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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.
Abstract:
Two morbilliviruses were isolated from Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus), one from a stranded animal in Greece and the other one from carcasses washed ashore during a mass die-off in Mauritania. From both viruses N and P gene fragments were sequenced and compared to those of other known morbilliviruses. The monk seal morbilliviruses most closely resembled previously identified cetacean morbilliviruses, indicating that interspecies transmission from cetaceans to pinnipeds has occurred.
Insights
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.