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Amdoparvovirus-associated disease in striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis)
Charles E Alex1, Katherine D Watson1, Maya Schlesinger1
1University of California, Davis, Davis, CA.
Veterinary Pathology
|May 18, 2023
Summary
Skunk amdoparvovirus (SKAV) infects many striped skunks, causing neurologic disease and inflammation in multiple organs. This study details SKAV
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
- Pathology
Background:
- Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) is a well-studied amdoparvovirus (APV).
- APV infections in carnivores beyond mink are poorly understood.
- Skunk amdoparvovirus (SKAV) is a newly discovered APV with high prevalence in North American striped skunks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate SKAV infection status in free-ranging California skunks.
- To determine viral tissue distribution and associated lesions.
- To compare SKAV pathology with AMDV.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of 26 euthanized skunks.
- Detection of SKAV in various tissues.
- Analysis of lesions including nephritis, meningoencephalitis, myocarditis, and arteritis.
Main Results:
- SKAV was detected in the majority of the skunk cohort.
- Virus presence correlated with tubulointerstitial nephritis, meningoencephalitis, myocarditis, and arteritis.
- SKAV-associated lesions showed similarities and distinct differences compared to AMDV, particularly in the kidneys.
Conclusions:
- SKAV is prevalent in striped skunks and associated with significant pathology.
- SKAV causes a spectrum of inflammatory diseases in skunks.
- Understanding SKAV pathogenesis is crucial for wildlife health and comparative virology.
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