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Clinical manifestations of mousepox in an experimental animal holding room
Abstract:
A study of the clinical aspects of mousepox was conducted during the 1979-80 outbreak at the National Institutes of Health. The disease was detected serologically in a room located adjacent to the index room. The index room received animals prior to this outbreak from a noncommercial colony which later was found to be infected with mousepox. The infection was present in the room for at least 6 weeks prior to the completion of the study. The paucity of clinical signs and low mortality were striking when compared to previous descriptions of mousepox in the United States. Only 27 of the 939 mice in the room were infected, and only one of these had typical skin lesions. A few of the mice had non-specific signs such as ruffled hair coat and hunched appearance. Minimal spread of the disease was evidenced by clustering of infected cages on one of five animal racks in the room.
Insights
A 1979-80 mousepox outbreak showed few clinical signs and low mortality, differing from previous descriptions. This study details the clinical aspects and limited spread of mousepox in laboratory mice.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
- Laboratory Animal Science
Background:
- Mousepox (ectromelia virus) outbreaks can pose significant risks to research animal colonies.
- Previous descriptions of mousepox in the United States reported higher morbidity and mortality rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical manifestations and epidemiological characteristics of a mousepox outbreak.
- To compare the observed clinical signs and mortality with historical data.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing to detect infection in mice.
- Clinical observation of affected animals.
- Epidemiological analysis of disease spread within the animal facility.
Main Results:
- The outbreak involved 27 out of 939 mice, with only one exhibiting typical skin lesions.
- Observed clinical signs were non-specific, including ruffled fur and hunched posture.
- Disease spread was minimal, with infected cages clustered in one area.
Conclusions:
- The 1979-80 mousepox outbreak presented with unusually mild clinical signs and low mortality.
- These findings suggest variability in mousepox presentation and highlight the importance of sensitive detection methods.