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Results for “Journal of Wildlife Diseases”

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At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
USGS2011

Antigenic profiling of Yersinia pestis infection in the Wyoming coyote (Canis latrans)

Although Yersinia pestis is classified as a "high-virulence" pathogen, some host species are variably susceptible to disease. Coyotes (Canis latrans) exhibit mild, if any, symptoms during infection, but antibody production occurs postinfection. This immune response has been reported to be against the F1 capsule, although little subsequent characterization has been conducted. To further define the nature of coyote humoral immunity to plague, qualitative serology was conducted to assess the antiplague antibody repertoire. Humoral responses to six plasmid-encoded Y. pestis virulence factors were first examined. Of 20 individual immune coyotes, 90% were reactive to at least one other antigen in the panel other than F1. The frequency of reactivity to low calcium response plasmid (pLcr)-encoded Yersinia protein kinase A (YpkA) and Yersinia outer protein D (YopD) was significantly greater than that previously observed in a murine model for plague. Additionally, both V antigen and plasminogen activator were reactive with over half of the serum samples tested. Reactivity to F1 was markedly less frequent in coyotes (35%). Twenty previously tested antibody-negative samples were also examined. While the majority were negative across the panel, 15% were positive for 1-3 non-F1 antigens. In vivo-induced antigen technology employed to identify novel chromosomal genes of Y. pestis that are up-regulated during infection resulted in the identification of five proteins, including a flagellar component (FliP) that was uniquely reactive with the coyote serum compared with immune serum from two other host species. Collectively, these data suggest that humoral immunity to pLcr-encoded antigens and the pesticin plasmid (pPst)-encoded Pla antigen may be relevant to plague resistance in coyotes. The serologic profile of Y. pestis chromosomal antigens up-regulated in vivo specific to C. latrans may provide insight into the differences in the pathogen-host responses during Y. pestis infection.

Wyoming↗
USGS2021

Poecivirus is present in individuals with beak deformities in seven species of North American birds

Avian keratin disorder (AKD), a disease of unknown etiology characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth, has increasingly affected wild bird populations since the 1990s. A novel picornavirus, poecivirus, is closely correlated with disease status in Black-capped Chickadees ( Poecile atricapillus ) in Alaska. However, our knowledge of the relationship between poecivirus and beak deformities in other species and other geographic areas remains limited. The growing geographic scope and number of species affected by AKD-like beak deformities require a better understanding of the causative agent to evaluate the population-level impacts of this epizootic. Here, we tested eight individuals from six avian species with AKD-consistent deformities for the presence of poecivirus: Mew Gull ( Larus canus ), Hairy Woodpecker ( Picoides villosus ), Black-billed Magpie ( Pica hudsonia ), American Crow ( Corvus brachyrhynchos ), Red-breasted Nuthatch ( Sitta canadensis ), and Blackpoll Warbler ( Setophaga striata ). The birds were sampled in Alaska and Maine (1999−2016). We used targeted PCR followed by Sanger sequencing to test for the presence of poecivirus in each specimen and to obtain viral genome sequence from virus-positive host individuals. We detected poecivirus in all individuals tested, but not in negative controls (water and tissue samples). Furthermore, we used unbiased metagenomic sequencing to test for the presence of other pathogens in six of these specimens (Hairy Woodpecker, two American Crows, two Red-breasted Nuthatches, Blackpoll Warbler). This analysis yielded additional viral sequences from several specimens, including the complete coding region of poecivirus from one Red-breasted Nuthatch, which we confirmed via targeted PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. This study demonstrates that poecivirus is present in individuals with AKD-consistent deformities from six avian species other than Black-capped Chickadee. While further investigation will be required to explore whether there exists a causal link between this virus and AKD, this study demonstrates that poecivirus is not geographically restricted to Alaska, but rather occurs elsewhere in North America.

Alaska, Maine↗
USGS2020

Flea parasitism and host survival in a plague-relevant system: Theoretical and conservation implications

Plague is a bacterial zoonosis of mammalian hosts and flea vectors. The disease is capable of ravaging rodent populations and transforming ecosystems. Because plague mortality is likely to be predicted by flea parasitism, it is critical to understand vector dynamics. It has been hypothesized that paltry precipitation and reduced vegetative production predispose herbivorous rodents to malnourishment and flea parasitism, and flea parasitism varies directly with plague mortality. We evaluated these hypotheses on five colonies of Utah prairie dogs (UPDs; Cynomys parvidens ), on the Awapa Plateau, Utah, US, in 2013–16. Ten flea species were identified among 3,257 fleas from UPDs. These 10 flea species parasitize prairie dogs, mice, rats, voles, ground squirrels, chipmunks, and marmots, all known hosts of plague. The abundance of fleas on individual UPDs (1,198 observations) varied inversely with UPD body condition; fleas were most abundant on lightweight, malnourished UPDs. Flea abundance on UPDs was highest in dry years that were preceded by wet years. Increased precipitation and soil moisture in the prior year might generate humid microclimates in UPD burrows (that could facilitate flea survival and reproduction) and paltry precipitation in the current year could predispose UPDs to malnourishment and flea parasitism. Annual re-encounter rates for UPDs (1,072 observations) were reduced in wetter years preceded by drier years; reduced precipitation and vegetative production might kill UPDs, and increased flea densities in drier years could provide conditions for plague transmission (and UPD mortality) when moisture returns. Re-encounter rates were reduced for UPDs carrying at least one flea compared to UPDs with no detected fleas. These results support the hypothesis that reduced precipitation in the current year predisposes UPDs to flea parasitism. Our results also suggest a link between flea parasitism and UPD mortality. Given documented connections between flea parasitism and plague transmission, our results point toward an effect of flea parasitism on plague-related deaths for individual UPDs, a phenomenon rarely investigated in nature.

Utah↗
USGS2021

Assessment of disease risk associated with potential removal of anthropogenic barriers to Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) population connectivity

The Mojave Desert tortoise ( Gopherus agassizii ), federally listed as threatened, has suffered habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities. Upper respiratory tract disease (URTD), a documented health threat to desert tortoises, has been detected at the Large-Scale Translocation Study Site (LSTS) in southwestern Nevada, US, a fenced recipient site for translocated animals. Our study aimed to 1) estimate prevalence of URTD and Mycoplasma infection at LSTS and three nearby unfenced sites; 2) assess whether Mycoplasma infection status was associated with developing clinical signs of URTD; and 3) determine whether such an association differed between LSTS and unfenced areas. We sampled 421 tortoises in 2016 to describe the current status of these populations. We evaluated three clinical signs of URTD (nasal discharge, ocular discharge, nasal erosions) and determined individual infection status for Mycoplasma agassizii and Mycoplasma testudineum by quantitative PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In 2016, LSTS had the highest prevalence of M. agassizii (25.0%; 33/132), M. testudineum (3.0%; 4/132), and URTD clinical signs (18.9%; 25/132). Controlling for other factors, clinical sign(s) were positively associated with M. agassizii infection (odds ratio [OR]=7.7, P =0.001), and this effect was similar among study sites ( P >0.99). There was no association with M. testudineum status ( P =0.360). Of the 196 tortoises in a longitudinal comparison of 2011–14 with 2016, an estimated 3.2% converted from M. agassizii -negative to positive during the study period, and incidence was greater at LSTS ( P =0.002). Conversion to positive M. agassizii status was associated with increased incidence of clinical signs in subsequent years (OR=11.1, P =0.018). While M. agassizii and URTD are present outside the LSTS, there is a possibility that incidence of Mycoplasma infection and URTD would increase outside LSTS if these populations were to reconnect. Population-level significance of this risk appears low, and any risk must be evaluated against the potential long-term benefits to population viability through increased connectivity.

Journal of Wildlife Diseases↗
USGS2010

Revisions of rump fat and body scoring indices for deer, elk, and moose

Because they do not require sacrificing animals, body condition scores (BCS), thickness of rump fat (MAXFAT), and other similar predictors of body fat have advanced estimating nutritional condition of ungulates and their use has proliferated in North America in the last decade. However, initial testing of these predictors was too limited to assess their reliability among diverse habitats, ecotypes, subspecies, and populations across the continent. With data collected from mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ), elk ( Cervus elaphus ), and moose ( Alces alces ) during initial model development and data collected subsequently from free-ranging mule deer and elk herds across much of the western United States, we evaluated reliability across a broader range of conditions than were initially available. First, to more rigorously test reliability of the MAXFAT index, we evaluated its robustness across the 3 species, using an allometric scaling function to adjust for differences in animal size. We then evaluated MAXFAT, rump body condition score (rBCS), rLIVINDEX (an arithmetic combination of MAXFAT and rBCS), and our new allometrically scaled rump-fat thickness index using data from 815 free-ranging female Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain elk ( C. e. roosevelti and C. e. nelsoni ) from 19 populations encompassing 4 geographic regions and 250 free-ranging female mule deer from 7 populations and 2 regions. We tested for effects of subspecies, geographic region, and captive versus free-ranging existence. Rump-fat thickness, when scaled allometrically with body mass, was related to ingesta-free body fat over a 38–522-kg range of body mass ( r 2 = 0.87; P < 0.001), indicating the technique is remarkably robust among at least the 3 cervid species of our analysis. However, we found an underscoring bias with the rBCS for elk that had >12% body fat. This bias translated into a difference between subspecies, because Rocky Mountain elk tended to be fatter than Roosevelt elk in our sample. Effects of observer error with the rBCS also existed for mule deer with moderate to high levels of body fat, and deer body size significantly affected accuracy of the MAXFAT predictor. Our analyses confirm robustness of the rump-fat index for these 3 species but highlight the potential for bias due to differences in body size and to observer error with BCS scoring. We present alternative LIVINDEX equations where potential bias from rBCS and bias due to body size are eliminated or reduced. These modifications improve the accuracy of estimating body fat for projects intended to monitor nutritional status of herds or to evaluate nutrition's influence on population demographics.

Journal of Wildlife Diseases↗
USGS1974

Some helminth parasites of the American bald eagle

Bald eagles ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus ) found dead or moribund in the United States and Canada and submitted to Patuxent Wildlife Research Center were examined for helminth parasites. Nine genera of helminths were reported which include new host records for Clinostomum complanatum , Neogogatea pandionis , Centrorhynchus sp., Serratospiculum amaculata , Capillaria contorta , and Habronema americanum .

Journal of Wildlife Diseases↗
USGS1974

Seasonal variation of the upper digestive tract yeast flora of feral pigeons

Feral pigeons were sampled over a 16-month period to determine whether their normal yeast flora varied according to season. Candida albicans and Saccharomyces telluris occurred during the entire sampling period, with C. albicans reaching its highest levels between August and January and S. telluris peaking from March through May. Candida krusei was present for 10 months but exhibited no predictable variation in density. Candida tropicalis , C. guilliermondii and Geotrichum were isolated on several occasions while C. lusitaniae , C. pseudotropicalis and Torulopsis glabrata were each isolated once. The high levels of infection and frequency of occurrence of some yeast species make the feral pigeon highly suspect as a carrier and disseminator of potentially pathogenic yeast.

Journal of Wildlife Diseases↗
USGS1975

Fatal pox infection in a rough-legged hawk

Natural pox infection occurred in a free-living rough-legged hawk ( Buteo lagopus ) in northeastern North Dakota. Gross, histological and electron microscopic findings were typical of pox infection, and characteristic lesions developed in red-tailed hawks ( Buteo jamaicensis ) but not in great horned owls ( Bubo virginianus ) following inoculation with case material. Death of the rough-legged hawk was attributed to starvation resulting from inability to capture prey and to blood loss from foot lesions.

Journal of Wildlife Diseases↗
USGS1975

Leucocytozoonosis in Canada Geese at the Seney National Wildlife Refuge

A history is given of the Seney National Wildlife Refuge and the losses of goslings of Canada geese ( Branta canadensis ) recorded since inception of the refuge in 1935. Since 1960, when more reliable data became available, losses have been extensive every 4 years. Gosling deaths are attributed to the infection with Leucocytozoon simondi . The blackfly ( Simulium innocens ) is considered to be the prime vector in the transmission of this blood parasite to goslings.

Michigan↗
USGS1975

Detection and transmission of infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus in rainbow trout

Detection and transmission of Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus in rainbow trout ( Salmo gairdneri ) was studied at a commercial trout hatchery. Transmission of virus was demonstrated via water, feed and contaminated eggs. If eggs from carrier females were incubated several weeks in virus-free water, the resulting fry did not become infected. However, if fry subsequently became infected they were lifetime carriers. Infectious virus was readily detectable in most tissues of moribund fish; in carriers it was detected in sex products of spawning fish, and in samples from the intestine of post-spawning fish, but not in samples from blood, feces, kidney, or liver. The carrier rate was not significantly different between sexes. It was concluded that adult carriers are the reservoir of infection and that transmission occurs primarily when carriers shed virus and expose susceptible fish or eggs.

Journal of Wildlife Diseases↗
USGS1976

Infection and mortality in captive wild-trapped canvasback ducks

Fungal, bacterial and malarial infections, as well as malnutrition caused heavy mortality in a group of wild-trapped canvasbacks ( Aythya valisineria ) held in 10 × 3 × 2 m open water pens. Deaths occurred between 21 and 158 days after confinement and were associated with infections of Aspergillus fumigatus , Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp., Klebsiella sp., Enterobacter sp., and Plasmodium sp. Infection and mortality was believed to result from reduced resistance associated with confinement. Fourteen canvasbacks released onto large ponds survived throughout the period during which the penned birds died.

Maryland, Virginia↗
USGS1976

A hematologic survey of captive waterfowl

Hematologic parameters were studied in giant Canada geese ( Branta canadensis maxima ), mallard ducks ( Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos ) and various species of diving ducks at seasonal intervals throughout the year. Highest values for packed cell volume, hemoglobin content and erythrocyte counts were found in the winter and pre-nesting periods. Mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin varied inversely with these values.

Journal of Wildlife Diseases↗
USGS1976

Comparative susceptibility of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) to the enteric redmouth bacterium and Aeromonas salmonicida

The bacterium causing enteric redmouth (ERM) and Aeromonas salmonicida were found to be equally pathogenic for fingerling Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ). Injection of 5 × 10 5 cells of ERM or A. salmonicida killed all salmon within 96 h. After a 30 min exposure to water-borne cells of the two test bacteria about one-half of the test salmon died within 14 days. Both ERM and A. salmonicida were transmitted horizontally. Results indicate that efforts should be made to prevent introduction of ERM into watersheds where Atlantic salmon occur.

Journal of Wildlife Diseases↗
USGS1976

An outbreak of erysipelas in eared grebes (Podiceps nigricollis)

An outbreak of erysipelas killed an estimated 5,000 aquatic birds on Great Salt Lake (Utah) in late November, 1975. Although several thousand ducks and gulls were using the lake, at least 99 percent of the victims were eared grebes. A hypothetical explanation for the selective mortality is offered.

Utah↗
USGS1978

Avian cholera in eider ducks in Maine

Outbreaks of avian cholera ( Pasteurella multocida ) occur frequently in common eiders ( Somateria mollissima dresseri ) in Maine during early summer. Studies over a seven year period show that over 90% of the loss occurred in incubating females and might be associated with their weakened condition because females and might be associated with their weakened condition because females do not feed during the incubation period. High nesting densities also may contribute to the losses. The exact source of P. Multocida is unknown although carrier birds were found.

Maine↗
USGS1980

Serologic and hematologic values of wild coyotes in Wisconsin

Blood samples were obtained from 30 coyotes (Canis latrans) captured in northern Wisconsin in conjunction with radio-telemetry studies. Samples were assayed for seven hematologic values, seven serum chemistries, serum albumin, globulin and total protein. Results are given with respect to sex and age and are compared with available data for captive wild and pen-raised coyotes. Leukocyte counts were greater for males than females and packed cell volumes were greater for adults than young, possibly due to differential response to capture and handling stress. Hemoglobin concentrations and calcium levels suggest differences in nutrition between pen-raised and wild coyotes. Sex and age differences in serum calcium for wild coyotes probably reflect nutritional differences between groups examined. Juvenile coyote serum alkaline phosphatase levels declined curvilinearly with age for coyotes less than one year old, suggesting a possible technique for separating juveniles and yearlings captured in autumn that are released for research purposes. Elevated glucose levels and leukocyte counts in wild coyotes may reflect greater handling stress than for pen-raised and captive coyotes. No significant sex or age effects were found for levels of serum urea nitrogen, total protein, cholesterol, and total bilirubin.

Journal of Wildlife Diseases↗