Hepatitis E virus variant in farmed mink, Denmark.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology
• Comparative Pathology

Background:

• Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant zoonotic pathogen.
• Pigs are recognized as the primary animal reservoir for HEV.
• Understanding HEV reservoirs is crucial for public health and disease control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and genetic characteristics of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in mink populations in Denmark.
• To determine if mink can act as a reservoir or host for HEV.
• To identify novel HEV strains or variants in mink.

Main Methods:

• Fecal and tissue samples were collected from domestic and wild mink in Denmark.
• Samples were screened for the presence of HEV RNA using molecular methods.
• HEV sequences obtained were analyzed to identify variants and their genetic relationships.

Main Results:

• Hepatitis E virus (HEV) was detected in both domestic and wild mink.
• A novel HEV variant was identified in the screened mink populations.
• The genetic analysis indicated potential HEV transmission or co-circulation among different species.

Conclusions:

• Mink in Denmark harbor Hepatitis E virus (HEV).
• The discovery of a novel HEV variant in mink highlights the potential for HEV to infect and circulate in diverse animal species.
• These findings underscore the importance of monitoring HEV in animal populations for zoonotic disease surveillance.