Journal Of Wildlife Diseases[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Wildlife Sentinel: Development of Multispecies Protein A-ELISA for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Zoo Animals as a Proof of Concept for Wildlife Surveillance.
Italiya J, Straková P, Pavlačík L … +6 more , Váhala J, Hyjánek JH, Salát J, Růžek D, Komárková D, Černý J
J Wildl Dis · 2025 Apr · PMID 40103425 · Publisher ↗
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), first emerged in Wuhan in 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide. During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, nu...
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), first emerged in Wuhan in 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide. During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous reports highlighted infections of wild animals by SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, further research is required to understand the virus potential to infect various animal species, which is crucial for evaluating its future evolution and the potential reemergence of SARS-CoV-2. The total concentration of immunoglobulin G (IgG) represents a valuable yet underused diagnostic parameter for health assessments in wild animals, primarily due to the absence of effective diagnostic tools. A protein A-based indirect ELISA can serve as an efficient method to identify IgG antibodies against different pathogens in wildlife surveillance programs. To develop a multispecies protein A-ELISA for IgG detection against SARS-CoV-2, we used 44 animal species serum samples to ascertain the protein A binding affinity, and 88 serum samples, chosen for the strong binding affinity to protein A, were used to identify IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The serum samples were obtained from animals housed in Safari Park Dvůr Králové, Czech Republic. The zoo animals are in proximity to humans, facilitating the exploration of potential reverse transmission events of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to animals. Also, they undergo routine veterinary examinations, providing convenient access to blood samples. Therefore, they can be easily used for the development of protein A-based indirect ELISA for wildlife disease surveillance programs. Based on the ELISA results, antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in the sera of 16 animals. To further confirm these findings, the ELISA-positive samples were subjected to virus neutralization assays. This additional testing revealed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in the serum of two white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) and one Persian leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana).
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Exposure and Infection in Free-Ranging Bobcats (Lynx rufus) in New York, USA.
Turner HM, Fuller AK, Twining JP … +8 more , Hitchener GR, Fadden MA, Stallknecht DE, Poulson RL, Carter DL, Watson MB, Schuler KL, Bloodgood JCG
J Wildl Dis · 2025 Apr · PMID 40103422 · Publisher ↗
Highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza A virus (HP H5N1) cases in wild mammals have been increasing globally. Carnivora has been the most affected mammal order; however, the extent of morbidity and mortality in carnivores expo...
Highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza A virus (HP H5N1) cases in wild mammals have been increasing globally. Carnivora has been the most affected mammal order; however, the extent of morbidity and mortality in carnivores exposed to HP H5N1 remains undefined. We assessed the presence of antibodies to H5 and N1 in the sera of 16 live-captured bobcats (Lynx rufus) in New York State, USA; reported on postcapture outcomes of HP H5N1-exposed bobcats; and reported on a case of HP H5N1 infection in one bobcat. In 2024, 4/16 bobcats (25%) tested positive for antibodies to H5 and N1. Two bobcats were confirmed alive as of November 2024 according to GPS data; the other two were alive as of June 2024, when their GPS collars stopped communicating. Another bobcat, which was negative for HP H5N1 antibodies at capture, died from HP H5N1 infection within 5 wks of capture. Our results provide evidence of bobcats both surviving and succumbing to HP H5N1 infection and highlight the importance of focused health studies paired with monitoring data to better understand exposure, infection, and outcomes for novel pathogens and species.
Management Agencies can Leverage Animal Social Structure for Wildlife Disease Surveillance.
Booth JG, Hanley BJ, Thompson NE … +9 more , Crespo CG, Christensen SA, Jennelle CS, Caudell JN, Delisle ZJ, Guinness J, Hollingshead NA, Them CE, Schuler KL
J Wildl Dis · 2025 Apr · PMID 40101760 · Publisher ↗
Wildlife agencies are tasked with sustaining healthy wildlife populations. Advances in understanding health in wildlife, are, however, suppressed by issues with surveillance. Cost and logistical complexity are leading re...
Wildlife agencies are tasked with sustaining healthy wildlife populations. Advances in understanding health in wildlife, are, however, suppressed by issues with surveillance. Cost and logistical complexity are leading reasons why ideal surveillance implementation is often infeasible. A particularly important issue in surveillance is the sample size necessary to declare a local wildlife population (or social group) disease free. More precisely, how many animals must we sample to conclude with high confidence that prevalence of an infectious disease is below a specified threshold? Here we show that the answer to this question hinges on the ease of transmission between animals, a factor not considered in standard sample-size formulas. When disease statuses of animals in a local population are positively correlated, such as when a species forms social groups, the sample size requirement needed to declare freedom from disease is substantially lower relative to sample sizes suggested by existing hypergeometric and binomial models. Local wildlife populations or social groups must satisfy key properties for scientists to leverage this saving, but a reduction in cost arising in such a scenario is a welcome win in surveillance implementation.
Mortality Events in Yuma Myotis (Myotis yumanensis) Due to White-Nose Syndrome in Washington, USA.
Lorch JM, Tobin A, Argue AA … +5 more , Shearn-Bochsler V, Berlowski-Zier B, George KG, Haman K, Ballmann AE
J Wildl Dis · 2025 Apr · PMID 40091581 · Publisher ↗
The impacts of white-nose syndrome (WNS) on many bat species in eastern North America have been well documented because of the length of time that the causative agent, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), has been present...
The impacts of white-nose syndrome (WNS) on many bat species in eastern North America have been well documented because of the length of time that the causative agent, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), has been present and the ability to monitor bat hibernacula in that region. However, the disease outcomes for bat species in western North America are less known because of the more recent arrival of Pd and the challenges associated with monitoring hibernating bat populations in parts of the western USA. We report on mortality events involving Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis) bats at two locations in King and Benton counties, Washington, USA, that were attributed to WNS during the late winters of 2020-21 and 2024, respectively. All bats that were grossly examined had depleted subcutaneous white adipose tissue, tested positive for the presence of Pd, had histopathologic lesions consistent with WNS, and did not exhibit evidence of other disease processes that may have contributed to death. Mortality was probably higher than what was documented because the locations of the Pd-contaminated hibernacula from which the bats originated were inaccessible or unknown and thus could not be surveyed. These findings indicate that Yuma myotis may be highly susceptible to WNS, and close monitoring is warranted to understand how WNS will affect population trends in this (and other) western bat species.
Mycoplasma spp. in Passeriformes in Germany.
Klostermann TS, Möller Palau-Ribes F, Lierz M
J Wildl Dis · 2025 Apr · PMID 40079056 · Publisher ↗
Little is known about the significance of mycoplasmas in different free-ranging bird species. One hypothesis is that the prevalence of mycoplasmas and the influence of vocalization on reproduction are evolutionarily link...
Little is known about the significance of mycoplasmas in different free-ranging bird species. One hypothesis is that the prevalence of mycoplasmas and the influence of vocalization on reproduction are evolutionarily linked. To add another piece of information toward proving or disproving this hypothesis and obtain more information about the clinical relevance of mycoplasmas, choanal swabs from different passerine species presented to a veterinary clinic were examined for mycoplasmas using culture and Mycoplasma genus-specific PCR. When mycoplasmas were detected, the species was identified by sequencing the partial 16S rRNA and 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer region. In total, 221 passerines from 34 species and 17 families were sampled. Mycoplasmas were detected in 12% of the Passeriformes and mostly in four families: Sturnidae, Muscicapidae, Turdidae, and Hirundinidae. The most commonly detected Mycoplasma sp. was Mycoplasma sturni; this did not seem to be an obligate pathogen. Additionally, Mycoplasma columborale, Mycoplasma moatsii, and two unidentified Mycoplasma spp. were detected. The results indicate that in some passerine families, mycoplasmas occur with an intermediate prevalence. The rare occurrence of mycoplasmas in many passerine bird species seems to be in accordance with the hypothesis of an evolutionary link between mycoplasma prevalence and the influence of vocalization on reproduction, but the findings of our study could not prove or disprove this hypothesis. Further studies of mycoplasma prevalence in free-ranging passerine populations are needed.
Assessment of Palatine Tonsil Testing by ELISA for Chronic Wasting Disease Detection in Free-Ranging Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus).
Johnson MD, Malmberg JL, Kurz JP … +2 more , Jennings-Gaines J, Allen SE
J Wildl Dis · 2025 Apr · PMID 40068808 · Publisher ↗
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal transmissible spongiform encephalopathy affecting cervids. Transmission occurs through oral and nasal mucosal exposure to infectious prions (PrPCWD), causing cellular prion protei...
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal transmissible spongiform encephalopathy affecting cervids. Transmission occurs through oral and nasal mucosal exposure to infectious prions (PrPCWD), causing cellular prion proteins (PrPC) to misfold. Currently, the approved diagnostic assays for CWD are immunohistochemistry (IHC) and ELISA. While IHC is considered the gold standard, ELISA is used by most diagnostic laboratories as a screening test for free-ranging cervids. Currently, two tissues have been validated for use with the cervid ELISA test: the medial retropharyngeal lymph node (MRPLN) and the obex region of the brainstem. Palatine tonsil has not been validated for use with the ELISA despite trafficking of PrPCWD to the tonsils early in the course of disease in deer. Here we assessed the suitability of palatine tonsil for CWD testing of free-ranging mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) using two commercially available ELISA kits in conjunction with IHC. We tested paired MRPLN and tonsillar tissues, collected from hunter-harvested and non-hunter-harvested mule deer (n=176) in Wyoming, US, from 2020 to 2024. Our findings indicated 100% agreement between MRPLN and palatine tonsil, with no difference in the performance of the two commercially available ELISA kits, confirming that palatine tonsil can be substituted for MRPLN for CWD surveillance in free-ranging mule deer with high confidence.
Osteochondrosis Manifesta in Three Related Free-Ranging Gray Wolves (Canis lupus lupus) in Switzerland.
Burg-Personnaz JB, Kuhn J, Van der Vekens E … +4 more , Marti I, Geissbühler U, Peters LM, Keller S
J Wildl Dis · 2025 Apr · PMID 40064197 · Publisher ↗
Osteochondrosis is a common disease that has been described in several farm and pet species as well as in some wildlife species, including captive roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus), a giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis re...
Osteochondrosis is a common disease that has been described in several farm and pet species as well as in some wildlife species, including captive roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus), a giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), and free-ranging wild boar (Sus scrofa ferus). It has not previously been confirmed in gray wolves (Canis lupus lupus). Postmortem radiographs of three free-ranging, juvenile sibling wolves revealed osteochondrosis in at least one of the glenohumeral joints (GHJs) in all individuals. Whole-body computed tomography and computed tomographic arthrography of both GHJs were performed in one case and suggested bilateral osteochondrosis lesions of the humeral head without cartilage flap formation. Cytologic examination of synovial fluid from the GHJs of this wolf was consistent with degenerative arthropathy. Macroscopic and histopathologic examination of the GHJs confirmed the presence of osteochondrosis manifesta in both males and the female. The identification of this condition highlights the importance of considering osteochondrosis in the differential diagnosis of lameness in both captive and free-ranging wolf populations.
Diagnostic Strategies and Strain Typing for Johne's Disease in Wood Bison (Bison bison athabascae).
Hernandez-Reyes A, De Buck J, Davies JL … +3 more , Eshraghisamani R, Martins L, Orsel K
J Wildl Dis · 2025 Apr · PMID 40048567 · Publisher ↗
Cattle diseases are considered a major threat to wood bison (Bison bison athabascae) conservation. Johne's disease (JD) is a chronic infectious enteritis caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map), t...
Cattle diseases are considered a major threat to wood bison (Bison bison athabascae) conservation. Johne's disease (JD) is a chronic infectious enteritis caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map), that affects domestic and wild ruminants globally and could negatively impact wood bison health. Clinical manifestation of JD in free-ranging or captive wood bison has not been documented. We studied animals in a captive wood bison herd in Alberta, Canada 1) to detect Map in bison clinically suspected of Johne's disease, by histopathology, quantitative PCR (qPCR), and isolation by culture; 2) to identify optimal tissue samples for Map detection; and 3) to identify the strain(s) of Map isolated. Six wood bison were evaluated with clinical signs suggestive of JD. We performed necropsies within 24-48 h after euthanasia and collected 24 tissue samples from each bison. At necropsy, no evidence of thickening or corrugation of the intestinal mucosa was observed in any bison. On histopathologic examination, granulomatous lesions with acid-fast bacilli were more frequent in the paracortex of the midjejunal lymph node (LN) and distal jejunal LN, followed by ileal LN, in comparison to the rest of the tissue samples evaluated. In general, tissue culture had the highest proportion of positive samples, with 62.5% (90/144) of positive samples, followed by F57/IS900 qPCR with 43.1% (56/130), and histopathology with 29.0% (38/131). We concluded that distal jejunum and its associated lymph nodes were the most reliable tissue samples for detecting Map, regardless of tissue autolysis or the absence of visible gross lesions. Finally, using IS1311 PCR-restriction enzyme analysis and single-nucleotide polymorphisms, we identified a type II (cattle) strain, secondary clade, in tissue samples. These findings have practical relevance for field necropsies as they provide evidence to direct selection of preferred sampling sites to detect Map in wood bison and to choose appropriate diagnostic techniques.
Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Infections in European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) Treated at a Wildlife Health Center in Northwestern France.
Gourlay PM, Lefrère CM, Botman J … +7 more , Rakotoharisoa D, Brisseau N, Lehebel A, Murri S, Haenni M, Madec JY, Meurens F
J Wildl Dis · 2025 Apr · PMID 40048566 · Publisher ↗
The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is commonly observed in France, residing near human facilities, and is the most frequently treated mammal species in wildlife rehabilitation centers. Consequently, contacts wit...
The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is commonly observed in France, residing near human facilities, and is the most frequently treated mammal species in wildlife rehabilitation centers. Consequently, contacts with humans can lead to the potential transmission of bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, between species. Although the presence of S. aureus, particularly methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), has been documented in hedgehogs across Europe, the situation in France remains unclear. We assessed 139 hedgehogs representative of those typically admitted to our Wildlife Health Center. Carriage of MRSA was determined, and MRSA-positive individuals were characterized clinically and epidemiologically to identify potential risk factors of MRSA carriage. We found an 18% MRSA carriage rate, with 76% of the strains exhibiting the mecC resistance gene. Adult males constituted 60% of the MRSA-positive cases, predominantly found in spring and displaying skin lesions, particularly "dirty wounds." Multivariate logistic regression identified "age", "sex", "human density", "dirty wounds", and "respiratory troubles" as significantly associated with MRSA carriage in these hedgehogs. Our study establishes a foundation for improved monitoring of health conditions in French hedgehogs and their MRSA carriage, offering new insights for enhancing biosecurity measures in wildlife rehabilitation centers by pinpointing high-risk individuals.
Epidemiology of Sulawesi Tortoise Adenovirus in Free-living Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta), and Red-eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) in Illinois, USA.
Ready ZC, Adamovicz L, Daleo M … +6 more , Simmons A, Glowacki G, Graser W, Anchor C, Thompson D, Allender MC
J Wildl Dis · 2025 Apr · PMID 40048565 · Publisher ↗
Sulawesi tortoise adenovirus (STADV) has been implicated in a mortality event involving three endangered species of tortoises and detected in free-living painted turtles (Chrysemys picta); however, the epidemiology of th...
Sulawesi tortoise adenovirus (STADV) has been implicated in a mortality event involving three endangered species of tortoises and detected in free-living painted turtles (Chrysemys picta); however, the epidemiology of this virus in North American turtles remains unclear. The specific objectives of this study were to 1) estimate the prevalence of STADV in free-living Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), painted turtles, and red-eared sliders (RES; Trachemys scripta elegans) in Illinois, US, using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and 2) determine if qPCR prevalence is associated with location, sex, age class, blood parameters, or clinical signs across these three species. Oral-cloacal swabs from 581 Blanding's turtles, 137 painted turtles, and 82 RES sampled across three counties from 2017 to 2022 were evaluated via qPCR. The prevalence of STADV was 2.4% for Blanding's turtles, 14.9% for painted turtles, and 45% for RES. Blanding's turtle subadults (P=0.022) and painted turtle adults (P<0.0001) were more likely to test positive than other age classes within the same species, while no age class association was found in RES (P=0.5). Clinical signs associated with STADV detection included quiet, alert, responsive mentation (P=0.002), pink mucous membranes (P<0.001), carapacial abnormalities (P=0.036), and plastron abnormalities (P=0.003). In a multivariable model, significant predictors for STADV detection included species, with painted turtles (P<0.0001) and RES (P=0.001) more likely to test positive than Blanding's turtles, and year, with turtles sampled in 2021 less likely to test positive than those sampled in 2017 (P=0.005). Detection of STADV was not significantly associated with location, month, sex, hematologic findings, serum biochemical findings, or protein electrophoretic profiles. Widespread molecular detection of STADV in these three species suggests a possible origin for the virus in the outbreak described in 2009, underscoring the importance of epidemiology studies to aid in the management of free-living and managed chelonians.
Detection of Adenoviruses in Free-Ranging Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta), and Red-Eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) in Illinois, USA.
Ready ZC, Adamovicz L, Wellehan JFX … +7 more , Daleo M, Simmons A, Glowacki G, Graser W, Anchor C, Thompson D, Allender MC
J Wildl Dis · 2025 Apr · PMID 40040353 · Publisher ↗
Morbidity and mortality associated with adenoviruses (AdVs) have been reported in multiple taxa, including chelonians. Adenoviruses of a distinct testudinoid origin have been detected in both managed and free-ranging tur...
Morbidity and mortality associated with adenoviruses (AdVs) have been reported in multiple taxa, including chelonians. Adenoviruses of a distinct testudinoid origin have been detected in both managed and free-ranging turtles in North America and Europe; however, the prevalence and impact of AdVs in free-ranging turtle populations have yet to be determined. A multispecies investigation to detect novel or existing AdVs in Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii; n=1,359), painted turtles (Chrysemys picta; n=270), and red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans; n=205) was performed across four counties in Illinois (with one site reaching into Wisconsin), USA, from 2016 to 2022. Sequence-confirmed AdVs were detected in Blanding's turtles (1.8%; n=24), painted turtles (13.0%; n=35), and red-eared sliders (8.8%; n=18). Ten AdVs, including 5 novel AdVs, were detected across the three species, with each species having 3-6 AdVs detected. Three AdVs were probably prey related, whereas the remaining seven AdVs were probably host-adapted AdVs, based on the absence of clinical signs of disease. The majority of AdVs detected were testadenoviruses; however, the siadenovirus Sulawesi tortoise adenovirus (STADV) was sequence confirmed in 1 Blanding's turtle, 15 painted turtles, and 10 red-eared sliders, all of which were free of clinical signs of disease. These results provide a baseline for the presence and diversity of AdVs in free-ranging turtles in Illinois, including evidence for a North American reservoir for STADV.
Liver Mineral Levels Associated with Hoof Disease Occurrence and Severity in Roosevelt Elk (Cervus canadensis) in California, USA.
Winter SN, Wild MA, Lantz EL … +4 more , Hilson C, Watson KD, Yamauchi JM, Huyvaert KP
J Wildl Dis · 2025 Apr · PMID 40026067 · Publisher ↗
Trace minerals serve vital roles in physiologic functions of animals. In ungulates, trace minerals, including copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn), are essential for immune function, as well as hoof development and...
Trace minerals serve vital roles in physiologic functions of animals. In ungulates, trace minerals, including copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn), are essential for immune function, as well as hoof development and maintenance. Trace minerals may influence the occurrence or severity of treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD), a debilitating infectious disease of free-ranging Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain ecotypes of elk (Cervus canadensis). To investigate associations between mineral levels and TAHD, we collected postmortem liver and hoof samples from free-ranging Roosevelt elk during TAHD surveillance from 2020 to 2021 in Del Norte and Humboldt counties, California, USA. We analyzed mineral levels in liver samples (n=81; 41 TAHD positive, 40 TAHD negative) to improve baseline information on the range of trace mineral concentrations for elk in the region. Hooves were examined for the presence of TAHD, and the severity of observed gross lesions was scored. Using the combined mineral and surveillance data, we constructed logistic and ordinal regression models to ask whether TAHD occurrence and TAHD lesion severity were associated with mineral concentrations, respectively. We did not find support for our hypothesis that lower mineral levels contributed to higher TAHD occurrence in the sample populations; however, Cu and Se in both TAHD-affected and unaffected elk were below previously reported reference ranges, so we cannot discount suboptimal levels of these minerals as potential risk factors for TAHD in elk in this region. Contrary to our hypothesis, higher Zn levels were correlated with TAHD occurrence and increasing lesion severity, which may be evidence of a host-mediated nutritional immune response to infectious disease. Further investigation is needed to understand regional variation in mineral levels and the impact on wildlife health before mineral supplementation can be recommended as an effective management tool.
Elevated Body Temperature Associated with Ketamine Combinations during Capture of Gray Wolves (Canis lupus) in Idaho, USA.
Drew ML, Struthers JL
J Wildl Dis · 2025 Apr · PMID 39987945 · Publisher ↗
Capture and handling of wildlife is essential to answering pertinent questions about ecology and biology. It is important to refine methods to increase animal welfare and safety. Gray wolves (Canis lupus) have been captu...
Capture and handling of wildlife is essential to answering pertinent questions about ecology and biology. It is important to refine methods to increase animal welfare and safety. Gray wolves (Canis lupus) have been captured annually in Idaho, USA, for management or research purposes since their reintroduction in 1995-96. Two wolves died of hyperthermia during aerial darting in 2015. A retrospective analysis of 490 captures between 1999 and 2018 was conducted to identify factors that might contribute to the likelihood of hyperthermia (body temperature ≥41 C) when using anesthetic drugs in wolves. Wolves were captured in summer (May-October, n=321) by using foothold traps and anesthetized with ketamine-xylazine (n=66), ketamine-medetomidine (n=51), or tiletamine-zolazepam (n=204). Wolves were captured in winter (November-April, n=169) by using aerial darting with ketamine-medetomidine (n=75) or tiletamine-zolazepam (n=94). Mean body temperatures of wolves captured in summer were 39.7 C for ketamine-xylazine, 39.9 C for ketamine-medetomidine, and 39.5 C for tiletamine-zolazepam; in winter, mean temperatures were 40.4 C for ketamine-medetomidine and 39.1 C for tiletamine-zolazepam. In summer captures, hyperthermia occurred in 6/66 (9.1%) of wolves by using ketamine-xylazine, 7/51 (13.7%) by using ketamine-medetomidine, and 19/204 (9.3%) by using tiletamine-zolazepam. For winter captures, hyperthermia occurred in 20/75 (26.7%) of wolves by using ketamine-medetomidine and 7/94 (7.5%) by using tiletamine-zolazepam. Mixed-effects linear regression analysis was used to investigate the role of drug administration on initial body temperature while controlling for demographic and environmental factors. The top models supported effects of drugs administered on initial body temperature for wolves captured in both summer and winter. Ketamine, especially when combined with medetomidine, was associated with greater increased body temperatures than tiletamine-zolazepam, irrespective of season or method of capture.
Bovine Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis in a Korean Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus).
Kwon SH, Choi JS, Seo MG … +4 more , Kim B, Jeon YJ, Jung IJ, Hong IH
J Wildl Dis · 2025 Apr · PMID 39957208 · Publisher ↗
From 2017 to 2023, 196 dead Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus), a common wildlife species in Republic of Korea, were necropsied. In one deer, bovine tuberculosis infection was confirmed through necropsy, hi...
From 2017 to 2023, 196 dead Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus), a common wildlife species in Republic of Korea, were necropsied. In one deer, bovine tuberculosis infection was confirmed through necropsy, histopathologic examination, and microbiologic diagnosis.
Molecular Survey of Hemosporidian Parasites in Owls in Mainland Portugal.
Santos R, Lourenço R, P da Fonseca I … +7 more , Louro M, S Barros S, Casero M, Brandão R, Lopes AF, R Ferreira M, Gomes J
J Wildl Dis · 2025 Apr · PMID 39956641 · Publisher ↗
Owls play an important role as avian hosts for hemosporidians, overlapping habitat use and activity with the arthropod vectors, which results in susceptibility to morbidity and, in some cases, mortality upon infection. T...
Owls play an important role as avian hosts for hemosporidians, overlapping habitat use and activity with the arthropod vectors, which results in susceptibility to morbidity and, in some cases, mortality upon infection. This study aimed to analyze the hemosporidians in tissues collected from individual dead owls (n=240), in various regions of mainland Portugal, primarily obtained from wildlife rehabilitation centers (WRCs). Hemosporidian species were detected using nested PCRs, targeting the cytochrome b gene of the mitochondria. For species and lineage identification, 19 positive PCR samples were selected and sequenced by the Sanger method. In total, 51% (n=122) of the 240 owl samples tested positive for at least one hemosporidian species: 31% (n=75) were positive for Haemoproteus-Plasmodium spp., whereas 44% (n=106) were positive for Leucocytozoon spp. Only 7% (n=16) were positive for Haemoproteus-Plasmodium spp. alone and 20% (n=47) for Leucocytozoon spp. alone, whereas 25% (n=59) of owls had mixed infections. Owl species, age, and geographic region of collected samples were significantly associated with hemosporidian prevalence: Eurasian Eagle-Owls (Bubo bubo), adults, and individuals from the Alentejo region presented higher prevalences than other species, ages, and geographic regions. Our findings highlight the potential impact of hemosporidians on owl conservation, particularly their effect on species currently threatened with extinction and the possible repercussions on reintroduction or translocation projects. This study emphasizes the role of WRCs in disease surveillance and suggests the importance of considering prophylactic measures in these settings. Given the high prevalence of hemosporidians, further studies involving live owls, both wild and captive, are encouraged, along with integrating clinical and hematologic data.
Sensitivity of Methods to Determine Presence of Baylisascaris procyonis Eggs in Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Feces.
Page LK, Loiacono A, Edmunds S … +3 more , Black B, Dangoudoubiyam S, Anchor C
J Wildl Dis · 2025 Apr · PMID 39923800 · Publisher ↗
Baylisascaris procyonis, a nematode parasite of raccoons (Procyon lotor), has important implications for human health and ecological conservation. Several techniques are available for detecting B. procyonis, and it is im...
Baylisascaris procyonis, a nematode parasite of raccoons (Procyon lotor), has important implications for human health and ecological conservation. Several techniques are available for detecting B. procyonis, and it is important to consider their limitations for the specific question to be answered. The sensitivity of molecular tools to detect B. procyonis in comparison to traditional methods is unknown. We compared the sensitivity fecal flotation with PCR to identify raccoons infected with B. procyonis as determined by seeing worms at necropsy. We collected 2-6 g of fecal material from along the ascending, transverse, and descending colon of 31 raccoons, resulting in 48 fecal samples across 31 individuals. Samples were aliquoted into two sets to compare fecal flotation and PCR. Of the 31 raccoons, 7/31 (23%) were infected with B. procyonis, but fecal flotation analysis identified only 4/31 positive raccoons (13%). Using fecal flotations from known positive individuals, 4/10 (40%) were positive, but PCR did not discover any infected individuals. Our results demonstrate the importance of using multiple techniques to confirm B. procyonis presence or absence. Dissection of raccoon intestines is the most sensitive technique because it enables visualization of worms. Fecal flotations remain the most efficient method of determining environmental prevalence and positive individuals from fecal sampling. Although PCR is technically very sensitive, it is limited by the quality and quantity of DNA in a sample.
Evaluation of Two Serologic Tests for Rapid Detection of Anti-Leptospira Antibodies in California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus).
Peters M, Field CL, Hortensius LM … +4 more , Soper J, Burco J, Kelly TR, Prager KC
J Wildl Dis · 2025 Apr · PMID 39918883 · Publisher ↗
Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis impacting wild and domestic animals globally. Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona is endemic in free-ranging California sea lions (CSLs; Zalophus californianus), and leptospirosis...
Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis impacting wild and domestic animals globally. Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona is endemic in free-ranging California sea lions (CSLs; Zalophus californianus), and leptospirosis is frequently diagnosed in stranded CSLs. Serum microscopic agglutination test (MAT) is a commonly performed diagnostic assay, and CSLs with clinical disease have reliably elevated MAT titers. However, MAT results may not be available for several days after sampling. Given the zoonotic and high transmission potential of Leptospira spp., a point-of-care diagnostic test would be valuable in rehabilitation and managed care settings and during outbreak response efforts. The IDEXX SNAP and Zoetis WITNESS anti-Leptospira antibody tests are rapid diagnostic tools that have been validated in dogs and give a qualitative (positive or negative), not quantitative (exact titer), result. The SNAP test uses ELISA to detect both immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG antibodies, whereas the WITNESS test is a lateral flow assay that only detects IgM. We compared SNAP and WITNESS results with MAT results by using serum collected from stranded and free-ranging CSL with negative, low, medium, and high anti-Leptospira antibody titers as previously determined by MAT. Percent agreement between SNAP and MAT results was high, with a Cohen's kappa statistic of 0.957. No WITNESS tests were positive. These findings suggest that the SNAP test may be useful for detecting anti-Leptospira antibodies and ruling out leptospirosis in CSL.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 in Double-crested Cormorants (Nannopterum auritum) of the Chesapeake Bay, USA.
Harvey J, Sullivan JD, Poulson RL … +8 more , Carter DL, Driscoll CP, McGowan PC, Callahan CR, O'Donnell AW, Mullinax JM, Stallknecht DE, Prosser DJ
J Wildl Dis · 2025 Apr · PMID 39911059 · Publisher ↗
Double-crested Cormorants (Nannopterum auritum) have historically exhibited low levels of infection and antibodies to avian influenza virus (AIV). The recent global expansion of clade 2.3.4.4b A/goose/Guangdong/1/1996 hi...
Double-crested Cormorants (Nannopterum auritum) have historically exhibited low levels of infection and antibodies to avian influenza virus (AIV). The recent global expansion of clade 2.3.4.4b A/goose/Guangdong/1/1996 highly pathogenic (HP) avian influenza virus H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) has resulted in large-scale mortalities across diverse waterbird taxa including cormorants. We sampled 32 and 29 Double-crested Cormorants breeding in the Chesapeake Bay, US, during the summers of 2023 and 2024, respectively, to assess HPAI H5N1 infection and AIV antibodies. Although no mortality was observed in the area, one bird sampled in 2023 was infected with HPAI H5N1. Additionally, 21/31 individuals in 2023 and 10/25 individuals in 2024 for which sera were collected had AIV antibodies. Based on additional testing using hemagglutination inhibition, virus neutralization, and an enzyme-linked lectin assay, 94 and 100% (2023 and 2024, respectively) of the seropositive birds tested positive for antibodies to both H5 and N1, suggesting previous infection with HPAI H5N1. These results are consistent with survival and limited clinical effects related to HPAI H5N1 infections. Furthermore, these results suggest that population immunity to HPAI H5N1 within the Chesapeake Bay might reduce future infections and potential population impacts should HP H5N1 remain on the landscape, though immunity may be waning across time. Because results are based on a single population, additional testing for both infection and antibodies as well as continued monitoring could enhance understanding of antibody persistence.
Presence of Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) in Habitat Associated with Allegheny Woodrats (Neotoma magister) in Western Virginia, USA, 2022-24.
Powers KE, Cavanagh MH, Walker LG … +3 more , Elsen SD, Struthers AT, Page LK
J Wildl Dis · 2025 Jan · PMID 39875126 · Publisher ↗
Baylisascaris procyonis is a roundworm that does not affect its definitive host, raccoons (Procyon lotor), but may have a devastating effect when ingested by paratenic hosts such as Allegheny woodrats (Neotoma magister)....
Baylisascaris procyonis is a roundworm that does not affect its definitive host, raccoons (Procyon lotor), but may have a devastating effect when ingested by paratenic hosts such as Allegheny woodrats (Neotoma magister). Despite being considered a major factor in woodrat population extirpation and decline in states northward, there have been no large-scale surveys for raccoon roundworm in Virginia, US. From 2022 to 2024, we visited 60 karst or nonkarst rocky habitats known (current or historical) or suspected to be Allegheny woodrat locations in western Virginia. We opportunistically collected raccoon feces as individual piles or subsampled from visible latrines. We used fecal flotation to determine the presence and prevalence of raccoon roundworm eggs in samples collected from 44 sites across 15 counties and 1 independent city. We found evidence of this roundworm at eight (18.2%) sites in six counties. Because woodrats are especially vulnerable to fatal larval infections with B. procyonis, the presence of the parasite at multiple sites suggests conservation measures should be implemented to protect these populations.
Serologic Evidence of Exposure to Leishmania infantum in Captive and Free-Ranging European Bison (Bison bonasus) in Poland, 2017-23 .
Didkowska A, Martín-Santander V, Wojciechowska M … +8 more , Olech W, Anusz K, Fernández A, Davies JE, Ruíz de Arcaute M, Lacasta D, Villanueva-Saz S, Marteles D
J Wildl Dis · 2025 Jan · PMID 39658366 · Publisher ↗
The European Bison (Bison bonasus) is the largest mammal in Europe and is classified as an endangered species. Leishmaniosis is a vector-borne disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum. In general, this infecti...
The European Bison (Bison bonasus) is the largest mammal in Europe and is classified as an endangered species. Leishmaniosis is a vector-borne disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum. In general, this infection has been associated with dogs, cats, and humans. However, epidemiologic studies and reports confirm that the parasite is able to infect many other mammalian species. Recent evidence has demonstrated that ruminants in endemic areas are exposed to L. infantum infection. Moreover, climate change has allowed the northward spread of vector species, causing the expansion of L. infantum infection in regions traditionally classified as nonendemic in Europe. The aim of this study was to determine the presence or absence of anti-L. infantum antibodies in serum samples from 343 European bison in Poland, collected from 2017 to 2023. For this purpose, the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies was analyzed using an in-house multispecies ELISA. Anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected in four animals, an overall seroprevalence of 1.17%. The results provide scientific evidence of serologic exposure to the parasite in Poland, a country previously considered nonendemic for L. infantum infection.
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