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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2020; 10(10); 1796; doi: 10.3390/ani10101796

A Pilot Serosurvey for Selected Pathogens in Feral Donkeys (Equus asinus).

Abstract: Recent removal and relocation of feral donkeys from vast public lands to more concentrated holding pens, training facilities, and offsite adoption locations raises several health and welfare concerns. Very little is known regarding the common equid pathogens that are circulating within the feral donkey population in and around Death Valley National Park, California, USA. The aim of this study was to utilize serologic assays to assess previous exposure of these donkeys to equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1), equine influenza (EIV), West Nile virus (WNV), and (the causative agent of Lyme disease). The results of this study indicate that this feral equid population is mostly naïve and likely susceptible to these common equid pathogens upon removal from the wild.
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Publication Date: 2020-10-02 PubMed ID: 33023217PubMed Central: PMC7599684DOI: 10.3390/ani10101796Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article examines the presence of common equid pathogens in the feral donkey population in and around Death Valley National Park, California, USA, spurred by the growing concern for animal health due to their recent displacement. The results suggest that these donkeys are mostly susceptible to diseases like equine herpesvirus 1, equine influenza, West Nile virus, and Lyme disease when removed from their natural habitats.

Objective of the Study

  • The primary goal of this research was to survey the presence or the impact of some common equid disease-causing pathogens in feral donkeys.
  • The pathogens in question include equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1), equine influenza (EIV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Borrelia Burgdorferi (the agent of Lyme disease).
  • The interest in this study became necessary due to the displacement of these donkeys from their usual, expansive habitats to more localized containment facilities and adoption locations.

Methodology of the Study

  • The researchers used serologic assays, a diagnostic test that detects and measures the amount of antibodies in an organism’s blood to determine their exposure to the pathogens mentioned.
  • These serologic assays were used to determine the level of exposure of these feral donkeys to the diseases in question. This test helped provide insight into how vulnerable these animals might be to disease upon displacement.

Findings of the Study

  • The results reveal that the donkey population studied is relatively naïve, meaning largely unexposed and thus likely susceptible to these common equid diseases.
  • This implies that their removal from their natural wilderness to enclosed spaces could increase their vulnerability to these diseases.
  • Therefore, the findings hold immense implications for the decision-makers and stake-holders involved in the displacement of these donkeys. Proper health interventions would be necessary to safeguard their health during and after the displacement process.

Cite This Article

APA
Goodrich EL, McLean A, Guarino C. (2020). A Pilot Serosurvey for Selected Pathogens in Feral Donkeys (Equus asinus). Animals (Basel), 10(10), 1796. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10101796

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 10
Issue: 10
PII: 1796

Researcher Affiliations

Goodrich, Erin L
  • Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
McLean, Amy
  • University of California Davis, Animal Science, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Guarino, Cassandra
  • Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
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