Related Experiment Videos
Mink enteritis parvovirus. Stability of virus kept under outdoor conditions
A Uttenthal1, E Lund, M Hansen
1Danish Fur Breeders Laboratory, Glostrup.
Abstract:
Feces from mink with acute mink enteritis were pooled and then allowed to dry out in open tubes kept under a roof in an open shed for one year starting in January. Samples of feces were harvested approximately once a month. These were reconstituted to their original volume and tested for antigen content and infectivity both in in vitro cell cultures and - on selected samples - in vivo. During the first 8 months, the antigen level in the feces samples decreased slowly. At this time point, a plateau was reached at 30-40% of the original viral antigen contents. The infectivity in vitro was unchanged for the first 5 months, but after mid-summer it decreased abruptly to below the detection level. Based on the in vitro infectivity, 10 samples were selected for inoculation into mink to measure the in vivo infectivity. The transmission of the infection to the experimental animals was successful for all samples showing infective virus by cultivation. In addition, it was possible to infect mink using material harvested one month after the cell culture test had turned negative. One mink inoculated with material collected in October excreted virus. We conclude that parvovirus can survive for at least 5-10 months (or during the winter period) under natural conditions, but complete drying out seems to lead to its inactivation. Mechanical cleaning of the premises is thus as critical as disinfection since virus can only survive the dry summer period if protected by protein or buried in moist soil on the premises.
Insights
Mink parvovirus can survive for 5-10 months outdoors, but drying inactivates it. Mechanical cleaning is crucial for premises, as virus protection depends on protein or moisture.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Environmental Microbiology
Background:
- Mink enteritis virus (MEV), a type of parvovirus, causes significant disease in mink populations.
- Understanding the environmental persistence of MEV is crucial for effective disease control and prevention strategies in mink farming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the survival rate and infectivity of mink parvovirus in feces under natural drying conditions over a one-year period.
- To evaluate the impact of environmental factors on parvovirus viability and transmission potential.
Main Methods:
- Feces from infected mink were dried outdoors for one year, with monthly sampling.
- Samples were tested for viral antigen content and infectivity using in vitro cell cultures and in vivo inoculation of mink.
- Antigen levels and infectivity were monitored over time to assess viral decay and survival.
Main Results:
- Viral antigen levels decreased slowly for 8 months, then plateaued at 30-40% of original content.
- In vitro infectivity remained stable for 5 months, then dropped below detection levels.
- In vivo studies confirmed infectivity for up to one month after in vitro tests became negative, with survival noted through winter.
Conclusions:
- Mink parvovirus can persist for at least 5-10 months under natural conditions, particularly during winter.
- Complete drying appears to inactivate the virus, highlighting the importance of moisture for survival.
- Effective control requires both disinfection and thorough mechanical cleaning to remove protected or moist virus reservoirs.