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Balseiro A, Herrero-García G, García Marín JF, Balsera R, Monasterio JM, Cubero D, de Pedro G, Oleaga Á, García-Rodríguez A, Espinoza I, Rabanal B, Aduriz G, Tuñón J, Gortázar C, Royo LJ. New threats in the recovery of large carnivores inhabiting human-modified landscapes: the case of the Cantabrian brown bear (Ursus arctos). Vet Res 2024; 55:24. [PMID: 38395920 PMCID: PMC10893660 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-024-01279-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding mortality causes is important for the conservation of endangered species, especially in small and isolated populations inhabiting anthropized landscapes where both natural and human-caused mortality may hinder the conservation of these species. We investigated the mortality causes of 53 free-ranging brown bears (Ursus arctos) found dead between 1998 and 2023 in the Cantabrian Mountains (northwestern Spain), a highly human-modified region where bears are currently recovering after being critically threatened in the last century. We detected natural traumatic injuries in 52.63% and infectious diseases in 39.47% of the 38 bears for which the mortality causes were registered, with 21.05% of these cases presenting signs of both infectious diseases and traumas. More specifically, almost 30% of the bears died during or after intraspecific fights, including sexually selected infanticide (10.53%). In addition, primary infectious diseases such as infectious canine hepatitis, distemper, clostridiosis and colibacillosis caused the death of 15.79% of the bears. The number of direct human-caused deaths (i.e., shooting, poisoning, snare) decreased over the study period. This study also reveals three new mortality causes triggered by pathogens, two of which-Clostridium novyi and verotoxigenic Escherichia coli-not previously described in ursids, and the other one, canine distemper virus, never reported in brown bears as cause of death. New management strategies for the conservation of Cantabrian bears, which are urgently needed due to the rapid expansion of the population, should consider the mortality causes described in this study and must promote further research to elucidate how the high prevalence of infectious diseases may threaten the current recovery of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Balseiro
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071, León, Spain.
| | - Gloria Herrero-García
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071, León, Spain
| | | | - Ramón Balsera
- Dirección General de Medio Natural y Planificación Rural del Principado de Asturias, 33007, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Juana María Monasterio
- Dirección General de Medio Natural y Planificación Rural del Principado de Asturias, 33007, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - David Cubero
- Dirección General de Patrimonio Natural y Política Forestal de La Junta de Castilla y León, 47014, Valladolid, Castilla y León, Spain
| | - Gabriel de Pedro
- Dirección General de Patrimonio Natural y Política Forestal de La Junta de Castilla y León, 47014, Valladolid, Castilla y León, Spain
| | - Álvaro Oleaga
- Sociedad de Servicios del Principado de Asturias S.A. (SERPA), La Laboral, 33203, Gijón, Spain
| | - Alberto García-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Israel Espinoza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Benjamín Rabanal
- Laboratorio de Técnicas Instrumentales, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Gorka Aduriz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, NEIKER-Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, 48160, Derio (Bizkaia), Spain
| | - José Tuñón
- Fundación Oso de Asturias, 33114, Proaza, Asturias, Spain
| | | | - Luis José Royo
- Departamento de Biología Funcional, Genética, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
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Huang J, Cortey M, Darwich L, Griffin J, Obón E, Molina R, Martín M. Study of Canine Distemper Virus Presence in Catalonia's Wild Carnivores through H Gene Amplification and Sequencing. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:436. [PMID: 38338078 PMCID: PMC10854788 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030436] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Canine distemper virus (CDV) is recognised worldwide as an important pathogen in both domestic and wild carnivores. Few data are available on its impact and spread on the wildlife/wildlife-domestic animal-environment interface. This study, aimed at developing a conservation-oriented control strategy, analysed 89 sick or deceased animals from 2019 to 2023 at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Torreferrussa. RT-PCR and sequencing of the partial H gene were used to detect and analyse CDV in tissues. The total positive percentage was 20.22% (18/89), comprising 13 red foxes (44.8%), 4 European badgers (28.6%), and 1 American mink (4.5%), while 24 Eurasian otters tested negative. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all of the CDV strains belong to the European lineage. Geographically distant individuals and different species shared the same viral strain, suggesting a strong capacity of CDV for interspecies and long-distance transmission. This calls for further research, particularly focusing on potential impacts of CDV on endangered carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhao Huang
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (J.H.); (M.C.); (L.D.); (J.G.)
| | - Martí Cortey
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (J.H.); (M.C.); (L.D.); (J.G.)
| | - Laila Darwich
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (J.H.); (M.C.); (L.D.); (J.G.)
| | - Jenna Griffin
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (J.H.); (M.C.); (L.D.); (J.G.)
| | - Elena Obón
- Torreferrussa Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Catalan Wildlife Service-Forestal Catalana S.A., 08130 Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Spain;
| | - Rafael Molina
- Torreferrussa Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Catalan Wildlife Service-Forestal Catalana S.A., 08130 Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Spain;
| | - Margarita Martín
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (J.H.); (M.C.); (L.D.); (J.G.)
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Guercio A, Mira F, Di Bella S, Gucciardi F, Lastra A, Purpari G, Castronovo C, Pennisi M, Di Marco Lo Presti V, Rizzo M, Giudice E. Biomolecular Analysis of Canine Distemper Virus Strains in Two Domestic Ferrets ( Mustela putorius furo). Vet Sci 2023; 10:375. [PMID: 37368761 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10060375] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine distemper is a contagious and severe systemic viral disease that affects domestic and wild carnivores worldwide. In this study, two adult female ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) were evaluated for cutaneous lesions. Scab, fur, and swab samples from the external auditory canal, cutaneous lesions, and scrapings were analyzed. Canine distemper virus (CDV)-positive samples underwent RT-PCR/RFLP with the restriction enzyme PsiI, and the hemagglutinin gene sequence was obtained. According to the restriction enzyme and sequence analyses, the viral strains were typed as CDV field strains that are included within the Europe lineage and distinct from those including vaccinal CDV strains. The sequence analysis showed the highest nucleotide identity rates in older Europe lineage CDV strains collected from dogs and a fox in Europe. This study is the first to report on CDV infection in ferrets in southern Italy and contributes to the current knowledge about natural CDV infection in this species. In conclusion, vaccination remains crucial for preventing the disease and counteracting cross-species infection. Molecular biology techniques can enable the monitoring of susceptible wild animals by ensuring the active surveillance of CDV spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Guercio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Via G. Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Mira
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Via G. Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Santina Di Bella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Via G. Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Gucciardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Via G. Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Lastra
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Via G. Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Purpari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Via G. Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Calogero Castronovo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Via G. Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Melissa Pennisi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | | | - Maria Rizzo
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
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Canine Distemper Virus in Endangered Species: Species Jump, Clinical Variations, and Vaccination. Pathogens 2022; 12:pathogens12010057. [PMID: 36678405 PMCID: PMC9862170 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010057] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine morbillivirus (Canine distemper virus, CDV) is the cause of distemper in a large number of different species, some of which are endangered. The clinical outcome associated with infection is variable and based on many factors, including the host species, the immune response of the individual animal to the infection, and variation in virus tropism and virulence. Unfortunately, the viral characteristics associated with virulence versus attenuation are not fully characterized, nor are the specific mutations that allow this virus to easily move and adapt from one species to another. Due to its wide host range, this virus is difficult to manage in ecosystems that are home to endangered species. Vaccination of the domestic dog, historically considered the reservoir species for this virus, at dog-wildlife interfaces has failed to control virus spread. CDV appears to be maintained by a metareservoir rather than a single species, requiring the need to vaccinate the wildlife species at risk. This is controversial, and there is a lack of a safe, effective vaccine for nondomestic species. This review focuses on topics that are paramount to protecting endangered species from a stochastic event, such as a CDV outbreak, that could lead to extinction.
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Alfano F, Lanave G, Lucibelli MG, Miletti G, D’Alessio N, Gallo A, Auriemma C, Amoroso MG, Lucente MS, De Carlo E, Martella V, Decaro N, Fusco G. Canine Distemper Virus in Autochtonous and Imported Dogs, Southern Italy (2014–2021). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202852. [PMID: 36290237 PMCID: PMC9597831 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In the period 2014–2021, the circulation of CDV in dogs of Southern Italy was investigated. In this time span a reduction in the circulation of CDV was observed, with a higher frequency of detection of the pathogen in imported dogs (18.4%) compared to stray (7.4%) and household (3.9%) animals. These results underline the effectiveness of the prophylaxis strategy on autochthonous dogs as well as the importance of continuous surveillance of CDV, especially in imported dogs. Abstract This study aims to investigate the presence of canine distemper virus (CDV) infection in 949 autochthonous or illegally imported dogs from Southern Italy, over a period of eight years (2014–2021). CDV RNA was detected in 6.8% (65/949) of the animals tested, with no detection of CDV in dogs sampled in 2020–2021. The frequency of CDV detection was higher in imported dogs (19/103, 18.3%) with respect to stray (27/365, 7.4%) and household dogs (19/481, 3.9%). On sequence and phylogenetic analyses of selected strains, the analyzed viruses belonged to the Arctic clade, which has already been reported in Italy and in Europe. The results of our study may suggest a reduction of CDV circulation in Southern Italy, while at the same time highlighting the need for strict controls on dog importation, in order to prevent the introduction of viruses from endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Alfano
- Dipartimento Coordinamento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0817865441
| | - Gianvito Lanave
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70121 Valenzano, BA, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Lucibelli
- Dipartimento Coordinamento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Gianluca Miletti
- Dipartimento Coordinamento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Nicola D’Alessio
- Dipartimento Coordinamento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Amalia Gallo
- Dipartimento Coordinamento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Clementina Auriemma
- Dipartimento Coordinamento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Amoroso
- Dipartimento Coordinamento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Maria Stella Lucente
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70121 Valenzano, BA, Italy
| | - Esterina De Carlo
- Dipartimento Coordinamento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70121 Valenzano, BA, Italy
| | - Nicola Decaro
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70121 Valenzano, BA, Italy
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Dipartimento Coordinamento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy
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