Stratospheric ozone depletion and animal health

Abstract

There is an increasing concern over ozone depletion and its effects on the environment and human health. However, the increase in ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) that would result from significant losses of ozone is also potentially harmful to animals. Any increase in disease in domestic species would not only have serious animal welfare implications but may also be economically important. The diseases which are likely to increase if ozone depletion continues include the squamous cell carcinomas of the exposed, non-pigmented areas of cats, cattle, sheep and horses. Uberreiter's syndrome in dogs is also associated with exposure to UV-B and may be expected to increase, as may the severity of conditions such as infectious keratoconjunctivitis (New Forest eye) in cattle. Aquaculture systems in which fish often have little or no protection by shading may also be at risk. Cataracts and skin lesions have been associated with the exposure of farmed fish to ultraviolet radiation and have resulted in significant losses.

Ultrastructural effects of ultraviolet C radiation on the stratum basale of mole rats epidermis

“…The different reasons, such as the usage of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) gases, the thickness of this layer have been reduced in recent years. It is estimated that skin cancer, cataract and immune deficiency syndrome cases will be increased in near future (Armstrong & Kricker, 2001;De Gruijl, 1999;Mayer, 1992;McKenzie, Bj€ orn, Bais, & Ilyas, 2003). The radiation will probably affect the epidermis of mammals.…”

Optimizing Photodynamic Therapy:In vivoPharmacokinetics of Liposomalmeta-(Tetrahydroxyphenyl)Chlorin in Feline Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“…Squamous cell carcinomas are common neoplasms in cats. Similar to human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, there is an etiologic correlation between development of the neoplasm and exposure to UV light (11). Several studies have shown the efficacy of PDT in the treatment of feline squamous cell carcinoma (12 -15).…”

Potential effects of ultraviolet-C radiation on the mole rats (<i>Spalax leucodon</i>) hematological values

“…Fortunately, the majority of this radiation is filtered by the ozone (O 3 ) layer. As the thickness of this layer has reduced in recent years, it is estimated that skin cancer, cataract and immune deficiency syndrome cases will increase in the near future [3][4][5].…”