replicate and acquire virulence, causing clinical cases of acute or chronic diarrhea and poor intestinal absorption (REY, 2002). For chinchillas these conditions may be stress, change in management, alteration in intestinal flora or other weakening diseases. Feces of healthy adult chinchilla are cylindrical, around 1 cm long and 3 mm of diameter, with round edges, firm consistence and dark brown color. Diarrhea is detected through the observation of soft feces that adhere to the recipient used for bathing chinchillas, and the lack of shape in the feces found in the shave. The clinical signs that can be observed are lethargy, bended posture, opac eyes, weight loss, intermittent diarrhea with or without blood and mucus. In cases of high parasite charge, prolepse of rectum and intestine may occur, but mainly in young animals (LINDEN 1999).

Material and Methods

The animals used were from a commercial breeding, in Viamão, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil; and from the Natural Reserve de las Chinchillas, IV Region (Coquimbo), Chile, with the permission of Corporation Nacional Floresta (CONAF), Unidad de Gestion Patrimonio Silvestre, IV Region.
On the commercial breeding, feces from 220 chinchillas were collected (110 adults and 110 young), for the diagnosis of Giardia sp., from May 2006 until May 2007. The feces were promptly carried to the laboratory and kept refrigerated until put to test, in the same day of collection. In the Reserve, 35 feces samples of chinchilla were collected directly from its habitat, during 5 days, from 26 until 30 of May 2007. The exams were done at the office of the Reserve.
The feces parasitological method used was "Faust & collaborators". The positive diagnosis was based on the presence of Giardia sp. cysts that were also counted (cysts/field) with use of 20x objective lens, in optic microscope.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Healthy chinchillas have a relation of 1-2 cysts per field. When it shows more than 5 cysts per field, it clinically has the Giardiasis disease. Chinchillas debilitated by Giardia sp. are more susceptible to infections that can lead to death (ALEANDRI, 1998; LINDEN, 1999).
From all the samples analyzed in the commercial breeding (graphic 1), 64% (140/220) tested negative; from that amount, 64% (71/110) of adults and 63% (69/110) of young chinchillas resulted negative. The total amount of positive animals for Giardia sp. cysts was 36% (80/220), from witch 36% (39/110) were adult and 37% (41/110) were young chinchillas. Using Chi-Square test, there has not been any relevant correlation between age and the result on Faust & Collaborators Test (p=0.8885).
From the commercial breeding samples, only 8 chinchillas showed more than 5 cysts per field, being the majority between, 1 and 3 cysts per field. Many books report the presence of this protozoa in chinchilla, however only one research for presence was found, with 8% positive in 250 chinchillas investigated by the same method (GURGEL, SARTORI; ARAUJO, 2005).
From the Reserve samples, none tested positive for Giardia sp. cysts. This result suggests that, in the wild, these animals are not infested by this agent. This could be due to regional climate conditions; witch possibly reveals that Giardia sp. is not part of the natural flora of chinchilla, like literature indicated until today.
On the other hand, the positive results detected in animals in captivity can be explained by the fact that many animals were gathered in a restricted environment, witch could facilitate the dispersion of infecting forms of the protozoa.

CONCLUSION:

Chinchillas in this commercial breeding showed Giardia sp., mostly, in small quantities of cysts per field, witch do not cause illness; exception made to 8 adults that resulted in more than 5 cysts per field. No Giardia sp. has been found on the chinchillas in natural habitat.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES

ALEANDRI, F. Cría y comercialização de la Chinchila - Compendio actualizado. Buenos Aires: Impresso en la Republica Argentina, 1998. 422p.
CONAF: Corporación Nacional Forestal. Gobierno de Chile. Reservas Nacionales. http://www.conaf.cl/. Acessado em 10 de janeiro de 2008.
GURGEL, A.C.F.; SARTORI, A.S.; ARAUJO, F.A.P. Protozoan parasites in captive chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) raised in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Chile: Parasitologia Latinoamericana. v. 60, n. 3-4, 2005.
LINDEN, A.R. Criação comercial de chinchilas. 1 ed. Guaiba: Livraria e Editora Agropecuária, 1999. 200p.
NEVES, D.M. Criação caseira da chinchila e seu melhoramento genético. 2ed. São Paulo: Nobel, 1989. 144p.
REY, L. Bases da Parasitologia Médica. 2ed. Rio de Janeiro: Guanabara Koogan, 2002. 379p.

Graphic 1: Presence of Giardia sp. in adult and young chinchillas in the commercial breeding.

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