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Morbilliviruses in Mediterranean monk seals
M W van de Bildt1, E J Vedder, B E Martina
1Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre, Pieterburen, The Netherlands.
Veterinary Microbiology
|October 9, 1999
Summary
Two morbilliviruses were found in Mediterranean monk seals. Genetic analysis revealed these viruses are closely related to those found in cetaceans, suggesting cross-species transmission from marine mammals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Marine Mammal Health
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
Background:
- Morbilliviruses are known to cause severe diseases in various animal populations.
- Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) are an endangered species facing numerous threats.
- Previous morbillivirus outbreaks have been documented in marine mammals, including cetaceans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize morbilliviruses circulating in Mediterranean monk seals.
- To investigate the potential origin and transmission pathways of these viruses.
- To understand the implications for monk seal conservation and public health.
Main Methods:
- Virus isolation from affected Mediterranean monk seals.
- Sequencing of N and P gene fragments of the isolated viruses.
- Phylogenetic analysis to compare with known morbilliviruses.
Main Results:
- Two distinct morbilliviruses were successfully isolated from monk seals in Greece and Mauritania.
- Genetic sequencing showed that these viruses are closely related to cetacean morbilliviruses.
- Phylogenetic analysis strongly supports interspecies transmission from cetaceans to pinnipeds.
Conclusions:
- Morbilliviruses pose a significant threat to endangered Mediterranean monk seal populations.
- The findings highlight the risk of cross-species morbillivirus transmission between different marine mammal groups.
- This research underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance for emerging infectious diseases in vulnerable wildlife populations.