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Processes Underlying Rabies Virus Incursions across US-Canada Border as Revealed by Whole-Genome Phylogeography
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|August 19, 2017
Summary
Raccoon rabies virus (RRV) outbreaks in Canada were caused by virus leakage across vaccinated borders and long-distance animal movements. Phylogeographic analysis of RRV genomes helps understand transboundary disease spread.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary epidemiology
- Molecular epidemiology
- Disease ecology
Background:
- Wildlife vaccination is crucial for controlling infectious disease spread.
- Raccoon rabies virus (RRV) has expanded across eastern North America.
- Outbreaks of RRV have occurred in Canada despite border vaccination efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genomic and geographic factors driving RRV incursions into Canada.
- To understand the mechanisms of transboundary rabies virus spread.
Main Methods:
- Phylogeographic analysis of 289 RRV whole-genome sequences.
- Analysis of isolates from Canada and adjacent US states.
Main Results:
- RRV incursions were primarily due to local strain leakage across vaccinated border areas.
- Single stochastic events, like long-distance translocations, also contributed to spread.
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct patterns of viral movement.
Conclusions:
- Phylogeographic analysis of pathogen genomes is valuable for understanding transboundary disease outbreaks.
- Vaccination strategies need to account for virus leakage and translocation risks.
- Understanding viral spread dynamics is key for effective disease control programs.
Keywords:
CanadaUnited Statesphylogeographyrabiesraccoon rabies virusspatial epidemiologytransboundary outbreaksviruseswhole-genome sequencingwildlife diseasezoonosesMore Related Videos
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