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Aleutian mink disease virus in striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis): evidence for cross-species spillover
Larissa A Nituch1, Jeff Bowman, Paul J Wilson
11 Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University, 1600 W Bank Drive Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8, Canada.
Abstract:
Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) causes a parvovirus infection, initially characterized in American mink (Neovison vison), that may have harmful effects on wild populations of susceptible animals. In North America, where American mink are native, the origin, host range, and prevalence of AMDV in wild species is not clear. We studied striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) and raccoons (Procyon lotor) to determine whether species sympatric with mink are potential reservoirs in the transmission of AMDV to wild mink and mink farms. Antibodies to AMDV were detected in 41% of skunk serum samples (143/347) and AMDV nucleic acids were detected in 32% (14/40) of skunk spleen samples by PCR, indicating that AMDV exposure and infection were frequent in skunks. We detected no AMDV antibodies in 144 raccoon blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a newly identified AMDV haplogroup consisting of isolates from Ontario skunks and a free-ranging domestic mink from Ontario. Our findings of frequent AMDV infection in skunks, close genetic similarity between skunk and mink AMDV isolates, and evidence of AMDV transmission from skunks to mink support the hypothesis that skunks may be acting as alternative hosts and reservoirs of AMDV to wild mink through cross-species virus spillover.
Insights
Striped skunks frequently carry Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV), acting as potential reservoirs. Genetic analysis shows AMDV transmission from skunks to mink, impacting wild populations.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
- Infectious Disease Transmission
Background:
- Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) is a parvovirus affecting American mink (Neovison vison).
- The prevalence and host range of AMDV in North American wildlife remain unclear.
- Understanding AMDV transmission dynamics is crucial for managing wild mink populations and preventing farm outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of sympatric species, specifically striped skunks and raccoons, as potential reservoirs for AMDV.
- To determine the prevalence of AMDV infection and exposure in wild skunk and raccoon populations.
- To analyze the genetic relatedness of AMDV isolates from wildlife and domestic mink.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing for AMDV antibodies in skunk and raccoon blood samples.
- Molecular detection of AMDV nucleic acids in skunk spleen samples using PCR.
- Phylogenetic analysis of AMDV isolates from skunks and domestic mink.
Main Results:
- AMDV antibodies were detected in 41% of skunk serum samples, and AMDV nucleic acids in 32% of skunk spleen samples.
- No AMDV antibodies were found in raccoon blood samples.
- A novel AMDV haplogroup was identified, comprising isolates from Ontario skunks and a domestic mink, suggesting cross-species transmission.
Conclusions:
- Striped skunks are frequently exposed to and infected with AMDV, indicating they may serve as alternative hosts and reservoirs.
- Close genetic similarity between skunk and mink AMDV isolates supports the hypothesis of virus spillover from skunks to mink.
- These findings highlight the potential for skunks to act as reservoirs for AMDV transmission to wild mink and mink farms.
