Related Experiment Videos
Detection of coronavirus-like particles from mink with epizootic catarrhal gastroenteritis
J R Gorham1, J F Evermann, A Ward
1Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-7040.
Abstract:
Coronavirus-like particles have been detected by electron microscopy in fecal samples from naturally occurring cases of epizootic catarrhal gastroenteritis (ECG) of mink. Preliminary transmission trials with bacteria-free filtrates from mink with ECG suggested that a coronavirus plays a role in the disease syndrome.
Insights
Electron microscopy detected coronavirus-like particles in mink with epizootic catarrhal gastroenteritis (ECG). Preliminary trials suggest this coronavirus is a key factor in the disease syndrome, impacting mink health.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Animal Pathology
Background:
- Epizootic catarrhal gastroenteritis (ECG) is a disease affecting mink populations.
- The causative agent of ECG has not been definitively identified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential viral etiology of epizootic catarrhal gastroenteritis (ECG) in mink.
- To identify the pathogen responsible for ECG outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples from naturally infected mink were examined using electron microscopy.
- Bacteria-free filtrates from diseased mink were used in preliminary transmission trials.
Main Results:
- Coronavirus-like particles were visualized in fecal samples from mink with ECG.
- Transmission trials indicated that a filtrable agent, consistent with a coronavirus, could transmit the disease syndrome.
Conclusions:
- A coronavirus is strongly implicated as the causative agent of epizootic catarrhal gastroenteritis (ECG) in mink.
- Further research is warranted to fully characterize the virus and its role in mink disease.