Serosurvey for selected pathogens in Iberian roe deer

Area of Science:

• Wildlife health
• Infectious disease ecology
• Cervid research

Background:

• Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) are abundant Eurasian cervids with expanding populations.
• Increased contact between roe deer and livestock raises concerns about shared infectious diseases.
• Understanding pathogen distribution in wildlife is crucial for ecosystem health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the seroprevalence of key pathogens in Spanish roe deer populations.
• To investigate potential links between roe deer exposure to pathogens and environmental factors.
• To evaluate the role of roe deer as potential reservoirs for diseases shared with livestock.

Main Methods:

• Serological investigation of antibodies against Pestivirus, Herpesvirus, Bluetongue virus, MAP, and Brucella sp.
• Sampling of 519 roe deer across diverse regions in Spain.
• Analysis of antibody prevalence and correlation with environmental and livestock presence.

Main Results:

• No antibodies detected against Bluetongue virus or Brucella sp.
• Antibody seroprevalence: Pestivirus (1.5%), Herpesvirus (0.2%), and MAP (9.2%).
• MAP antibodies were found in 7 out of 8 roe deer populations, with prevalence ranging from 5% to 16.4%.

Conclusions:

• Widespread exposure of roe deer to MAP is indicated by antibody detection in most populations.
• Higher MAP prevalence observed in areas with significant dairy cattle presence and liquid manure application.
• Environmental factors appear to significantly influence pathogen exposure and prevalence in roe deer.