Tracking Pseudorabies: a case description in an Italian Hunting Dog

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Molecular Epidemiology
• Virology

Background:

• Aujeszky's disease, caused by SuHV-1 (Suid herpesvirus 1), is a significant concern in animal health.
• Wild boars are known reservoirs for SuHV-1, posing a risk to domestic animals and potentially humans.
• Rapid onset and high mortality in dogs after consuming infected wild boar meat necessitate detailed investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the molecular characteristics of Aujeszky's disease in a fatal case of canine infection.
• To identify the specific strain of SuHV-1 involved and its genetic relationship to other isolates.
• To contribute to the understanding of pseudorabies molecular epidemiology and epizootic potential in Southern Italy.

Main Methods:

• Necropsy and sample collection from a deceased hunting dog.
• SuHV-1 DNA detection in brain tissue using molecular techniques.
• Viral isolation and propagation in Vero cell cultures.
• Histopathological examination of affected tissues.
• Whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the isolated SuHV-1 strain.

Main Results:

• SuHV-1 DNA was confirmed in the dog's brain tissue.
• Aujeszky's disease virus was successfully isolated and identified.
• Histopathology revealed non-suppurative meningoencephalitis.
• Genome sequencing identified a unique SuHV-1 strain (KU198433), previously reported in an Italian hunting dog.
• The findings confirm the etiological agent and pathological findings consistent with Aujeszky's disease.

Conclusions:

• This case highlights the risk of SuHV-1 transmission from wild boars to hunting dogs.
• The molecular data provides insights into the genetic diversity and epidemiology of SuHV-1 in Italy.
• Understanding these molecular features is crucial for assessing and managing the epizootic potential of Aujeszky's disease.