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Harvey E, Mifsud JCO, Holmes EC, Mahar JE. Divergent hepaciviruses, delta-like viruses, and a chu-like virus in Australian marsupial carnivores (dasyurids). Virus Evol 2023; 9:vead061. [PMID: 37941997 PMCID: PMC10630069 DOI: 10.1093/ve/vead061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Although Australian marsupials are characterised by unique biology and geographic isolation, little is known about the viruses present in these iconic wildlife species. The Dasyuromorphia are an order of marsupial carnivores found only in Australia that include both the extinct Tasmanian tiger (thylacine) and the highly threatened Tasmanian devil. Several other members of the order are similarly under threat of extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, disease, and competition and predation by introduced species such as feral cats. We utilised publicly available RNA-seq data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Sequence Read Archive (SRA) database to document the viral diversity within four Dasyuromorph species. Accordingly, we identified fifteen novel virus sequences from five DNA virus families (Adenoviridae, Anelloviridae, Gammaherpesvirinae, Papillomaviridae, and Polyomaviridae) and three RNA virus taxa: the order Jingchuvirales, the genus Hepacivirus, and the delta-like virus group. Of particular note was the identification of a marsupial-specific clade of delta-like viruses that may indicate an association of deltaviruses with marsupial species. In addition, we identified a highly divergent hepacivirus in a numbat liver transcriptome that falls outside of the larger mammalian clade. We also detect what may be the first Jingchuvirales virus in a mammalian host-a chu-like virus in Tasmanian devils-thereby expanding the host range beyond invertebrates and ectothermic vertebrates. As many of these Dasyuromorphia species are currently being used in translocation efforts to reseed populations across Australia, understanding their virome is of key importance to prevent the spread of viruses to naive populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Harvey
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jonathon C O Mifsud
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Edward C Holmes
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jackie E Mahar
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Douch JK, Devlin JM, Whiteley P, Hartley CA, Vaz PK. Molecular detection of two new putative species of gammaherpesvirus in petaurid possums. Aust Vet J 2022; 100:562-565. [PMID: 36042563 PMCID: PMC9804373 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
A molecular survey of herpesviruses in Australian native mammals was conducted, spanning 260 individuals from 27 species. Among the herpesviruses detected, a putative new gammaherpesvirus species was detected in the yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis), and another in the critically endangered Leadbeater's possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri). In addition, the known host range of the putative species macropodid gammaherpesvirus 3 (MaHV-3) is herein extended to the western grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus). These findings expand our understanding of herpesviruses in Australian mammals and may inform biosecurity protocols for captive and translocated populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- JK Douch
- Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - JM Devlin
- Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - P Whiteley
- Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - CA Hartley
- Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - PK Vaz
- Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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Dunlop JA, Watson MJ. The hitchhiker's guide to Australian conservation: A parasitological perspective on fauna translocations. AUSTRAL ECOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Judy A. Dunlop
- School of Agriculture and Environment University of Western Australia Perth Western Australia Australia
- Western Australian Feral Cat Working Group Perth Western Australia Australia
- Institute for Land, Water & Society Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia
- Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute 2/133 St George's Terrace Perth Western Australia 6000 Australia
| | - Maggie J. Watson
- Institute for Land, Water & Society Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia
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Hope B, Bilney RJ, Peterie J. Targeted survey for the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus) in the Nungatta and Yambulla areas of southern New South Wales. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/am20060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Following the report of a photograph of an eastern quoll in 2013 from the Nungatta area, near Eden in southern New South Wales, we investigated whether the species may persist in the area. This involved reviewing existing wildlife records, speaking to landholders and ecologists who have recently surveyed the area, and performing a targeted survey totalling 1893 camera-nights across 59 sites in May–July 2019 in the general vicinity of the sighting. We were not able to independently verify the presence of a wild population as no additional record of an eastern quoll was obtained.
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EARLY-ONSET LEUKOENCEPHALOMYELOPATHY AND POLYNEUROPATHY IN EASTERN QUOLLS ( DASYURUS VIVERRINUS) IN THE EUROPEAN CAPTIVE POPULATION. J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 51:1035-1046. [PMID: 33480587 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEM) is suggested to be an age-related degenerative condition in geriatric Eastern quolls (Dasyurus viverrinus), manifesting in animals greater than 3.5 yr of age. This case series describes four LEM cases from two zoologic collections; three in nongeriatric animals, with one only 1 yr of age, and details advanced diagnostic investigation, including magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and electrodiagnostic studies, not previously reported in Eastern quolls. Animals presented clinically with forelimb proprioceptive deficits and hindlimb and lumbar muscle hypotrophy, which were not noted in previous reports, in addition to hindlimb ataxia. Blindness and emaciation, which have been reported previously, were not seen. Disease progression was variable, and time from first clinical signs to euthanasia ranged from 46 days to over 2 yr. Histopathologic findings in the central nervous system were typical of those in previous LEM cases; concomitant polyneuropathy was observed in two quolls. Our findings suggest that age-related degeneration may not be the only cause of LEM in Eastern quolls. Because all quolls were related, a familial component cannot be excluded. LEM should be further investigated for its potential impact on future captive breeding programs, and our findings suggest that daily quality-of-life assessment should guide euthanasia of affected animals.
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Egan SL, Ruiz-Aravena M, Austen JM, Barton X, Comte S, Hamilton DG, Hamede RK, Ryan UM, Irwin PJ, Jones ME, Oskam CL. Blood Parasites in Endangered Wildlife-Trypanosomes Discovered During a Survey of Haemoprotozoa from the Tasmanian Devil. Pathogens 2020; 9:E873. [PMID: 33114071 PMCID: PMC7690708 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of emerging infectious diseases is increasingly recognised as a major threat to wildlife. Wild populations of the endangered Tasmanian devil, Sarcophilus harrisii, are experiencing devastating losses from a novel transmissible cancer, devil facial tumour disease (DFTD); however, despite the rapid decline of this species, there is currently no information on the presence of haemoprotozoan parasites. In the present study, 95 Tasmanian devil blood samples were collected from four populations in Tasmania, Australia, which underwent molecular screening to detect four major groups of haemoprotozoa: (i) trypanosomes, (ii) piroplasms, (iii) Hepatozoon, and (iv) haemosporidia. Sequence results revealed Trypanosoma infections in 32/95 individuals. Trypanosoma copemani was identified in 10 Tasmanian devils from three sites and a second Trypanosoma sp. was identified in 22 individuals that were grouped within the poorly described T. cyclops clade. A single blood sample was positive for Babesia sp., which most closely matched Babesia lohae. No other blood protozoan parasite DNA was detected. This study provides the first insight into haemoprotozoa from the Tasmanian devil and the first identification of Trypanosoma and Babesia in this carnivorous marsupial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon L. Egan
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (J.M.A.); (X.B.); (P.J.I.); (C.L.O.)
| | - Manuel Ruiz-Aravena
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA;
| | - Jill M. Austen
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (J.M.A.); (X.B.); (P.J.I.); (C.L.O.)
| | - Xavier Barton
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (J.M.A.); (X.B.); (P.J.I.); (C.L.O.)
| | - Sebastien Comte
- School of Natural Sciences, College of Sciences and Engineering, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; (S.C.); (D.G.H.); (R.K.H.); (M.E.J.)
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
| | - David G. Hamilton
- School of Natural Sciences, College of Sciences and Engineering, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; (S.C.); (D.G.H.); (R.K.H.); (M.E.J.)
| | - Rodrigo K. Hamede
- School of Natural Sciences, College of Sciences and Engineering, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; (S.C.); (D.G.H.); (R.K.H.); (M.E.J.)
- CANECEV, Centre de Recherches Ecologiques et Evolutives sur le Cancer (CREEC), 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Una M. Ryan
- Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Peter J. Irwin
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (J.M.A.); (X.B.); (P.J.I.); (C.L.O.)
| | - Menna E. Jones
- School of Natural Sciences, College of Sciences and Engineering, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; (S.C.); (D.G.H.); (R.K.H.); (M.E.J.)
| | - Charlotte L. Oskam
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (J.M.A.); (X.B.); (P.J.I.); (C.L.O.)
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Wilson BA, Evans MJ, Batson WG, Banks SC, Gordon IJ, Fletcher DB, Wimpenny C, Newport J, Belton E, Rypalski A, Portas T, Manning AD. Adapting reintroduction tactics in successive trials increases the likelihood of establishment for an endangered carnivore in a fenced sanctuary. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234455. [PMID: 32598368 PMCID: PMC7323978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Threatened species recovery programs are increasingly turning to reintroductions to reverse biodiversity loss. Here we present a real-world example where tactics (techniques which influence post-release performance and persistence) and an adaptive management framework (which incorporates feedback between monitoring and future actions) improved reintroduction success. Across three successive trials we investigated the influence of tactics on the effective survival and post-release dispersal of endangered eastern quolls (Dasyurus viverrinus) reintroduced into Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, Australian Capital Territory. Founders were monitored for 42 days post-release, and probability of survival and post-release dispersal were tested against trial, origin, sex, den sharing and presence of pouch young. We adopted an adaptive management framework, using monitoring to facilitate rapid learning and to implement interventions that improved reintroduction success. Founders released in the first trial were less likely to survive (28.6%, n = 14) than those founders released the second (76.9%, n = 13) and third trials (87.5%, n = 8). We adapted several tactics in the second and third trials, including the selection of female-only founders to avoid elevated male mortality, and post-mating releases to reduce stress. Founders that moved dens between consecutive nights were less likely to survive, suggesting that minimising post-release dispersal can increase the probability of survival. The probability of moving dens was lower in the second and third trials, for females, and when den sharing with another founder. This study demonstrates that, through iterative trials of tactics involving monitoring and learning, adaptive management can be used to significantly improve the success of reintroduction programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda A. Wilson
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Maldwyn J. Evans
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Department of Ecosystem Studies, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - William G. Batson
- National Parks and Wildlife Service, Blue Mountains Branch, Blackheath, NSW, Australia
| | - Sam C. Banks
- Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Iain J. Gordon
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Central Queensland University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
- CSIRO Land and Water, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Donald B. Fletcher
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Claire Wimpenny
- ACT Parks and Conservation Service, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Jenny Newport
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Emily Belton
- The Woodlands and Wetlands Trust, Forde Community Centre, Forde, ACT, Australia
| | - Annette Rypalski
- Mt Rothwell Biodiversity Interpretation Centre, Little River, VIC, Australia
| | - Tim Portas
- Zoo and Wildlife Veterinary Consultancy, Maleny, QLD, Australia
| | - Adrian D. Manning
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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