Lagovirus europaeus GI.2/RHDV2 (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus 2)

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) was first detected in 1984 and quickly spread among wild and domestic European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) throughout the world. RHD and European brown hare syndrome (EBHS), a related disease of hares (Lepus spp.), are caused by pathogenic lagoviruses of the Family Caliciviridae. Infection of susceptible animals results in a necrotizing, often fatal, hepatitis. The causative viruses known as Lagovirus europaeus GI.1/RHDV and L. europaeus GII.1/EBHSV are considered genus specific, causing disease in Oryctolagus cuniculus and some Lepus spp., respectively. Full susceptibility to clinical disease only occurs after approximately eight weeks of age. This understanding of pathogenic lagoviruses changed in 2010 with the emergence of a new virus, L. europaeus GI.2/RHDV2. While this new lagovirus shares features with the previously described, classic lagoviruses, it can cross species barriers and caused mortality in two southern European hare species, Lepus capensis mediterraneus and Lepus corsicanus. It also infects and kills young rabbits. Studies here explored and helped define this new, expanded paradigm of pathogenic lagoviruses. Susceptibility to GI.2/RHDV2 was described in two new host species, the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) and the mountain hare (Lepus timidus). Mortality events in hares in Sweden, Italy and Spain provided insight into disease ecology. Infections likely spilled over from GI.2/RHDV2 outbreaks in rabbits, and the mountain hare outbreak lasted several months in the absence of rabbits. Disease caused by GI.2/RHDV2 was compared to classic RHD and EBHS in young and adult rabbits, and adult hares, respectively. In adults, pathology and virus tissue distribution were the same irrespective of the causative virus. In contrast to GI.1/RHDV, GI.2/RHDV2 caused similar disease in 5-week old kittens and adults. This thesis helped map GI.2/RHDV2 emergence by investigating its presence in Sweden. The first confirmed case was in May 2013, but initial cases were diagnosed as classic RHD. Widespread outbreaks did not occur until 2016 and phylogenetic analysis supported virus evolution and/or multiple introductions. Findings in this thesis helped prevent disease in domestic rabbits in Sweden and further our understanding of GI.2/RHDV2. GI.2/RHDV2 provides an excellent opportunity to study how viruses overcome species and age barriers

Understanding the interface between European wild boar (Sus scrofa) and domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) in Sweden through a questionnaire study

Background In recent years, the wildlife/livestock interface has attracted increased attention due to disease transmission between wild and domestic animal populations. The ongoing spread of African swine fever (ASF) in European wild boar (Sus scrofa) emphasize the need for further understanding of the wildlife/livestock interface to prevent disease spill-over between the wild and domestic populations. Although wild boar may also act as a potential source for other infectious disease agents, ASF is currently the most severe threat from wild boar to domestic pigs. To gather information on the wild boar situation at commercial pig producing farms in Sweden, a digital questionnaire survey was distributed through the animal health services. Results Most pigs produced for commercial purposes in Sweden are raised without outdoor access. Of the 211 responding pig producers, 80% saw wild boar or signs of wild boar activity in the vicinity of their farm at least once during the year. Observations were significantly correlated with geographical region, but there was no correlation between farm characteristics (farm size, main type of production, outdoor access) and observed wild boar presence or proximity. However, a reported higher frequency of wild boar observations was positively correlated with the observations being made in closer proximity to the farm. Hunting and strategic baiting were the most common mitigation strategies used to keep wild boar at bay. Of the 14 farms raising pigs with outdoor access, 12 responded that these pigs could be raised solely indoors if needed. Pigs with outdoor access are required to be fenced in, but double fencing in these outdoor pig enclosures was not practiced by all. A perimeter fence surrounding any type of pig farm was very rare. More than half of the producers that grew crops with intended use for pigs reported crop damage by wild boar. Conclusion This study shows that although pigs raised for commercial purposes in Sweden are, to a large extent, kept indoors the potential for indirect contact with wild boar exists and must be considered. Variable local situations regarding wild boar abundance may require an adaptive approach regarding biosecurity efforts

Tissue distribution of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor in wild animals with a focus on artiodactyls, mustelids and phocids

Natural cases of zooanthroponotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to animals have been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic, including to free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in North America and farmed American mink (Neovison vison) on multiple continents. To understand the potential for angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-mediated viral tropism we characterised the distribution of ACE2 receptors in the respiratory and intestinal tissues of a selection of wild and semi-domesticated mammals including artiodactyls (cervids, bovids, camelids, suids and hippopotamus), mustelid and phocid species using immunohistochemistry. Expression of the ACE2 receptor was detected in the bronchial or bronchiolar epithelium of several European and Asiatic deer species, Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus), European badger (Meles meles), stoat (Mustela erminea), hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious), harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), and hooded seal (Cystophora cristata). Further receptor mapping in the nasal turbinates and trachea revealed sparse ACE2 receptor expression in the mucosal epithelial cells and occasional occurrence in the submucosal glandular epithelium of Western roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), moose (Alces alces alces), and alpaca (Vicunga pacos). Only the European badger and stoat expressed high levels of ACE2 receptor in the nasal mucosal epithelium, which could suggest high susceptibility to ACE2-mediated respiratory infection. Expression of ACE2 receptor in the intestinal cells was ubiquitous across multiple taxa examined. Our results demonstrate the potential for ACE2-mediated viral infection in a selection of wild mammals and highlight the intra-taxon variability of ACE2 receptor expression, which might influence host susceptibility and infection

Report of the ICES Working Group on Marine Mammal Ecology (WGMME)

131 pages.-- This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0)Five terms of reference (ToRs) were addressed at the working group. The first three terms of reference were standing ones. Under ToR A, new information on cetacean and seal population abundance, distribution, and population/stock structure, was reviewed, including information on vagrancy in cetacean and pinniped species. For cetaceans, coverage from the latest SCANS-IV survey (summer 2022) was presented as well as the results of recent regional/national surveys, particularly those in the Bay of Biscay and around the Iberian Peninsula. Updates on population estimates and distribution were provided for particular species studies, such as some coastal bottlenose dolphin populations. For seals, latest monitoring results were given for harbour, grey, and Baltic and Saimaa ringed seals. In addition, where possible, local long-term trends were illustrated for those species, based on earlier efforts by WGMME to assemble these data into a seal database. For both species’ groups, recent records of vagrant species were summarised. Under ToR B, cetacean and seal management frameworks in the North Atlantic were discussed, with an overview of the EU Maritime Spatial Planning Directive, and examples from the United Kingdom, Spain and the Faroe Islands of national management frameworks regarding marine mammals.ToR C provided an overview of new published information with regards to anthropogenic threats to marine mammal populations following on from the review by WGMME in 2015 (ICES, 2015) and subsequent updates. These were considered under the following headings: cumulative effects, fishery interactions, chemical pollution including marine debris, underwater noise, ship strikes and other physical trauma, tourism disturbance, climate change, and new pathogens (including avian influenza). ToR D focused upon bycatch. In support of WGBYC, this ToR aimed to contribute to the Roadmap for ICES PETS bycatch advice. ToR E involved liaison with other WGs. The Chairs of the newly-formed WGJCDP introduced to WGMME members, the Joint Cetacean Database Programme, which is to be hosted by the ICES Data Centre. The scope to collect information on other marine species besides cetaceans was discussed. A meeting with another newly formed ICES working group, on Marine Protected Areas, was planned but was deferred at the request of that group. On behalf of the working group, the Chairs would like to thank The Swedish Museum of Natural History for hosting the meetingN

Hälsa, sjukdomar och dödsorsaker hos marina däggdjur 2021. : Resultat från obduktion och provtagning av marina däggdjur som undersökts på SVA,

Hälsoundersökning av marina däggdju

Hälsa, sjukdomar och dödsorsaker hos marina däggdjur 2021. : Resultat från obduktion och provtagning av marina däggdjur som undersökts på SVA,

Hälsoundersökning av marina däggdju

Chlamydia psittaci in garden birds in Sweden

Increased numbers of human infections with Chlamydia psittaci have been associated with bird feeding activities in southern Sweden. Information on occurrence and genotype of C. psittaci in garden birds in Sweden is required to corroborate this finding but data are limited. Additionally, pathogenicity of C. psittaci for garden birds is poorly understood. In this study, C. psittaci infection was investigated in 275 garden birds representing 22 species submitted for wildlife disease surveillance between 2009 and 2019. PCR was used to detect C. psittaci DNA in liver and lung. Positive samples were genotyped, additional PCR was performed on feces, and tissues were examined microscopically. C. psittaci was found in six (2.2 %) birds; three great tits (Parus major), two feral (Columba livia) and one wood pigeon (Columba palumbus). Two great tits and the wood pigeon had inflammatory lesions associated with C. psittaci. In the great tits and wood pigeon, C. psittaci genotype A, the cause of most human cases, was detected. Genotype B, considered endemic in pigeons, was detected in the feral pigeons. Low incidence of C. psittaci in dead Swedish garden birds was similar to studies on apparently healthy Swedish birds. Pathological findings were consistent with C. psittaci being fatal in half of the positive birds, which also had higher bacterial loads in feces. This highlights the risk for human infection via infected garden birds, especially regarding great tits and pigeons