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Santiago Lavín - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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experimental infection with high and low virulence strains of border disease virus bdv in pyrenean Chamois rupicapra p pyrenaica sheds light on the epidemiological diversity of the disease
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2019Co-Authors: Andreu Colomcadena, Roser Velarde, Ignasi Marco, Santiago Lavín, R. Rosell, Xavier Fernandez Aguilar, Johan Espunyes, Oscar CabezonAbstract:Since 2001, Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica) populations have been affected by border disease virus (BDV) causing mortalities of more than 80% in some areas. Field studies carried out in France, Andorra, and Spain have shown different epidemiological scenarios in Chamois populations. This study was designed to confirm the presence of BDV strains of a high and low virulence in free-ranging Chamois populations from Pyrenees and to understand the implications of these findings to the diverse epidemiological scenarios. An experimental infection of Pyrenean Chamois with a high-virulence (Cadi-6) and low-virulence (Freser-5) BDV strains was performed. Pregnant and non-pregnant animals with and without antibodies against BDV were included in each group. Cadi-6 BDV strain was confirmed to be of high virulence for seronegative adults and their foetuses. The antibody negative Chamois infected with Freser-5 BDV strain did not show symptoms, presented less viral distribution and RNA load in tissues than Cadi-6 group, and cleared the virus from the serum. However, foetuses died before the end of the experiment and RNA virus was detected in sera and tissues although with lower RNA load than the Cadi-6 group. Chamois from both groups presented lesions in brain but the ones infected with the low-virulence Freser-5 BDV strain were mild and most likely transient. In both groups, seropositive pregnant females and all but one of their foetuses did not present viraemia or viral RNA in tissues. The existence of a low-virulence strain has been confirmed experimentally and related to Chamois population infection dynamics in the area where it was isolated. Such strain may persist in the Chamois population through PI animals and may induce cross-protection in Chamois against high-virulence strains. This study demonstrates that viral strain diversity is a significant factor in the heterogeneity of epidemiological scenarios in Pyrenean Chamois populations.
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Seasonal diet composition of Pyrenean Chamois is mainly shaped by primary production waves
2019Co-Authors: Johan Espunyes, Xavier Fernandez Aguilar, Andreu Colom-cadena, Jordi Bartolomé, Mathieu Garel, Arturo Gálvez-cerón, Juan Antonio Calleja, Diana Gassó, Laia Jarque, Santiago LavínAbstract:In alpine habitats, the seasonally marked climatic conditions generate seasonal and spatial differences in forage availability for herbivores. Vegetation availability and quality during the growing season are known to drive life history traits of mountain ungulates. However, little effort has been made to understand the association between plant phenology and changes in the foraging strategies of these mountain dwellers. Furthermore, this link can be affected by the seasonal presence of livestock in the same meadows. The objective of this work was to study the seasonal changes in diet composition of Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra p. pyrenaica) and its relationship to primary production trends in a Mediterranean alpine environment. Moreover, diet composition in two populations with contrasting livestock pressure was compared in order to study the effect of sheep flocks on the feeding behaviour of Chamois. From 2009 to 2012, monthly diet composition was estimated by cuticle microhistological analysis of Chamois faeces collected in the eastern Pyrenees. The primary production cycle was assessed by remote sensing, using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. Additionally, the diet of sheep sharing seasonally the subalpine and alpine meadows with Chamois was analysed. Diet selection of Chamois and sheep and their overlap was also assessed. Our results show an intra-annual variation in the diet composition of Pyrenean Chamois and demonstrate a strong relationship between plant consumption dynamics and phenology in alpine areas. In addition, Calluna vulgaris, Cytisus spp. and Festuca spp., as well as forbs in the summer, are found to be key forage species for Pyrenean Chamois. Furthermore, this study couldn’t detect differences between both Chamois populations despite the presence of sheep flocks in only one area. However, the detection of a shift in the diet of Chamois in both areas after the arrival of high densities of multi-specific livestock suggest a general livestock effect. In conclusion, Pyrenean Chamois are well adapted to the variations in the seasonal availability of plants in alpine habitats but could be disturbed by the seasonal presence of livestock. Due to the key plants in their diet, we suggest that population management programmes should focus on the preservation of mixed grasslands composed of patches of shrubs and herbs. The effects of climate change and shrub expansion should be studied as they may potentially affect Chamois population dynamics through changes in habitat composition and temporal shifts in forage availability.
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spatial and temporal phylogeny of border disease virus in pyrenean Chamois rupicapra p pyrenaica
PLOS ONE, 2016Co-Authors: C Luzzago, Luca Rossi, Santiago Lavín, O. Cabezón, R. Rosell, Laura Fernandezsirera, Erika Ebranati, Carla Veo, Serena Cavallero, P LanfranchiAbstract:Border disease virus (BDV) affects a wide range of ruminants worldwide, mainly domestic sheep and goat. Since 2001 several outbreaks of disease associated to BDV infection have been described in Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica) in Spain, France and Andorra. In order to reconstruct the most probable places of origin and pathways of dispersion of BDV among Pyrenean Chamois, a phylogenetic analysis of 95 BDV 5'untranslated sequences has been performed on Chamois and domestic ungulates, including novel sequences and retrieved from public databases, using a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo method. Discrete and continuous space phylogeography have been applied on Chamois sequences dataset, using centroid positions and latitude and longitude coordinates of the animals, respectively. The estimated mean evolutionary rate of BDV sequences was 2.9×10-3 subs/site/year (95% HPD: 1.5-4.6×10-3). All the Pyrenean Chamois isolates clustered in a unique highly significant clade, that originated from BDV-4a ovine clade. The introduction from sheep (dated back to the early 90s) generated a founder effect on the Chamois population and the most probable place of origin of Pyrenean Chamois BDV was estimated at coordinates 42.42 N and 1.9 E. The pathways of virus dispersion showed two main routes: the first started on the early 90s of the past century with a westward direction and the second arise in Central Pyrenees. The virus spread westward for more than 125 km and southward for about 50km and the estimated epidemic diffusion rate was about 13.1 km/year (95% HPD 5.2-21.4 km/year). The strong spatial structure, with strains from a single locality segregating together in homogeneous groups, and the significant pathways of viral dispersion among the areas, allowed to reconstruct both events of infection in a single area and of migrations, occurring between neighboring areas.
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the two sides of border disease in pyrenean Chamois rupicapra pyrenaica silent persistence and population collapse
Animal Health Research Reviews, 2015Co-Authors: Ignasi Marco, Roser Velarde, R. Rosell, Laura Fernandezsirera, Encarna Casasdiaz, Emmanuel Serrano, Oscar Cabezon, Andreu Colomcadena, Santiago LavínAbstract:In 2001, border disease virus (BDV) was identified as the cause of a previously unreported disease in Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) in Spain. Since then, the disease has caused a dramatic decrease, and in some cases collapse, of Chamois populations and has expanded to nearly the entire distribution area in the Pyrenees. Chamois BDV was characterized as BDV-4 genotype and experimental studies confirmed that it was the primary agent of the disease. The infection has become endemic in the Central and Eastern Pyrenees. However, while most Pyrenean Chamois populations have been severely affected by the disease, others have not, despite the circulation of BDV in apparently healthy individuals, suggesting the existence of different viral strategies for persisting in the host population. Changes in the interplay of pathogen, host and environmental factors may lead to the formation of different disease patterns. A key factor influencing disease emergence may be pathogen invasiveness through viral mutation. Host factors, such as behavior, immunity at the population level and genetic variability, may also have driven different epidemiological scenarios. Climatic and other ecological factors may have favored secondary infections, such as pneumonia, that under particular circumstances have been major contributing factors in the high mortality observed in some areas.
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mineral levels in pyrenean Chamois rupicapra pyrenaica
Biological Trace Element Research, 2014Co-Authors: Josep Manent, Santiago Lavín, Jorge Ramon Lopezolvera, Laura Fernandezsirera, Rafaela Cuenca, Ignasi MarcoAbstract:The effects of mineral deficiencies are often sub-clinical, and the importance of mineral status is often underestimated in wildlife populations. To our knowledge, this is the first study that gives reference intervals of hepatic minerals for Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica). We determined macro and trace mineral concentrations in liver samples from 100 animals (44 healthy and 56 sick) collected in the Catalan Pyrenees (NE Spain) from 1995 to 2008. After wet digestion, we determined Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, S, and Fe concentrations by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Cu, Zn, and Mo concentrations by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We observed low hepatic concentrations of Cu in a considerable percentage of Chamois, without evidences that these low concentrations increased their susceptibility to infectious diseases. The group of sick Chamois had very similar percentage of animals (10/56) with low concentration of Cu (<20 ppm DW) than the group of healthy Chamois (9/44). On the other hand, we observed that infectious diseases increased significantly the hepatic concentrations of Na, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn, very likely, as a consequence of processes associated with the acute phase inflammatory response. The obtained values of liver mineral levels and their sources of variation, such as sex, age and disease, mostly fall within the range of those described for other ruminants, but possible deficiencies and differences between individuals and populations require further study.
Ignasi Marco - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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experimental infection with high and low virulence strains of border disease virus bdv in pyrenean Chamois rupicapra p pyrenaica sheds light on the epidemiological diversity of the disease
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2019Co-Authors: Andreu Colomcadena, Roser Velarde, Ignasi Marco, Santiago Lavín, R. Rosell, Xavier Fernandez Aguilar, Johan Espunyes, Oscar CabezonAbstract:Since 2001, Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica) populations have been affected by border disease virus (BDV) causing mortalities of more than 80% in some areas. Field studies carried out in France, Andorra, and Spain have shown different epidemiological scenarios in Chamois populations. This study was designed to confirm the presence of BDV strains of a high and low virulence in free-ranging Chamois populations from Pyrenees and to understand the implications of these findings to the diverse epidemiological scenarios. An experimental infection of Pyrenean Chamois with a high-virulence (Cadi-6) and low-virulence (Freser-5) BDV strains was performed. Pregnant and non-pregnant animals with and without antibodies against BDV were included in each group. Cadi-6 BDV strain was confirmed to be of high virulence for seronegative adults and their foetuses. The antibody negative Chamois infected with Freser-5 BDV strain did not show symptoms, presented less viral distribution and RNA load in tissues than Cadi-6 group, and cleared the virus from the serum. However, foetuses died before the end of the experiment and RNA virus was detected in sera and tissues although with lower RNA load than the Cadi-6 group. Chamois from both groups presented lesions in brain but the ones infected with the low-virulence Freser-5 BDV strain were mild and most likely transient. In both groups, seropositive pregnant females and all but one of their foetuses did not present viraemia or viral RNA in tissues. The existence of a low-virulence strain has been confirmed experimentally and related to Chamois population infection dynamics in the area where it was isolated. Such strain may persist in the Chamois population through PI animals and may induce cross-protection in Chamois against high-virulence strains. This study demonstrates that viral strain diversity is a significant factor in the heterogeneity of epidemiological scenarios in Pyrenean Chamois populations.
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New insights on pestivirus infections in transhumant sheep and sympatric Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra p. pyrenaica).
Veterinary microbiology, 2018Co-Authors: Andreu Colom-cadena, Oscar Cabezon, Johan Espunyes, Xavier Fernández-aguilar, Rosa Rosell, Ignasi MarcoAbstract:Abstract Border Disease Virus (BDV) causes health and economic impact on livestock and is also of importance in wildlife conservation as it causes high mortality outbreaks in Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica). Pastoral practices are known as a main interspecies pathogen transmission. Hence, the presence of pestivirus in transhumant sheep flocks and sympatric Chamois was assessed in areas with different epidemiological scenarios of Chamois BDV infections. Moreover, the present study had also the goal to identify if inter-specific infections occurred and when they happened. Five sheep flocks grazing in two alpine areas in the Pyrenees with two different BDV epidemiological scenarios in Chamois populations were studied during two transhumant seasons. Sheep were sampled before and after transhumance. Pyrenean Chamois sera and spleen samples from both areas where also studied during the same period. Antibodies against BDV were assessed by means of ELISA and VNT. A qRT-PCR was used in order to detect the virus. Seroprevalence in sheep ranged between 0 and 91.1% at the flock level. Chamois were found to have high seroprevalences (52.9–77.7%) in both areas, and four new BDV isolates were sequenced. One sheep farm presented persistent BDV circulation and three showed low BDV circulation. The after-transhumance period was identified as the moment when viral transmission occured in the first farm, associated to BDV strains of domestic origin, according to VNT results. However, the BDV isolate was genetical closely related to previous BDV strains from Chamois origin. In another farm, antibodies in two of the three positive sera were associated to infection with a Chamois-like BDV strain. Altogether indicates that occasional viral transmission from Chamois to sheep may occur.
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the two sides of border disease in pyrenean Chamois rupicapra pyrenaica silent persistence and population collapse
Animal Health Research Reviews, 2015Co-Authors: Ignasi Marco, Roser Velarde, R. Rosell, Laura Fernandezsirera, Encarna Casasdiaz, Emmanuel Serrano, Oscar Cabezon, Andreu Colomcadena, Santiago LavínAbstract:In 2001, border disease virus (BDV) was identified as the cause of a previously unreported disease in Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) in Spain. Since then, the disease has caused a dramatic decrease, and in some cases collapse, of Chamois populations and has expanded to nearly the entire distribution area in the Pyrenees. Chamois BDV was characterized as BDV-4 genotype and experimental studies confirmed that it was the primary agent of the disease. The infection has become endemic in the Central and Eastern Pyrenees. However, while most Pyrenean Chamois populations have been severely affected by the disease, others have not, despite the circulation of BDV in apparently healthy individuals, suggesting the existence of different viral strategies for persisting in the host population. Changes in the interplay of pathogen, host and environmental factors may lead to the formation of different disease patterns. A key factor influencing disease emergence may be pathogen invasiveness through viral mutation. Host factors, such as behavior, immunity at the population level and genetic variability, may also have driven different epidemiological scenarios. Climatic and other ecological factors may have favored secondary infections, such as pneumonia, that under particular circumstances have been major contributing factors in the high mortality observed in some areas.
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mineral levels in pyrenean Chamois rupicapra pyrenaica
Biological Trace Element Research, 2014Co-Authors: Josep Manent, Santiago Lavín, Jorge Ramon Lopezolvera, Laura Fernandezsirera, Rafaela Cuenca, Ignasi MarcoAbstract:The effects of mineral deficiencies are often sub-clinical, and the importance of mineral status is often underestimated in wildlife populations. To our knowledge, this is the first study that gives reference intervals of hepatic minerals for Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica). We determined macro and trace mineral concentrations in liver samples from 100 animals (44 healthy and 56 sick) collected in the Catalan Pyrenees (NE Spain) from 1995 to 2008. After wet digestion, we determined Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, S, and Fe concentrations by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Cu, Zn, and Mo concentrations by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We observed low hepatic concentrations of Cu in a considerable percentage of Chamois, without evidences that these low concentrations increased their susceptibility to infectious diseases. The group of sick Chamois had very similar percentage of animals (10/56) with low concentration of Cu (<20 ppm DW) than the group of healthy Chamois (9/44). On the other hand, we observed that infectious diseases increased significantly the hepatic concentrations of Na, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn, very likely, as a consequence of processes associated with the acute phase inflammatory response. The obtained values of liver mineral levels and their sources of variation, such as sex, age and disease, mostly fall within the range of those described for other ruminants, but possible deficiencies and differences between individuals and populations require further study.
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Experimental infection of pregnant Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) with border disease virus subtype 4.
Journal of wildlife diseases, 2013Co-Authors: Claire Martin, Véronique Duquesne, Jean-michel Guibert, Coralie Pulido, Philippe Gibert, Richard Thiéry, Roser Velarde, Emmanuelle Gilot-fromont, Ignasi Marco, Eric DuboisAbstract:Border disease virus (BDV) causes high mortality in Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) on the French and Spanish sides of the Pyrenees Mountains. We investigated the pathology induced by BDV in pregnant Chamois via experimental infection. Three females were inoculated during the second third of pregnancy with a BDV-4 subgroup strain isolated from a wild Pyrenean Chamois during an acute epizootic. A fourth pregnant Chamois and one nonpregnant ewe were kept as negative controls. Animals were monitored to assess clinical signs, hematology, viremia, and serology. Postmortem examinations included necropsy, histopathology, and quantification of viral RNA in organs. Pregnancy was unsuccessful in all inoculated animals. One died 24 days postinoculation (dpi) without showing any precursory clinical signs. The second animal had profuse diarrhea from 13 dpi to its death at 51 dpi. The third aborted at 46 dpi and was euthanized at 51 dpi. All animals were viremic from 4 dpi until death. Neutralizing antibodies against BDV-4 were detected from 12 dpi. Necropsies showed generalized lymphadenomegaly, associated in one case with disseminated petechial hemorrhages in the digestive tract. Seventy-eight of 79 organs from inoculated adults and their fetuses had detectable viral RNA. The main histologic lesions in adults were mild lymphohistiocytic encephalitis associated with moderate or moderately severe lymphoid depletion. Control animals remained negative for virus (in blood and organs), antibody, and lesions upon postmortem examination. BDV infection during pregnancy in Pyrenean Chamois causes severe disease leading to abortion, then death. Despite 100% fetal death following inoculation, viral RNA was recovered from all organs of infected fetuses, suggesting that persistently infected offspring could be born. Our results may help explain the reported decrease in Chamois populations in several areas and suggest that great care must be taken when interpreting infection status for wildlife.
R. Rosell - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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experimental infection with high and low virulence strains of border disease virus bdv in pyrenean Chamois rupicapra p pyrenaica sheds light on the epidemiological diversity of the disease
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2019Co-Authors: Andreu Colomcadena, Roser Velarde, Ignasi Marco, Santiago Lavín, R. Rosell, Xavier Fernandez Aguilar, Johan Espunyes, Oscar CabezonAbstract:Since 2001, Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica) populations have been affected by border disease virus (BDV) causing mortalities of more than 80% in some areas. Field studies carried out in France, Andorra, and Spain have shown different epidemiological scenarios in Chamois populations. This study was designed to confirm the presence of BDV strains of a high and low virulence in free-ranging Chamois populations from Pyrenees and to understand the implications of these findings to the diverse epidemiological scenarios. An experimental infection of Pyrenean Chamois with a high-virulence (Cadi-6) and low-virulence (Freser-5) BDV strains was performed. Pregnant and non-pregnant animals with and without antibodies against BDV were included in each group. Cadi-6 BDV strain was confirmed to be of high virulence for seronegative adults and their foetuses. The antibody negative Chamois infected with Freser-5 BDV strain did not show symptoms, presented less viral distribution and RNA load in tissues than Cadi-6 group, and cleared the virus from the serum. However, foetuses died before the end of the experiment and RNA virus was detected in sera and tissues although with lower RNA load than the Cadi-6 group. Chamois from both groups presented lesions in brain but the ones infected with the low-virulence Freser-5 BDV strain were mild and most likely transient. In both groups, seropositive pregnant females and all but one of their foetuses did not present viraemia or viral RNA in tissues. The existence of a low-virulence strain has been confirmed experimentally and related to Chamois population infection dynamics in the area where it was isolated. Such strain may persist in the Chamois population through PI animals and may induce cross-protection in Chamois against high-virulence strains. This study demonstrates that viral strain diversity is a significant factor in the heterogeneity of epidemiological scenarios in Pyrenean Chamois populations.
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spatial and temporal phylogeny of border disease virus in pyrenean Chamois rupicapra p pyrenaica
PLOS ONE, 2016Co-Authors: C Luzzago, Luca Rossi, Santiago Lavín, O. Cabezón, R. Rosell, Laura Fernandezsirera, Erika Ebranati, Carla Veo, Serena Cavallero, P LanfranchiAbstract:Border disease virus (BDV) affects a wide range of ruminants worldwide, mainly domestic sheep and goat. Since 2001 several outbreaks of disease associated to BDV infection have been described in Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica) in Spain, France and Andorra. In order to reconstruct the most probable places of origin and pathways of dispersion of BDV among Pyrenean Chamois, a phylogenetic analysis of 95 BDV 5'untranslated sequences has been performed on Chamois and domestic ungulates, including novel sequences and retrieved from public databases, using a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo method. Discrete and continuous space phylogeography have been applied on Chamois sequences dataset, using centroid positions and latitude and longitude coordinates of the animals, respectively. The estimated mean evolutionary rate of BDV sequences was 2.9×10-3 subs/site/year (95% HPD: 1.5-4.6×10-3). All the Pyrenean Chamois isolates clustered in a unique highly significant clade, that originated from BDV-4a ovine clade. The introduction from sheep (dated back to the early 90s) generated a founder effect on the Chamois population and the most probable place of origin of Pyrenean Chamois BDV was estimated at coordinates 42.42 N and 1.9 E. The pathways of virus dispersion showed two main routes: the first started on the early 90s of the past century with a westward direction and the second arise in Central Pyrenees. The virus spread westward for more than 125 km and southward for about 50km and the estimated epidemic diffusion rate was about 13.1 km/year (95% HPD 5.2-21.4 km/year). The strong spatial structure, with strains from a single locality segregating together in homogeneous groups, and the significant pathways of viral dispersion among the areas, allowed to reconstruct both events of infection in a single area and of migrations, occurring between neighboring areas.
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the two sides of border disease in pyrenean Chamois rupicapra pyrenaica silent persistence and population collapse
Animal Health Research Reviews, 2015Co-Authors: Ignasi Marco, Roser Velarde, R. Rosell, Laura Fernandezsirera, Encarna Casasdiaz, Emmanuel Serrano, Oscar Cabezon, Andreu Colomcadena, Santiago LavínAbstract:In 2001, border disease virus (BDV) was identified as the cause of a previously unreported disease in Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) in Spain. Since then, the disease has caused a dramatic decrease, and in some cases collapse, of Chamois populations and has expanded to nearly the entire distribution area in the Pyrenees. Chamois BDV was characterized as BDV-4 genotype and experimental studies confirmed that it was the primary agent of the disease. The infection has become endemic in the Central and Eastern Pyrenees. However, while most Pyrenean Chamois populations have been severely affected by the disease, others have not, despite the circulation of BDV in apparently healthy individuals, suggesting the existence of different viral strategies for persisting in the host population. Changes in the interplay of pathogen, host and environmental factors may lead to the formation of different disease patterns. A key factor influencing disease emergence may be pathogen invasiveness through viral mutation. Host factors, such as behavior, immunity at the population level and genetic variability, may also have driven different epidemiological scenarios. Climatic and other ecological factors may have favored secondary infections, such as pneumonia, that under particular circumstances have been major contributing factors in the high mortality observed in some areas.
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two different epidemiological scenarios of border disease in the populations of pyrenean Chamois rupicapra p pyrenaica after the first disease outbreaks
PLOS ONE, 2012Co-Authors: Laura Fernandezsirera, Santiago Lavín, A. Allepuz, R. Rosell, Emmanuel Serrano, Cristina Riquelme, Oscar Cabezon, Ignasi MarcoAbstract:Since 2001 several outbreaks of a new disease associated with Border disease virus (BDV) infection have caused important declines in Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) populations in the Pyrenees. The goal of this study was to analyze the post-outbreak BDV epidemiology in the first two areas affected by disease with the aim to establish if the infection has become endemic. We also investigated if BDV infected wild and domestic ruminants sharing habitat with Chamois. Unexpectedly, we found different epidemiological scenarios in each population. Since the disease outbreaks, some Chamois populations recuperated quickly, while others did not recover as expected. In Chamois from the first areas, prevalence was high (73.47%) and constant throughout the whole study period and did not differ between Chamois born before and after the BDV outbreak; in all, BDV was detected by RT-PCR in six Chamois. In the other areas, prevalence was lower (52.79%) and decreased during the study period; as well, prevalence was significantly lower in Chamois born after the disease outbreak. No BDV were detected in this population. A comparative virus neutralisation test performed with four BDV strains and one Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) strain showed that all the Chamois had BDV-specific antibodies. Pestivirus antibodies were detected in all the rest of analyzed species, with low prevalence values in wild ruminants and moderate values in domestic ruminants. No viruses were detected in these species. These results confirm the hypothesis that outbreaks of BDV infection only affect the Pyrenean Chamois, although other wild ruminants can occasionally be infected. In conclusion, two different scenarios have appeared since the first border disease outbreaks in Pyrenean Chamois: on the one hand frequent BDV circulation with possible negative impact on population dynamics in some areas and on the other, lack of virus circulation and quick recovery of the Chamois population.
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surveillance of border disease in wild ungulates and an outbreak in pyrenean Chamois rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica in andorra
Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2012Co-Authors: Laura Fernandezsirera, Santiago Lavín, Landry Riba, R. Rosell, Emmanuel Serrano, Oscar Cabezon, Ignasi MarcoAbstract:The Principality of Andorra is surrounded by areas in which Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica) populations were severely affected by infection with border disease virus (BDV) which caused disease outbreaks between 2001 and 2009. Nevertheless, the Andorran Chamois populations were not affected during this period. In light of the severe impact of BDV on several of the neighboring Pyrenean Chamois populations, we monitored local Andorran populations in an effort to detect pestivirus antibodies and BDV in wild ungulates. In addition, an episode of mortality between 2009 and 2010 in Chamois was investigated. We analyzed samples (spleen or serum) from 175 Pyrenean Chamois, 284 European mouflon (Ovis orientalis musimon), 13 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus capreolus), and five wild boars (Sus scrofa castilianus). With the exception of three dead Chamois found between 2009 and 2010, all samples came from healthy animals hunted during the hunting season. A commercial blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent...
Gregorio Mentaberre - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The physiological cost of male-biased parasitism in a nearly monomorphic mammal
Parasites & Vectors, 2017Co-Authors: Arturo Oliver-guimerá, Gregorio Mentaberre, Jorge-ramón López-olvera, Andreu Colom-cadena, Xavier Fernández-aguilar, Carlos Martínez-carrasco, Asta Tvarijonaviciute, María Rocío Ruiz De Ybáñez, Jordi Martínez-guijosa, Roser VelardeAbstract:Background Even though male-biased parasitism is common in mammals, little effort has been made to evaluate whether higher parasitic burden in males results in an extra biological cost, and thus a decrease in fitness. Body condition impairment and the augmentation of oxidative stress can be used as indicators of the cost of parasite infections. Here, we examined relationships between gastrointestinal and respiratory helminths, body condition and oxidative stress markers (glutathione peroxidase, paraoxonase-1) in 28 Pyrenean Chamois ( Rupicapra p. pyrenaica ) sampled in autumn. Results Only male Chamois showed a reduction in body condition and higher oxidative stress due to parasite infection, likely because of the extremely high parasite burdens observed in males. Conclusions This study made evident a disparity in the physiological cost of multiple parasitism between sexes in a wild mammal, mainly due to parasitic richness. Because of the similar life expectancy in male and female Chamois, we suggest that males may have developed natural mechanisms to compensate for higher parasite loads during the rut.
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Azaperone and sudden death of drive net-captured southern Chamois
European Journal of Wildlife Research, 2012Co-Authors: Gregorio Mentaberre, Roser Velarde, Ignasi Marco, Emmanuel Serrano, Jorge-ramón López-olvera, Encarna Casas-díaz, Santiago LavínAbstract:The use of tranquilizers in the capture of southern Chamois ( Rupicapra pyrenaica ) for scientific and/or management purposes (collection of samples, marking, translocations) was studied to improve animal welfare during capture operations. We used clinical findings and a statistical approach to analyze the causes of six incidences of mortality during captures using drive nets and tranquilizers in this species. Hematology and serum biochemistry, pathology, the use of tranquilizers and their dosages, the number of people involved in the capture of the Chamois, and the location were all taken into account. The selection of candidate models to explain mortality was conducted using the theoretic information approach. Both observational findings and the models selected suggested that high doses of azaperone and to a lesser extent haloperidol had an effect on mortality rates. The higher mean serum lactate concentrations found in the Chamois that died suggests that fatigue levels increased drug sensitivity and provoked the appearance of adverse effects, thereby increasing the probability of death. We conclude that butyrophenones—and especially azaperone—have a low safety margin in the southern Chamois, contrary to what has been described for other species.
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experimental infection with Chamois border disease virus causes long lasting viraemia and disease in pyrenean Chamois rupicapra pyrenaica
Journal of General Virology, 2011Co-Authors: O. Cabezón, Roser Velarde, R. Rosell, Jorge Ramon Lopezolvera, Gregorio Mentaberre, Laura Fernandezsirera, Encarna Casasdiaz, Emmanuel Serrano, Cristina RiquelmeAbstract:Since 2001, severe outbreaks of disease associated with border disease virus (BDV) infection have been reported in Pyrenean Chamois. The disease is characterized by variable degrees of cachexia, alopecia and neurological manifestations prior to death. The aim of this study was to investigate this disease under experimental conditions. To assess viral virulence, humoral immune response, dissemination and probable routes of transmission, seven Chamois (five seronegative and two seropositive for BDV) were inoculated with a BDV isolated from a naturally infected Chamois. A group of three Chamois were maintained as uninfected controls. The five seronegative Chamois became viraemic from day 2 post-inoculation (p.i.) until their death (three animals) or the end of the experiment (on day 34 p.i.) and developed neutralizing antibodies from day 18 p.i. until the end of the study. Continuous shedding of the virus was detected by RT-PCR in oral, nasal and rectal swabs in viraemic Chamois from day 5 p.i. Despite none of the viraemic Chamois showing obvious neurological signs, all of them had a non-suppurative meningoencephalitis as seen in naturally infected Chamois. The two inoculated BDV-seropositive Chamois did not become viraemic. This study confirms that BDV is the primary agent of the disease that has been affecting Chamois populations in recent years in the Pyrenees and that previously acquired humoral immunity is protective.
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haematology and serum chemistry of pyrenean Chamois rupicapra pyrenaica naturally infected with a border disease virus
Research in Veterinary Science, 2011Co-Authors: Laura Fernandezsirera, Santiago Lavín, Jorge Ramon Lopezolvera, Gregorio Mentaberre, Rafaela Cuenca, Ignasi MarcoAbstract:In 2005 and 2006 an outbreak of disease associated with border disease virus (BDV) infection caused high mortality in the Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) in the Catalan Pyrenees (NE Spain). The aim of this study was to determine values for different haematological and serum biochemical analytes in 32 free-ranging Pyrenean Chamois affected by the disease and to compare them with those obtained from healthy Chamois. In the affected Chamois red blood cell counts, haemoglobin concentrations, packed cell volumes, mean corpuscular volumes and lymphocyte counts were all lower, while the neutrophil and platelet counts were higher. Glucose, lactate, triglycerides, creatinine, total protein concentrations and alkaline phosphatase activity were also lower, in contrast to the concentrations of total bilirubin, urea and aspartate aminotransferase activity, which were higher. Most of the observed changes could be associated with cachexia and inflammation in the affected Chamois. Lymphopenia could be directly related to the BDV, which would lead to immunosuppression and explain the high rate of secondary infection observed in these animals.
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border disease virus shedding and detection in naturally infected pyrenean Chamois rupicapra pyrenaica
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 2010Co-Authors: O. Cabezón, Roser Velarde, Santiago Lavín, R. Rosell, Gregorio Mentaberre, Encarna Casasdiaz, Ignasi MarcoAbstract:Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) populations of the central and eastern Pyrenees have been affected by severe outbreaks associated with Border disease virus (BDV) since 2001. Eight Pyrenean Chamois (7 males and 1 female) from 1 to 8 years of age with clinical signs consistent with BDV infection were studied. At necropsy, whole blood, tissue samples (skin, brain, prescapular lymph node, thyroid gland, lung, liver, spleen, kidney, small intestine, bone marrow, and testicle), urine, and nasal, oral, and rectal swabs were obtained. The fetus from a pregnant female was also studied. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the virus in all samples, and virus isolation was performed. Sera and tissue samples were positive to RT-PCR, and the virus was isolated from all Chamois. The nasal, oral, and rectal swabs and urine samples were RT-PCR positive in 100%, 85.71%, 71.43%, and 100% of Chamois, respectively, confirming the excretion of the virus via these 4 routes. In addition, sera were tested for BDV antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and seroneutralization techniques, with negative results. Sequence analysis of the 59 untranslated region in 7 of the Chamois confirmed that the virus is grouped into the BDV-4 genotype, the same BDV previously described in Pyrenean Chamois. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study of naturally infected Pyrenean Chamois, providing evidence that infected animals shed BDV through nasal, oral, fecal, and urinary excretion routes.
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Antimicrobial Resistance in Pasteurellaceae Isolates from Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) and Domestic Sheep in an Alpine Ecosystem
'MDPI AG', 2021Co-Authors: Irene Torres-blas, Oscar Cabezon, Xavier Fernandez Aguilar, Virginia Aragon, Lourdes Migura-garcíaAbstract:Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has spread worldwide due to the inappropriate use of antimicrobial drugs in human and veterinary medicine, becoming a public health problem. However, little is known about its occurrence and maintenance in wild animals, and very few studies have been carried out in ecosystems subjected to low human pressure. In our study, nasal and lung swabs were collected from hunted Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica), and nasal swabs from sympatric domestic sheep were also collected. The swabs were cultured in agar plates to obtain bacterial isolates from the Pasteurellaceae family. The presence of AMR was assessed in a total of 28 Pasteurellaceae isolates from 45 Pyrenean Chamois, and 9 isolates from sympatric domestic sheep found in the National Hunting Reserve of Freser-Setcases (Northeastern Pyrenees, Spain). The isolates belonged to one of the following three species: Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica and Bibersteinia trehalosi. Some P. multocida and M. haemolytica isolates tested positive for AMR. The statistical analysis revealed no differences between the AMR levels from Chamois and domestic sheep isolates. However, one P. multocida of Chamois origin presented resistance to cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones, which are antibiotics of critical importance for human health. Further studies are required to elucidate potential routes of dissemination of AMR genes in natural environments and assess any significant persistence in wildlife to design risk mitigation actions
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distribution of pestivirus exposure in wild ruminants in spain
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2020Co-Authors: Maríacruz Arnal, Ignacio Garciabocanegra, Saul Jimenezruiz, Joaquin Vicente, Oscar Cabezon, Ana Balseiro, Francisco Ruizfons, Felix GomezguillamonAbstract:A large-scale study was carried out to determine the prevalence of antibodies against Pestivirus species in wild ruminants and describe their spatial variation in mainland Spain. Serum samples of 1,874 wild ruminants from different regions of this country were collected between the years 2000 and 2017. A total of 6.6% (123/1,874) animals showed antibodies against Pestivirus by both blocking ELISA (bELISA) and virus neutralization tests (VNT). The prevalence of antibodies against pestiviruses was different both among species and regions. Seroprevalence by species was 30.0% (75/250) in Southern Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica), 7.0% (25/357) in fallow deer (Dama dama), 2.5% (10/401) in red deer (Cervus elaphus), 2.4% (8/330) in Iberian wild goat (Capra pyrenaica), 1.1% (4/369) in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and 0.8% (1/130) in mouflon (Ovis aries musimon), not detecting seropositivity (0/37) in Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia). The results confirm that exposure to pestiviruses was detected throughout mainland Spain, with significantly higher seroprevalence in Northern regions associated with the presence of Southern Chamois. This indicates an endemic circulation of pestiviruses in Southern Chamois and a limited circulation of these viruses in the remaining wild ruminant species during the last two decades, thus suggesting that non-Chamois species are not true Pestivirus reservoirs in Spain. Nonetheless, the high spatial spread of these viruses points out that new epidemic outbreaks in naive wild ruminant populations or transmission to livestock may occur, evidencing the usefulness of monitoring pestiviruses in wild ruminants, especially at the wildlife-livestock interface.
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experimental infection with high and low virulence strains of border disease virus bdv in pyrenean Chamois rupicapra p pyrenaica sheds light on the epidemiological diversity of the disease
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2019Co-Authors: Andreu Colomcadena, Roser Velarde, Ignasi Marco, Santiago Lavín, R. Rosell, Xavier Fernandez Aguilar, Johan Espunyes, Oscar CabezonAbstract:Since 2001, Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica) populations have been affected by border disease virus (BDV) causing mortalities of more than 80% in some areas. Field studies carried out in France, Andorra, and Spain have shown different epidemiological scenarios in Chamois populations. This study was designed to confirm the presence of BDV strains of a high and low virulence in free-ranging Chamois populations from Pyrenees and to understand the implications of these findings to the diverse epidemiological scenarios. An experimental infection of Pyrenean Chamois with a high-virulence (Cadi-6) and low-virulence (Freser-5) BDV strains was performed. Pregnant and non-pregnant animals with and without antibodies against BDV were included in each group. Cadi-6 BDV strain was confirmed to be of high virulence for seronegative adults and their foetuses. The antibody negative Chamois infected with Freser-5 BDV strain did not show symptoms, presented less viral distribution and RNA load in tissues than Cadi-6 group, and cleared the virus from the serum. However, foetuses died before the end of the experiment and RNA virus was detected in sera and tissues although with lower RNA load than the Cadi-6 group. Chamois from both groups presented lesions in brain but the ones infected with the low-virulence Freser-5 BDV strain were mild and most likely transient. In both groups, seropositive pregnant females and all but one of their foetuses did not present viraemia or viral RNA in tissues. The existence of a low-virulence strain has been confirmed experimentally and related to Chamois population infection dynamics in the area where it was isolated. Such strain may persist in the Chamois population through PI animals and may induce cross-protection in Chamois against high-virulence strains. This study demonstrates that viral strain diversity is a significant factor in the heterogeneity of epidemiological scenarios in Pyrenean Chamois populations.
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New insights on pestivirus infections in transhumant sheep and sympatric Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra p. pyrenaica).
Veterinary microbiology, 2018Co-Authors: Andreu Colom-cadena, Oscar Cabezon, Johan Espunyes, Xavier Fernández-aguilar, Rosa Rosell, Ignasi MarcoAbstract:Abstract Border Disease Virus (BDV) causes health and economic impact on livestock and is also of importance in wildlife conservation as it causes high mortality outbreaks in Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica). Pastoral practices are known as a main interspecies pathogen transmission. Hence, the presence of pestivirus in transhumant sheep flocks and sympatric Chamois was assessed in areas with different epidemiological scenarios of Chamois BDV infections. Moreover, the present study had also the goal to identify if inter-specific infections occurred and when they happened. Five sheep flocks grazing in two alpine areas in the Pyrenees with two different BDV epidemiological scenarios in Chamois populations were studied during two transhumant seasons. Sheep were sampled before and after transhumance. Pyrenean Chamois sera and spleen samples from both areas where also studied during the same period. Antibodies against BDV were assessed by means of ELISA and VNT. A qRT-PCR was used in order to detect the virus. Seroprevalence in sheep ranged between 0 and 91.1% at the flock level. Chamois were found to have high seroprevalences (52.9–77.7%) in both areas, and four new BDV isolates were sequenced. One sheep farm presented persistent BDV circulation and three showed low BDV circulation. The after-transhumance period was identified as the moment when viral transmission occured in the first farm, associated to BDV strains of domestic origin, according to VNT results. However, the BDV isolate was genetical closely related to previous BDV strains from Chamois origin. In another farm, antibodies in two of the three positive sera were associated to infection with a Chamois-like BDV strain. Altogether indicates that occasional viral transmission from Chamois to sheep may occur.
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the two sides of border disease in pyrenean Chamois rupicapra pyrenaica silent persistence and population collapse
Animal Health Research Reviews, 2015Co-Authors: Ignasi Marco, Roser Velarde, R. Rosell, Laura Fernandezsirera, Encarna Casasdiaz, Emmanuel Serrano, Oscar Cabezon, Andreu Colomcadena, Santiago LavínAbstract:In 2001, border disease virus (BDV) was identified as the cause of a previously unreported disease in Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) in Spain. Since then, the disease has caused a dramatic decrease, and in some cases collapse, of Chamois populations and has expanded to nearly the entire distribution area in the Pyrenees. Chamois BDV was characterized as BDV-4 genotype and experimental studies confirmed that it was the primary agent of the disease. The infection has become endemic in the Central and Eastern Pyrenees. However, while most Pyrenean Chamois populations have been severely affected by the disease, others have not, despite the circulation of BDV in apparently healthy individuals, suggesting the existence of different viral strategies for persisting in the host population. Changes in the interplay of pathogen, host and environmental factors may lead to the formation of different disease patterns. A key factor influencing disease emergence may be pathogen invasiveness through viral mutation. Host factors, such as behavior, immunity at the population level and genetic variability, may also have driven different epidemiological scenarios. Climatic and other ecological factors may have favored secondary infections, such as pneumonia, that under particular circumstances have been major contributing factors in the high mortality observed in some areas.