Experimentally induced leptospirosis in coyotes (Canis latrans)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Wildlife Health

Background:

• Leptospira interrogans is a zoonotic pathogen with various serovars.
• Coyotes (Canis latrans) are potential reservoirs for infectious agents.
• Understanding coyote susceptibility to Leptospira is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the susceptibility of coyotes to Leptospira interrogans serovars pomona, canicola, and copenhageni.
• To characterize the infection dynamics, including bacteremia and shedding, in experimentally infected coyotes.

Main Methods:

• Percutaneous inoculation of coyotes with L. interrogans serovars.
• Utilized bacteriologic, serologic, histopathologic, and fluorescent antibody techniques.
• Monitored for leptospiremia and leptospiruria.

Main Results:

• Leptospiremia was established with serovar pomona.
• Leptospiruria was demonstrated for all three serovars (pomona, canicola, copenhageni).
• Serovar canicola was isolated from one coyote 134 days post-inoculation, indicating prolonged shedding.

Conclusions:

• Coyotes are susceptible to infection with L. interrogans serovars pomona, canicola, and copenhageni.
• Infected coyotes can shed Leptospira in their urine, posing a potential transmission risk.
• The prolonged shedding of serovar canicola highlights the importance of coyotes in the epidemiology of leptospirosis.