Equine behavioral enrichment toys as tools for non-invasive recovery of viral and host DNA.

This research article presents a novel, non-invasive method for extracting environmental DNA (eDNA) from wildlife, particularly zebras. The technique uses equine behavioural enrichment toys to trace the shedding of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) as well as for genotyping individual zebras.

Objective of the Study

This study aimed at developing a simple, non-invasive method for extracting DNA from wildlife like zebras. The main objectives of the study consisted of:

• Monitoring the presence of wildlife at the individual level
• Identifying pathogens shed by wildlife, particularly Equine Herpesviruses (EHV)
• Establishing an effective protocol for genotyping individual zebras from eDNA

Methodology

The research adopted a novel approach where a commercially available horse enrichment toy was utilized. The toy was placed in the enclosures hosting Grévy’s, mountain, and plains zebra, after which:

• It was swabbed after a duration of 4-24 hours
• eDNA was extracted from these swabs

Results of the Study

PCR and sequencing identified four EHV strains: EHV-1, EHV-7, wild ass herpesvirus and zebra herpesvirus. Besides the pathogens, mitochondrial DNA amplification and sequencing revealed interaction with the toy from 12 of the 16 zebras present in the enclosures.

Conclusion

The study proved that in situations where direct sampling from wildlife is challenging or prohibited, eDNA sampling can act as an effective tool. This non-invasive approach can help in determining individual or population genetics and also successfully detects pathogen shedding in captive wildlife. Based on the study, it’s evident that this methodology could open new avenues for research in wildlife monitoring and disease transmission.