Calicivirus antibodies in wild fox populations
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|November 16, 2013
Summary
Wild gray foxes in California possess antibodies to caliciviruses, specifically San Miguel sea lion virus types 1-5. Arctic foxes in Alaska did not show these antibodies, suggesting potential natural infections in foxes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
Background:
- Caliciviruses, including San Miguel sea lion virus (SMSV), are known to infect various marine mammals.
- The potential for calicivirus infection in terrestrial carnivores, such as foxes, remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of neutralizing antibodies against calicivirus (SMSV types 1-5) in wild fox populations.
- To determine if foxes can be naturally infected with caliciviruses.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from three distinct wild fox populations.
- A virus neutralization assay was performed to detect antibodies against SMSV types 1-5.
Main Results:
- Neutralizing antibodies to calicivirus were detected in serum from gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) inhabiting Santa Cruz Island, California.
- No neutralizing activity was found in serum samples from Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) from Alaska.
Conclusions:
- These findings suggest that wild foxes, particularly gray foxes, may be susceptible to natural calicivirus infections.
- The ecological role of foxes in the transmission cycle of caliciviruses requires further investigation.
