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Paratuberculosis in key deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium)
Charlotte F Quist1, Victor F Nettles, Elizabeth J B Manning
1Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|January 17, 2003
Summary
Paratuberculosis was diagnosed in endangered Key deer. Monitoring revealed Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection at a very low prevalence in the Key deer herd.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
- Microbial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Paratuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic infectious disease.
- Endangered Key deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium) populations are vulnerable to novel disease threats.
- Understanding MAP prevalence is crucial for conservation efforts of this unique subspecies.
Observation:
- MAP was diagnosed in an endangered Key deer in 1996.
- Monitoring from 1997-2000 included necropsy (n=170), fecal cultures, and serology.
- MAP was detected in one clinically affected deer and one asymptomatic deer.
Findings:
- Evidence suggests Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection in the Key deer herd.
- The prevalence of MAP infection in the monitored Key deer population was determined to be very low.
- Detection in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals highlights potential transmission dynamics.
Implications:
- This study provides critical baseline data on MAP infection in Key deer.
- Findings inform wildlife health management strategies for endangered species.
- Further research is warranted to assess long-term impacts and control measures for paratuberculosis in Key deer.