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Aleutian mink disease virus in free-ranging mustelids in Finland - a cross-sectional epidemiological and phylogenetic
A Knuuttila1,2, K Aaltonen2, A-M K Virtala1
1Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract:
Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) can cause severe immune-complex-mediated disease in American mink. AMDV has also been detected in several other mustelid species with potential negative impact on their health and population. A molecular and cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted to obtain data on the prevalence, distribution, transmission and diversity of AMDV strains in Finnish free-ranging mustelids and risk factors associated with infection. The presence of anti-AMDV antibodies and/or AMDV DNA was tested from 308 samples representing eight mustelid species and 17 administrative regions. Positive samples were detected across Finland, and in 54 % (31/57) of feral American mink, 27 % (7/26) of European badgers and 7 % (1/14) of European polecats. Samples from Eurasian otters, European pine martens, least weasels, stoat and wolverine were negative. Major risk factors for infection were the species American mink with 335 and badger with 74 times higher odds than other species, and the years 2006-2009 with five times higher odds than the years 2010-2014. No clustering according to species, geographical origin or year was evident in phylogeny, except for four divergent sequences from Estonian badgers that formed a separate phylogroup distinct from other AMDV strains. This study showed that AMDV was prevalent in certain species of Finnish free-ranging mustelids and widely distributed across Finland. Furthermore, the free-ranging mustelids carried both strains similar to those found in farmed mink, but also distinct strains that may represent novel amdoparvoviruses.
Insights
Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) is prevalent in Finnish wild mustelids, particularly American mink and European badgers. The study identified widespread AMDV distribution and distinct viral strains, some potentially novel.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Wildlife Epidemiology
- Molecular Ecology
Background:
- Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) causes significant immune-complex-mediated disease in American mink.
- AMDV presence in other mustelid species poses a potential threat to their health and population dynamics.
- Understanding AMDV prevalence and diversity in free-ranging wildlife is crucial for conservation and disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence, distribution, transmission, and genetic diversity of AMDV strains in Finnish free-ranging mustelids.
- To identify risk factors associated with AMDV infection in wild mustelid populations.
- To investigate the phylogenetic relationships of AMDV strains found in Finnish wildlife.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional epidemiological study involving molecular testing for anti-AMDV antibodies and/or AMDV DNA.
- Analysis of 308 samples from eight mustelid species across 17 administrative regions in Finland.
- Phylogenetic analysis of detected AMDV strains to assess genetic diversity and relationships.
Main Results:
- AMDV was detected across Finland in feral American mink (54%), European badgers (27%), and European polecats (7%).
- Significant risk factors for infection included species (American mink and badger) and study period (2006-2009).
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed strains similar to farmed mink strains and distinct strains, including a separate phylogroup from Estonian badgers.
Conclusions:
- AMDV is widely distributed and prevalent in specific Finnish free-ranging mustelid species, notably American mink and European badgers.
- Finnish wild mustelids harbor both known and potentially novel amdoparvovirus strains.
- The findings highlight the importance of monitoring AMDV in wildlife populations for disease control and understanding viral evolution.
