1
|
Humphreys JM, Shults PT, Velazquez-Salinas L, Bertram MR, Pelzel-McCluskey AM, Pauszek SJ, Peters DPC, Rodriguez LL. Interrogating Genomes and Geography to Unravel Multiyear Vesicular Stomatitis Epizootics. Viruses 2024; 16:1118. [PMID: 39066280 PMCID: PMC11281362 DOI: 10.3390/v16071118] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We conducted an integrative analysis to elucidate the spatial epidemiological patterns of the Vesicular Stomatitis New Jersey virus (VSNJV) during the 2014-15 epizootic cycle in the United States (US). Using georeferenced VSNJV genomics data, confirmed vesicular stomatitis (VS) disease cases from surveillance, and a suite of environmental factors, our study assessed environmental and phylogenetic similarity to compare VS cases reported in 2014 and 2015. Despite uncertainties from incomplete virus sampling and cross-scale spatial processes, patterns suggested multiple independent re-invasion events concurrent with potential viral overwintering between sequential seasons. Our findings pointed to a geographically defined southern virus pool at the US-Mexico interface as the source of VSNJV invasions and overwintering sites. Phylodynamic analysis demonstrated an increase in virus diversity before a rise in case numbers and a pronounced reduction in virus diversity during the winter season, indicative of a genetic bottleneck and a significant narrowing of virus variation between the summer outbreak seasons. Environment-vector interactions underscored the central role of meta-population dynamics in driving disease spread. These insights emphasize the necessity for location- and time-specific management practices, including rapid response, movement restrictions, vector control, and other targeted interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John M. Humphreys
- Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) and National Bio Agro Defense Facility (NBAF), Manhattan Kansas, KS 66502, USA; (L.V.-S.); (M.R.B.); (L.L.R.)
| | - Phillip T. Shults
- Arthropod-Borne Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA;
| | - Lauro Velazquez-Salinas
- Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) and National Bio Agro Defense Facility (NBAF), Manhattan Kansas, KS 66502, USA; (L.V.-S.); (M.R.B.); (L.L.R.)
| | - Miranda R. Bertram
- Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) and National Bio Agro Defense Facility (NBAF), Manhattan Kansas, KS 66502, USA; (L.V.-S.); (M.R.B.); (L.L.R.)
| | - Angela M. Pelzel-McCluskey
- Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA;
| | - Steven J. Pauszek
- Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Orient, NY 11957, USA;
| | - Debra P. C. Peters
- Office of National Programs, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA;
| | - Luis L. Rodriguez
- Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) and National Bio Agro Defense Facility (NBAF), Manhattan Kansas, KS 66502, USA; (L.V.-S.); (M.R.B.); (L.L.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Whelpley MJ, Zhou LH, Rascon J, Payne B, Moehn B, Young KI, Mire CE, Peters DPC, Rodriguez LL, Hanley KA. Community composition of black flies during and after the 2020 vesicular stomatitis virus outbreak in Southern New Mexico, USA. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:93. [PMID: 38414030 PMCID: PMC10900647 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06127-6] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), a vector-borne pathogen of livestock, emerges periodically in the western US. In New Mexico (NM), US, most cases occur close to the Rio Grande River, implicating black flies (Simulium spp.) as a possible vector. In 2020, VS cases were reported in NM from April to May, although total black fly abundance remained high until September. We investigated the hypothesis that transience of local VSV transmission results from transient abundance of key, competent black fly species. Additionally, we investigated whether irrigation canals in southern NM support a different community of black flies than the main river. Lastly, to gain insight into the source of local black flies, in 2023 we collected black fly larvae prior to the release of water into the Rio Grande River channel. METHODS We randomly sub-sampled adult black flies collected along the Rio Grande during and after the 2020 VSV outbreak. We also collected black fly adults along the river in 2021 and 2022 and at southern NM farms and irrigation canals in 2022. Black fly larvae were collected from dams in the area in 2023. All collections were counted, and individual specimens were subjected to molecular barcoding for species identification. RESULTS DNA barcoding of adult black flies detected four species in 2020: Simulium meridionale (N = 158), S. mediovittatum (N = 83), S. robynae (N = 26) and S. griseum/notatum (N = 1). Simulium robynae was only detected during the VSV outbreak period, S. meridionale showed higher relative abundance, but lower absolute abundance, during the outbreak than post-outbreak period, and S. mediovittatum was rare during the outbreak period but predominated later in the summer. In 2022, relative abundance of black fly species did not differ significantly between the Rio Grande sites and farm and irrigation canals. Intriguingly, 63 larval black flies comprised 56% Simulium vittatum, 43% S. argus and 1% S. encisoi species that were either extremely rare or not detected in previous adult collections. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that S. robynae and S. meridionale could be shaping patterns of VSV transmission in southern NM. Thus, field studies of the source of these species as well as vector competence studies are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madelin J Whelpley
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Lawrence H Zhou
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Jeremy Rascon
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Bailey Payne
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Brett Moehn
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Katherine I Young
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas El Paso, El Paso Texas, USA
| | - Chad E Mire
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Services, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Debra P C Peters
- United States Department of Agriculture, Office of National Programs, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Luis L Rodriguez
- United States, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Services, Plum Island Animal Disease Center and National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Kathryn A Hanley
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Molecular Tracking of the Origin of Vesicular Stomatitis Outbreaks in 2004 and 2018, Ecuador. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10030181. [PMID: 36977220 PMCID: PMC10057135 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10030181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) is an arbovirus causing vesicular stomatitis (VS) in livestock. There are two serotypes recognized: New Jersey (VSNJV) and Indiana (VSIV). The virus can be transmitted directly by contact or by vectors. In 2018, Ecuador experienced an outbreak of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) in cattle, caused by VSNJV and VSVIV, with 399 cases reported distributed over 18 provinces. We determined the phylogenetic relationships among 67 strains. For the construction of phylogenetic trees, the viral phosphoprotein gene was sequenced, and trees were constructed based on the Maximum Likelihood method using 2004 outbreak strains from Ecuador (GenBank) and the 2018 sequences (this article). We built a haplotype network for VSNJV to trace the origin of the 2004 and 2018 epizootics through topology and mutation connections. These analyses suggest two different origins, one related to the 2004 outbreak and the other from a transmission source in 2018. Our analysis also suggests different transmission patterns; several small and independent outbreaks, most probably transmitted by vectors in the Amazon, and another outbreak caused by the movement of livestock in the Andean and Coastal regions. We recommend further research into vectors and vertebrate reservoirs in Ecuador to clarify the mechanisms of the reemergence of the virus.
Collapse
|
4
|
A Screening for Virus Infections among Wild Eurasian Tundra Reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in Iceland, 2017-2019. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020317. [PMID: 36851530 PMCID: PMC9961133 DOI: 10.3390/v15020317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A winter population of around 4000-5000 wild Eurasian tundra reindeer (Rangifer t. tarandus) in the eastern part of Iceland represents descendants from 35 semi-domesticated reindeer imported to Iceland from Finnmark county, Norway, in 1787. While previous studies have indicated that they host fewer parasite species as compared to reindeer in Fennoscandia, little information exists on their exposure to reindeer viral pathogens. The aim of this study was to investigate blood from hunted reindeer for antibodies against alphaherpesvirus and gammaherpesviruses (malignant catarrhal fever viruses, MCFV), pestivirus, bluetongue virus, and Schmallenberg virus, and to investigate nasal and oral mucosal membrane swab samples for the presence of parapoxvirus-specific DNA. Blood samples collected during the hunting seasons in 2017 (n = 40), 2018 (n = 103), and 2019 (n = 138) were tested for viral antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Screening for parapoxvirus DNA was conducted on swab samples from 181 reindeer by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), targeting the B2L and GIF genes. Antibodies against pestivirus were detected in two animals from 2017, and antibodies against MCFV were detected in two reindeer from 2018. No antibodies were detected against the other viruses tested. Parapoxvirus-specific DNA was detected in nasal swab samples from two animals sampled in 2019. This study suggests that the investigated viral infections are either not present or present at a low prevalence only, probably not representing a major health threat to this reindeer population. The lack of exposure to alphaherpesvirus, an enzootic pathogen in most investigated Rangifer populations, was unexpected.
Collapse
|
5
|
Comparison of Endemic and Epidemic Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Lineages in Culicoides sonorensis Midges. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061221. [PMID: 35746691 PMCID: PMC9230599 DOI: 10.3390/v14061221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) primarily infects livestock and is transmitted by direct contact and vectored by Culicoides midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Endemic to Central and South America, specific VSV lineages spread northward out of endemic regions of Mexico and into the U.S. sporadically every five to ten years. In 2012, a monophyletic epidemic lineage 1.1 successfully spread northward into the U.S. In contrast, the closest endemic ancestor, lineage 1.2, remained circulating exclusively in endemic regions in Mexico. It is not clear what roles virus-animal interactions and/or virus-vector interactions play in the ability of specific viral lineages to escape endemic regions in Mexico and successfully cause outbreaks in the U.S., nor the genetic basis for such incursions. Whole-genome sequencing of epidemic VSV 1.1 and endemic VSV 1.2 revealed significant differences in just seven amino acids. Previous studies in swine showed that VSV 1.1 was more virulent than VSV 1.2. Here, we compared the efficiency of these two viral lineages to infect the vector Culicoides sonorensis (Wirth and Jones) and disseminate to salivary glands for subsequent transmission. Our results showed that midges orally infected with the epidemic VSV 1.1 lineage had significantly higher infection dissemination rates compared to those infected with the endemic VSV 1.2 lineage. Thus, in addition to affecting virus-animal interactions, as seen with higher virulence in pigs, small genetic changes may also affect virus-vector interactions, contributing to the ability of specific viral lineages to escape endemic regions via vector-borne transmission.
Collapse
|
6
|
Surveillance along the Rio Grande during the 2020 Vesicular Stomatitis Outbreak Reveals Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of and Viral RNA Detection in Black Flies. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101264. [PMID: 34684213 PMCID: PMC8541391 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) emerges periodically from its focus of endemic transmission in southern Mexico to cause epizootics in livestock in the US. The ecology of VSV involves a diverse, but largely undefined, repertoire of potential reservoir hosts and invertebrate vectors. As part of a larger program to decipher VSV transmission, we conducted a study of the spatiotemporal dynamics of Simulium black flies, a known vector of VSV, along the Rio Grande in southern New Mexico, USA from March to December 2020. Serendipitously, the index case of VSV-Indiana (VSIV) in the USA in 2020 occurred at a central point of our study. Black flies appeared soon after the release of the Rio Grande’s water from an upstream dam in March 2020. Two-month and one-year lagged precipitation, maximum temperature, and vegetation greenness, measured as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), were associated with increased black fly abundance. We detected VSIV RNA in 11 pools comprising five black fly species using rRT-PCR; five pools yielded a VSIV sequence. To our knowledge, this is the first detection of VSV in the western US from vectors that were not collected on premises with infected domestic animals.
Collapse
|
7
|
McGregor BL, Rozo-Lopez P, Davis TM, Drolet BS. Detection of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Indiana from Insects Collected during the 2020 Outbreak in Kansas, USA. Pathogens 2021; 10:1126. [PMID: 34578160 PMCID: PMC8471201 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Vesicular stomatitis (VS) is a reportable viral disease which affects horses, cattle, and pigs in the Americas. Outbreaks of vesicular stomatitis virus New Jersey serotype (VSV-NJ) in the United States typically occur on a 5-10-year cycle, usually affecting western and southwestern states. In 2019-2020, an outbreak of VSV Indiana serotype (VSV-IN) extended eastward into the states of Kansas and Missouri for the first time in several decades, leading to 101 confirmed premises in Kansas and 37 confirmed premises in Missouri. In order to investigate which vector species contributed to the outbreak in Kansas, we conducted insect surveillance at two farms that experienced confirmed VSV-positive cases, one each in Riley County and Franklin County. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention miniature light traps were used to collect biting flies on the premises. Two genera of known VSV vectors, Culicoides biting midges and Simulium black flies, were identified to species, pooled by species, sex, reproductive status, and collection site, and tested for the presence of VSV-IN RNA by RT-qPCR. In total, eight positive pools were detected from Culicoides sonorensis (1), Culicoides stellifer (3), Culicoides variipennis (1), and Simulium meridionale (3). The C. sonorensis- and C. variipennis-positive pools were from nulliparous individuals, possibly indicating transovarial or venereal transmission as the source of virus. This is the first report of VSV-IN in field caught C. stellifer and the first report of either serotype in S. meridionale near outbreak premises. These results improve our understanding of the role midges and black flies play in VSV epidemiology in the United States and broadens the scope of vector species for targeted surveillance and control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bethany L. McGregor
- Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA; (B.L.M.); (T.M.D.)
| | - Paula Rozo-Lopez
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA;
| | - Travis M. Davis
- Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA; (B.L.M.); (T.M.D.)
| | - Barbara S. Drolet
- Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA; (B.L.M.); (T.M.D.)
| |
Collapse
|