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Infectious keratoconjunctivitis in free-ranging mule deer in Wyoming: a retrospective study and identification of a
Juan F Muñoz Gutiérrez1,2, Kerry S Sondgeroth1,2, Elizabeth S Williams1,2
1Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (Muñoz Gutiérrez, Sondgeroth, Williams, Montgomery, Miller).
Abstract:
We describe the clinicopathologic findings, relative prevalence, and pathogens associated with infectious keratoconjunctivitis in mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus) in Wyoming. Seventeen cases with ocular lesions were identified among 1,036 mule deer postmortem submissions (1.6%) in an ~16 y period. Sixteen cases were observed in winter and most were in male (15 cases) and juvenile (13 cases) deer. Blindness was the most commonly reported clinical sign (10 cases). A herpesvirus was detected only in the 4 cases of bilateral necrotizing bulbar conjunctivitis. Phylogenetic analysis of glycoprotein amino acid sequences consistently identified this virus as a novel alphaherpesvirus. In 2 of these herpesvirus-positive cases, Actinomyces sp. and Moraxella ovis were also identified. Trueperella pyogenes was identified in 4 cases of unilateral ulcerative keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, and panophthalmitis. M. ovis was cultured from 3 cases of bilateral conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis. In the remaining cases, isolates included Moraxella bovis (1 case), Staphylococcus sp. and Streptococcus sp. (2), Flavobacterium sp. and Pseudomonas sp. (2), Escherichia coli and Enterobacter sp. (1), and bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 (1). No pathogens were identified in 2 cases. The relative prevalence of keratoconjunctivitis in mule deer in Wyoming appears to be low, and this disease is most commonly associated with infection by a novel alphaherpesvirus, T. pyogenes, and M. ovis.
Insights
Infectious keratoconjunctivitis in mule deer is rare, affecting 1.6% of submissions. A novel alphaherpesvirus, Trueperella pyogenes, and Moraxella ovis are the primary pathogens identified in affected Wyoming deer.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Ophthalmology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Infectious keratoconjunctivitis is a significant ocular disease in various animal species.
- Understanding the causative agents and prevalence in wildlife populations is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinicopathologic findings, prevalence, and identified pathogens of infectious keratoconjunctivitis in Wyoming mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1,036 mule deer postmortem submissions over approximately 16 years.
- Identification of ocular lesions, clinical signs, and causative pathogens through various diagnostic techniques.
- Phylogenetic analysis of detected viral agents.
Main Results:
- Seventeen cases (1.6%) of keratoconjunctivitis were identified, predominantly in winter-affecting male and juvenile deer.
- A novel alphaherpesvirus was detected in four cases of necrotizing bulbar conjunctivitis.
- Trueperella pyogenes and Moraxella ovis were frequently identified pathogens, alongside other bacteria and one viral agent (bovine viral diarrhea virus 1).
Conclusions:
- Infectious keratoconjunctivitis in Wyoming mule deer has a low relative prevalence.
- The disease is primarily associated with a novel alphaherpesvirus, T. pyogenes, and M. ovis infections.
- Further research into the novel alphaherpesvirus is warranted.
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