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Tsai YL, Wechtaisong W, Lee TR, Chang CH, Yu PH, Hwang MH. Hematological and plasma profiles and ticks and tick-borne pathogens in wild Formosan black bears (Ursus thibetanus formosanus). Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:241. [PMID: 38807241 PMCID: PMC11131195 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06320-7] [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: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endangered Formosan black bear (Ursus thibetanus formosanus) is the largest native carnivorous mammal in Taiwan. Diseases, poor management, illegal hunting, and habitat destruction are serious threats to the survival of bear populations. However, studies on the impact of diseases on bear populations are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a database of the hematological and plasma profiles of free-ranging Formosan black bears and investigate the occurrence of ectoparasites, blood parasites, and vector-borne pathogens. METHODS Formosan black bears were captured in Yushan National Park (YNP) and Daxueshan Forest Recreation Area (DSY) in Taiwan. Blood samples were collected from each bear for hematological analysis and plasma biochemistry using a hematology analyzer. Parasites and pathogens were detected using a thin blood smear with Wright-Giemsa staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Additionally, macroscopic ectoparasites were collected from bears to detect blood parasites and other pathogens. Moreover, the relationships between the bear variables (sex, age, and occurrence of parasites or pathogens), ectoparasites, and infectious agents were also analyzed. RESULTS In all, 21 wild bears (14 in YNP and 7 in DSY) were captured and released during the satellite tracking studies. Hematological analysis and plasma biochemistry indicated significant differences in white blood cells (WBC), segments, creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels between foot snare and culvert-captured bears. Additionally, there were significant differences in total plasma protein (TPP), creatinine, Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ levels between male and female bears. Moreover, pathogen-infected bears had significantly higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; 30 min and 1 h) and globulin levels than uninfected bears. In total, 240 ticks were collected from 13 bears, among which eight adult tick species were identified, including Haemaphysalis flava, Haemaphysalis hystricis, Amblyomma testudinarium, Ixodes ovatus, Dermacentor taiwanensis, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Ixodes acutitarsus, Amblyomma javanense, and nymphs belonging to Haemaphysalis spp. PCR revealed that 13 (61.90%) and 8 (38.10%) bears harbored Hepatozoon ursi and Babesia DNA, respectively. Among the ticks examined, 157 (65.41%) and 128 (53.33%) samples were positive for H. ursi and Babesia, respectively. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to establish a database of the hematological and plasma profiles of wild Formosan black bears and investigate ectoparasite infestation and Hepatozoon and Babesia spp. INFECTION In conclusion, these findings may serve as a reference for monitoring the health and population of locally endangered bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lun Tsai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Wittawat Wechtaisong
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
- Center of Excellence in Animal Vector-Borne Diseases, Veterinary Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ting-Rong Lee
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hao Chang
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Huan Yu
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hsiu Hwang
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan.
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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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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: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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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Karki M, Rajak KK, Singh RP. Canine morbillivirus (CDV): a review on current status, emergence and the diagnostics. Virusdisease 2022; 33:309-321. [PMID: 36039286 PMCID: PMC9403230 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-022-00779-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing host range of canine morbillivirus (CDV) affecting important wildlife species such as Lions, Leopard, and Red Pandas has raised the concern. Canine distemper is a pathogen of dogs affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Seventeen lineages of CDV are reported, and the eighteenth lineage was proposed in 2019 from India. Marked genomic differences in the genome of wild-type virus and vaccine strain are also reported.The variations at the epitope level can be differentiated using specific monoclonal antibodies in neutralization tests. Keeping in mind the current status of the emergence of CDV, genetic and molecular study of circulating strains of the specific geographical region are the essential components of the disease control strategy. New target-based diagnostics and vaccines are in need to counter the effects of the emerging virus population. Control of CDV is necessary to save the endangered, vulnerable, and many other wildlife species to maintain balance in the ecological system. This review provides an overview on emergence reported in CDV, diagnostics developed till today, and a perspective on the disease control strategy, keeping wildlife in consideration.
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Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Canine Distemper Virus in Marsican Brown Bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141826. [PMID: 35883373 PMCID: PMC9311857 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Marsican brown bear is a subspecies of Eurasian bear, that lives in a few areas of Central Italy, with an estimated population of only 50 animals. For this reason, it is considered one of the most threatened Italian mammals, and specific Conservation Plans are applied with the focus to fight the mortality causes, mainly related to human activities or illegal practices. On the contrary, few reports describing infectious or parasitic diseases in Marsican brown bears are available. Among pathogens, the canine distemper virus (CDV) is responsible for a contagious and multi-organ disease, able to infect a wide range of domestic and wild carnivores. In 2013 a fatal outbreak of distemper was registered in Central Italy, involving dogs, Apennine wolves, badgers, and foxes, but apparently without any consequences for the Marsican brown bears living in the same territories. In this paper, we describe the first CDV infection detected in a live-trapped bear. The identified strain resulted in similarities to CDV recovered from foxes and dogs of the same area. Even if no clinical signs referred to the disease have been detected in the monitored bear, the evidence of a viral pathogen potentially able to menace the conservation of the Marsican brown bear population highlights the importance of continuing observation activities. Abstract In this paper, we report the first molecular detection of the canine distemper virus in the Marsican brown bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus). Three subadults and one adult were live-trapped and checked for the main viral pathogens responsible for infectious diseases in this species. The four bears were found to be negative for all investigated viruses except for one, which resulted in a positive outcome for CDV by means of RT-PCR targeting fragments of viral N and H genes. The sequence analysis revealed the specificity of amplicons for the Europe Wildlife lineage of CDV, the same viral strain recovered from three foxes and two unvaccinated dogs coming from the same territories where the positive bear was captured. These results confirm the receptivity of Marsican brown bear for CDV, apparently without any pathological consequences for the positive animal, and suggest the presence in the studied area of a unique wild host-adapted lineage of the virus, able to spread in domestic animals, too. In this respect, continuous and specifically targeted surveillance systems are necessary in order to highlight any changes in the epidemiology of the infection in the territories where the Marsican brown bear lives, along with a more effective vaccination program for domestic dogs co-existing with this endangered species.
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Molecular and pathological screening of canine distemper virus in Asiatic lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards, leopard cats, jungle cats, civet cats, fishing cat, and jaguar of different states, India. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 98:105211. [PMID: 35051653 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The present investigation was conducted to rule out canine distemper (CD) diseases in Indian wild felids (Asiatic lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards, leopard cats, jungle cats, civet cats, fishing cat, and jaguar). The collected samples were screened for CD virus (CDV) by histopathology (HP), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting H gene and N gene. The HP and IHC of suspected samples portrayed that 22 [11 leopards, 6 lions, 3 tigers, 1 snow leopard and 1 civet cat] out of 129 (17.05%) wild felids were positive for CD. The major pathological consequences were observed in spleen, lung, kidney and brain. The syncytia and intranuclear as well as intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies were seen in CDV infected cells. Although the histopathological lesions in spleen were more specific and consistent, however, the severe demyelinated leukoencephalitis (usually expected in CD infected dog) was not observed in the brain of any Indian wild felids. Conversely, the CDV antigen has been portrayed via IHC in pancreatic islets of Langerhans of tiger species for the first time in this study. Moreover, the concurrent CD and babesiosis has also been observed in a lioness without a usual coffee-coloured urine. The N gene and H gene of CDV isolates were amplified, sequenced and subsequently constructed the phylogenetic tree. The phylogenetic analysis of H gene revealed that the CDV isolates from Indian lion formed separate clade with CDV isolates from Indian dog and Indian palm civet cat. Furthermore, two CDV isolates from Indian tigers formed clade with Onderstepoort vaccine strain and CDV isolates from dogs of Uttar Pradesh, USA and UK. Evidently, CDV is circulating in Indian wild felids and causing diseases in them.
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Oleaga Á, Vázquez CB, Royo LJ, Barral TD, Bonnaire D, Armenteros JÁ, Rabanal B, Gortázar C, Balseiro A. Canine distemper virus in wildlife in south-western Europe. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:e473-e485. [PMID: 34536064 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Multi-host pathogens emerging and re-emerging at the wildlife-domestic animal interface affect wildlife management and conservation. This is the case of canine distemper virus (CDV), a paramyxovirus closely related to human measles virus and rinderpest virus of cattle. With an area of 10,603 km2 , Asturias region in Atlantic Spain is a hotspot of carnivore diversity, which includes the largest Eurasian brown bear (Ursus arctos arctos) population and one of the largest wolf (Canis lupus) populations in south-western Europe. In 2020-2021, we recorded mortality due to distemper in four carnivore species including three mustelids (Eurasian badger Meles meles, European marten Martes martes and European polecat Mustela putorius) and one canid (red fox, Vulpes vulpes). Clinical signs and pathology were similar across species and consistent with the emergence of a highly pathogenic viral strain, with CDV antigen mainly located in the central nervous system, lungs, spleen and lymph nodes. A molecular study in eight wild carnivore species, also including the Iberian wolf, Eurasian brown bear, American mink (Neovison vison) and stone marten (Martes foina), revealed 19.51% (16/82) of positivity. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that CDV belonged to the previously described European lineage. A retrospective serosurvey (2008-2020) showed a high seroprevalence of CDV antibodies (43.4%) in 684 analyzed badgers, indicating a long-term though not stable viral circulation in this multi-host community. The possible triggers of the 2020-2021 outbreak and the implications for carnivore management and conservation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Oleaga
- Sociedad de Servicios del Principado de Asturias S.A. (SERPA), Gijón, Spain
| | - Cristina Blanco Vázquez
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario del Principado de Asturias (SERIDA), Villaviciosa, Spain
| | - Luis José Royo
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario del Principado de Asturias (SERIDA), Villaviciosa, Spain
| | - Thiago Doria Barral
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Debby Bonnaire
- Ecole Supérieure d'Ingénieurs Agroalimentaires de Bretagne atlantique, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France.,Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - José Ángel Armenteros
- Consejería de Fomento, Ordenación del Territorio y Medio Ambiente del Principado de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Benjamín Rabanal
- Laboratorio de Técnicas Instrumentales, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Christian Gortázar
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos-IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Ana Balseiro
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain.,Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), León, Spain
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Greenfield JB, Anderson MV, Dorey EA, Redman E, Gilleard JS, Nemeth NM, Rothenburger JL. Molecular characterization of Sarcocystis spp. as a cause of protozoal encephalitis in a free-ranging black bear. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 34:146-152. [PMID: 34416834 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211038389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A free-ranging juvenile male black bear (Ursus americanus), found dead in Alberta, Canada, had severe nonsuppurative encephalitis. Lesions in the brain were most severe in the gray matter of the cerebral cortex, and included perivascular cuffs of lymphocytes and plasma cells, areas of gliosis that disrupted the neuropil, and intralesional protozoan schizonts. The left hindlimb had suppurative myositis associated with Streptococcus halichoeri. Immunohistochemistry and molecular analyses (PCR and sequencing of 4 discriminatory loci: 18S rDNA, ITS-1 rDNA, cox1, rpoB) identified Sarcocystis canis or a very closely related Sarcocystis sp. in the affected muscle and brain tissues. The main lesion described in previously reported cases of fatal sarcocystosis in bears was necrotizing hepatitis. Fatal encephalitis associated with this parasite represents a novel presentation of sarcocystosis in bears. Sarcocystosis should be considered a differential diagnosis for nonsuppurative encephalitis in bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan B Greenfield
- Departments of Ecosystem and Public Health and the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative Alberta Region, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Madison V Anderson
- Departments of Ecosystem and Public Health and the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative Alberta Region, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Emily A Dorey
- Departments of Ecosystem and Public Health and the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative Alberta Region, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Redman
- Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - John S Gilleard
- Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicole M Nemeth
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study and Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Jamie L Rothenburger
- Departments of Ecosystem and Public Health and the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative Alberta Region, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Alex CE, Fahsbender E, Altan E, Bildfell R, Wolff P, Jin L, Black W, Jackson K, Woods L, Munk B, Tse T, Delwart E, Pesavento PA. Viruses in unexplained encephalitis cases in American black bears (Ursus americanus). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0244056. [PMID: 33332429 PMCID: PMC7745964 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections were investigated in American black bears (Ursus americanus) from Nevada and northern California with and without idiopathic encephalitis. Metagenomics analyses of tissue pools revealed novel viruses in the genera Circoviridae, Parvoviridae, Anelloviridae, Polyomaviridae, and Papillomaviridae. The circovirus and parvovirus were of particular interest due to their potential importance as pathogens. We characterized the genomes of these viruses and subsequently screened bears by PCR to determine their prevalence. The circovirus (Ursus americanus circovirus, UaCV) was detected at a high prevalence (10/16, 67%), and the chaphamaparvovirus (Ursus americanus parvovirus, UaPV) was found in a single bear. We showed that UaCV is present in liver, spleen/lymph node, and brain tissue of selected cases by in situ hybridization (ISH) and PCR. Infections were detected in cases of idiopathic encephalitis and in cases without inflammatory brain lesions. Infection status was not clearly correlated with disease, and the significance of these infections remains unclear. Given the known pathogenicity of a closely related mammalian circovirus, and the complex manifestations of circovirus-associated diseases, we suggest that UaCV warrants further study as a possible cause or contributor to disease in American black bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E. Alex
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California—Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Fahsbender
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California—San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Eda Altan
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California—San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Robert Bildfell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
- Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Peregrine Wolff
- Nevada Department of Wildlife, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Ling Jin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
- Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Wendy Black
- Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Kenneth Jackson
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California—Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Leslie Woods
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Brandon Munk
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Rancho Cordova, California, United States of America
| | - Tiffany Tse
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California—Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Eric Delwart
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California—San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Patricia A. Pesavento
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California—Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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11
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Naidenko SV, Hernandez-Blanco JA, Seryodkin IV, Miquelle DG, Blidchenko EY, Litvinov MN, Kotlyar AK, Rozhnov VV. Serum Prevalence of Bears in the Russian Far East to Different Pathogens. BIOL BULL+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359019080089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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12
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PATHOGEN PREVALANCE IN AMERICAN BLACK BEARS (URSUS AMERICANUS AMBLYCEPS) OF THE JEMEZ MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO, USA. J Wildl Dis 2019. [DOI: 10.7589/2018-12-286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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13
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Niedringhaus KD, Brown JD, Ternent MA, Cleveland CA, Yabsley MJ. A Serosurvey of Multiple Pathogens in American Black Bears ( Ursus americanus) in Pennsylvania, USA Indicates a Lack of Association with Sarcoptic Mange. Vet Sci 2019; 6:E75. [PMID: 31547006 PMCID: PMC6958396 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci6040075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases, particularly of wildlife, are intrinsically linked to human and domestic animal health. Reports of sarcoptic mange in black bears (Ursus americanus) are increasing in multiple states in the USA and while the reason is unknown, mange in other species has been associated with immunosuppression from multiple causes. Serum from bears across Pennsylvania were collected to determine the seroprevalence of five pathogens important for animal and/or human health: Canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus (CPV), canine adenovirus-1 (CAV), Toxoplasma gondii, and Trichinella sp. from bears with sarcoptic mange as well as bears that were clinically normal. Several of these pathogens, particularly canine distemper virus, are associated with immunosuppression and secondary infections in other hosts. In addition to describing the seroprevalence and relating these findings to data from other regions, statistics were performed to determine if antibodies to any of these pathogens were associated with mange in bears. The overall seroprevalence to these pathogens was as follows: CDV 7.1% (17/240), CPV 16% (15/94), CAV 6.9% (6/87), Toxoplasma gondii 64.9% (194/299), and Trichinella spiralis 3.2% (7/220). While there was no association between mange and antibodies to these pathogens, infection with one or more of these pathogens has implications for bears, other wildlife, domestic animal, and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Niedringhaus
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Justin D Brown
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Mark A Ternent
- Pennsylvania Game Commission, Harrisburg, PA 17110, USA.
| | - Christopher A Cleveland
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Michael J Yabsley
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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EXPOSURE OF ALASKA BROWN BEARS ( URSUS ARCTOS) TO BACTERIAL, VIRAL, AND PARASITIC AGENTS VARIES SPATIOTEMPORALLY AND MAY BE INFLUENCED BY AGE. J Wildl Dis 2018; 55:576-588. [PMID: 30557123 DOI: 10.7589/2018-07-173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We collected blood and serum from 155 brown bears (Ursus arctos) inhabiting five locations in Alaska, US during 2013-16 and tested samples for evidence of prior exposure to a suite of bacterial, viral, and parasitic agents. Antibody seroprevalence among Alaska brown bears was estimated to be 15% for Brucella spp., 10% for Francisella tularensis, 7% for Leptospira spp., 18% for canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1), 5% for canine distemper virus (CDV), 5% for canine parvovirus, 5% for influenza A virus (IAV), and 44% for Toxoplasma gondii. No samples were seropositive for antibodies to Trichinella spp. Point estimates of prior exposure to pathogens among brown bears at previously unsampled locations generally fell within the range of estimates for previously or contemporaneously sampled bears in Alaska. Statistical support was found for variation in antibody seroprevalence among bears by location or age cohort for CAV-1, CDV, IAV, and T. gondii. There was limited concordance in comparisons between our results and previous serosurveys regarding spatial and age-related trends in antibody seroprevalence among Alaska brown bears suggestive of temporal variation. However, we found evidence that the seroprevalence of CAV-1 antibodies is consistently high in bears inhabiting southwest Alaska and the cumulative probability of exposure may increase with age. We found evidence for seroconversion or seroreversion to six different infectious agents in one or more bears. Results of this study increase our collective understanding of disease risk to both Alaska brown bear populations and humans that utilize this resource.
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Cross PC, van Manen FT, Viana M, Almberg ES, Bachen D, Brandell EE, Haroldson MA, Hudson PJ, Stahler DR, Smith DW. Estimating distemper virus dynamics among wolves and grizzly bears using serology and Bayesian state-space models. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:8726-8735. [PMID: 30271540 PMCID: PMC6157674 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Many parasites infect multiple hosts, but estimating the transmission across host species remains a key challenge in disease ecology. We investigated the within and across host species dynamics of canine distemper virus (CDV) in grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) and wolves (Canis lupus) of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). We hypothesized that grizzly bears may be more likely to be exposed to CDV during outbreaks in the wolf population because grizzly bears often displace wolves while scavenging carcasses. We used serological data collected from 1984 to 2014 in conjunction with Bayesian state-space models to infer the temporal dynamics of CDV. These models accounted for the unknown timing of pathogen exposure, and we assessed how different testing thresholds and the potential for testing errors affected our conclusions. We identified three main CDV outbreaks (1999, 2005, and 2008) in wolves, which were more obvious when we used higher diagnostic thresholds to qualify as seropositive. There was some evidence for increased exposure rates in grizzly bears in 2005, but the magnitude of the wolf effect on bear exposures was poorly estimated and depended upon our prior distributions. Grizzly bears were exposed to CDV prior to wolf reintroduction and during time periods outside of known wolf outbreaks, thus wolves are only one of several potential routes for grizzly bear exposures. Our modeling approach accounts for several of the shortcomings of serological data and is applicable to many wildlife disease systems, but is most informative when testing intervals are short. CDV circulates in a wide range of carnivore species, but it remains unclear whether the disease persists locally within the GYE carnivore community or is periodically reintroduced from distant regions with larger host populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul C. Cross
- U.S. Geological SurveyNorthern Rocky Mountain Science CenterBozemanMontana
| | - Frank T. van Manen
- U.S. Geological SurveyNorthern Rocky Mountain Science CenterBozemanMontana
| | - Mafalda Viana
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem HealthInstitute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative MedicineCollege of Medical, Veterinary and Life SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | | | | | - Ellen E. Brandell
- Department of BiologyHuck Institutes of the Life SciencesPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvania
| | - Mark A. Haroldson
- U.S. Geological SurveyNorthern Rocky Mountain Science CenterBozemanMontana
| | - Peter J. Hudson
- Department of BiologyHuck Institutes of the Life SciencesPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvania
| | - Daniel R. Stahler
- Yellowstone Wolf ProjectYellowstone National Park, National Park ServiceGardinerWyoming
| | - Douglas W. Smith
- Yellowstone Wolf ProjectYellowstone National Park, National Park ServiceGardinerWyoming
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Lunardi M, Darold GM, Amude AM, Headley SA, Sonne L, Yamauchi KCI, Boabaid FM, Alfieri AF, Alfieri AA. Canine distemper virus active infection in order Pilosa, family Myrmecophagidae, species Tamandua tetradactyla. Vet Microbiol 2018; 220:7-11. [PMID: 29885804 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2018.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious disease pathogen which causes disease in the domestic dog and species classified in the Canidae, Procyonidae, Mustelidae, Hyaenidae, Ursidae, Viveridae, Felidae, Tayassuidae, and Cercopithecidae families. A combined strategy that involved the direct sequencing of amplicons from genes coding for nucleocapsid, large polymerase, and hemagglutinin proteins of CDV, as well as the pathological findings and the immunohistochemical detection of viral nucleocapsid protein in diverse tissues, confirmed the participation of CDV in the development of a neurological disease in a southern tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) from Midwestern Brazil. Phylogenetic analysis based on the hemagglutinin gene sequences revealed that the strain from this study grouped with isolates from the Europe 1/South America 1 lineage. The specific polymorphisms at the SLAM receptor-binding site of the hemagglutinin gene, previously linked to disease emergence in novel hosts, were not detected in this genome. These findings represent the first description of CDV-induced infection in the Tamandua tetradactyla and extend the distribution of this infection to include members of the family Myrmecophagidae, order Pilosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Lunardi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Universidade de Cuiabá, 3100 Ave Beira Rio, 78065-900, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil.
| | - Gabriela Molinari Darold
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Universidade de Cuiabá, 3100 Ave Beira Rio, 78065-900, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Mendes Amude
- Department of Small Animal Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidade de Cuiabá, 3100 Ave Beira Rio, 78065-900, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Selwyn Arlington Headley
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Celso Garcia Cid Road, PR 445 Km 380, 86051-990, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Luciana Sonne
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 9090 Ave Bento Gonçalves, 90650-001, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Kelly Cristiane Ito Yamauchi
- Department of Small Animal Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidade de Cuiabá, 3100 Ave Beira Rio, 78065-900, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Marques Boabaid
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Universidade de Cuiabá, 3100 Ave Beira Rio, 78065-900, Cuiaba, MT, Brazil
| | - Alice Fernandes Alfieri
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Celso Garcia Cid Road, PR 445 Km 380, 86051-990, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Amauri Alcindo Alfieri
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Celso Garcia Cid Road, PR 445 Km 380, 86051-990, Londrina, PR, Brazil
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Jin Y, Zhang X, Ma Y, Qiao Y, Liu X, Zhao K, Zhang C, Lin D, Fu X, Xu X, Wang Y, Wang H. Canine distemper viral infection threatens the giant panda population in China. Oncotarget 2017; 8:113910-113919. [PMID: 29371956 PMCID: PMC5768373 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated exposure to canine distemper virus (CDV) in eight wild giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and 125 unvaccinated domestic dogs living in and around Foping National Nature Reserve (FNNR), China. Seventy-two percent of unvaccinated domestic dogs (mixed breed) had neutralizing antibodies for CDV due to exposure to the disease. The eight wild giant pandas were naïve to CDV and carried no positive antibody titer. RT-PCR assays for hemagglutinin (H) gene confirmed the presence of CDV in 31 clinically ill dogs from several areas near FNNR. Genomic sequence analysis showed that the 21 canine CDV were highly homologous to each other and belonged to the Asian-1 genotype. They showed high homology with the GP01 strain sequenced from a fatally infected giant panda, suggesting cross-species infection. Observational and GPS tracking data revealed home range overlap in pandas and dogs around FNNR. This study shows that CDV is endemic in domestic dogs near FNNR and that cross-species CDV infection threatens the wild giant panda population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Jin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinke Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yisheng Ma
- Foping National Nature Reserve, Shaanxi 723400, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanchao Qiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobin Liu
- Foping National Nature Reserve, Shaanxi 723400, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaihui Zhao
- Foping National Nature Reserve, Shaanxi 723400, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Degui Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuelian Fu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinrong Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiwei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Huanan Wang
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
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18
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PREVALENCE OF ANTIBODIES TO SELECTED VIRUSES AND PARASITES IN INTRODUCED AND ENDEMIC CARNIVORES IN WESTERN MADAGASCAR. J Wildl Dis 2016; 52:544-52. [PMID: 27195685 DOI: 10.7589/2015-03-063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduced animals impact endemic populations through predation, competition, and disease transmission. Populations of endemic carnivores in Madagascar are declining, and pathogens transmitted from introduced species may further endanger these unique species. We assessed the exposure of introduced and endemic carnivores to common viral and parasitic pathogens in two national parks of Madagascar (Kirindy Mitea National Park and Ankarafantsika National Park) and their neighboring villages. We also identified variables associated with the presence of antibodies to these pathogens in fosa ( Cryptoprocta ferox ). Introduced and endemic species were exposed to canine parvovirus, canine herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, and Toxoplasma gondii . Domestic dogs ( Canis familiaris ) and cats ( Felis catus ) may be sources of infection for these pathogens. Prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma in captured fosa was >93%, and adults were more likely to be exposed than immature individuals. Our data provide a basis upon which to evaluate and manage risks of pathogen transmission between species.
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19
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Beineke A, Baumgärtner W, Wohlsein P. Cross-species transmission of canine distemper virus-an update. One Health 2015; 1:49-59. [PMID: 28616465 PMCID: PMC5462633 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a pantropic morbillivirus with a worldwide distribution, which causes fatal disease in dogs. Affected animals develop dyspnea, diarrhea, neurological signs and profound immunosuppression. Systemic CDV infection, resembling distemper in domestic dogs, can be found also in wild canids (e.g. wolves, foxes), procyonids (e.g. raccoons, kinkajous), ailurids (e.g. red pandas), ursids (e.g. black bears, giant pandas), mustelids (e.g. ferrets, minks), viverrids (e.g. civets, genets), hyaenids (e.g. spotted hyenas), and large felids (e.g. lions, tigers). Furthermore, besides infection with the closely related phocine distemper virus, seals can become infected by CDV. In some CDV outbreaks including the mass mortalities among Baikal and Caspian seals and large felids in the Serengeti Park, terrestrial carnivores including dogs and wolves have been suspected as vectors for the infectious agent. In addition, lethal infections have been described in non-carnivore species such as peccaries and non-human primates demonstrating the remarkable ability of the pathogen to cross species barriers. Mutations affecting the CDV H protein required for virus attachment to host-cell receptors are associated with virulence and disease emergence in novel host species. The broad and expanding host range of CDV and its maintenance within wildlife reservoir hosts considerably hampers disease eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Beineke
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, D-30559 Hanover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hanover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, D-30559 Hanover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hanover, Germany
| | - Peter Wohlsein
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, D-30559 Hanover, Germany
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20
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Dombrowski E, McGregor GF, Bauer BS, Parker D, Grahn BH. Blindness in a wild American black bear cub (Ursus americanus). Vet Ophthalmol 2015; 19:340-346. [PMID: 26302466 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
An approximately six-month-old wild American black bear (Ursus americanus) was found wandering in Saskatchewan and was presented to the Veterinary Medical Centre of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine for apparent blindness. Clinical examination confirmed an inability to navigate a photopic maze, bilateral tapetal hyper-reflectivity, fundi devoid of retinal vessels, and small pale optic nerve papillae. Single-flash electroretinography revealed A and B-wave amplitudes of approximately 40 and 140 microvolts, respectively, in both eyes. Histologic abnormalities included bilateral optic papillary mineralization and bilateral segmental optic nerve degeneration, with occasional intralesional lymphocytes confirmed with immunohistochemistry for CD3+. There was also bilateral multifocal retinal dysplasia, gliosis, lymphocytic retinitis, a complete lack of retinal blood vessels, an intravitreal vascular membrane, and a mild lymphocytic-plasmacytic uveitis with small pre-iridal cellular membranes. The presence of a positive ERG in a blind bear with numerous retinal ganglion cells and degenerative changes in the optic nerve are most consistent with vision loss due to optic nerve injury, which given the young age of the bear likely occurred during ocular development. The presence of ocular inflammation suggests this injury resulted from an inflammatory/infectious process. The etiology could not be determined. Hepatic concentrations of vitamin A were within the normal reference range for domestic species. Pan-herpesvirus PCR and immunohistochemistry for canine distemper virus and Toxoplasma gondii were negative, although this does not rule out these or other infectious etiologies. This represents the first case report of neonatal or congenital ocular abnormalities in an ursid species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Dombrowski
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Glenna F McGregor
- Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre, Western/Northern Region, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.,Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Bianca S Bauer
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Dennilyn Parker
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Bruce H Grahn
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Suzuki J, Nishio Y, Kameo Y, Terada Y, Kuwata R, Shimoda H, Suzuki K, Maeda K. Canine distemper virus infection among wildlife before and after the epidemic. J Vet Med Sci 2015; 77:1457-63. [PMID: 26074342 PMCID: PMC4667664 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.15-0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2007–2008, a canine distemper virus (CDV) epidemic occurred among wild animals in
Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, and many mammals, including the wild boar and deer, were
infected. In this study, CDV prevalence among wild animals was surveyed before and after
the epidemic. At first, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with horseradish
peroxidase-conjugated protein A/G was established to detect CDV antibodies in many
mammalian species. This established ELISA was available for testing dogs, raccoons and
raccoon dogs as well as virus-neutralization test. Next, a serological survey of wild
mammalians was conducted, and it was indicated that many wild mammalians, particularly
raccoons, were infected with CDV during the epidemic, but few were infected before and
after the epidemic. On the other hand, many raccoon dogs died during the epidemic, but CDV
remained prevalent in the remaining population, and a small epidemic occurred in raccoon
dogs in 2012–2013. These results indicated that the epidemic of 2007–2008 may have been
intensified by transmission to raccoons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Suzuki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
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