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White LM, Gifford SJ, Kaufman G, Gese E, Peyton MA, Parmenter RR, Cain JW. Seroprevalence, Blood Chemistry, and Patterns of Canine Parvovirus, Distemper Virus, Plague, and Tularemia in Free-Ranging Coyotes (Canis latrans) in Northern New Mexico, USA. J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:14-25. [PMID: 37889940 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-22-00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Wildlife diseases have implications for ecology, conservation, human health, and health of domestic animals. They may impact wildlife health and population dynamics. Exposure rates of coyotes (Canis latrans) to pathogens such as Yersinia pestis, the cause of plague, may reflect prevalence rates in both rodent prey and human populations. We captured coyotes in north-central New Mexico during 2005-2008 and collected blood samples for serologic surveys. We tested for antibodies against canine distemper virus (CDV, Canine morbillivirus), canine parvovirus (CPV, Carnivore protoparvovirus), plague, tularemia (Francisella tularensis), and for canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) antigen. Serum biochemistry variables that fell outside reference ranges were probably related to capture stress. We detected antibodies to parvovirus in 32/32 samples (100%), and to Y. pestis in 26/31 (84%). More than half 19/32 (59%) had antibodies against CDV, and 5/31 (39%) had antibodies against F. tularensis. We did not detect any heartworm antigens (n = 9). Pathogen prevalence was similar between sexes and among the three coyote packs in the study area. Parvovirus exposure appeared to happen early in life, and prevalence of antibodies against CDV increased with increasing age class. Exposure to Y. pestis and F. tularensis occurred across all age classes. The high coyote seroprevalence rates observed for CPV, Y. pestis, and CDV may indicate high prevalence in sympatric vertebrate populations, with implications for regional wildlife conservation as well as risk to humans via zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah M White
- New Mexico State University, Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Ecology, PO Box 30003, MSC 4901, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, USA
| | - Suzanne J Gifford
- Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322, USA
- US Forest Service, 4389 US-4, Mendon, Vermont 05701, USA
| | - Gail Kaufman
- Consulting DVM, 8631 Groundsel RD NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87120, USA
| | - Eric Gese
- Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322, USA
- US Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Utah Field Station, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 83222, USA
| | - Mark A Peyton
- National Park Service, Valles Caldera National Preserve, PO Box 359, Jemez Springs, New Mexico 87025, USA
| | - Robert R Parmenter
- National Park Service, Valles Caldera National Preserve, PO Box 359, Jemez Springs, New Mexico 87025, USA
| | - James W Cain
- US Geological Survey, New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, New Mexico State University, Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Ecology, PO Box 30003, MSC 4901, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, USA
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Billeter SA. A Review of Bartonella Infections in California-Implications for Public and Veterinary Health. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:1154-1163. [PMID: 35535811 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bartonella are vector-transmitted, intracellular bacteria that infect a wide variety of blood-feeding arthropods and their vertebrate hosts. In California, more than 13 species of Bartonella have been described from companion animals, livestock, and wildlife, of which four have been associated with human disease. Infections in humans cause a range of symptoms from relatively mild to severe, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Exposure to infected domestic animals and wildlife, and their ectoparasites, may increase the risk of cross-species transmission. The objective of this review was to compile and summarize published materials on human and animal Bartonella infections in California. Medical and veterinary case reports of bartonellosis were highlighted in an effort to increase the awareness of this poorly understood and potentially under-recognized disease among healthcare professionals and veterinarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Billeter
- California Department of Public Health, Vector Borne Disease Section, 2151 Convention Center Way, Suite 226, Ontario, CA 91764, USA
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Riner AJ, Rudd JL, Clifford DL, Cypher BL, Foley JE, Foley P. Comparison of Flea (Siphonaptera) Burdens on the Endangered San Joaquin Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica (Carnivora, Canidae)) Inhabiting Urban and Nonurban Environments in Central Valley, California. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:995-1001. [PMID: 29546382 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica Merriam (Carnivora, Canidae)) is an endangered small carnivore endemic to the San Joaquin Valley of California. Commercial and agricultural land expansion has contributed to the species' decline and invasion of more cosmopolitan species, providing means for potential ecological shifts in disease vector and host species. Fleas are common ectoparasites that can serve as important indicators of cross-species interactions and disease risk. We compared flea load and species composition on kit foxes inhabiting urban and nonurban habitats to determine how urbanization affects flea diversity and potential disease spillover from co-occurring species. We identified Echidnophaga gallinacea (Westwood) (Siphonaptera, Pulicidae) and Pulex spp. (L.) in both urban and nonurban populations, and Ctenocephalides felis (Bouche) (Siphonaptera, Pulicidae) only in the urban population. Flea load scores differed significantly across capture sites and with respect to concomitant sarcoptic mange infestation in the urban population, with milder flea infestations more typical of healthy foxes. All observed flea species are known vectors for pathogens that have been detected in mesocarnivores. Further examination of kit fox fleas and their associated pathogens will help to direct conservation and disease preventive measures for both wildlife and humans in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Jane Riner
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Jaime L Rudd
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wildlife Investigations Lab, Rancho Cordova, CA
| | - Deana L Clifford
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wildlife Investigations Lab, Rancho Cordova, CA
| | - Brian L Cypher
- California State University Stanislaus, Endangered Species Recovery Program, Turlock, CA
| | - Janet E Foley
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Patrick Foley
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
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Frauenthal VM, Bergman P, Murtaugh RJ. Retrospective evaluation of coyote attacks in dogs: 154 cases (1997-2012). J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2017; 27:333-341. [PMID: 28420038 DOI: 10.1111/vec.12601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical presentation and outcome of known attacks in client-owned dogs caused by the common coyote, Canis latrans. DESIGN Retrospective observational study. SETTING Private referral hospital. ANIMALS One hundred fifty-four client-owned dogs known to be attacked by coyotes. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Records from a private referral hospital from May 1997 through December 2012 were reviewed. Time of day and month/season of year, signalment, body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, body weight, location and severity of wounds inflicted, common injuries, length of hospitalization, necessity of surgical wound repair under anesthesia, antimicrobial use and mortality were recorded. Eighty-six percent of dogs presenting following coyote attack weighed <10 kg. Overall mortality rate was 15.6%. Dogs with bite wounds to the thorax had the highest mortality at 21.3%. Criteria for systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) based on admission vital signs were met in 58.8% of dogs and the presence of SIRS was significantly associated with mortality (P < 0.001). Common coyote-induced injuries included rib fracture (38/154; 24.6%), pulmonary contusion (30/154; 19.4%), tracheal tear (18/154; 11.6%), pneumothorax (16/154; 10.3%), abdominal wall hernia (9/154; 5.8%), and abdominal penetrating wounds (8/146; 5.5%). Dogs <10 kg were significantly more likely to incur wounds to multiple body parts or sustain abdominal penetrating wounds. The presence of rib fracture was significantly associated with mortality. Frequency of coyote attacks over the time of this study increased by 330%. CONCLUSIONS Coyote attacks on dogs are a problem in Southern California and are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, especially in dogs with wounds to the thorax. Aggressive management involving surgical wound repair was associated with survival to discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia M Frauenthal
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care, VCA Care Speciality and Emergency Animal Hospital, 301 E. Haley Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
| | - Philip Bergman
- VCA Clinical Studies and Katonah-Bedford Veterinary Center, 546 N Bedford Road, Bedford Hills, NY, 10507
| | - Robert J Murtaugh
- VCA All Care Animal Referral Center, 18440 Amistad Street, Suite E, Fountain Valley, CA, 92708
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Stephenson N, Higley JM, Sajecki JL, Chomel BB, Brown RN, Foley JE. Demographic characteristics and infectious diseases of a population of American black bears in Humboldt County, California. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 15:116-23. [PMID: 25700042 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2014.1671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
American black bears (Ursus americanus) are common, widely distributed, and broad-ranging omnivorous mammals in northern California forests. Bears may be susceptible to pathogens infecting both domestic animals and humans. Monitoring bear populations, particularly in changing ecosystems, is important to understanding ecological features that could affect bear population health and influence the likelihood that bears may cause adverse impacts on humans. In all, 321 bears were captured between May, 2001, and October, 2003, and blood samples were collected and tested for multiple zoonotic and vector-borne diseases. We found a PCR prevalence of 10% for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and a seroprevalence of 28% for Toxoplasma gondii, 26% for Borrelia burgdorferi, 26% for A. phagocytophilum, 8% for Trichinella spiralis, 8% for Francisella tularensis and 1% for Yersinia pestis. In addition, we tested bears for pathogens of domestic dogs and found a seroprevalence of 15% for canine distemper virus and 0.6% for canine parvovirus. Our findings show that black bears can become infected with pathogens that are an important public health concern, as well as pathogens that can affect both domestic animals and other wildlife species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Stephenson
- 1 Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California , Davis, California
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Schaefer JD, Kasten RW, Coonan TJ, Clifford DL, Chomel BB. Isolation or detection of Bartonella vinsonii subspecies berkhoffii and Bartonella rochalimae in the endangered island foxes (Urocyon littoralis). Vet Microbiol 2011; 154:135-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2011.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2011] [Revised: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 06/24/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Brown HE, Levy CE, Enscore RE, Schriefer ME, DeLiberto TJ, Gage KL, Eisen RJ. Annual seroprevalence of Yersinia pestis in coyotes as predictors of interannual variation in reports of human plague cases in Arizona, United States. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2011; 11:1439-46. [PMID: 21756031 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2010.0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although several health departments collect coyote blood samples for plague surveillance, the association between reported human cases and coyote seroprevalence rates remains anecdotal. Using data from an endemic region of the United States, we sought to quantify this association. From 1974 to 1998, about 2,276 coyote blood samples from four Arizona counties were tested for serological evidence of exposure to Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague. Using a titer threshold presumed to be indicative of recent infection (serum titers of ≥1:256), we found a statistically significant relationship between years with >17% sero-positive coyotes and years with two or more human cases reported. Moreover, when the annual coyote seroprevalence rates were dichotomized at 17%, 84% of the years were correctly classified using four biologically relevant meteorological variables in a linear regression. This is the first time a statistically significant temporal association between human plague cases and coyote seroprevalence rates has been shown. However, issues with data resolution and surveillance effort that potentially limit the public health utility of using coyote seroprevalence rates are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi E Brown
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
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Kracalik I, Lukhnova L, Aikimbayev A, Pazilov Y, Temiralyeva G, Blackburn JK. Incorporating retrospective clustering into a prospective cusum methodology for anthrax: Evaluating the effects of disease expectation. Spat Spatiotemporal Epidemiol 2011; 2:11-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sste.2010.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2010] [Revised: 06/08/2010] [Accepted: 06/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Holt AC, Salkeld DJ, Fritz CL, Tucker JR, Gong P. Spatial analysis of plague in California: niche modeling predictions of the current distribution and potential response to climate change. Int J Health Geogr 2009; 8:38. [PMID: 19558717 PMCID: PMC2716330 DOI: 10.1186/1476-072x-8-38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2009] [Accepted: 06/28/2009] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is a public and wildlife health concern in California and the western United States. This study explores the spatial characteristics of positive plague samples in California and tests Maxent, a machine-learning method that can be used to develop niche-based models from presence-only data, for mapping the potential distribution of plague foci. Maxent models were constructed using geocoded seroprevalence data from surveillance of California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) as case points and Worldclim bioclimatic data as predictor variables, and compared and validated using area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) statistics. Additionally, model results were compared to locations of positive and negative coyote (Canis latrans) samples, in order to determine the correlation between Maxent model predictions and areas of plague risk as determined via wild carnivore surveillance. RESULTS Models of plague activity in California ground squirrels, based on recent climate conditions, accurately identified case locations (AUC of 0.913 to 0.948) and were significantly correlated with coyote samples. The final models were used to identify potential plague risk areas based on an ensemble of six future climate scenarios. These models suggest that by 2050, climate conditions may reduce plague risk in the southern parts of California and increase risk along the northern coast and Sierras. CONCLUSION Because different modeling approaches can yield substantially different results, care should be taken when interpreting future model predictions. Nonetheless, niche modeling can be a useful tool for exploring and mapping the potential response of plague activity to climate change. The final models in this study were used to identify potential plague risk areas based on an ensemble of six future climate scenarios, which can help public managers decide where to allocate surveillance resources. In addition, Maxent model results were significantly correlated with coyote samples, indicating that carnivore surveillance programs will continue to be important for tracking the response of plague to future climate conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley C Holt
- Environmental Science, Policy, and Management Department, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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10
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Christiansen LE, Andersen JS, Wegener HC, Madsen H. Spatial scan statistics using elliptic windows. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL STATISTICS 2006. [DOI: 10.1198/108571106x154858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Salkeld DJ, Stapp P. Seroprevalence Rates and Transmission of Plague (Yersinia pestis) in Mammalian Carnivores. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2006; 6:231-9. [PMID: 16989561 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2006.6.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to plague (Yersinia pestis) by flea-bites or consumption of infected rodents is common in mammalian carnivores in North America. Most carnivore species exhibit seroprevalence rates ranging from 3% to 100% in areas where plague occurs. Seroprevalence is highest in mustelids, intermediate in ursids, felids, and canids, and lowest in procyonids, probably reflecting variation in exposure rates as a function of dietary habits. Although conventional wisdom suggests that carnivores may only be important in plague ecology as vectors of infective fleas, animal-to-human (zoonotic) transmission suggests that mammalian carnivores can act as infectious hosts. Furthermore, a review of clinical investigations reveals that plague can be harvested from canid and felid hosts, and suggests the possibility of plague transmission between carnivores. Further study of plague transmission by carnivores in both wild and laboratory conditions is needed to understand the possible role of carnivores as wildlife reservoirs of plague.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Salkeld
- Department of Biological Science, California State University, Fullerton, California, USA.
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Maggi RG, Chomel B, Hegarty BC, Henn J, Breitschwerdt EB. A Bartonella vinsonii berkhoffii typing scheme based upon 16S-23S ITS and Pap31 sequences from dog, coyote, gray fox, and human isolates. Mol Cell Probes 2006; 20:128-34. [PMID: 16460911 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2005.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2005] [Accepted: 11/15/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Since the isolation of Bartonella vinsonii subspecies berkhoffii from a dog with endocarditis in 1993, this organism has emerged as an important pathogen in dogs and as an emerging pathogen in people. Current evidence indicates that coyotes, dogs and gray foxes potentially serve as reservoir hosts. Based upon sequence differences within the 16S-23S ITS region and Pap31 gene, we propose a classification scheme that divides B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii isolates into four distinct types. Two conserved sequences, of 37 and 18 bp, respectively, are differentially present within the ITS region of each of the four B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii types. To date, B. vinsonii berkhoffii types I, II, and III have been identified in the US, type III in Europe and type IV in Canada. Based upon the proposed genotyping scheme, the geographic distribution of B. vinsonii berkhoffii types needs to be more thoroughly delineated in future molecular epidemiological studies involving Bartonella infection in coyotes, dogs, gray foxes, human beings and potentially other animals or in arthropod vectors. Strain typing may help to better define the reservoir potential, carriership patterns, modes of transmission, and geographic distribution for each B. vinsonii berkhoffii type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo G Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
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Adjemian JCZ, Girvetz EH, Beckett L, Foley JE. Analysis of Genetic Algorithm for Rule-Set Production (GARP) modeling approach for predicting distributions of fleas implicated as vectors of plague, Yersinia pestis, in California. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2006; 43:93-103. [PMID: 16506453 DOI: 10.1093/jmedent/43.1.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
More than 20 species of fleas in California are implicated as potential vectors of Yersinia pestis. Extremely limited spatial data exist for plague vectors-a key component to understanding where the greatest risks for human, domestic animal, and wildlife health exist. This study increases the spatial data available for 13 potential plague vectors by using the ecological niche modeling system Genetic Algorithm for Rule-Set Production (GARP) to predict their respective distributions. Because the available sample sizes in our data set varied greatly from one species to another, we also performed an analysis of the robustness of GARP by using the data available for flea Oropsylla montana (Baker) to quantify the effects that sample size and the chosen explanatory variables have on the final species distribution map. GARP effectively modeled the distributions of 13 vector species. Furthermore, our analyses show that all of these modeled ranges are robust, with a sample size of six fleas or greater not significantly impacting the percentage of the in-state area where the flea was predicted to be found, or the testing accuracy of the model. The results of this study will help guide the sampling efforts of future studies focusing on plague vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Z Adjemian
- Center for Vectorborne Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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14
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Beldomenico PM, Chomel BB, Foley JE, Sacks BN, Baldi CJ, Kasten RW, Gardner IA. Environmental factors associated with Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii seropositivity in free-ranging coyotes from northern California. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2005; 5:110-9. [PMID: 16011426 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2005.5.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii is a newly recognized pathogen of domestic dogs and humans. Coyotes (Canis latrans) are considered an important reservoir of this bacterium in the western United States, but its vectors are still unknown. Our objective was to identify environmental factors associated with Bartonella antibody prevalence in 239 coyotes from northern California, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, associations were evaluated between B. v. berkhoffii and two pathogens with known vectors and habitat requirements, Dirofilaria immitis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Overall, B. v. berkhoffii seroprevalence was 28% (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.3%, 33.7%) and Bartonella seropositive coyotes were more likely than seronegative coyotes to be positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Odds ratio = 3.3; 95% CI = 1.8, 5.9) and Dirofilaria immitis (Odds ratio = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.2, 3.8). The most likely geographic clusters of Bartonella and Dirofilaria overlapped. Bartonella seropositivity was associated with higher precipitation (p = 0.003) and proximity to the coast (p = 0.007) in univariate analysis. The association with precipitation varied with season, based on a logistic regression model.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Beldomenico
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
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15
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Girard JM, Wagner DM, Vogler AJ, Keys C, Allender CJ, Drickamer LC, Keim P. Differential plague-transmission dynamics determine Yersinia pestis population genetic structure on local, regional, and global scales. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:8408-13. [PMID: 15173603 PMCID: PMC420407 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0401561101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2004] [Accepted: 04/12/2004] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plague, the disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, has greatly impacted human civilization. Y. pestis is a successful global pathogen, with active foci on all continents except Australia and Antarctica. Because the Y. pestis genome is highly monomorphic, previous attempts to characterize the population genetic structure within a single focus have been largely unsuccessful. Here we report that highly mutable marker loci allow determination of Y. pestis population genetic structure and tracking of transmission patterns at two spatial scales within a single focus. In addition, we found that in vitro mutation rates for these loci are similar to those observed in vivo, which allowed us to develop a mutation-rate-based model to examine transmission mechanisms. Our model suggests there are two primary components of plague ecology: a rapid expansion phase for population growth and dispersal followed by a slower persistence phase. This pattern seems consistent across local, regional, and even global scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Girard
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5640, USA
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