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Wilson-Welder JH, Han S, Bayles DO, Alt DP, Kanipe C, Garrison K, Mansfield KG, Olsen SC. Correlation of lesion severity with bacterial changes in Treponeme-Associated Hoof Disease from free-roaming wild elk (Cervus canadensis). Anim Microbiome 2024; 6:20. [PMID: 38650043 PMCID: PMC11036743 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-024-00304-9] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treponeme-Associated Hoof Disease (TAHD) is a polybacterial, multifactorial disease affecting free-ranging wild elk (Cervus canadensis) in the Pacific Northwest. Previous studies have indicated a bacterial etiology similar to digital dermatitis in livestock, including isolation of Treponema species from lesions. The lesions appear to progress rapidly from ulcerative areas in the interdigital space or along the coronary band to severe, ulcerative, necrotic, proliferative lesions under-running the hoof wall, perforating the sole, and contributing to hoof elongation, deformity, and overgrowth. Eventually the lesions undermine the laminal structure leading to sloughing of the hoof horn capsule. The objective of this study was to characterize the bacterial communities associated with hoof lesions, which were categorized into 5 stages or disease grade severities, with 0 being unaffected tissue and 4 being sloughed hoof capsule. We also wanted to determine if the etiology of TAHD through morphological changes was dominated by Treponema, as observed in hoof diseases in livestock. RESULTS The bacterial 16S rRNA gene was sequenced from 66 hoof skin biopsy samples representing 5 lesion grades from samples collected by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife as part of a voluntary hunter program. Analysis of the relative abundance of bacterial sequences showed that lesions were dominated by members of the bacterial phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Spirochaetes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. In lesion samples, members of the genus Treponema, Porphyromonas, and Mycoplasma increased with lesion severity. Association analysis indicated frequent identification of Treponema with Porphyromonas, Bacteroides and other anaerobic Gram-positive cocci. CONCLUSIONS The bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed the presence of Treponema species at all stages of TAHD lesions, treponeme specie-specific PCR and histopathology, indicating that the morphological changes are a continual progression of disease severity with similar bacterial communities. Association and abundance of these other pathogenic genera within lesions may mean synergistic role with Treponema in hoof disease pathogenesis. Characterizing bacteria involved in lesion development, and their persistence during disease progression, provides evidence for science-based management decisions in TAHD infected elk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H Wilson-Welder
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service- USDA, 1920 Dayton Ave, 50010, Ames, IA, USA.
| | - Sushan Han
- Colorado State University Diagnostic Medicine Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Darrell O Bayles
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service- USDA, 1920 Dayton Ave, 50010, Ames, IA, USA
| | - David P Alt
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service- USDA, 1920 Dayton Ave, 50010, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Carly Kanipe
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service- USDA, 1920 Dayton Ave, 50010, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Kyle Garrison
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, WA, USA
| | | | - Steven C Olsen
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service- USDA, 1920 Dayton Ave, 50010, Ames, IA, USA
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Wild MA, Taylor KR, Nilsson EE, Beck D, Skinner MK. Systemic epigenome-wide association study of elk treponeme-associated hoof disease. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15378. [PMID: 37717058 PMCID: PMC10505176 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42546-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD) is an emerging disease of elk (Cervus canadensis) in the U.S. Pacific West. Because environmental epigenetics is the primary molecular process that mediates environmental factor impacts on a host organism and disease, the role of epigenetics in TAHD etiology was examined. The current study was designed to examine potential effects of TAHD on systemic epigenetic modifications in infected elk over a range of TAHD lesion severity. Leg tendons that contain predominantly fibroblast connective tissue cells were used to isolate fibroblast cells for epigenetic analysis in unaffected and TAHD-positive male and female Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain elk. Differential DNA methylation regions (DMRs) between the unaffected and TAHD-positive elk were identified for both female and male elk. The presence of TAHD was associated with alteration of the connective tissue cell epigenetics, and DMR associated genes identified. Therefore, the infected elk were found to have a systemic epigenetic alteration that was associated with the disease, despite pathology being generally limited to feet. If the elk germline epigenetics is altered then generational transmission of susceptibility to TAHD may impact subsequent generations through epigenetic inheritance. This first study of epigenetic changes associated with disease in elk suggests that TAHD promotes a systemic effect on the elk epigenetics which could exert health impacts on the elk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A Wild
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Kyle R Taylor
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Eric E Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
| | - Daniel Beck
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
| | - Michael K Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA.
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Robinson ZB, Shah DH, Taylor KR, Wild MA. Transmission and lesion progression of treponeme-associated hoof disease in captive elk (Cervus canadensis). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289764. [PMID: 37561744 PMCID: PMC10414667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD) is a debilitating disease of free-ranging elk (Cervus canadensis) in the northwestern U.S. While treponemes are associated with lesions, the etiology and transmissibility between elk are unknown. Our objective was to determine whether the disease can be environmentally transmitted to captive elk. Four individually housed treatment elk and 2 control elk were challenged with soil mixed with inoculum prepared from free-ranging elk hooves from TAHD-positive elk or autoclaved hooves from normal elk, respectively. The inoculum for each group was applied to the interdigital space and added to pre-existing soil in each pen. Eight challenges were conducted at 1-4-week intervals and lesion development was assessed during a 138-day challenge period that was followed by a 170-day monitoring period to document lesion progression. All treatment elk, but no control elk, developed gross and histologic lesions consistent with TAHD. Treponema phylotypes similar to those in bovine digital dermatitis in cattle were detected using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing from lesions in all treatment elk, but no control elk, during the challenge period. Lesions progressed from ulcerations in the interdigital space to extensive ulceration and underrunning of the hoof capsule by 35 and 173 days following the initial inoculation, respectively. Lameness in treatment elk was correlated with lesion development (R = 0.702, p≤0.001), and activity of infected elk was reduced during the challenge (p≤0.001) and monitoring periods (p = 0.004). Body condition was significantly lower in treatment than control elk 168 days following the initial inoculation (p = 0.05) and at each individual elk's study endpoint (p = 0.006). Three of 4 treatment elk were euthanized when they reached humane endpoints, and one elk recovered. These results provide direct evidence that TAHD is a transmissible infectious disease in elk. As such, actions that reduce transmission risk can support disease management and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary B. Robinson
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Devendra H. Shah
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kyle R. Taylor
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Margaret A. Wild
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
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Mysterud A, Viljugrein H, Andersen R, Rauset GR, Reiten MR, Rolandsen CM, Strand O. An infectious disease outbreak and increased mortality in wild alpine reindeer. Ecosphere 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Atle Mysterud
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences University of Oslo Oslo Norway
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) Trondheim Norway
| | | | - Roy Andersen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) Trondheim Norway
| | | | | | | | - Olav Strand
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) Trondheim Norway
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Winter SN, Fernandez MDP, Taylor KR, Wild MA. Associations between hair trace mineral concentrations and the occurrence of treponeme-associated hoof disease in elk (Cervus canadensis). BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:446. [PMID: 36564777 PMCID: PMC9783704 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03547-3] [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: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trace minerals are important for animal health. Mineral deficiency or excess can negatively affect immune function, wound healing, and hoof health in domestic livestock, but normal concentrations and health impairment associated with mineral imbalances in wild animals are poorly understood. Treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD) is an emerging disease of free-ranging elk (Cervus canadensis) in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Selenium and copper levels identified in a small number of elk from areas where TAHD is established (i.e., southwestern Washington) suggested a mineral deficiency may have increased susceptibility to TAHD. Our objectives were to determine trace mineral concentrations using hair from elk originating in TAHD affected areas of Washington, California, Idaho, and Oregon and assess their associations with the occurrence of the disease. RESULTS We identified limited associations between TAHD occurrence and severity with hair mineral concentrations in 72 free-ranging elk, using Firth's logistic regression and multinomial regression models. We found consistent support for a priori hypotheses that selenium concentration, an important mineral for hoof health, is inversely associated with the occurrence of TAHD. Less consistent support was observed for effects of other minerals previously associated with hoof health (e.g., copper or zinc) or increased disease risk from potential toxicants. CONCLUSION Trace mineral analysis of hair is a non-invasive sampling technique that offers feasibility in storage and collection from live animals and carcasses. For some minerals, levels in hair correlate with visceral organs that are challenging to obtain. Our study using hair collected opportunistically from elk feet submitted for diagnostic investigations provides a modest reference of hair mineral levels in elk from the U.S. Pacific Northwest that may be useful in future determination of reference ranges. Although our results revealed high variability in mineral concentrations between elk, consistent relationship of possibly low selenium levels and TAHD suggest that further investigations are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven N. Winter
- grid.30064.310000 0001 2157 6568Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164 USA ,grid.30064.310000 0001 2157 6568Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164 USA
| | - Maria del Pilar Fernandez
- grid.30064.310000 0001 2157 6568Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164 USA
| | - Kyle R. Taylor
- grid.30064.310000 0001 2157 6568Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164 USA ,grid.30064.310000 0001 2157 6568Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164 USA
| | - Margaret A. Wild
- grid.30064.310000 0001 2157 6568Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164 USA
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Alsaaod M, Weber J, Jensen T, Brandt S, Gurtner C, Devaux D, Studer E, Steiner A. “Non-healing” claw horn lesions in dairy cows: Clinical, histopathological and molecular biological characterization of four cases. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1041215. [PMID: 36337205 PMCID: PMC9627347 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1041215] [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: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) contributes to a higher occurrence of secondary infections of exposed corium with Treponema spp. in bovine claws. “Non-healing” claw horn lesions (NHL) clinically resemble BDD lesions. They are severe, cause chronic lameness, and may persist for several months. They poorly respond to standard treatments of BDD and represent a serious welfare issue. In this study, four cases of NHL were classified clinically either as BDD-associated axial horn fissures (BDD-HFA; n = 3) or BDD-associated sole ulcer (BDD-SU; n = 1). In all four cases, pronounced multifocal keratinolysis of the stratum corneum, ulceration, and severe chronic lymphoplasmacytic perivascular to interstitial dermatitis were observed. All lesional samples tested positive for Treponema spp., Fusobacterium (F.) necrophorum, and Porphyromonas (P.) levii by PCRs. BDD-HFA lesions contained Treponema pedis as revealed by genetic identities of 93, 99, and 100%. Treponemes in the BDD-SU lesion were 94% homologous to Treponema phylotype PT3. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed extensive epidermal infiltration by treponemes that made up > 90% of the total bacterial population in all four lesions. FISH also tested positive for P. levii and negative for F. necrophorum in all four cases, whilst only one BDD-HFA contained Dichelobacter nodosus. Our data point to BDD-associated treponemes and P. levii constituting potential etiological agents in the development of “non-healing” claw horn lesions in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maher Alsaaod
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Maher Alsaaod
| | - Jim Weber
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tim Jensen
- Center for Diagnostic, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Section for Pathobiological Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sabine Brandt
- Research Group Oncology, Equine Clinic of Surgery, Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Corinne Gurtner
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Animal Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - David Devaux
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Eveline Studer
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Steiner
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Wild MA, Sargeant GA, Garrison K, Conradson D. Association of antler asymmetry with hoof disease in elk. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A. Wild
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology Washington State University P. O. Box 647040 Pullman WA 99164 USA
| | - Glen A. Sargeant
- U.S. Geological Survey Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center 8711 37th Street SE Jamestown ND 58401 USA
| | - Kyle Garrison
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife P. O. Box 43141 Olympia WA 98504 USA
| | - Dylan Conradson
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology Washington State University P. O. Box 647040 Pullman WA 99164 USA
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SURVEILLANCE FOR AN EMERGENT HOOF DISEASE IN ELK (CERVUS ELAPHUS) IN THE US PACIFIC WEST SUPPLEMENTED BY 16S RRNA GENE AMPLICON SEQUENCING. J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:487-499. [PMID: 35417921 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00119] [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: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A novel hoof disease of elk (Cervus elaphus) was described in southwestern Washington, US, in 2008 and was subsequently diagnosed in an adjacent area in northwestern Oregon in 2014. The disease, currently referred to as treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD), is characterized by lesions ranging from mild erosions, to severe ulcers with underrunning of the hoof capsule and heel-sole junction, to overgrown and avulsed hoof capsules. Histologically, lesions exhibit epithelial erosion or ulceration, suppurative inflammation, and the presence of argyrophilic spirochetes. We used data collected by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife from 2008 to 2017 as reference for disease distribution. We then conducted enhanced surveillance in 2018-20 by obtaining 164 submissions from four US Pacific West states. We detected TAHD for the first time in Idaho and northern California, as well as in multiple counties in Washington and Oregon where it had not been previously reported. Given the unexpectedly broad disease distribution, continued surveillance is warranted to determine the full geographic extent of TAHD. From samples of 22 elk, we investigated 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing as a technique that could be used to supplement TAHD surveillance. Operational taxonomic units of the family Spirochaetaceae were identified in 10 of 12 histologically diagnosed TAHD-positive cases and two of 10 TAHD-negative cases. Phyla Spirochaetae (P<0.008), Fusobacteria (P<0.006), and Tenericutes (P<0.01) were overrepresented in samples from TAHD-positive feet when compared with TAHD-negative elk. A unique spirochete, PT19, was detected in hooves of 11 elk and from at least one elk in each state. Results support the use of 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing as a reliable and informative tool to supplement investigations into distribution and etiology of this presumed polybacterial disease.
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Wilson-Welder JH, Mansfield K, Han S, Bayles DO, Alt DP, Olsen SC. Lesion Material From Treponema-Associated Hoof Disease of Wild Elk Induces Disease Pathology in the Sheep Digital Dermatitis Model. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:782149. [PMID: 35097043 PMCID: PMC8790030 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.782149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A hoof disease among wild elk (Cervus elaphus) in the western United States has been reported since 2008. Now present in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California, this hoof disease continues to spread among elk herds suggesting an infectious etiology. Causing severe lesions at the hoof-skin junction, lesions can penetrate the hoof-horn structure causing severe lameness, misshapen hooves, and in some cases, sloughed hooves leaving the elk prone to infection, malnutrition, and premature death. Isolated to the feet, this disease has been termed treponeme-associated hoof disease due to the numerous Treponema spp. found within lesions. In addition to the Treponema spp., treponeme-associated hoof disease shares many similarities with digital dermatitis of cattle and livestock including association with several groups of anaerobic bacteria such as Bacteroides, Clostridia, and Fusobacterium, neutrophilic inflammatory infiltrate, and restriction of the disease to the foot and hoof tissues. To determine if there was a transmissible infectious component to this disease syndrome, elk lesion homogenate was used in a sheep model of digital dermatitis. Ten animals were inoculated with lesion material and lesion development was followed over 7 weeks. Most inoculated feet developed moderate to severe lesions at 2- or 4-weeks post-inoculation timepoints, with 16 of 18 feet at 4 weeks also had spirochetes associated within the lesions. Histopathology demonstrated spirochetes at the invading edge of the lesions along with other hallmarks of elk hoof disease, neutrophilic inflammatory infiltrates, and keratinocyte erosion. Treponema-specific PCR demonstrated three phylotypes associated with elk hoof disease and digital dermatitis were present. Serum of infected sheep had increased anti-Treponema IgG when compared to negative control sheep and pre-exposure samples. Analysis of the bacterial microbiome by sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene showed a community structure in sheep lesions that was highly similar to the elk lesion homogenate used as inoculum. Bacteroidies, Fusobacterium, and Clostridia were among the bacterial taxa overrepresented in infected samples as compared to negative control samples. In conclusion, there is a highly transmissible, infectious bacterial component to elk treponeme-associated hoof disease which includes several species of Treponema as well as other bacteria previously associated with digital dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H. Wilson-Welder
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Ames, IA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jennifer H. Wilson-Welder
| | - Kristin Mansfield
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Spokane Valley, WA, United States
| | - Sushan Han
- Colorado State University Diagnostic Medicine Center, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Darrell O. Bayles
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Ames, IA, United States
| | - David P. Alt
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Ames, IA, United States
| | - Steven C. Olsen
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Ames, IA, United States
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Hoby S, Jensen TK, Brodard I, Gurtner C, Eicher R, Steiner A, Kuhnert P, Alsaaod M. Detection of treponemes in digital dermatitis lesions of captive European bison (Bison bonasus). PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255921. [PMID: 34370779 PMCID: PMC8352065 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A newly-discovered foot disease of unknown origin in captive European Bison (Bison bonasus) was recently detected at Berne Animal Park. Dermatitis of the interdigital cleft of varying degrees of severity was diagnosed in all animals (n = 10). The aim of this study was to describe the gross and histological lesions of the interdigital cleft found in 10 captive European bison and to identify involved potential pathogens in affected feet using molecular-based methods for Treponema spp., Dichelobacter nodosus and Fusobacterium necrophorum. Lesions were scored according to the degree of gross pathology at limb level. In a single animal, the gross lesions were restricted to focal lesions on the dorsal aspect of the digital skin of each foot (score 1), whereas all other animals showed at least one foot with extended lesions including the interdigital cleft (score 2). The presence of viable spirochaetes was observed in all animals using dark field microscopy. Applying fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) on biopsies, Treponema spp. were identified, infiltrating the skin lesions in varying numbers in nine animals. Nested PCRs for Treponema medium, Treponema phagedenis and Treponema pedis of swab samples showed three positive animals out of ten for the latter two, whereas pooled biopsy samples were positive in all ten animals for at least T. phagedenis (9/10) and/or T. pedis (7/10), while all samples were negative for T. medium. However, none of these Treponema species could be isolated and sequence analysis of the amplified products showed 100% match of 365 base pairs (bp) to Treponema phylotype PT3 and almost full match (530 of 532 bp, 99.6%) to Treponema phylotype PT13. The presence of T. phagedenis, PT3 and PT13 phylotypes was confirmed by FISH analyses. The phylotypes of T. phagedenis were present in all hybridized positive biopsies of Treponema spp., and PT13 and PT3 were less abundant. Neither D. nodosus nor F. necrophorum were detected. The histological Treponema score was mostly mild. Digital dermatitis in captive European Bison is contagious and differs from bovine digital dermatitis, concerning associated pathogens as well as gross appearance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tim K. Jensen
- Center for Diagnostic, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Isabelle Brodard
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Corinne Gurtner
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Richard Eicher
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Steiner
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Peter Kuhnert
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maher Alsaaod
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Flueck WT. Nutrition as an etiological factor causing diseases in endangered huemul deer. BMC Res Notes 2020; 13:276. [PMID: 32513255 PMCID: PMC7282076 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-020-05122-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Distinct diseases prevent endangered huemul deer (Hippocamelus bisulcus) recovery. Fundamental etiological factors include nutriments, a mayor component of habitat quality. Undernutrition affects growth, skeletal development, osteopathology, reproduction and immunocompetence: this paper amplifies data corroborating micro-nutrient deficiencies among huemul. RESULTS In Argentina, 57% huemul cadavers exhibited osteopathology, with new cases reported here. Recently, 86% live huemul had osteopathology: cranial lesions involved antemortem tooth loss, reducing feeding efficiency and body condition, with starvation deaths. This population had tissues well deficient compared to other cervids, averaging 0.28 ppm selenium, 4.98 ppm copper, whereas for manganese 55% were deficient (2.52 ppm) and 45% adequate (42.79 ppm). Recently, lesions in one Chilean huemul were interpreted to stem from parapoxvirus. That population also has cases with cranial osteopathologies, high disease susceptibility (parapoxvirus, parasitism, foot lesions), crippled antlers, and low density, indicative of marginal habitat and primary etiological factors like undernutrition and immunosuppression. The reported atypical symptoms attributed to parapoxvirus may relate to probable diagnostic limitations, but does support presence of nutritional deficiencies. Patagonia has selenium deficient plants and livestock, including severe muscular dystrophy, and soil levels in extant huemul areas considered very deficient. Moreover, 73% of Chilean huemul were selenium deficient and 64% severely deficient with concomitant cranial osteopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner T Flueck
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University Basel, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.
- National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Argentine National Park Administration, Rolando 699, 8400, Bariloche, Argentina.
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Moore-Jones G, Ardüser F, Dürr S, Gobeli Brawand S, Steiner A, Zanolari P, Ryser-Degiorgis MP. Identifying maintenance hosts for infection with Dichelobacter nodosus in free-ranging wild ruminants in Switzerland: A prevalence study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0219805. [PMID: 31917824 PMCID: PMC6952115 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Footrot is a worldwide economically important, painful, contagious bacterial foot disease of domestic and wild ungulates caused by Dichelobacter nodosus. Benign and virulent strains have been identified in sheep presenting with mild and severe lesions, respectively. However, in Alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex), both strains have been associated with severe lesions. Because the disease is widespread throughout sheep flocks in Switzerland, a nationwide footrot control program for sheep focusing on virulent strains shall soon be implemented. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the nationwide prevalence of both strain groups of D. nodosus in four wild indigenous ruminant species and to identify potential susceptible wildlife maintenance hosts that could be a reinfection source for domestic sheep. During two years (2017–2018), interdigital swabs of 1,821 wild indigenous ruminant species (Alpine ibex, Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus)) were analysed by Real-Time PCR. Furthermore, observed interspecies interactions were documented for each sample. Overall, we report a low prevalence of D. nodosus in all four indigenous wild ruminants, for both benign (1.97%, N = 36, of which 31 red deer) and virulent (0.05%, N = 1 ibex) strains. Footrot lesions were documented in one ibex with virulent strains, and in one ibex with benign strains. Interspecific interactions involving domestic livestock occurred mainly with cattle and sheep. In conclusion, the data suggest that wild ungulates are likely irrelevant for the maintenance and spread of D. nodosus. Furthermore, we add evidence that both D. nodosus strain types can be associated with severe disease in Alpine ibex. These data are crucial for the upcoming nationwide control program and reveal that wild ruminants should not be considered as a threat to footrot control in sheep in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Moore-Jones
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Flurin Ardüser
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Salome Dürr
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Liebefeld, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Gobeli Brawand
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Steiner
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Patrik Zanolari
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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13
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Vila AR, Briceño C, McAloose D, Seimon TA, Armién AG, Mauldin EA, Be NA, Thissen JB, Hinojosa A, Quezada M, Paredes J, Avendaño I, Silva A, Uhart MM. Putative parapoxvirus-associated foot disease in the endangered huemul deer (Hippocamelus bisulcus) in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Chile. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213667. [PMID: 30995215 PMCID: PMC6469779 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) is an endangered cervid endemic to southern Argentina and Chile. Here we report foot lesions in 24 huemul from Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, Chile, between 2005 and 2010. Affected deer displayed variably severe clinical signs, including lameness and soft tissue swelling of the limbs proximal to the hoof or in the interdigital space, ulceration of the swollen tissues, and some developed severe proliferative tissue changes that caused various types of abnormal wear, entrapment, and/or displacement of the hooves and/or dewclaws. Animals showed signs of intense pain and reduced mobility followed by loss of body condition and recumbency, which often preceded death. The disease affected both genders and all age categories. Morbidity and mortality reached 80% and 40%, respectively. Diagnostics were restricted to a limited number of cases from which samples were available. Histology revealed severe papillomatous epidermal hyperplasia and superficial dermatitis. Electron microscopy identified viral particles consistent with viruses in the Chordopoxvirinae subfamily. The presence of parapoxvirus DNA was confirmed by a pan-poxvirus PCR assay, showing high identity (98%) with bovine papular stomatitis virus and pseudocowpoxvirus. This is the first report of foot disease in huemul deer in Chile, putatively attributed to poxvirus. Given the high morbidity and mortality observed, this virus might pose a considerable conservation threat to huemul deer in Chilean Patagonia. Moreover, this report highlights a need for improved monitoring of huemul populations and synergistic, rapid response efforts to adequately address disease events that threaten the species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristóbal Briceño
- ConserLab, Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Denise McAloose
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Zoological Health Program, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Tracie A. Seimon
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Zoological Health Program, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Anibal G. Armién
- Ultrastructural Pathology Unit, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. Mauldin
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Nicholas A. Be
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States of America
| | - James B. Thissen
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States of America
| | - Ana Hinojosa
- Departamento de Áreas Silvestres Protegidas, Corporación Nacional Forestal, Chillán, Chile
| | - Manuel Quezada
- Departamento de Patología y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - José Paredes
- Departamento de Áreas Silvestres Protegidas, Corporación Nacional Forestal, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Iván Avendaño
- Departamento de Áreas Silvestres Protegidas, Corporación Nacional Forestal, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Alejandra Silva
- Departamento de Áreas Silvestres Protegidas, Corporación Nacional Forestal, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Marcela M. Uhart
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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14
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Han S, Mansfield KG, Bradway DS, Besser TE, Read DH, Haldorson GJ, Alt DP, Wilson-Welder JH. Treponeme-Associated Hoof Disease of Free-Ranging Elk ( Cervus elaphus) in Southwestern Washington State, USA. Vet Pathol 2018; 56:118-132. [PMID: 30244661 DOI: 10.1177/0300985818798108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A novel foot disease in free-ranging elk ( Cervus elaphus) in southwestern Washington State emerged in 2008 and spread throughout the region. Initial studies showed adult elk had chronic hoof overgrowth, sole ulcers, and sloughed hoof capsules, but no cause was determined. To identify possible causes and characterize the earliest lesions, 9-, 7-, and 3-month-old elk were collected. Nine-month-old elk had sole ulcers (3/9 elk) and sloughed/overgrown hoof capsules (4/9 elk) similar to adults. Histologically, lesions consisted of coronary, heel bulb, and interdigital ulcers with suppurative inflammation, epithelial hyperplasia, deeply invasive spirochetes, and underrunning of the hoof capsule and heel-sole junction. Spirochetes were identified as Treponema via immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Seven-month-old elk had similar underrunning foot ulcers (6/8 elk) with Treponema identified in all lesions but no chronic overgrowth or sloughed hoof capsules. Three-month-old calves had superficial coronary erosions with no inflammation or identifiable spirochetes (3/5 elk) but were culture/PCR positive for Treponema, suggesting possible early lesions. Lesions from 9- and 7-month-old elk included aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, many of which are associated with infectious foot disease in livestock. Antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of 7- and 3-month-old elk from the enzootic region showed a trend toward increased Treponema antibody titers compared to normal control elk from outside the region, further supporting the significance of Treponema in the pathogenesis of foot disease. Treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD) in elk, a debilitating and progressive condition, shares similarities to bovine digital dermatitis and contagious ovine digital dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushan Han
- 1 Colorado State University Diagnostic Medicine Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Dan S Bradway
- 3 Washington State University Washington Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Thomas E Besser
- 3 Washington State University Washington Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Deryck H Read
- 4 California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Gary J Haldorson
- 3 Washington State University Washington Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - David P Alt
- 5 Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Jennifer H Wilson-Welder
- 5 Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Ames, IA, USA
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15
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Orsel K, Plummer P, Shearer J, De Buck J, Carter SD, Guatteo R, Barkema HW. Missing pieces of the puzzle to effectively control digital dermatitis. Transbound Emerg Dis 2017; 65 Suppl 1:186-198. [PMID: 29124910 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Since the first report of bovine digital dermatitis (DD) in 1974, there is a large body of the literature published; however, effective prevention and control of the disease remain elusive. Although many aspects of the pathogenesis of DD have been investigated, even some of the most basic questions such as the aetiology of this disease remain under debate. Treponema spp. have been strongly associated with DD lesions and occur in abundance in advanced lesions; however, efforts to induce disease with pure cultures of these organisms have been largely underwhelming and inconsistent. Furthermore, although the disease has been presented for several decades, there is limited scientific evidence regarding effective treatment of DD. Apparent discrepancies between effectiveness in vitro and in vivo have challenged the scientific community to identify new potential treatment options. With no treatment resulting in a 100% cure rate, the current expectation is manageable control, but prospects for the eradication of the disease are unlikely using current approaches. In order to develop more effective approaches to control DD on-farm, there is a critical need for a deeper understanding regarding the causation, ecology, transmission and treatment of this disease. In this article, we attempt to provide insights into specific research needs related to DD in order to assist the industry, researchers, pharmaceutical companies and research sponsors with decision-making and identified research gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Orsel
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - P Plummer
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA, USA.,Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventative Medicine, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA, USA
| | - J Shearer
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventative Medicine, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA, USA
| | - J De Buck
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - S D Carter
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - R Guatteo
- BIOEPAR, INRA, Oniris, Nantes, France
| | - H W Barkema
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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16
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Wilson-Welder JH, Alt DP, Nally JE. Digital Dermatitis in Cattle: Current Bacterial and Immunological Findings. Animals (Basel) 2015; 5:1114-35. [PMID: 26569318 PMCID: PMC4693204 DOI: 10.3390/ani5040400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally; digital dermatitis is a leading form of lameness observed in production dairy cattle. While the precise etiology remains to be determined; the disease is clearly associated with infection by numerous species of treponemes; in addition to other anaerobic bacteria. The goal of this review article is to provide an overview of the current literature; focusing on discussion of the polybacterial nature of the digital dermatitis disease complex and host immune response. Several phylotypes of treponemes have been identified; some of which correlate with location in the lesion and some with stages of lesion development. Local innate immune responses may contribute to the proliferative, inflammatory conditions that perpetuate digital dermatitis lesions. While serum antibody is produced to bacterial antigens in the lesions, little is known about cellular-based immunity. Studies are still required to delineate the pathogenic traits of treponemes associated with digital dermatitis; and other host factors that mediate pathology and protection of digital dermatitis lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H Wilson-Welder
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA.
| | - David P Alt
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA.
| | - Jarlath E Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA.
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17
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Wilson-Welder JH, Alt DP, Nally JE. The etiology of digital dermatitis in ruminants: recent perspectives. VETERINARY MEDICINE-RESEARCH AND REPORTS 2015; 6:155-164. [PMID: 30101102 PMCID: PMC6070020 DOI: 10.2147/vmrr.s62072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Digital dermatitis (DD) is a multifactorial polymicrobial infectious disease originally described in dairy cattle, but is increasingly recognized in beef cattle, sheep, and more recently, elk and goats. Clinical bovine lesions typically appear on the plantar surface of the hind foot from the interdigital space and heel bulb to the accessory digits, with a predilection for skin–horn junctions. Lesions present as a painful ulcerative acute or chronic inflammatory process with differing degrees of severity. This variability reflects disease progression and results in a number of different clinical descriptions with overlapping pathologies that ultimately have a related bacterial etiology. The goal of this review article is to provide a concise overview of our current understanding on digital dermatitis disease to facilitate clinical recognition, our current understanding on the causative agents, and recent advances in our understanding of disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H Wilson-Welder
- Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA,
| | - David P Alt
- Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA,
| | - Jarlath E Nally
- Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA,
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18
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High-level association of bovine digital dermatitis Treponema spp. with contagious ovine digital dermatitis lesions and presence of Fusobacterium necrophorum and Dichelobacter nodosus. J Clin Microbiol 2015; 53:1628-38. [PMID: 25740778 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00180-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) is an important foot disease in sheep, with significant animal welfare and economic implications. It is thought that CODD emerged from bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) via treponemal bacteria. With wildlife species such as elk now suffering a CODD-like disease, it is imperative to clarify these disease etiologies. A large investigation into treponemal association with CODD is warranted. CODD lesions (n = 58) and healthy sheep foot tissues (n = 56) were analyzed by PCR for the three BDD-associated Treponema phylogroups and two other lameness-associated bacteria, Dichelobacter nodosus and Fusobacterium necrophorum. Spirochete culture was also attempted on CODD lesions. "Treponema medium/Treponema vincentii-like," "Treponema phagedenis-like," and Treponema pedis spirochetes were identified in 39/58 (67%), 49/58 (85%), and 41/58 (71%) of CODD lesions, respectively. One or more BDD-associated Treponema phylogroups were detected in 100% of CODD lesions. Healthy foot tissues did not amplify BDD-associated Treponema phylogroup DNA. D. nodosus and F. necrophorum were present in 34/58 (59%) and 41/58 (71%) of CODD lesions and 22/56 (39%) and 5/56 (9%) of healthy foot tissues, respectively. Thirty-two spirochetes were isolated from CODD lesions, with representatives clustering with, and indistinguishable from, each of the three BDD-associated Treponema phylogroups based on 16S rRNA gene comparisons. This study for the first time demonstrates a high-level association for BDD treponeme phylogroups in CODD and their absence from healthy tissues, supporting the hypothesis that BDD treponemes play a primary causative role in CODD and confirming that the specific PCR assays are an effective differential diagnostic tool for CODD.
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19
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Isolation of digital dermatitis treponemes from hoof lesions in Wild North American Elk (Cervus elaphus) in Washington State, USA. J Clin Microbiol 2014; 53:88-94. [PMID: 25355757 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02276-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2008, a large increase in the numbers of cases of lameness have been seen in wild North American elk (Cervus elaphus) from Washington State, USA. The most recent cases manifested as foot lesions similar both clinically and pathologically to those seen in digital dermatitis (DD) in cattle and sheep, a disease with a bacterial etiopathogenesis. To determine whether the same bacteria considered responsible for DD are associated with elk lameness, lesion samples were subjected to bacterial isolation studies and PCR assays for three phylogroups of relevant DD treponemes. The DD treponemes were isolated from lesional tissues but not from control feet or other areas of the diseased foot (including the coronary band or interdigital space), suggesting that the bacteria are strongly associated with DD lesions and may therefore be causal. In addition, PCR analysis revealed that all three unique DD treponeme phylotypes were found in elk hoof disease, and in 23% of samples, all 3 DD-associated treponemes were present in lesions. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene showed that the elk lesion treponemes were phylogenetically almost identical to those isolated from cattle and sheep DD lesions. The isolates were particularly similar to two of the three culturable DD treponeme phylotypes: specifically, the Treponema medium/Treponema vincentii-like and Treponema phagedenis-like DD spirochetes. The third treponeme culturable phylogroup (Treponema pedis), although detected by PCR, was not isolated. This is the first report describing isolation of DD treponemes from a wildlife host, suggesting that the disease may be evolving to include a wider spectrum of cloven-hoofed animals.
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