Journal of Wildlife Diseases最新文献

{"title":"Chlamydia spp., Bordetella bronchiseptica, and Phascolarctid Gammaherpesvirus 1 and 2 Infections in Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in South East Queensland, Australia: Detection in Healthy Individuals and Those with Signs of Respiratory or Other Disease.","authors":"Nina M Pollak, Samuel Phillips, Vasilli Kasimov, Harry Ling, Jessie S F Wong, Bernadette Rushton, Lily Russo, Amber Gillett, Ludovica Valenza, Jon Hanger, Julien Grosmaire, Sheri Smit, Deidre de Villiers, Amy Robbins, David McMillan, Peter Timms, Martina Jelocnik","doi":"10.7589/JWD-D-25-00125","DOIUrl":"10.7589/JWD-D-25-00125","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The decline in koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations has been significantly driven by infectious diseases, with chlamydial disease contributing to this trend. Chlamydia pecorum is often codetected with viruses such as phascolarctid gammaherpesvirus 1 and 2 (PhaHV-1 and PhaHV-2). Koalas can also be infected with other bacteria, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, which causes sporadic respiratory disease outbreaks. Respiratory infections and respiratory disease in koalas remain under-investigated. This study reports the detection of C. pecorum, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Chlamydia psittaci, B. bronchiseptica, PhaHV-1, and PhaHV-2 in 102 samples from 49 koalas that presented to veterinary facilities in South East Queensland, Australia from 2018 to 2023. The koalas included seemingly healthy individuals (n=21), koalas with respiratory disease (n=18), and koalas with other diseases (n=10). Overall, C. pecorum was detected in 37% of koalas, C. pneumoniae in 2%, C. psittaci in 0%, B. bronchiseptica in 18%, PhaHV-1 in 41%, and PhaHV-2 in 6%. Coinfections with three agents were common, particularly in koalas with signs of disease. Among the 18 koalas with respiratory disease, one was coinfected with four agents (B. bronchiseptica, C. pecorum, PhaHV-1, and PhaHV-2), and four were coinfected with three agents (B. bronchiseptica, C. pecorum, and PhaHV-1). Additionally, six koalas had coinfections involving two agents: two with C. pecorum and PhaHV-1, two with B. bronchiseptica and PhaHV-1, one with B. bronchiseptica and C. pecorum, and one with PhaHV-1 and PhaHV-2. Analysis of the genetic diversity of infecting chlamydial strains detected in koalas with respiratory and other diseases, based on the full-length ompA gene, identified previously characterized C. pecorum and C. pneumoniae ompA genotypes, as well as a unique C. pecorum ompA genotype. This study highlights the need for incorporating these infectious agents into koala respiratory diagnostics and emphasizes the need for continued research to investigate the complexities of these infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":17602,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Wildlife Diseases","volume":" ","pages":"269-281"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146119430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Intraneuronal Parvoviral Infection in the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus of a Juvenile Bobcat (Lynx rufus).","authors":"Darian L Giannino, Elizabeth Signore, Madeline Vile, Eman Anis, Dhani Prakoso, Kevin D Niedringhaus","doi":"10.7589/JWD-D-25-00165","DOIUrl":"10.7589/JWD-D-25-00165","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Necropsy and histopathology of a juvenile bobcat (Lynx rufus) revealed neuronal necrosis with nuclear inclusion bodies and vacuolation and immunolabeling with parvovirus immunohistochemistry. Infection with canine parvovirus was confirmed by PCR. This brain lesion is an uncommon manifestation of parvovirus in non-neonatal animals and is particularly rare in wild felids.</p>","PeriodicalId":17602,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Wildlife Diseases","volume":" ","pages":"526-528"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146093369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Invasive Rodents as a Source of Astroviruses in Réunion Harriers (Circus maillardi).","authors":"Camille Lebarbenchon, Pierrick Ferret, Damien Chiron, Céline Toty, Steve Augiron","doi":"10.7589/JWD-D-25-00171","DOIUrl":"10.7589/JWD-D-25-00171","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Astroviruses (AstVs) are RNA viruses infecting a wide range of vertebrates, with increasing evidence of cross-species transmission. We investigated the presence of AstVs in the Réunion Harrier (Circus maillardi), a critically endangered raptor endemic to Réunion Island. Cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs were collected from 133 individuals sampled between 2015 and 2024. Reverse transcription and seminested conventional PCR was used to detect the AstV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene. In total, 5.3±3.8% of birds tested positive, with no significant association with age, sex, or sampling method. All positive samples were obtained from wild-caught individuals except one detected from a bird at the care center. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all sequences were genetically related to rodent-associated AstVs previously detected on Réunion Island and in Madagascar, and they did not cluster with avian lineages. These findings are consistent with previous results in the endemic Réunion free-tailed bat (Mormopterus francoismoutoui). For Réunion Harriers, they further suggest recurrent exposure to nonnative rodent-associated viruses through predation. The pathogenic potential of such viruses in wildlife remains unknown, but it could be amplified in insular species lacking prior exposure or coevolutionary history. Our results support the need to better integrate wildlife disease surveillance into island conservation strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":17602,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Wildlife Diseases","volume":"62 2","pages":"503-508"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147654438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Establishment of Reference Intervals for Serum Amyloid A and Haptoglobin in Free-Ranging Barren-Ground Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti), and Herd Health Implications.","authors":"Emma R Rovani-Rhoades, Craig S McConnel, Kimberlee B Beckmen, Carolyn Cray, Lindsey M Dreese","doi":"10.7589/JWD-D-25-00078","DOIUrl":"10.7589/JWD-D-25-00078","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Barren-ground caribou of the subspecies Rangifer tarandus granti are distributed throughout Alaska, USA, and the Yukon, Canada. The acute phase response is an innate immune response activated due to inflammatory stimulus, resulting in changing levels of acute phase proteins, including haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA). Haptoglobin and SAA are used as indicators of inflammation in domestic species, with several studies demonstrating their use in wildlife. In this study, banked serum samples from apparently clinically normal free-ranging barren-ground caribou (reference group) were used to establish reference intervals (RI) for Hp and SAA in caribou. These RIs were compared with additional samples from a declining herd with ongoing Brucella suis biovar 4 transmission. The RIs for Hp and SAA with 90% upper confidence intervals were 0.12-1.03 (0.08-1.27) mg/mL and 0.10-18.44 (0.10-31.00) mg/L, respectively. The SAA levels in the declining herd were found to be significantly elevated from the reference group (P=0.009), whereas no difference was found in Hp levels between the two herds (P=0.389). Meanwhile, SAA and Hp levels in animals with B. suis biovar 4 titers ≥1:80 were significantly elevated from the reference group (SAA P<0.001; Hp P=0.178). The results of our study indicate that SAA and Hp hold promise in monitoring the overall herd health of caribou in Alaska.</p>","PeriodicalId":17602,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Wildlife Diseases","volume":"62 2","pages":"349-359"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147654466","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Book Review.","authors":"F Joshua Dein","doi":"10.7589/0090-3558-62.2.BR1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-62.2.BR1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Book reviews express the opinions of the individual authors regarding the value of the book's content for Journal of Wildlife Diseases readers. The reviews are subjective assessments and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, nor do they establish any official policy of the Wildlife Disease Association.</p>","PeriodicalId":17602,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Wildlife Diseases","volume":"62 2","pages":"529-533"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148604327","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Disease Investigation in Norwegian Killer Whales (Orcinus orca): Challenges and Needs for Improving Free-Living Cetacean Health Assessments.","authors":"Helena Costa, Audun H Rikardsen, Marie-Anne Blanchet, Eve Jourdain, Courtney A Waugh, Pierre Blévin","doi":"10.7589/JWD-D-25-00055","DOIUrl":"10.7589/JWD-D-25-00055","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Knowledge of the occurrence and etiology of cetacean diseases remains limited in northern areas, including in the Arctic and sub-Arctic. In November 2023, three killer whales (Orcinus orca) were observed in northern Norway exhibiting abnormal behavior, including inability to swim upright, loss of directional control, short and shallow dives, and lethargy. These unusual cases occurred within a 2-wk period and in the same area, suggesting a common underlying condition. However, due to the lack of diagnostic biologic samples, the cause of disease remains speculative. Herein, we discuss possible differential diagnoses based on the available data, including infectious disease, exposure to biotoxins, and blast trauma. Disease in live free-swimming killer whales in Norway has not been documented previously. These cases illustrate the significant challenges of investigating disease in wild, live cetaceans and emphasize the urgent need for improved surveillance, field diagnostic tools, and response protocols. Suggested developments include the implementation of ready-to-use kits for blow, fecal, and environmental DNA sampling; drones equipped with sampling devices and thermal sensors; and mobile laboratories to support on-site diagnostics. Collectively, these tools could significantly improve early detection, investigation, and management of similar unusual events in wild cetacean populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":17602,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Wildlife Diseases","volume":" ","pages":"452-458"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145863370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pathology and Tissue Distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Clade 2.3.4.4b in Free-Ranging Mountain Lions (Puma concolor) and Bobcats (Lynx rufus) from Colorado, USA.","authors":"Michelle Degnin, Laura Ashton, Mia Kim Torchetti, Macallister Harris, Kevin Blecha, Kristy Pabilonia, Karen A Fox","doi":"10.7589/JWD-D-25-00106","DOIUrl":"10.7589/JWD-D-25-00106","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>During a 1-mo period in early 2023, four adult free-ranging mountain lions (Puma concolor) and two adult free-ranging bobcats (Lynx rufus) died or were euthanized during an outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) in Colorado, USA. All six animals tested positive for HPAIV clade 2.3.4.4b, and necropsy findings resembled those described by others for domestic cats and wild felids infected with HPAIV clade 2.3.4.4b in North America. The most consistent findings in the Colorado wild felids were necrotizing and lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis (6/6) and interstitial to bronchointerstitial pneumonia (3/6). Necrotizing lesions were also identified in other tissues, including liver (3/6) and adrenal gland (2/4). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated localization of influenza A-specific antibody to necrotizing lesions. Sequencing of the HPAIV PB2 gene did not reveal mutations to suggest mammalian adaptation, and resolution of the outbreak in wild felids coincided with a decline in cases in wild birds. The presumed mechanism of transmission to wild felids was exposure at the time of ingestion of infected avian carcasses. Immunohistochemistry of tongue, pinna, and skeletal muscle did not indicate utility of these samples for noninvasive sampling of hunter-harvested carcasses for HPAI surveillance. We recommend testing brain tissue for HPAIV surveillance in wild felids.</p>","PeriodicalId":17602,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Wildlife Diseases","volume":"62 2","pages":"370-379"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147645633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of Leprosy-Causing Bacteria in Mexican Long-Nosed Armadillos (Dasypus mexicanus) in Alabama, USA.","authors":"Olivia F Sciandra, Wesley M Anderson, Sarah Zohdy, Kelly H Dunning","doi":"10.7589/JWD-D-25-00077","DOIUrl":"10.7589/JWD-D-25-00077","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Previous studies have examined prevalence of leprosy-causing bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis, in rural Mexican long-nosed armadillo (Dasypus mexicanus) populations of the southeastern USA. However, few prevalence studies have been conducted in Alabama nor in urbanized, human-dominated areas where potential zoonotic transmission may be a public health concern. This study evaluated the prevalence of leprosy-causing bacteria in armadillos from rural, suburban, and urban zones in Lee and Mobile County, Alabama, USA. This study detected the first evidence of M. leprae-infection in a wild juvenile armadillo, from an individual sampled in a suburban zone of Mobile County, indicating potential vertical or environmental transmission. Additionally, 15/83 adult armadillos were infected in the Mobile County population, giving a total population prevalence of 16/93 (17%). Of the adults, more females were infected with M. leprae (11/36), especially lactating females, compared to males (4/47), despite more adult males being sampled overall. In Lee County, 64 adults were sampled and only one, a male, was M. leprae-positive, resulting in a total population prevalence of 1/94 (1%). The significantly lower occurrence than in Mobile County may be a result of environmental conditions, as the counties predominantly exist in two different ecoregions, the Piedmont and Southeastern Plains. Therefore, this study presents findings that may support an ecological-constraints hypothesis, previously applied to the northward expansion of M. leprae. Although no significant difference in prevalence was observed among the residential zones in this study, future research should investigate the prevalence of leprosy-causing bacteria in armadillos across different ecoregions and land use types to elucidate transmission dynamics and zoonotic risk, and inform public health strategies and wildlife management efforts in the southeastern USA.</p>","PeriodicalId":17602,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Wildlife Diseases","volume":"62 2","pages":"282-294"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147654421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Subaortic Stenosis in Four Free-Ranging Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx) from the Alpine and Jura Populations in Switzerland.","authors":"Yael Langenegger, Isabelle Wethli, Michelle Imlau, Mirjam Pewsner, Pavel Kvapil, Tony Glaus, Iris A Marti","doi":"10.7589/JWD-D-25-00159","DOIUrl":"10.7589/JWD-D-25-00159","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>As part of wildlife conservation efforts, the reintroduced Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) populations in Switzerland are the subject of ongoing health surveillance. Cardiac pathologies, such as heart murmurs and histopathologic changes in the cardiac tissue, including intramural cardiac vessels, are frequently observed. Here we describe four cases of subaortic stenosis (SAS), a congenital heart disease rarely reported in felids, in free-ranging adult male lynx from Switzerland. The affected lynx presented macroscopically with grades 1 to 3 of SAS. Histopathology confirmed characteristic subvalvular fibrous tissue as well as myocardial fibrosis and arteriosclerosis. Clinical data for one lynx, including the documentation of a systolic heart murmur, provide further case-specific insights. Our findings suggest that SAS might be linked to the recurrently noted cardiac pathologies and could be associated with the low genetic variability of lynx in Switzerland. This highlights the importance of integrating health and genetic data into conservation strategies to preserve healthy, viable wildlife populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":17602,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Wildlife Diseases","volume":" ","pages":"489-496"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147474062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Detection of Candida spp. in Peccaries (Pecari tajacu) from the Brazilian Amazon.","authors":"Pedro H R Santos, Gabriela S Ferreira, Kaiky S Silva, Cyntia N Costa, Tallison F L Oliveira, Marllos H V Nunes, Jhonatan H L Rocha, Tamyres I B Silva","doi":"10.7589/JWD-D-25-00080","DOIUrl":"10.7589/JWD-D-25-00080","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) is a member of the Tayassuidae family widely distributed throughout the Americas, particularly in Brazil. These animals have important ecologic functions and, despite their good conservation status, are frequently affected by anthropogenic pressures. Candida spp. are commensal yeasts present in the microbiota of various hosts; however, under conditions that disrupt microbial balance, they can become opportunistic pathogens. Some Candida spp. are also of great relevance to the One Health framework, because they cause significant impacts on the health of humans and animals. The investigation of potentially zoonotic fungi in wild animals is fundamental for understanding the ecoepidemiologic dynamics, so this study aimed to detect Candida spp. in captive collared peccaries bred in naturalistic enclosures in the Brazilian Amazon. Swabs from the oral cavity were collected and processed according to classical microbiology techniques. Thirty animals were evaluated, and 93% (28/30) had at least one Candida species detected. A total of 42 Candida spp. isolates were recovered, with five identified species: Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata, and Candida tropicalis. One Candida isolate remained unidentified. These findings highlight the role of collared peccaries as potential reservoirs of opportunistically pathogenic yeasts and emphasize the importance of active surveillance of microbial diversity in wild animals.</p>","PeriodicalId":17602,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Wildlife Diseases","volume":" ","pages":"459-463"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146207147","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}