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A SEROSURVEY OF DISEASES OF FREE-RANGING GRAY WOLVES (CANIS LUPUS) IN MINNESOTA, USA
Michelle Carstensen1, John H Giudice1, Erik C Hildebrand1
11 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 5463 W Broadway, Forest Lake, Minnesota 55025, USA.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|February 14, 2017
Summary
Minnesota wolves show high exposure to common canine pathogens like canine parvovirus and Lyme disease. This study provides crucial baseline data for understanding wolf health and population dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
- Canid Health
Background:
- Canis lupus populations are susceptible to various infectious diseases.
- Baseline data on pathogen exposure in Minnesota wolves are lacking.
- Understanding disease prevalence is vital for effective wildlife management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and spatial distribution of eight canid pathogens in Minnesota's free-ranging wolf population.
- To establish baseline serologic data for key infectious agents affecting wolves.
- To inform wildlife health management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 387 free-ranging wolves (Canis lupus) collected between 2007 and 2013 were tested.
- Serologic assays were used to detect exposure to canine adenoviruses (CAVs), canine parvovirus (CPV), Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), Neospora caninum, West Nile virus (WNV), eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), canine distemper virus (CDV), and heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis).
- Spatial analysis was performed to identify disease distribution trends.
Main Results:
- High exposure rates were observed for canine adenoviruses 1 and 2 (88% adults, 45% pups), canine parvovirus (82% adults, 24% pups), and Lyme disease (76% adults, 39% pups).
- Significant exposure to Neospora caninum (66% adults, 36% pups), West Nile virus (37% adults, 18% pups), and eastern equine encephalitis (3% adults) was detected.
- Lower exposure rates were found for canine distemper (19% adults, 5% pups) and heartworm (7% adults, 3% pups).
- Significant spatial trends were noted for canine parvovirus and Lyme disease exposure.
Conclusions:
- The study establishes critical baseline serologic data for multiple pathogens in Minnesota wolves.
- High pathogen exposure suggests widespread disease ecology within the wolf population.
- This information is essential for understanding wolf population dynamics and guiding conservation and management efforts.
Keywords:
Antibody titerCanis lupusLyme diseaseNeospora caninumcanine distempercanine parvoviruseastern equine encephalitisMore Related Videos
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