Serologic study on the prevalence of murine viruses in a population of wild meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus)
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Abstract:
The demography and serology of a population of wild meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) were monitored from 1982 to 1984 near Pinawa, Manitoba, Canada. Serologic tests were performed on 486 samples to detect the presence of viral antibodies to 11 common murine viruses. Meadow voles showed evidence of infection with Theiler's encephalomyelitis, reovirus-type-3, ectromelia, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, adenovirus, and mouse hepatitis viruses. At times of good survival and breeding performance the population was nearly free of evidence of viral infection. During a period of severe mortality in the winter of 1982-1983, evidence of infection by Theiler's encephalomyelitis virus and reovirus-type-3 was obtained. A high prevalence of antibodies and high titers to these two viruses were characteristic of voles that were captured late in the decline in density in the spring of 1983. This association of mortality with a viral outbreak is consistent with the hypothesis that vole population declines are sometimes related to opportunistic pathogens present in the voles' biotic and social environment.
Insights
Wild meadow voles experienced viral infections, particularly Theiler's encephalomyelitis and reovirus-type-3, during population declines. These outbreaks may be linked to opportunistic pathogens affecting vole survival.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Virology
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Wild rodent populations, such as meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus), are subject to cyclical fluctuations.
- Understanding the role of pathogens in these population dynamics is crucial for ecological studies.
- Previous research suggests disease may influence rodent population cycles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the serological status of wild meadow voles in relation to their population dynamics.
- To identify common viral infections present in the monitored vole population.
- To explore the potential link between viral outbreaks and population declines in meadow voles.
Main Methods:
- Demographic monitoring of a wild meadow vole population near Pinawa, Manitoba, from 1982 to 1984.
- Serological testing of 486 vole samples for antibodies against 11 common murine viruses.
- Correlation analysis between viral infection prevalence/titers and population density/mortality events.
Main Results:
- Meadow voles exhibited infections with Theiler's encephalomyelitis, reovirus-type-3, ectromelia, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, adenovirus, and mouse hepatitis viruses.
- Viral infection evidence was minimal during periods of high vole survival and breeding.
- A significant increase in Theiler's encephalomyelitis virus and reovirus-type-3 infections, with high antibody titers, coincided with severe winter mortality and subsequent population decline in 1982-1983.
Conclusions:
- The study supports the hypothesis that viral outbreaks, potentially involving opportunistic pathogens, can contribute to meadow vole population declines.
- Theiler's encephalomyelitis virus and reovirus-type-3 appear to be significant pathogens associated with mortality events in this population.
- Further research into the interplay between environmental factors, social environment, and pathogen dynamics is warranted to fully understand rodent population cycles.