Related Experiment Videos
Experimental infection of neonatal striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) with infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|January 1, 1980
Abstract:
Experimental infection of neonatal skunks (Mephitis mephitis) with infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV) caused fatal systemic infection. Virus isolation and immunofluorescence tests were used to demonstrate a direct association between IBRV and the lesions. Histopathologic studies revealed multiple focal necrosis in the liver and the adrenal glands.
Insights
Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV) caused fatal systemic infections in skunks. This research confirms IBRV as a cause of disease and lesions in neonatal skunks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Pathology
- Wildlife Disease
Background:
- Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV) is a significant pathogen in cattle.
- The susceptibility of wildlife species, such as skunks (Mephitis mephitis), to IBRV is not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of experimental IBRV infection in neonatal skunks.
- To determine if IBRV can cause systemic disease and characteristic lesions in this species.
Main Methods:
- Neonatal skunks were experimentally infected with IBRV.
- Virus isolation and immunofluorescence assays were performed on tissue samples.
- Histopathological examination of affected organs was conducted.
Main Results:
- Experimental IBRV infection resulted in fatal systemic disease in neonatal skunks.
- Virus isolation and immunofluorescence confirmed the presence of IBRV in association with observed lesions.
- Histopathology revealed multifocal necrosis in the liver and adrenal glands.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal skunks are highly susceptible to IBRV, developing fatal systemic infections.
- IBRV can induce significant pathological changes, including hepatic and adrenal necrosis, in skunks.
- This study highlights the potential for IBRV to impact wildlife populations.