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Aleutian mink disease virus in free-ranging mink from Sweden
Sara Persson1, Trine H Jensen2, Anne-Lie Blomström3
1Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
Abstract:
Aleutian mink disease (AMD) is a chronic viral disease in farmed mink and the virus (AMDV) has been found in many free-ranging mink (Neovison vison) populations in Europe and North America. In this study, AMDV DNA and AMDV antibodies were analysed in 144 free-ranging mink hunted in Sweden. Associations between being AMDV infected (defined as positive for both viral DNA and antibodies) and the weight of the spleen, liver, kidneys, adrenal glands and body condition were calculated and the sequences of ten AMDV isolates were analysed in order to characterize the genetic relationships. In total, 46.1% of the mink were positive for AMDV antibodies and 57.6% were positive for AMDV DNA. Twenty-two percent of the mink tested on both tests (n = 133) had dissimilar results. The risk of having AMDV antibodies or being positive for AMDV DNA clearly increased with age and the majority of the mink that were two years or older were infected. Few macroscopic changes were found upon necropsy. However, the relative weight of the spleen was sexually dimorphic and was found to be slightly, but significantly (p = 0.006), heavier in AMDV infected male mink than uninfected. No association between AMDV infection and body condition, weight of the kidneys, liver or adrenal glands were found. Several different strains of AMDV were found across the country. Two of the AMDV sequences from the very north of Sweden did not group with any of the previously described groups of strains. In summary, AMDV seems to be prevalent in wild mink in Sweden and may subtly influence the weight of the spleen.
Insights
Aleutian mink disease (AMD) is widespread in wild mink in Sweden, with infection risk increasing with age. Infected males showed a slightly heavier spleen, indicating subtle physiological impacts.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
- Mink Population Health
Background:
- Aleutian mink disease (AMD) is a chronic viral ailment affecting farmed mink.
- The causative agent, Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV), has been detected in free-ranging mink populations across Europe and North America.
- Understanding AMDV prevalence and impact in wild populations is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of AMDV infection in free-ranging mink in Sweden.
- To investigate associations between AMDV infection and host physiological parameters.
- To genetically characterize Swedish AMDV isolates.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of AMDV DNA and antibodies in 144 wild mink hunted in Sweden.
- Calculation of associations between infection status and spleen, liver, kidney, and adrenal gland weights, as well as body condition.
- Sequencing of ten AMDV isolates to determine genetic relationships.
Main Results:
- 46.1% of mink tested positive for AMDV antibodies, and 57.6% for AMDV DNA.
- Infection risk significantly increased with age; most mink aged two years or older were infected.
- AMDV-infected males exhibited a significantly heavier relative spleen weight compared to uninfected males (p = 0.006).
- No significant associations were found between AMDV infection and body condition or weights of other examined organs.
- Genetic analysis revealed diverse AMDV strains across Sweden, with two novel sequences identified in the north.
Conclusions:
- AMDV is prevalent in the wild mink population in Sweden.
- Age is a significant factor in AMDV infection risk.
- AMDV infection may subtly influence spleen weight, particularly in males.
- Further research into novel AMDV strains and their epidemiological impact is warranted.
