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Article History

Received: 2 November 2025

Accepted: 16 February 2026

First Online: 26 February 2026

Declarations

:

: Ethical review and approval were waived for the present trial, due to the absence of interference with the normal animal management of the rescue centre, designed by the veterinary team of RIAS. This study and its procedures followed the daily activity and preventive protocols of the rescue centre, and are aligned with the Directive 2010/63/EU of the European parliament and of the council of 22nd September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. None of the animals was submitted to a monitoring procedure or treatment strictly for experimental purposes. Euthanasia was carried out solely in accordance with the internal policies and established decision‑making procedures of the rescue center. This action was taken independently of the study and was not influenced by research objectives, data collection needs, or any aspect related to the investigation. All decisions regarding the animal’s welfare, including euthanasia, were made exclusively by the rescue center’s authorized personnel based on their own institutional guidelines and assessments.

: This is not applicable.

: This is not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.