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Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus
Published on: October 7, 2011
Asymptomatic viral infection is associated with lower host reproductive output in wild mink populations
Andrzej Zalewski1, Jenni M E Virtanen2,3, Hanna Zalewska4
1Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland. zalewski@ibs.bialowieza.pl.
Abstract:
Many endemic viruses circulate in populations without hosts showing visible signs of disease, while still having the potential to alter host survival or reproduction. Aleutian Mink Disease Virus (AMDV) circulates in many American mink (Neogale vison) populations in its native and introduced ranges. In this study, we analysed how AMDV infection in female American mink affects the reproduction of a feral population. Females infected with AMDV delivered significantly smaller litters (5.8 pups) than uninfected females (6.3 pups), meaning their litter size was reduced by 8%. Larger females and yearling females had larger litters than smaller and older females. There were no significant differences in whole litter survival between infected and uninfected females; however, offspring survival until September or October within litters of infected females was 14% lower than that within those of uninfected females. This negative link between infection and reproductive output means that Aleutian disease could seriously affect the wild mink population. This study increases our understanding of the threats posed by the spread of viruses to wildlife from farm animals or humans, highlighting that viruses circulating in wildlife, even in the absence of clinical manifestation, can be important drivers of population dynamics in wildlife.
Insights
Aleutian Mink Disease Virus (AMDV) infection in feral mink females significantly reduced litter size by 8% and offspring survival by 14%, impacting wild population dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Wildlife Virology
- Reproductive Ecology
- Population Dynamics
Background:
- Endemic viruses can impact wildlife populations without causing visible disease.
- Aleutian Mink Disease Virus (AMDV) is prevalent in American mink (Neogale vison) populations globally.
- Understanding subclinical viral impacts on wildlife reproduction is crucial for conservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of AMDV infection on the reproductive success of feral American mink.
- To quantify the impact of AMDV on litter size and offspring survival.
Main Methods:
- Field study of a feral American mink population.
- Comparison of reproductive parameters (litter size, survival) between AMDV-infected and uninfected female mink.
- Statistical analysis to determine the significance of AMDV infection on reproductive output.
Main Results:
- AMDV-infected females produced significantly smaller litters (5.8 pups) compared to uninfected females (6.3 pups), an 8% reduction.
- No significant difference in whole litter survival was observed between infected and uninfected groups.
- Offspring survival until autumn was 14% lower in litters from infected females.
Conclusions:
- AMDV infection negatively affects American mink reproduction, primarily through reduced offspring survival.
- Subclinical viral infections can be significant drivers of wildlife population dynamics.
- This research highlights the potential threat of virus spillover from domestic animals to wildlife populations.
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