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Leonard J S Tsuji - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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lead pellet ingestion and liver lead concentrations in upland Game Birds from southern ontario canada
Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 2008Co-Authors: N. Kreager, Bruce C. Wainman, R. K. Jayasinghe, Leonard J S TsujiAbstract:One-hundred twenty-three gizzards from upland Game Birds (chukar, Alectoris chukar; and common pheasant, Phasianus colchicus) harvested by hunters in southern Ontario, Canada, were examined for lead pellet ingestion by manual examination of gizzard contents and by radiography. Lead pellets were found to be ingested by chukars (6/76; 8%) and the common pheasant (16/47; 34%). Further, 13% (17/129) of the bird (wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo; Hungarian partridge, Perdix perdix; chukar; and common pheasant) livers analyzed had elevated lead concentrations (≥6 μg/g wet weight [ww]). Liver-lead concentrations above Health Canada’s guideline for human consumption of fish protein (<0.5 μg/g ww) were found in 40% (51/129) of livers analyzed. Data indicate that the ingestion of lead pellets in upland Game Birds and the potential consumption of lead-contaminated meat by humans are concerns related to the continued use of lead shotshell for hunting.
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Spring-harvested Game Birds from the western James Bay region of northern Ontario, Canada: organochlorine concentrations in breast muscle.
Science of The Total Environment, 2007Co-Authors: Leonard J S Tsuji, Ian D Martin, Emily S Martin, Alain Leblanc, Pierre DumasAbstract:Although studies have assessed organochlorine concentration in breast tissue (pectoral muscle) of fall-harvested Game Birds in Canada, data for spring-harvested Game Birds are limited, especially for remote sub-arctic areas. Taking into account that most traditional Aboriginal diets include a large number of spring-harvested Game Birds, there is a need to assess organochlorine concentration in spring-harvested water Birds with respect to suitability for human consumption. We examined organochlorine concentrations in breasts of 20 mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), 20 northern pintails (A. acuta), 21 Canada geese (Branta canadensis interior), and 20 lesser snow geese (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) harvested in the spring; summer-harvested shoreBirds (godwits; Limosa spp.) were also assessed as these water Birds are an important part of the Game bird harvest for First Nation Cree of the western James Bay region of Ontario, Canada. The most frequently detected organochlorines in striated (pectoral) muscle were SigmaPCBs (sum of 14 congeners [CBs]) and SigmaDDT (sum of DDE and DDT) followed by SigmaCHL (sum of oxy-chlordane, cis- and trans-nonachlor) and hexachlorobenzene with beta-hexachlorocyclohexane being the least frequently detected. For organochlorines that had < or =70% of the samples with detectable concentrations of an organochlorine (i.e., CBs 105, 128, 156, 170, 180, 183, cis-nonachlor, DDT, and mirex), log-linear contingency modelling revealed that the dabbling ducks had significantly more than expected detectable concentrations of most organochlorines; by contrast, geese and shoreBirds had significantly less than expected detectable concentrations of most organochlorines. ANOVA for organochlorines with frequency of detection > or =70% (i.e., Aroclor 1260, SigmaPCBs, CBs 118, 138, 153, 187, DDE, hexachlorobenzene, oxy-chlordane and trans-nonachlor) revealed significant differences between bird species: Breast tissue in snow geese contained significantly less organochlorines than Canada geese (Aroclor 1260, CBs 118, 138, and 153) and godwits (Aroclor 1260, CBs 138, 153); mallards had significantly higher concentrations compared to godwits (DDE, trans-nonachlor, and SigmaCHLs), Canada geese (oxy-chlordane and SigmaCHLs), and snow geese (oxy-chlordane, trans-nonachlor, SigmaCHLs); and pintails had elevated levels compared to snow geese (CB 153, oxy-chlordane, trans-nonachlor, and SigmaCHLs) and Canada geese (oxy-chlordane). However, none of the samples analyzed in the present study exceeded the consumption guideline for organochlorines in fish or poultry with most samples being orders of magnitude less than the consumption guideline even when compared to maxima. Thus, the present spring-harvested-Game bird study supports previous studies of fall-harvested Game Birds that contend that pectoral muscle portions are safe to eat. Nevertheless, skin and fat associated with the breast muscle may be another matter.
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Lead pellet ingestion and liver-lead concentrations in upland Game Birds from southern Ontario, Canada.
Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 2007Co-Authors: N. Kreager, Bruce C. Wainman, R. K. Jayasinghe, Leonard J S TsujiAbstract:One-hundred twenty-three gizzards from upland Game Birds (chukar, Alectoris chukar; and common pheasant, Phasianus colchicus) harvested by hunters in southern Ontario, Canada, were examined for lead pellet ingestion by manual examination of gizzard contents and by radiography. Lead pellets were found to be ingested by chukars (6/76; 8%) and the common pheasant (16/47; 34%). Further, 13% (17/129) of the bird (wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo; Hungarian partridge, Perdix perdix; chukar; and common pheasant) livers analyzed had elevated lead concentrations (≥6 μg/g wet weight [ww]). Liver-lead concentrations above Health Canada’s guideline for human consumption of fish protein (
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Spring-harvested Game Birds from the western James Bay region of northern Ontario, Canada: organochlorine concentrations in breast muscle.
Science of The Total Environment, 2007Co-Authors: Leonard J S Tsuji, Ian D Martin, Emily S Martin, Alain Leblanc, Pierre DumasAbstract:Abstract Although studies have assessed organochlorine concentration in breast tissue (pectoral muscle) of fall-harvested Game Birds in Canada, data for spring-harvested Game Birds are limited, especially for remote sub-arctic areas. Taking into account that most traditional Aboriginal diets include a large number of spring-harvested Game Birds, there is a need to assess organochlorine concentration in spring-harvested water Birds with respect to suitability for human consumption. We examined organochlorine concentrations in breasts of 20 mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), 20 northern pintails (A. acuta), 21 Canada geese (Branta canadensis interior), and 20 lesser snow geese (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) harvested in the spring; summer-harvested shoreBirds (godwits; Limosa spp.) were also assessed as these water Birds are an important part of the Game bird harvest for First Nation Cree of the western James Bay region of Ontario, Canada. The most frequently detected organochlorines in striated (pectoral) muscle were ΣPCBs (sum of 14 congeners [CBs]) and ΣDDT (sum of DDE and DDT) followed by ΣCHL (sum of oxy-chlordane, cis- and trans-nonachlor) and hexachlorobenzene with β-hexachlorocyclohexane being the least frequently detected. For organochlorines that had ≤ 70% of the samples with detectable concentrations of an organochlorine (i.e., CBs 105, 128, 156, 170, 180, 183, cis-nonachlor, DDT, and mirex), log-linear contingency modelling revealed that the dabbling ducks had significantly more than expected detectable concentrations of most organochlorines; by contrast, geese and shoreBirds had significantly less than expected detectable concentrations of most organochlorines. ANOVA for organochlorines with frequency of detection ≥ 70% (i.e., Aroclor 1260, ΣPCBs, CBs 118, 138, 153, 187, DDE, hexachlorobenzene, oxy-chlordane and trans-nonachlor) revealed significant differences between bird species: Breast tissue in snow geese contained significantly less organochlorines than Canada geese (Aroclor 1260, CBs 118, 138, and 153) and godwits (Aroclor 1260, CBs 138, 153); mallards had significantly higher concentrations compared to godwits (DDE, trans-nonachlor, and ΣCHLs), Canada geese (oxy-chlordane and ΣCHLs), and snow geese (oxy-chlordane, trans-nonachlor, ΣCHLs); and pintails had elevated levels compared to snow geese (CB 153, oxy-chlordane, trans-nonachlor, and ΣCHLs) and Canada geese (oxy-chlordane). However, none of the samples analyzed in the present study exceeded the consumption guideline for organochlorines in fish or poultry with most samples being orders of magnitude less than the consumption guideline even when compared to maxima. Thus, the present spring-harvested-Game bird study supports previous studies of fall-harvested Game Birds that contend that pectoral muscle portions are safe to eat. Nevertheless, skin and fat associated with the breast muscle may be another matter.
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Lead Shot Contamination in Edible Portions of Game Birds and Its Dietary Implications
Ecosystem Health, 1999Co-Authors: Leonard J S Tsuji, Evert Nieboer, Jim D. Karagatzides, Rhona M. Hanning, Billy KatapatukAbstract:Lead exposure for First Nation Cree of the Mushkegowuk region (western James Bay area of northern Ontario, Canada) through ingestion of Game hunted with lead shot is of concern and was investigated in this study. All lead concentrations in tissues of mammals (n = 45) and fish (n = 30) harvested in the Mushkegowuk Territory were at a level below the guideline set by Health Canada for human consumption of fish protein (i.e., 0.5 μg/g ww. Moreover, 9% (33/371) of the gizzard (striated muscle) tissue samples obtained through harvesting of waterBirds and upland Game Birds employing lead shot, showed lead levels greater than the indicated arbitrary guideline. The presence of lead was shown by radiography and atomic absorption spectrometry to be the result of lead pellets and/or lead fragments being embedded in the striated muscle. People who consume any Game species harvested with lead shot risk exposure to this metal by way of ingestion of tissue-embedded lead pellets and fragments. Although Canada will be banning the use of lead shot for all migratory bird hunting in 1999, its extension to all Game hunting should be considered because of potential human health concerns.
Pierre Dumas - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Spring-harvested Game Birds from the western James Bay region of northern Ontario, Canada: organochlorine concentrations in breast muscle.
Science of The Total Environment, 2007Co-Authors: Leonard J S Tsuji, Ian D Martin, Emily S Martin, Alain Leblanc, Pierre DumasAbstract:Although studies have assessed organochlorine concentration in breast tissue (pectoral muscle) of fall-harvested Game Birds in Canada, data for spring-harvested Game Birds are limited, especially for remote sub-arctic areas. Taking into account that most traditional Aboriginal diets include a large number of spring-harvested Game Birds, there is a need to assess organochlorine concentration in spring-harvested water Birds with respect to suitability for human consumption. We examined organochlorine concentrations in breasts of 20 mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), 20 northern pintails (A. acuta), 21 Canada geese (Branta canadensis interior), and 20 lesser snow geese (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) harvested in the spring; summer-harvested shoreBirds (godwits; Limosa spp.) were also assessed as these water Birds are an important part of the Game bird harvest for First Nation Cree of the western James Bay region of Ontario, Canada. The most frequently detected organochlorines in striated (pectoral) muscle were SigmaPCBs (sum of 14 congeners [CBs]) and SigmaDDT (sum of DDE and DDT) followed by SigmaCHL (sum of oxy-chlordane, cis- and trans-nonachlor) and hexachlorobenzene with beta-hexachlorocyclohexane being the least frequently detected. For organochlorines that had < or =70% of the samples with detectable concentrations of an organochlorine (i.e., CBs 105, 128, 156, 170, 180, 183, cis-nonachlor, DDT, and mirex), log-linear contingency modelling revealed that the dabbling ducks had significantly more than expected detectable concentrations of most organochlorines; by contrast, geese and shoreBirds had significantly less than expected detectable concentrations of most organochlorines. ANOVA for organochlorines with frequency of detection > or =70% (i.e., Aroclor 1260, SigmaPCBs, CBs 118, 138, 153, 187, DDE, hexachlorobenzene, oxy-chlordane and trans-nonachlor) revealed significant differences between bird species: Breast tissue in snow geese contained significantly less organochlorines than Canada geese (Aroclor 1260, CBs 118, 138, and 153) and godwits (Aroclor 1260, CBs 138, 153); mallards had significantly higher concentrations compared to godwits (DDE, trans-nonachlor, and SigmaCHLs), Canada geese (oxy-chlordane and SigmaCHLs), and snow geese (oxy-chlordane, trans-nonachlor, SigmaCHLs); and pintails had elevated levels compared to snow geese (CB 153, oxy-chlordane, trans-nonachlor, and SigmaCHLs) and Canada geese (oxy-chlordane). However, none of the samples analyzed in the present study exceeded the consumption guideline for organochlorines in fish or poultry with most samples being orders of magnitude less than the consumption guideline even when compared to maxima. Thus, the present spring-harvested-Game bird study supports previous studies of fall-harvested Game Birds that contend that pectoral muscle portions are safe to eat. Nevertheless, skin and fat associated with the breast muscle may be another matter.
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Spring-harvested Game Birds from the western James Bay region of northern Ontario, Canada: organochlorine concentrations in breast muscle.
Science of The Total Environment, 2007Co-Authors: Leonard J S Tsuji, Ian D Martin, Emily S Martin, Alain Leblanc, Pierre DumasAbstract:Abstract Although studies have assessed organochlorine concentration in breast tissue (pectoral muscle) of fall-harvested Game Birds in Canada, data for spring-harvested Game Birds are limited, especially for remote sub-arctic areas. Taking into account that most traditional Aboriginal diets include a large number of spring-harvested Game Birds, there is a need to assess organochlorine concentration in spring-harvested water Birds with respect to suitability for human consumption. We examined organochlorine concentrations in breasts of 20 mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), 20 northern pintails (A. acuta), 21 Canada geese (Branta canadensis interior), and 20 lesser snow geese (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) harvested in the spring; summer-harvested shoreBirds (godwits; Limosa spp.) were also assessed as these water Birds are an important part of the Game bird harvest for First Nation Cree of the western James Bay region of Ontario, Canada. The most frequently detected organochlorines in striated (pectoral) muscle were ΣPCBs (sum of 14 congeners [CBs]) and ΣDDT (sum of DDE and DDT) followed by ΣCHL (sum of oxy-chlordane, cis- and trans-nonachlor) and hexachlorobenzene with β-hexachlorocyclohexane being the least frequently detected. For organochlorines that had ≤ 70% of the samples with detectable concentrations of an organochlorine (i.e., CBs 105, 128, 156, 170, 180, 183, cis-nonachlor, DDT, and mirex), log-linear contingency modelling revealed that the dabbling ducks had significantly more than expected detectable concentrations of most organochlorines; by contrast, geese and shoreBirds had significantly less than expected detectable concentrations of most organochlorines. ANOVA for organochlorines with frequency of detection ≥ 70% (i.e., Aroclor 1260, ΣPCBs, CBs 118, 138, 153, 187, DDE, hexachlorobenzene, oxy-chlordane and trans-nonachlor) revealed significant differences between bird species: Breast tissue in snow geese contained significantly less organochlorines than Canada geese (Aroclor 1260, CBs 118, 138, and 153) and godwits (Aroclor 1260, CBs 138, 153); mallards had significantly higher concentrations compared to godwits (DDE, trans-nonachlor, and ΣCHLs), Canada geese (oxy-chlordane and ΣCHLs), and snow geese (oxy-chlordane, trans-nonachlor, ΣCHLs); and pintails had elevated levels compared to snow geese (CB 153, oxy-chlordane, trans-nonachlor, and ΣCHLs) and Canada geese (oxy-chlordane). However, none of the samples analyzed in the present study exceeded the consumption guideline for organochlorines in fish or poultry with most samples being orders of magnitude less than the consumption guideline even when compared to maxima. Thus, the present spring-harvested-Game bird study supports previous studies of fall-harvested Game Birds that contend that pectoral muscle portions are safe to eat. Nevertheless, skin and fat associated with the breast muscle may be another matter.
Francisco Llorente - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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flaviviruses in Game Birds southern spain 2011 2012
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2013Co-Authors: Francisco Llorente, Ramón C. Soriguer, Jordi Figuerola, Elisa Perezramirez, Jovita Fernandezpinero, Miguel Angel JimenezclaveroAbstract:To the Editor: Certain arthropod-borne epornitic flaviviruses, namely, West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV), have spread recently in parts of Europe (1,2). In southern Spain, the emergence of a third virus of this type, known as Bagaza virus (BAGV), is of concern (3). Because of the outbreaks in 2010 in Cadiz (southern Spain) of WNV infection, which affected Birds, horses, and humans, and of BAGV infection, which affected Game Birds (partridges and pheasants), and the reported presence of USUV in mosquitoes in this area (4), a surveillance program was implemented in partridges and pheasants during the next hunting season (October 2011–February 2012) to assess the possible circulation of these 3 flaviviruses in the area. Serum samples and brain tissue from 159 hunted-harvested wild red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) and 13 common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) were collected on 12 hunting properties from Cadiz (Technical Appendix Figure). All sampled Birds were reared and shot in the wild. The age of the partridges was determined according to plumage characteristics. Presence of antibodies against WNV was tested with a commercial epitope-blocking ELISA (Ingezym West Nile Compac, INGENASA, Madrid, Spain) (5). Virus-neutralization titers against WNV (strain Eg-101), BAGV (strain Spain/2010), and USUV (strain SAAR1776) were determined by micro virus neutralization test (VNT) as described (6). Viral genome in brain tissue samples was examined by heminested pan-flaviviral reverse transcription PCR (7). All 172 tissue homogenates examined were negative by this test. Overall seroprevalence for WNV by epitope-blocking ELISA was 29%. Prevalence of neutralizing antibodies measured by VNT was 23% for WNV, 15% for BAGV, and 10% for USUV. Seroprevalence rates were higher for pheasants than for partridges for WNV (Fisher exact test, p = 0.0003), BAGV (p<0.0001), and USUV (p<0.0001) (Table). The significance of this result is uncertain, given that just 2 hunting areas were sampled for pheasants. Table Results of serologic studies in red-legged partridges and common pheasants, southern Spain, 2011–2012* Neutralizing antibodies to >1 flavivirus were detected in 15 of the 45 VNT-positive partridges and in 6 of the 12 VNT-positive pheasants (Table). Specificity, as determined by neutralizing antibodies titer comparisons (8), showed virus-specific neutralizing antibodies to WNV, BAGV, and USUV in 19 partridges, 9 partridges, and 1 partridge, respectively, in 3 pheasants to WNV and in another 3 pheasants to BAGV (0 to USUV). Serum from 9 partridges and 6 pheasants remained inconclusive (neutralizing antibodies titer differences <4-fold [8]). WNV-reacting antibodies by ELISA were shown in 11 of 12 hunting properties (Technical Appendix Figure). In all locations but 1, ELISA-positive results were confirmed by VNT for NT-Abs to WNV, BAGV, or USUV. Of them, neutralizing antibodies to only WNV were detected in 2 locations, whereas neutralizing antibodies to at least 2 (WNV/USUV or WNV/BAGV) of the 3 flaviviruses were detected in 8 locations. Within these locations, flavivirus-specific NT-Ab responses were differentiated in several samples: neutralizing antibodies to either WNV or BAGV were detected in samples from 6 locations, whereas samples with neutralizing antibodies to either WNV or USUV were detected in 1 location. Analysis of VNT results in juvenile partridges showed specific neutralizing antibodies to WNV (13%) or BAGV (9%); 4% of these samples were positive for flavivirus but inconclusive for any of the flaviviruses tested (Table). Overall, these results indicated recent circulation of 3 different epornitic flaviviruses—WNV, USUV, and BAGV—in resident Game Birds in Cadiz, the southernmost province in Spain. A high proportion of Birds showed neutralizing antibodies to >1 flavivirus. Some are likely to be attributable to cross-neutralization, although co-infection cannot be ruled out because the results showed co-circulation of >1 flavivirus in Game Birds in most locations studied. Furthermore, the presence of specific neutralizing antibodies in juvenile partridges indicated that WNV and BAGV circulated in the area 1 year after the outbreaks of 2010. For USUV, specific neutralizing antibodies were detected only in an adult partridge, indicating infection acquired during the previous years. Nevertheless, this finding does not rule out recent co-circulation of USUV together with the other 2 viruses in the same Game bird populations, considering that USUV has been repeatedly detected in mosquitoes in nearby areas (4). Evidence of infection by at least WNV and BAGV in 2 consecutive seasons strongly supports the premise that these viruses overwintered in the area. Capability of WNV to overwinter in southern Europe was shown in Italy during 2008–2009 (9) and in Spain during 2007–2008 (10). Overwintering of BAGV after its introduction into Spain could indicate a risk for its expansion in areas with similar climates (Mediterranean basin). The risk for dissemination of WNV, BAGV, or USUV infections not only to Game Birds, but also to other wildlife, domestic animals, and humans, calls for improvements in surveillance programs, particularly those that monitor susceptible hosts, such as Game Birds. Technical Appendix: Study area in Spain (province of Cadiz) showing the position of hunting properties analyzed. Click here to view.(101K, pdf)
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Flaviviruses in Game Birds, southern Spain, 2011-2012.
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2013Co-Authors: Francisco Llorente, Elisa Pérez-ramírez, Jovita Fernández-pinero, Ramón C. Soriguer, Jordi Figuerola, Miguel Angel Jiménez-claveroAbstract:To the Editor: Certain arthropod-borne epornitic flaviviruses, namely, West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV), have spread recently in parts of Europe (1,2). In southern Spain, the emergence of a third virus of this type, known as Bagaza virus (BAGV), is of concern (3). Because of the outbreaks in 2010 in Cadiz (southern Spain) of WNV infection, which affected Birds, horses, and humans, and of BAGV infection, which affected Game Birds (partridges and pheasants), and the reported presence of USUV in mosquitoes in this area (4), a surveillance program was implemented in partridges and pheasants during the next hunting season (October 2011–February 2012) to assess the possible circulation of these 3 flaviviruses in the area. Serum samples and brain tissue from 159 hunted-harvested wild red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) and 13 common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) were collected on 12 hunting properties from Cadiz (Technical Appendix Figure). All sampled Birds were reared and shot in the wild. The age of the partridges was determined according to plumage characteristics. Presence of antibodies against WNV was tested with a commercial epitope-blocking ELISA (Ingezym West Nile Compac, INGENASA, Madrid, Spain) (5). Virus-neutralization titers against WNV (strain Eg-101), BAGV (strain Spain/2010), and USUV (strain SAAR1776) were determined by micro virus neutralization test (VNT) as described (6). Viral genome in brain tissue samples was examined by heminested pan-flaviviral reverse transcription PCR (7). All 172 tissue homogenates examined were negative by this test. Overall seroprevalence for WNV by epitope-blocking ELISA was 29%. Prevalence of neutralizing antibodies measured by VNT was 23% for WNV, 15% for BAGV, and 10% for USUV. Seroprevalence rates were higher for pheasants than for partridges for WNV (Fisher exact test, p = 0.0003), BAGV (p1 flavivirus in Game Birds in most locations studied. Furthermore, the presence of specific neutralizing antibodies in juvenile partridges indicated that WNV and BAGV circulated in the area 1 year after the outbreaks of 2010. For USUV, specific neutralizing antibodies were detected only in an adult partridge, indicating infection acquired during the previous years. Nevertheless, this finding does not rule out recent co-circulation of USUV together with the other 2 viruses in the same Game bird populations, considering that USUV has been repeatedly detected in mosquitoes in nearby areas (4). Evidence of infection by at least WNV and BAGV in 2 consecutive seasons strongly supports the premise that these viruses overwintered in the area. Capability of WNV to overwinter in southern Europe was shown in Italy during 2008–2009 (9) and in Spain during 2007–2008 (10). Overwintering of BAGV after its introduction into Spain could indicate a risk for its expansion in areas with similar climates (Mediterranean basin). The risk for dissemination of WNV, BAGV, or USUV infections not only to Game Birds, but also to other wildlife, domestic animals, and humans, calls for improvements in surveillance programs, particularly those that monitor susceptible hosts, such as Game Birds. Technical Appendix: Study area in Spain (province of Cadiz) showing the position of hunting properties analyzed. Click here to view.(101K, pdf)
Miguel Angel Jiménez-clavero - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Flaviviruses in Game Birds, southern Spain, 2011-2012.
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2013Co-Authors: Francisco Llorente, Elisa Pérez-ramírez, Jovita Fernández-pinero, Ramón C. Soriguer, Jordi Figuerola, Miguel Angel Jiménez-claveroAbstract:To the Editor: Certain arthropod-borne epornitic flaviviruses, namely, West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV), have spread recently in parts of Europe (1,2). In southern Spain, the emergence of a third virus of this type, known as Bagaza virus (BAGV), is of concern (3). Because of the outbreaks in 2010 in Cadiz (southern Spain) of WNV infection, which affected Birds, horses, and humans, and of BAGV infection, which affected Game Birds (partridges and pheasants), and the reported presence of USUV in mosquitoes in this area (4), a surveillance program was implemented in partridges and pheasants during the next hunting season (October 2011–February 2012) to assess the possible circulation of these 3 flaviviruses in the area. Serum samples and brain tissue from 159 hunted-harvested wild red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) and 13 common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) were collected on 12 hunting properties from Cadiz (Technical Appendix Figure). All sampled Birds were reared and shot in the wild. The age of the partridges was determined according to plumage characteristics. Presence of antibodies against WNV was tested with a commercial epitope-blocking ELISA (Ingezym West Nile Compac, INGENASA, Madrid, Spain) (5). Virus-neutralization titers against WNV (strain Eg-101), BAGV (strain Spain/2010), and USUV (strain SAAR1776) were determined by micro virus neutralization test (VNT) as described (6). Viral genome in brain tissue samples was examined by heminested pan-flaviviral reverse transcription PCR (7). All 172 tissue homogenates examined were negative by this test. Overall seroprevalence for WNV by epitope-blocking ELISA was 29%. Prevalence of neutralizing antibodies measured by VNT was 23% for WNV, 15% for BAGV, and 10% for USUV. Seroprevalence rates were higher for pheasants than for partridges for WNV (Fisher exact test, p = 0.0003), BAGV (p1 flavivirus in Game Birds in most locations studied. Furthermore, the presence of specific neutralizing antibodies in juvenile partridges indicated that WNV and BAGV circulated in the area 1 year after the outbreaks of 2010. For USUV, specific neutralizing antibodies were detected only in an adult partridge, indicating infection acquired during the previous years. Nevertheless, this finding does not rule out recent co-circulation of USUV together with the other 2 viruses in the same Game bird populations, considering that USUV has been repeatedly detected in mosquitoes in nearby areas (4). Evidence of infection by at least WNV and BAGV in 2 consecutive seasons strongly supports the premise that these viruses overwintered in the area. Capability of WNV to overwinter in southern Europe was shown in Italy during 2008–2009 (9) and in Spain during 2007–2008 (10). Overwintering of BAGV after its introduction into Spain could indicate a risk for its expansion in areas with similar climates (Mediterranean basin). The risk for dissemination of WNV, BAGV, or USUV infections not only to Game Birds, but also to other wildlife, domestic animals, and humans, calls for improvements in surveillance programs, particularly those that monitor susceptible hosts, such as Game Birds. Technical Appendix: Study area in Spain (province of Cadiz) showing the position of hunting properties analyzed. Click here to view.(101K, pdf)
Miguel Angel Jimenezclavero - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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flaviviruses in Game Birds southern spain 2011 2012
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2013Co-Authors: Francisco Llorente, Ramón C. Soriguer, Jordi Figuerola, Elisa Perezramirez, Jovita Fernandezpinero, Miguel Angel JimenezclaveroAbstract:To the Editor: Certain arthropod-borne epornitic flaviviruses, namely, West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV), have spread recently in parts of Europe (1,2). In southern Spain, the emergence of a third virus of this type, known as Bagaza virus (BAGV), is of concern (3). Because of the outbreaks in 2010 in Cadiz (southern Spain) of WNV infection, which affected Birds, horses, and humans, and of BAGV infection, which affected Game Birds (partridges and pheasants), and the reported presence of USUV in mosquitoes in this area (4), a surveillance program was implemented in partridges and pheasants during the next hunting season (October 2011–February 2012) to assess the possible circulation of these 3 flaviviruses in the area. Serum samples and brain tissue from 159 hunted-harvested wild red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) and 13 common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) were collected on 12 hunting properties from Cadiz (Technical Appendix Figure). All sampled Birds were reared and shot in the wild. The age of the partridges was determined according to plumage characteristics. Presence of antibodies against WNV was tested with a commercial epitope-blocking ELISA (Ingezym West Nile Compac, INGENASA, Madrid, Spain) (5). Virus-neutralization titers against WNV (strain Eg-101), BAGV (strain Spain/2010), and USUV (strain SAAR1776) were determined by micro virus neutralization test (VNT) as described (6). Viral genome in brain tissue samples was examined by heminested pan-flaviviral reverse transcription PCR (7). All 172 tissue homogenates examined were negative by this test. Overall seroprevalence for WNV by epitope-blocking ELISA was 29%. Prevalence of neutralizing antibodies measured by VNT was 23% for WNV, 15% for BAGV, and 10% for USUV. Seroprevalence rates were higher for pheasants than for partridges for WNV (Fisher exact test, p = 0.0003), BAGV (p<0.0001), and USUV (p<0.0001) (Table). The significance of this result is uncertain, given that just 2 hunting areas were sampled for pheasants. Table Results of serologic studies in red-legged partridges and common pheasants, southern Spain, 2011–2012* Neutralizing antibodies to >1 flavivirus were detected in 15 of the 45 VNT-positive partridges and in 6 of the 12 VNT-positive pheasants (Table). Specificity, as determined by neutralizing antibodies titer comparisons (8), showed virus-specific neutralizing antibodies to WNV, BAGV, and USUV in 19 partridges, 9 partridges, and 1 partridge, respectively, in 3 pheasants to WNV and in another 3 pheasants to BAGV (0 to USUV). Serum from 9 partridges and 6 pheasants remained inconclusive (neutralizing antibodies titer differences <4-fold [8]). WNV-reacting antibodies by ELISA were shown in 11 of 12 hunting properties (Technical Appendix Figure). In all locations but 1, ELISA-positive results were confirmed by VNT for NT-Abs to WNV, BAGV, or USUV. Of them, neutralizing antibodies to only WNV were detected in 2 locations, whereas neutralizing antibodies to at least 2 (WNV/USUV or WNV/BAGV) of the 3 flaviviruses were detected in 8 locations. Within these locations, flavivirus-specific NT-Ab responses were differentiated in several samples: neutralizing antibodies to either WNV or BAGV were detected in samples from 6 locations, whereas samples with neutralizing antibodies to either WNV or USUV were detected in 1 location. Analysis of VNT results in juvenile partridges showed specific neutralizing antibodies to WNV (13%) or BAGV (9%); 4% of these samples were positive for flavivirus but inconclusive for any of the flaviviruses tested (Table). Overall, these results indicated recent circulation of 3 different epornitic flaviviruses—WNV, USUV, and BAGV—in resident Game Birds in Cadiz, the southernmost province in Spain. A high proportion of Birds showed neutralizing antibodies to >1 flavivirus. Some are likely to be attributable to cross-neutralization, although co-infection cannot be ruled out because the results showed co-circulation of >1 flavivirus in Game Birds in most locations studied. Furthermore, the presence of specific neutralizing antibodies in juvenile partridges indicated that WNV and BAGV circulated in the area 1 year after the outbreaks of 2010. For USUV, specific neutralizing antibodies were detected only in an adult partridge, indicating infection acquired during the previous years. Nevertheless, this finding does not rule out recent co-circulation of USUV together with the other 2 viruses in the same Game bird populations, considering that USUV has been repeatedly detected in mosquitoes in nearby areas (4). Evidence of infection by at least WNV and BAGV in 2 consecutive seasons strongly supports the premise that these viruses overwintered in the area. Capability of WNV to overwinter in southern Europe was shown in Italy during 2008–2009 (9) and in Spain during 2007–2008 (10). Overwintering of BAGV after its introduction into Spain could indicate a risk for its expansion in areas with similar climates (Mediterranean basin). The risk for dissemination of WNV, BAGV, or USUV infections not only to Game Birds, but also to other wildlife, domestic animals, and humans, calls for improvements in surveillance programs, particularly those that monitor susceptible hosts, such as Game Birds. Technical Appendix: Study area in Spain (province of Cadiz) showing the position of hunting properties analyzed. Click here to view.(101K, pdf)
