Reassessment of distribution and conservation status of freshwater turtles (Testudines) in Tunisia

International audienceAssessing the extant distribution of wildlife species is a crucial step towards promoting their protection and management in the light of global biodiversity decline, and even more so when threatened, vulnerable, rare, or endemic taxa are concerned. In this context, we present an overview of the biogeography of two freshwater turtle species, namely the Mediterranean pond turtle Mauremys leprosa and the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis, as a basis for Conservation Action Plans. Mauremys leprosa is widely distributed in the north and centre of Tunisia and has viable populations in most of the study sites. Based on the evaluation of its biogeography, the size, structure and genetics of four populations, it appears that this species is currently not threatened in Tunisia. In contrast, E. orbicularis, which is represented in eastern Algeria and Tunisia by an endemic, undescribed subspecies, was absent from 11 historical sites in Tunisia, and only isolated small populations and scattered individuals were present in the extreme north of the country. Our study thus suggests that this subspecies is declining in Tunisia and its status is probably close to Endangered (EN). Therefore, it needs special attention and urgent conservation measures

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection in non-camelid domestic mammals

ABSTRACTDromedary camels are natural host of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). However, there are limited studies of MERS-CoV infection of other domestic mammals exposed to infected dromedaries. We expanded our surveillance among camels in Egypt, Tunisia, and Senegal to include other domestic mammalian species in contact with infected camels. A total of 820 sera and 823 nasal swabs from cattle, sheep, goats, donkeys, buffaloes, mules, and horses were collected. Swabs were tested using RT-PCR and virus RNA-positive samples were genetically sequenced and phylogenetically analysed. Sera were screened using virus microneutralization tests and positive sera (where available) were confirmed using plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNT). We detected 90% PRNT confirmed MERS-CoV antibody in 35 (55.6%) of 63 sera from sheep collected from Senegal, two sheep (1.8%) of 114 in Tunisia and a goat (0.9%) of 107 in Egypt, with titres ranging from 1:80 to ≥1:320. We detected MERS-CoV RNA in swabs from three sheep (1.2%) of 254 and five goats (4.1%) of 121 from Egypt and Senegal, as well as one cow (1.9%) of 53 and three donkeys (7.1%) of 42 from Egypt. Partial sequences of the RT-PCR amplicons confirmed specificity of the results. This study showed that domestic livestock in contact with MERS-CoV infected camels may be at risk of infection. We recommend expanding current MERS-CoV surveillance in animals to include other livestock in close contact with dromedary camels. The segregation of camels from other livestock in farms and live animal markets may need to be considered

A Survey of Nematode Parasites of Small Mammals in Tunisia, North Africa: Diversity of Species and Zoonotic Implications

International audienceThe presence of nematodes was investigated in 84 small mammals belonging to 10 species living in arid wildhabitats from Central Tunisia. Hosts were infected with a total of 7 species of nematodes. The dominant parasite species wasGongylonema neoplasticum, which was found in the stomach of 7 host species with prevalences varying from 15.4% inGerbillus campestris to 50% in Meriones shawi. Several nematodes, such as Syphacia obvelata, Acanthocheilonema viteae,Trichuris gerbilli, and G. neoplasticum, are potential zoonotic parasites. These latter species were collected from M. shawi,Meriones libycus, Mus musculus, Mus spretus, Rattus rattus, G. campestris, Psammomys obesus, and Ctenodactylus goundi,raising concern that these rodents and their associated rodent-borne helminths could be of potential concern for public healthin this region

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Dromedary Camels in Africa and Middle East

Dromedary camels are the natural reservoirs of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Camels are mostly bred in East African countries then exported into Africa and Middle East for consumption. To understand the distribution of MERS-CoV among camels in North Africa and the Middle East, we conducted surveillance in Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. We also performed longitudinal studies of three camel herds in Egypt and Jordan to elucidate MERS-CoV infection and transmission. Between 2016 and 2018, a total of 4027 nasal swabs and 3267 serum samples were collected from all countries. Real- time PCR revealed that MERS-CoV RNA was detected in nasal swab samples from Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia. Microneutralization assay showed that antibodies were detected in all countries. Positive PCR samples were partially sequenced, and a phylogenetic tree was built. The tree suggested that all sequences are of clade C and sequences from camels in Egypt formed a separate group from previously published sequences. Longitudinal studies showed high seroprevalence in adult camels. These results indicate the widespread distribution of the virus in camels. A systematic active surveillance and longitudinal studies for MERS-CoV are needed to understand the epidemiology of the disease and dynamics of viral infection