Guidelines for collection of biological samples for giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis Gmelin, 1788) and Neotropical otters (Lontra longicaudis Olfers, 1818)

Abstract

To optimize the health evaluation of Giant and Neotropical otters in the wild and under human care and  to guarantee the quality of the information collected and maximize efforts in research projects, Brazilian veterinarians developed two protocols: 1) Protocol for collection, processing and storage of biological samples from live Giant and Neotropical otters, 2) Protocol for collection of biological material during necropsy.