The Experts below are selected from a list of 4803 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Rebecca P Wilkes - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
concurrent infection of skunk adenovirus 1 listeria monocytogenes and a regionally specific clade of Canine Distemper virus in one gray fox urocyon cinereoargenteus and concurrent listeriosis and Canine Distemper in a second gray fox
Pathogenetics, 2020Co-Authors: David B Needle, Jacqueline L Marr, Cooper J Park, Cheryl P Andam, Annabel G Wise, Roger K Maes, Rebecca P Wilkes, Eman Anis, Inga F Sidor, Dalen AgnewAbstract:One free-ranging Gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) underwent autopsy following neurologic disease, with findings including morbilliviral inclusions and associated lesions in numerous tissues, adenoviral intranuclear inclusions in bronchial epithelial cells, and septic pleuropneumonia, hepatitis, splenitis, and meningoencephalitis. Molecular diagnostics on fresh lung identified a strain within a distinct clade of Canine Distemper that is currently unique to wildlife in New England, as well as the emerging multi-host viral pathogen skunk adenovirus-1. Bacterial culture of fresh liver resulted in a pure growth of Listeria monocytogenes, with whole genome sequencing indicating that the isolate had a vast array of antimicrobial resistance and virulence-associated genes. One year later, a second fox was euthanized for inappropriate behavior in a residential area, and diagnostic workup revealed Canine Distemper and septic L. monocytogenes, with the former closely related to the Distemper virus found in the previous fox and the latter divergent from the L. monocytogenes from the previous fox.
-
natural Canine Distemper virus infection in linnaeus s 2 toed sloths choloepus didactylus
Veterinary Pathology, 2020Co-Authors: Allison M Watson, Rebecca P Wilkes, Eman Anis, Julie D Sheldon, Andrew C Cushing, Edward J Dubovi, Linden E CraigAbstract:An outbreak of Canine Distemper virus in a private zoo in eastern Tennessee in July 2016 led to fatal clinical disease in 5 adult, wild-caught Linnaeus's 2-toed sloths (Choloepus didactylus). Clinical signs included hyporexia, lethargy, mucopurulent nasal discharge, and oral and facial ulcers. At necropsy, affected animals had crusts and ulcers on the lips, nose, tongue, and oral cavity. Microscopically, all sloths had widespread, random, hepatic necrosis; lymphoid depletion; and bronchointerstitial pneumonia. The central nervous system did not contain gross or histopathologic lesions in any of the 5 sloths, although immunoreactivity for viral antigen was present within vessel walls. Epithelial cells and histiocytes within numerous organs contained intranuclear and intracytoplasmic inclusions and occasional syncytial cells. Canine Distemper virus was confirmed with immunohistochemistry and virus isolation. Viral sequencing identified the novel American-4 strain prevalent in eastern Tennessee wildlife. This is the first pathologic characterization of Canine Distemper virus infection in sloths (family Choloepodidae, order Pilosa) and emphasizes the significant morbidity and mortality in this species.
-
RED PANDAS' (AILURUS FULGENS) SEROLOGICAL RESPONSE TO CANARYPOX-VECTORED Canine Distemper VACCINES.
Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine : official publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, 2019Co-Authors: Edward C. Ramsay, Eman Anis, Timothy A. Georoff, Caitlin Burrell, Rebecca P WilkesAbstract:Red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) are susceptible to Canine Distemper, with a number of reported vaccine-induced Canine Distemper cases. Canarypox-vectored recombinant Canine Distemper vaccines (PureVax Ferret Distemper [PFD] and Recombitek CDV [rCDV]) provide protection without inoculating a live Distemper virus, but there are currently no published data regarding these vaccines' safety and efficacy in red pandas. One hundred twenty-two serum samples were collected from 50 captive red pandas and analyzed for antibodies to Canine Distemper. All naive red pandas (n = 20) had negative titers. Naive pandas receiving two PFD vaccinations had either negative or intermediate titers (n = 4). In contrast, naive pandas receiving a series of two or three rCDV vaccinations (n = 14) had greater antibody responses. Red pandas vaccinated with PFD >12 mo since their last vaccination and a rCDV booster vaccination showed the highest titers observed. We recommend red pandas be administered a series of at least three recombinant vaccine (PDF or rDCV) vaccinations, followed by annual booster vaccinations.
-
DS1_JVDI_10.1177_1040638719851832 – Supplemental material for Dual infection with an emergent strain of Canine Distemper virus and Canine parvovirus in an Arctic wolf under managed care
2019Co-Authors: Justin M. Stilwell, Rebecca P Wilkes, Eman Anis, Daniel R. RissiAbstract:Supplemental material, DS1_JVDI_10.1177_1040638719851832 for Dual infection with an emergent strain of Canine Distemper virus and Canine parvovirus in an Arctic wolf under managed care by Justin M. Stilwell, Eman Anis, Rebecca P. Wilkes and Daniel R. Rissi in Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation
-
phylogenetic analysis of the wild type strains of Canine Distemper virus circulating in the united states
Virology Journal, 2018Co-Authors: Neil W Dyer, Eman Anis, Teresa K Newell, Rebecca P WilkesAbstract:Canine Distemper (CD) is a highly contagious, systemic, viral disease of dogs seen worldwide. Despite intensive vaccination in developed countries, recent reports suggest both the re-emergence and increased activity of Canine Distemper virus (CDV) worldwide, including the United States. CDV is an RNA virus of the genus Morbillivirus within the family Paramyxoviridae. Viral genomic RNA encodes six structural proteins. Of the six structural proteins, the hemagglutinin (H) gene has the greatest genetic variation and is therefore a suitable target for molecular epidemiological studies. The majority of neutralizing epitopes are found on the H protein, making this gene also important for evaluation of changes over time that may result in antigenic differences among strains. The aim of this study was to determine the phylogenetic relationship of CDV strains circulating in the US. Fifty-nine positive Canine Distemper virus samples collected from dogs from different regions and states from 2014 to 2017 were sequenced with a targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) method. The sequences of the H, F, and P genes and the matrix-fusion (M-F) intergenic region of the amplified CDVs were analyzed individually. Sequence analysis of the H gene revealed that there are at least 3 different lineages of CDV currently circulating in the US. These lineages include America-3 (Edomex), America-4, and a clade that was previously reported in association with an outbreak in Wyoming, which was linked to a domestic dog-breeding facility in Kansas in 2010. These lineages differ from the historically identified lineages in the US, including America-1, which contains the majority of the vaccine strains. Genetic differences may result in significant changes to the neutralizing epitopes that consequently may lead to vaccine failure. Phylogenetic analyses of the nucleotide sequences obtained in this study of the F and P genes and the M-F intergenic region with sequences from the GenBank database produced similar findings to the H gene analysis. The CDV lineages currently circulating in the US differ from the historically identified lineages America-1. Continuous surveillance is required for monitoring circulating CDV strains in the US, to prevent potential vaccine breakthrough events.
Eman Anis - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
concurrent infection of skunk adenovirus 1 listeria monocytogenes and a regionally specific clade of Canine Distemper virus in one gray fox urocyon cinereoargenteus and concurrent listeriosis and Canine Distemper in a second gray fox
Pathogenetics, 2020Co-Authors: David B Needle, Jacqueline L Marr, Cooper J Park, Cheryl P Andam, Annabel G Wise, Roger K Maes, Rebecca P Wilkes, Eman Anis, Inga F Sidor, Dalen AgnewAbstract:One free-ranging Gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) underwent autopsy following neurologic disease, with findings including morbilliviral inclusions and associated lesions in numerous tissues, adenoviral intranuclear inclusions in bronchial epithelial cells, and septic pleuropneumonia, hepatitis, splenitis, and meningoencephalitis. Molecular diagnostics on fresh lung identified a strain within a distinct clade of Canine Distemper that is currently unique to wildlife in New England, as well as the emerging multi-host viral pathogen skunk adenovirus-1. Bacterial culture of fresh liver resulted in a pure growth of Listeria monocytogenes, with whole genome sequencing indicating that the isolate had a vast array of antimicrobial resistance and virulence-associated genes. One year later, a second fox was euthanized for inappropriate behavior in a residential area, and diagnostic workup revealed Canine Distemper and septic L. monocytogenes, with the former closely related to the Distemper virus found in the previous fox and the latter divergent from the L. monocytogenes from the previous fox.
-
natural Canine Distemper virus infection in linnaeus s 2 toed sloths choloepus didactylus
Veterinary Pathology, 2020Co-Authors: Allison M Watson, Rebecca P Wilkes, Eman Anis, Julie D Sheldon, Andrew C Cushing, Edward J Dubovi, Linden E CraigAbstract:An outbreak of Canine Distemper virus in a private zoo in eastern Tennessee in July 2016 led to fatal clinical disease in 5 adult, wild-caught Linnaeus's 2-toed sloths (Choloepus didactylus). Clinical signs included hyporexia, lethargy, mucopurulent nasal discharge, and oral and facial ulcers. At necropsy, affected animals had crusts and ulcers on the lips, nose, tongue, and oral cavity. Microscopically, all sloths had widespread, random, hepatic necrosis; lymphoid depletion; and bronchointerstitial pneumonia. The central nervous system did not contain gross or histopathologic lesions in any of the 5 sloths, although immunoreactivity for viral antigen was present within vessel walls. Epithelial cells and histiocytes within numerous organs contained intranuclear and intracytoplasmic inclusions and occasional syncytial cells. Canine Distemper virus was confirmed with immunohistochemistry and virus isolation. Viral sequencing identified the novel American-4 strain prevalent in eastern Tennessee wildlife. This is the first pathologic characterization of Canine Distemper virus infection in sloths (family Choloepodidae, order Pilosa) and emphasizes the significant morbidity and mortality in this species.
-
RED PANDAS' (AILURUS FULGENS) SEROLOGICAL RESPONSE TO CANARYPOX-VECTORED Canine Distemper VACCINES.
Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine : official publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, 2019Co-Authors: Edward C. Ramsay, Eman Anis, Timothy A. Georoff, Caitlin Burrell, Rebecca P WilkesAbstract:Red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) are susceptible to Canine Distemper, with a number of reported vaccine-induced Canine Distemper cases. Canarypox-vectored recombinant Canine Distemper vaccines (PureVax Ferret Distemper [PFD] and Recombitek CDV [rCDV]) provide protection without inoculating a live Distemper virus, but there are currently no published data regarding these vaccines' safety and efficacy in red pandas. One hundred twenty-two serum samples were collected from 50 captive red pandas and analyzed for antibodies to Canine Distemper. All naive red pandas (n = 20) had negative titers. Naive pandas receiving two PFD vaccinations had either negative or intermediate titers (n = 4). In contrast, naive pandas receiving a series of two or three rCDV vaccinations (n = 14) had greater antibody responses. Red pandas vaccinated with PFD >12 mo since their last vaccination and a rCDV booster vaccination showed the highest titers observed. We recommend red pandas be administered a series of at least three recombinant vaccine (PDF or rDCV) vaccinations, followed by annual booster vaccinations.
-
DS1_JVDI_10.1177_1040638719851832 – Supplemental material for Dual infection with an emergent strain of Canine Distemper virus and Canine parvovirus in an Arctic wolf under managed care
2019Co-Authors: Justin M. Stilwell, Rebecca P Wilkes, Eman Anis, Daniel R. RissiAbstract:Supplemental material, DS1_JVDI_10.1177_1040638719851832 for Dual infection with an emergent strain of Canine Distemper virus and Canine parvovirus in an Arctic wolf under managed care by Justin M. Stilwell, Eman Anis, Rebecca P. Wilkes and Daniel R. Rissi in Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation
-
phylogenetic analysis of the wild type strains of Canine Distemper virus circulating in the united states
Virology Journal, 2018Co-Authors: Neil W Dyer, Eman Anis, Teresa K Newell, Rebecca P WilkesAbstract:Canine Distemper (CD) is a highly contagious, systemic, viral disease of dogs seen worldwide. Despite intensive vaccination in developed countries, recent reports suggest both the re-emergence and increased activity of Canine Distemper virus (CDV) worldwide, including the United States. CDV is an RNA virus of the genus Morbillivirus within the family Paramyxoviridae. Viral genomic RNA encodes six structural proteins. Of the six structural proteins, the hemagglutinin (H) gene has the greatest genetic variation and is therefore a suitable target for molecular epidemiological studies. The majority of neutralizing epitopes are found on the H protein, making this gene also important for evaluation of changes over time that may result in antigenic differences among strains. The aim of this study was to determine the phylogenetic relationship of CDV strains circulating in the US. Fifty-nine positive Canine Distemper virus samples collected from dogs from different regions and states from 2014 to 2017 were sequenced with a targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) method. The sequences of the H, F, and P genes and the matrix-fusion (M-F) intergenic region of the amplified CDVs were analyzed individually. Sequence analysis of the H gene revealed that there are at least 3 different lineages of CDV currently circulating in the US. These lineages include America-3 (Edomex), America-4, and a clade that was previously reported in association with an outbreak in Wyoming, which was linked to a domestic dog-breeding facility in Kansas in 2010. These lineages differ from the historically identified lineages in the US, including America-1, which contains the majority of the vaccine strains. Genetic differences may result in significant changes to the neutralizing epitopes that consequently may lead to vaccine failure. Phylogenetic analyses of the nucleotide sequences obtained in this study of the F and P genes and the M-F intergenic region with sequences from the GenBank database produced similar findings to the H gene analysis. The CDV lineages currently circulating in the US differ from the historically identified lineages America-1. Continuous surveillance is required for monitoring circulating CDV strains in the US, to prevent potential vaccine breakthrough events.
Max J. G. Appel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
genetic characterization of Canine Distemper virus in serengeti carnivores
Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 1998Co-Authors: Margaret A Carpenter, Max J. G. Appel, Melody E Roelkeparker, Linda Munson, Heribert Hofer, Marion L East, Stephen J ObrienAbstract:The lion (Panthera leo) population in the Serengeti ecosystem was recently afflicted by a fatal epidemic involving neurological disease, encephalitis and pneumonia. The cause was identified as Canine Distemper virus (CDV). Several other species in the Serengeti were also affected. This report presents CDV H and P gene sequences isolated from Serengeti lions (Panthera leo), spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) and domestic dog (Canis familiaris). Sequence analyses demonstrated that the four Serengeti species carry closely related CDV isolates which are genetically distinct from other CDV isolates from various species and locations. The results are consistent with the conclusions that: (1) a particularly virulent strain of CDV emerged among Serengeti carnivores within the last few years; (2) that strain has recognizable shared-derived (synapomorphic) genetic differences in both H and P genes when compared to CDV from other parts of the world; and (3) that the CDV strain has frequently crossed host species among Serengeti carnivores.
-
vaccination of black footed ferret mustela nigripes siberian polecat m eversmanni hybrids and domestic ferrets m putorius furo against Canine Distemper
Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 1996Co-Authors: Elizabeth S Williams, Jacqueline L Cavender, K List, C Hearn, C Lynn, S. L. Anderson, Max J. G. AppelAbstract:An inactivated Canine Distemper vaccine with adjuvant and a modified-live virus (MLV) vaccine were evaluated using black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) × Siberian polecat (Mustela eversmanni) hybrids as surrogates for endangered black-footed ferrets. For comparative purposes, we also vaccinated domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) with the MLV vaccine. Response to vaccination was measured by clinical observation, hematology, dynamics of serum virus neutralizing antibodies, and challenge with virulent Canine Distemper virus. No clinical signs attributable to the vaccines were observed. Transient leukopenia occurred in hybrid ferrets that received MLV vaccine and there was marked lymphopenia for approximately 52 days post-vaccination. Lymphopenia was present for approximately 21 days in domestic ferrets vaccinated with MLV vaccine. Neutralizing antibodies against Canine Distemper virus were detected 14 days post-vaccination in hybrids receiving MLV vaccine and most titers were > 1:1024 for the 791 day...
-
Canine Distemper epizootic in lions tigers and leopards in north america
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 1994Co-Authors: Max J. G. Appel, Lucy H. Spelman, Rebecca A. Yates, George L Foley, Jon J Bernstein, Silvio Santinelli, Lyle D Miller, Lawrence H Arp, Mark L Anderson, Margaret C BarrAbstract:Canine Distemper virus (CDV) infection occurred in captive leopards (Panthera pardus), tigers (Panthera tigris), lions (Panthera leo), and a jaguar (Panthera onca) in 1991 and 1992. An epizootic affected all 4 types of cats at the Wildlife Waystation, San Fernando, California, with 17 mortalities. CDV-infected raccoons were thought to be the source of infection in these cats. Two black leopards died at the Naibi Zoo, Coal Valley, Illinois, and 2 tigers died at the Shambala Preserve, Acton, California. Initial clinical signs were anorexia with gastrointestinal and/or respiratory disease followed by seizures. Canine Distemper virus was isolated from 3 leopards, 3 tigers, and 3 lions that died or were euthanized when moribund. Monoclonal antibody testing identified the virus isolates as CDV. Gross and histopathologic findings were similar to those found in canids with Distemper with a few exceptions. There were fewer lesions in the brain, and there was a pronounced type 2 cell proliferation in the lung, with inclusion bodies and CDV antigen demonstrated by immunohistology. Neutralizing antibody to CDV was found in high titers in serum from most animals but was absent or was found only in low titers in some cats that succumbed after CDV infection. There was a marked difference in neutralizing antibody titers when tests were done with different strains of CDV.
-
studies on manifestations of Canine Distemper virus infection in an urban dog population
Veterinary Microbiology, 1993Co-Authors: Merete Blixenkronemoller, Max J. G. Appel, Vilhjalmur Svansson, P Have, Claes Orvell, Ib Rode Pedersen, H H Dietz, Per G HenriksenAbstract:An upsurge of Canine Distemper was recognized at the beginning of 1991 in the urban dog population of the Copenhagen area. The outbreak had the characteristics of a virulent morbillivirus introduction in a partly immune population, where the disease primarily was manifested in young individuals. Testing of single serum samples for the presence of Canine Distemper virus (CDV) IgM antibodies using an IgM ELISA confirmed current and recent CDV infections in an urban dog population, where the use of attenuated CDV vaccines was widespread. In 49 out of 66 sera from clinical cases suspected of Canine Distemper we detected CDV IgM antibodies, as compared to the detection of viral antigen by indirect immunofluorescence in 27 of 65 specimens of conjunctival cells. The antigenic make-up of isolates from acute and subacute clinical cases was investigated with a panel of 51 monoclonal antibodies directed against CDV and the related phocine Distemper virus. The isolates exhibited an homogeneous reaction pattern and shared overall antigenic characteristics of the CDV prototype. The majority of cases were diagnosed among unvaccinated dogs and individuals with unknown or obscure vaccination record. However, severe clinical cases were also diagnosed in vaccinated individuals.
C. D. Duck - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
The 2000 Canine Distemper Epidemic in Caspian Seals (Phoca caspica): Pathology and Analysis of Contributory Factors
2016Co-Authors: T. Kuiken, M. A. Forsyth, T. Eybatov, C. D. Duck, S. Kennedy, T. Barrett, F H Borgsteede, S D Brew, R Deaville, G. FosterAbstract:Abstract. More than 10,000 Caspian seals (Phoca caspica) were reported dead in the Caspian Sea during spring and summer 2000. We performed necropsies and extensive laboratory analyses on 18 seals, as well as examination of the pattern of strandings and variation in weather in recent years, to identify the cause of mortality and potential contributory factors. The monthly stranding rate in 2000 was up to 2.8 times the historic mean. It was preceded by an unusually mild winter, as observed before in mass mortality events of pinnipeds. The primary diagnosis in 11 of 13 seals was Canine Distemper, characterized by broncho-interstitial pneumonia, lymphocytic necrosis and depletion in lymphoid organs, and the presence of typical intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in multiple epithelia. Canine Distemper virus infection was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction products. Organochlorine and zinc concentrations in tissues of seals with Canine Distemper were comparable to those of Caspian seals in previous years. Concurrent bacterial infection
-
the 2000 Canine Distemper epidemic in caspian seals phoca caspica pathology and analysis of contributory factors
Veterinary Pathology, 2006Co-Authors: Thijs Kuiken, C. D. Duck, Thomas Barrett, S. Kennedy, M W G Van De Bildt, F H Borgsteede, S D Brew, G A Codd, R Deaville, T. EybatovAbstract:More than 10,000 Caspian seals (Phoca caspica) were reported dead in the Caspian Sea during spring and summer 2000. We performed necropsies and extensive laboratory analyses on 18 seals, as well as examination of the pattern of strandings and variation in weather in recent years, to identify the cause of mortality and potential contributory factors. The monthly stranding rate in 2000 was up to 2.8 times the historic mean. It was preceded by an unusually mild winter, as observed before in mass mortality events of pinnipeds. The primary diagnosis in 11 of 13 seals was Canine Distemper, characterized by broncho-interstitial pneumonia, lymphocytic necrosis and depletion in lymphoid organs, and the presence of typical intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in multiple epithelia. Canine Distemper virus infection was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction products. Organochlorine and zinc concentrations in tissues of seals with Canine Distemper were comparable to those of Caspian seals in previous years. Concurrent bacterial infections that may have contributed to the mortality of the seals included Bordetella bronchiseptica (4/8 seals), Streptococcus phocae (3/8), Salmonella dublin (1/8), and S. choleraesuis (1/8). A newly identified bacterium, Corynebacterium caspium, was associated with balanoposthitis in one seal. Several infectious and parasitic organisms, including poxvirus, Atopobacter phocae, Eimeria- and Sarcocystis-like organisms, and Halarachne sp. were identified in Caspian seals for the first time.
-
Mass die-off of Caspian seals caused by Canine Distemper virus
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2000Co-Authors: S. Kennedy, M. A. Forsyth, T. Eybatov, Thijs Kuiken, Thomas Barrett, Paul Jepson, C. D. DuckAbstract:: Thousands of Caspian seals (Phoca caspica) died in the Caspian Sea from April to August 2000. Lesions characteristic of morbillivirus infection were found in tissue specimens from dead seals. Canine Distemper virus infection was identified by serologic examination, reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction, and sequencing of selected P gene fragments. These results implicate Canine Distemper virus infection as the primary cause of death.
S. Kennedy - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
The 2000 Canine Distemper Epidemic in Caspian Seals (Phoca caspica): Pathology and Analysis of Contributory Factors
2016Co-Authors: T. Kuiken, M. A. Forsyth, T. Eybatov, C. D. Duck, S. Kennedy, T. Barrett, F H Borgsteede, S D Brew, R Deaville, G. FosterAbstract:Abstract. More than 10,000 Caspian seals (Phoca caspica) were reported dead in the Caspian Sea during spring and summer 2000. We performed necropsies and extensive laboratory analyses on 18 seals, as well as examination of the pattern of strandings and variation in weather in recent years, to identify the cause of mortality and potential contributory factors. The monthly stranding rate in 2000 was up to 2.8 times the historic mean. It was preceded by an unusually mild winter, as observed before in mass mortality events of pinnipeds. The primary diagnosis in 11 of 13 seals was Canine Distemper, characterized by broncho-interstitial pneumonia, lymphocytic necrosis and depletion in lymphoid organs, and the presence of typical intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in multiple epithelia. Canine Distemper virus infection was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction products. Organochlorine and zinc concentrations in tissues of seals with Canine Distemper were comparable to those of Caspian seals in previous years. Concurrent bacterial infection
-
the 2000 Canine Distemper epidemic in caspian seals phoca caspica pathology and analysis of contributory factors
Veterinary Pathology, 2006Co-Authors: Thijs Kuiken, C. D. Duck, Thomas Barrett, S. Kennedy, M W G Van De Bildt, F H Borgsteede, S D Brew, G A Codd, R Deaville, T. EybatovAbstract:More than 10,000 Caspian seals (Phoca caspica) were reported dead in the Caspian Sea during spring and summer 2000. We performed necropsies and extensive laboratory analyses on 18 seals, as well as examination of the pattern of strandings and variation in weather in recent years, to identify the cause of mortality and potential contributory factors. The monthly stranding rate in 2000 was up to 2.8 times the historic mean. It was preceded by an unusually mild winter, as observed before in mass mortality events of pinnipeds. The primary diagnosis in 11 of 13 seals was Canine Distemper, characterized by broncho-interstitial pneumonia, lymphocytic necrosis and depletion in lymphoid organs, and the presence of typical intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in multiple epithelia. Canine Distemper virus infection was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction products. Organochlorine and zinc concentrations in tissues of seals with Canine Distemper were comparable to those of Caspian seals in previous years. Concurrent bacterial infections that may have contributed to the mortality of the seals included Bordetella bronchiseptica (4/8 seals), Streptococcus phocae (3/8), Salmonella dublin (1/8), and S. choleraesuis (1/8). A newly identified bacterium, Corynebacterium caspium, was associated with balanoposthitis in one seal. Several infectious and parasitic organisms, including poxvirus, Atopobacter phocae, Eimeria- and Sarcocystis-like organisms, and Halarachne sp. were identified in Caspian seals for the first time.
-
Mass die-off of Caspian seals caused by Canine Distemper virus
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2000Co-Authors: S. Kennedy, M. A. Forsyth, T. Eybatov, Thijs Kuiken, Thomas Barrett, Paul Jepson, C. D. DuckAbstract:: Thousands of Caspian seals (Phoca caspica) died in the Caspian Sea from April to August 2000. Lesions characteristic of morbillivirus infection were found in tissue specimens from dead seals. Canine Distemper virus infection was identified by serologic examination, reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction, and sequencing of selected P gene fragments. These results implicate Canine Distemper virus infection as the primary cause of death.
