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Isolation of pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease) virus from a Florida panther
C M Glass1, R G McLean, J B Katz
1Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, Wildlife Research Laboratory, Gainesville 32601.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|April 1, 1994
Abstract:
Pseudorabies virus was isolated in cell culture from the brain tissue of a 3.5-year-old male Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi). The virus was not isolated from other tissues collected at necropsy. Based upon a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the virus was determined to have the classical wild-type virulent genotype, glycoprotein I+ (gI+) and thymidine kinase+ (TK+).
Insights
Pseudorabies virus was identified in the brain of a Florida panther. This finding confirms a wild-type, virulent strain of the virus in the endangered feline population.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
- Conservation Medicine
Background:
- Pseudorabies virus (PRV) poses a significant threat to wildlife populations, particularly endangered species.
- Florida panthers (Felis concolor coryi) are a vulnerable subspecies with limited geographic range.
- Surveillance for novel pathogens is crucial for the conservation of endangered wildlife.
Observation:
- PRV was successfully isolated in cell culture from the brain tissue of a deceased 3.5-year-old male Florida panther.
- The virus was not detected in other sampled tissues from the same individual.
- Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was performed on the isolated virus.
Findings:
- The isolated PRV strain exhibited a classical wild-type virulent genotype.
- The virus was characterized as glycoprotein I-positive (gI+) and thymidine kinase-positive (TK+).
- These genetic markers are indicative of the virulent phenotype of the PRV strain.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for PRV to cause fatal disease in Florida panthers.
- Understanding the genotype of circulating PRV strains is essential for developing effective management and mitigation strategies.
- Continued monitoring and research are vital to protect this endangered subspecies from viral threats.