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Barnett JEF, Gilbertson JA, Arrow N, Gillmore JD, Hawkins PN, Larbalestier L, Jarvis D, Sayer S, Wessels ME. Hepatic Amyloidosis in a Chronically Entangled Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus). J Comp Pathol 2022; 199:1-7. [PMID: 36244232 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) entrapment in fishing gear is well documented, consisting of two forms: peracute underwater entrapment and chronic entanglement. We now highlight a previously undescribed sequela to chronic entanglement in a female grey seal estimated to be at least 2 years of age. The animal was first observed in September 2018 on the coast of north Cornwall, southwest England, with a large encircling neck wound consistent with monofilament net entanglement. In April 2021, it was admitted for attempted rehabilitation but had to be euthanized after 9 days due to clinical deterioration despite treatment. At post-mortem examination, the seal was in poor nutritional state, the nose to flipper length was low for its estimated age and the liver was markedly enlarged, pale and friable in texture with evidence of recent and previous hepatic haemorrhage. Histopathology revealed hepatic amyloidosis and evidence of amyloid in one kidney and one adrenal gland. Proteomic analysis of microdissected amyloid from the liver indicated type AA amyloid. Chronic entanglement is the most plausible cause of AA amyloidosis in this animal, indicating that amyloidosis should be considered as a pathological sequela and welfare concern associated with chronic entanglement of grey seals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janet A Gilbertson
- National Amyloidosis Centre, UCL and Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Natalie Arrow
- British Divers Marine Life Rescue, Uckfield, East Sussex, UK
| | - Julian D Gillmore
- National Amyloidosis Centre, UCL and Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Philip N Hawkins
- National Amyloidosis Centre, UCL and Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Dan Jarvis
- British Divers Marine Life Rescue, Uckfield, East Sussex, UK
| | - Sue Sayer
- Seal Research Trust, Hayle, Cornwall, UK
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Barnett JEF, Allen R, Astley K, Whitehouse F, Wessels ME. Pathology of grey seals Halichoerus grypus in southwest England including pups in early rehabilitation. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2021; 145:35-50. [PMID: 34137375 DOI: 10.3354/dao03600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Few investigations have examined the pathology of grey seals Halichoerus grypus in southwest England, where it is the most abundant marine mammal. Here, primary pathological findings are presented from 107 post-mortem examinations of grey seals in southwest England between 2013 and 2020. Over three-quarters were pups in their first year of life; the origins of the carcasses reflected the known breeding season and breeding sites of grey seals in the region. Trauma was the most common primary pathological finding (n = 49), followed by infectious disease (n = 36). Traumatic findings included fisheries-related trauma (n = 15), other acute physical traumas (n = 15) and other chronic traumas (n = 19). Infectious disease findings included respiratory infections (n = 21) and gastrointestinal infections (n = 9). There was no difference in the primary pathological findings for seals found dead or that died or were euthanased on the day they were found compared to those dying in early rehabilitation, suggesting that it is appropriate to include findings from seals in early rehabilitation in studies of wild grey seal pathology. Seals that had not been frozen before post-mortem examination were nearly twice as likely to have a primary pathological finding of infectious disease or trauma than those that had been frozen, highlighting the need, wherever possible, to avoid freezing seals prior to post-mortem examination.
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Keatts LO, Robards M, Olson SH, Hueffer K, Insley SJ, Joly DO, Kutz S, Lee DS, Chetkiewicz CLB, Lair S, Preston ND, Pruvot M, Ray JC, Reid D, Sleeman JM, Stimmelmayr R, Stephen C, Walzer C. Implications of Zoonoses From Hunting and Use of Wildlife in North American Arctic and Boreal Biomes: Pandemic Potential, Monitoring, and Mitigation. Front Public Health 2021; 9:627654. [PMID: 34026707 PMCID: PMC8131663 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.627654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has re-focused attention on mechanisms that lead to zoonotic disease spillover and spread. Commercial wildlife trade, and associated markets, are recognized mechanisms for zoonotic disease emergence, resulting in a growing global conversation around reducing human disease risks from spillover associated with hunting, trade, and consumption of wild animals. These discussions are especially relevant to people who rely on harvesting wildlife to meet nutritional, and cultural needs, including those in Arctic and boreal regions. Global policies around wildlife use and trade can impact food sovereignty and security, especially of Indigenous Peoples. We reviewed known zoonotic pathogens and current risks of transmission from wildlife (including fish) to humans in North American Arctic and boreal biomes, and evaluated the epidemic and pandemic potential of these zoonoses. We discuss future concerns, and consider monitoring and mitigation measures in these changing socio-ecological systems. While multiple zoonotic pathogens circulate in these systems, risks to humans are mostly limited to individual illness or local community outbreaks. These regions are relatively remote, subject to very cold temperatures, have relatively low wildlife, domestic animal, and pathogen diversity, and in many cases low density, including of humans. Hence, favorable conditions for emergence of novel diseases or major amplification of a spillover event are currently not present. The greatest risk to northern communities from pathogens of pandemic potential is via introduction with humans visiting from other areas. However, Arctic and boreal ecosystems are undergoing rapid changes through climate warming, habitat encroachment, and development; all of which can change host and pathogen relationships, thereby affecting the probability of the emergence of new (and re-emergence of old) zoonoses. Indigenous leadership and engagement in disease monitoring, prevention and response, is vital from the outset, and would increase the success of such efforts, as well as ensure the protection of Indigenous rights as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Partnering with northern communities and including Indigenous Knowledge Systems would improve the timeliness, and likelihood, of detecting emerging zoonotic risks, and contextualize risk assessments to the unique human-wildlife relationships present in northern biomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy O. Keatts
- Wildlife Conservation Society Health Program, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Martin Robards
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Arctic Beringia Program, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Sarah H. Olson
- Wildlife Conservation Society Health Program, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Karsten Hueffer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Arctic and Northern Studies Program, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Stephen J. Insley
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Susan Kutz
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - David S. Lee
- Department of Wildlife and Environment, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Stéphane Lair
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Mathieu Pruvot
- Wildlife Conservation Society Health Program, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Justina C. Ray
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Donald Reid
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan M. Sleeman
- United States Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Raphaela Stimmelmayr
- North Slope Department of Wildlife Management, Utqiagvik, AK, United States
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Craig Stephen
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Chris Walzer
- Wildlife Conservation Society Health Program, Bronx, NY, United States
- Conservation Medicine Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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Venkatesh D, Bianco C, Núñez A, Collins R, Thorpe D, Reid SM, Brookes SM, Essen S, McGinn N, Seekings J, Cooper J, Brown IH, Lewis NS. Detection of H3N8 influenza A virus with multiple mammalian-adaptive mutations in a rescued Grey seal ( Halichoerus grypus) pup. Virus Evol 2020; 6:veaa016. [PMID: 32211197 PMCID: PMC7079721 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veaa016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian influenza A viruses (IAVs) in different species of seals display a spectrum of pathogenicity, from sub-clinical infection to mass mortality events. Here we present an investigation of avian IAV infection in a 3- to 4-month-old Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) pup, rescued from St Michael's Mount, Cornwall in 2017. The pup underwent medical treatment but died after two weeks; post-mortem examination and histology indicated sepsis as the cause of death. IAV NP antigen was detected by immunohistochemistry in the nasal mucosa, and sensitive real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays detected trace amounts of viral RNA within the lower respiratory tract, suggesting that the infection may have been cleared naturally. IAV prevalence among Grey seals may therefore be underestimated. Moreover, contact with humans during the rescue raised concerns about potential zoonotic risk. Nucleotide sequencing revealed the virus to be of subtype H3N8. Combining a GISAID database BLAST search and time-scaled phylogenetic analyses, we inferred that the seal virus originated from an unsampled, locally circulating (in Northern Europe) viruses, likely from wild Anseriformes. From examining the protein alignments, we found several residue changes in the seal virus that did not occur in the bird viruses, including D701N in the PB2 segment, a rare mutation, and a hallmark of mammalian adaptation of bird viruses. IAVs of H3N8 subtype have been noted for their particular ability to cross the species barrier and cause productive infections, including historical records suggesting that they may have caused the 1889 pandemic. Therefore, infections such as the one we report here may be of interest to pandemic surveillance and risk and help us better understand the determinants and drivers of mammalian adaptation in influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Venkatesh
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Scienes, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Carlo Bianco
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
- Diagnostic & Consultant Avian Pathology, Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Lasswade), Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Alejandro Núñez
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Rachael Collins
- Starcross Veterinary Investigation Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Staplake Mount, Starcross, Devon, EX6 8PE, UK
| | - Darryl Thorpe
- British Divers Marine Life Rescue, Lime House, Regency Close, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 1DS, UK
| | - Scott M Reid
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Sharon M Brookes
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Steve Essen
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
- OIE/FAO/EURL International Reference Laboratory for avian influenza, swine influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) - Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Natalie McGinn
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
- OIE/FAO/EURL International Reference Laboratory for avian influenza, swine influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) - Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - James Seekings
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
- OIE/FAO/EURL International Reference Laboratory for avian influenza, swine influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) - Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Jayne Cooper
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ian H Brown
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
- OIE/FAO/EURL International Reference Laboratory for avian influenza, swine influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) - Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Nicola S Lewis
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Scienes, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
- OIE/FAO/EURL International Reference Laboratory for avian influenza, swine influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) - Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
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Barnett JEF, Bexton S, Fraija-Fernández N, Chooneea D, Wessels ME. Novel Pulmonary Vasculitis with Splendore-Hoeppli Reaction in Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus) Associated with Otostrongylus circumlitus Infection. J Comp Pathol 2019; 173:83-91. [PMID: 31812177 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2019.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Lungworm infection in seals is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, inducing bronchopneumonia and affecting population dynamics in some areas of the world. We present a series of cases of lungworm infection in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) associated with novel, significant and unusual pulmonary vascular changes. Grey seals (n = 180) that were stranded, in rehabilitation or in long-term captivity in the UK were subjected to post-mortem examination between 2012 and 2018. Lung tissue was collected from 47 individuals for histopathological examination. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on formalin-fixed and paraffin wax-embedded (FFPE) material was attempted for parasite identification on selected sections using lungworm-specific primers, and nematode morphology within sections was evaluated histologically. Fourteen of 47 (30%) of these grey seals showed evidence of segmental granulomatous and eosinophilic vasculitis with an intramural Splendore-Hoeppli reaction in medium to large pulmonary arteries. Intravascular nematodes suggestive of Otostrongylus circumlitus were seen in two cases. PCR on FFPE material was unable to detect a signal on selected tissue sections. Of the 14 affected seals, nine had concurrent bronchopneumonia and four had intra-alveolar/bronchiolar Parafilaroides spp. Thirteen of 14 animals with vasculitis lesions were weaned pups with only one adult affected. Previous pathological descriptions of lungworm infection in grey seals have dealt mainly with the bronchopneumonia. This case series has identified previously unrecorded vascular changes characterized by an intramural Splendore-Hoeppli reaction. Such change would impact on vascular integrity, increasing the likelihood of vascular rupture with pulmonary haemorrhage and increased risk of intravascular coagulation. A host-parasite relationship with the persistence of antigenic material following close contact with, or migration through, the blood vessel wall is suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S Bexton
- RSPCA Norfolk Wildlife Hospital, East Winch, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, UK
| | - N Fraija-Fernández
- Marine Zoology Unit, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Life Sciences Department, UK
| | - D Chooneea
- Core Research Laboratories, Molecular Laboratories, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | - M E Wessels
- Finn Pathologists, One Eyed Lane, Weybread, Norfolk, UK
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Prevalence of Presenting Conditions in Grey Seal Pups ( Halichoerus grypus) Admitted for Rehabilitation. Vet Sci 2015; 2:1-11. [PMID: 29061924 PMCID: PMC5644611 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci2010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A retrospective survey was performed on the presenting conditions of 205 live grey seal pups (Halichoerus grypus) admitted to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, United Kingdom between May 2005 and March 2011. The purpose of the survey was to examine the prevalence of various presenting signs at the sanctuary. The presenting signs were classified into nine non-mutually exclusive categories: ocular disorders, nasal disorders, oral disorders, respiratory disorders, orthopaedic disorders, puncture wounds, abrasions, netting injuries, and onychia. The sex ratio of seal pups in this study was 1.35 males per female. Of the 205 examined for rehabilitation, 22 (10.73%) did not survive to release. 68.78% of grey seal pups presented with puncture wounds, 47.80% with respiratory disorders, 46.34% with ocular disorders, 42.63% malnourished, 36.59% with abrasions, 25.37% with oral disorders, 23.90% with nasal disorders, 11.71% with orthopaedic disorders, 9.27% with onychia, and 3.41% presented with netting injuries. 52% were normothermic, 42% were hyperthermic, and 5% were hypothermic. Associations between gender, outcome of rehabilitation, hospitalisation time and presenting disorders were examined. In addition, admissions rates were found to display seasonality. The results of this study will aid in future preparation of grey seal rehabilitation facilities.
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Kelleher Davis R, Doane MG, Knop E, Knop N, Dubielzig RR, Colitz CMH, Argüeso P, Sullivan DA. Characterization of ocular gland morphology and tear composition of pinnipeds. Vet Ophthalmol 2012; 16:269-75. [PMID: 23067374 DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-5224.2012.01073.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The importance of tear film integrity to ocular health in terrestrial mammals is well established, however, in marine mammals, the role of the tear film in protection of the ocular surface is not known. In an effort to better understand the function of tears in maintaining health of the marine mammal eye surface, we examined ocular glands of the California sea lion and began to characterize the biochemical nature of the tear film of pinnipeds. PROCEDURES Glands dissected from California sea lion eyelids and adnexa were examined for gross morphology, sectioned for microscopic analysis, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The tear film was examined using interferometry. Tears were collected from humans and pinnipeds for the analysis of protein and carbohydrate content. RESULTS The sea lion has sebaceous glands in the lid, but these glands are different in size and orientation compared with typical meibomian glands of terrestrial mammals. Two other accessory ocular glands located dorsotemporally and medially appeared to be identical in morphology, with tubulo-acinar morphology. An outer lipid layer on the ocular surface of the sea lion was not detected using interferometry, consistent with the absence of typical meibomian glands. Similar to human tears, the tears of pinnipeds contain several proteins but the ratio of carbohydrate to protein was greater than that in human tears. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that the ocular gland architecture and biochemical nature of the tear film of pinnipeds have evolved to adapt to the challenges of an aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Kelleher Davis
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford St., Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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