Survey for Equine Herpesviruses in Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus) and Exotic Equids Housed in US AZA Institutions.
Abstract: Infection by equine herpesvirus (EHV) strains (EHV-1, EHV-9) in ursid species, including polar bears ( Ursus maritimus), has been associated with neurological disease and death. A serosurvey of captive exotic equid and polar bear populations in US Association of Zoos and Aquaria institutions was performed to determine the prevalence of EHV strains using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests. Equid species surveyed included zebra ( Equus spp.), Przewalski's wild horse ( Equus ferus przewalskii), Persian onager ( Equus hemionus), and Somali wild ass ( Equus africanus somaliensis). A questionnaire regarding husbandry and medical variables was distributed to institutions housing polar bears. No polar bears tested positive for EHVs on qPCR of blood or nasal swabs. No exotic equids tested positive for EHVs on qPCR of blood, but two exotic equids ( n = 2/22; 9%) tested positive for EHVs on qPCR of nasal swabs. On ELISA, polar bears infrequently were positive for EHV-1 ( n = 5/38; 13%). Exotic equids were positive for EHV-4 on ELISA more frequently ( n = 30/43; 70%) than for EHV-1 ( n = 8/43; 19%). Nine institutions submitted samples from both exotic equids and polar bears, two of which had both exotic equids and polar bears positive for EHVs by ELISA. Each of these institutions reported that the polar bear and exotic equid exhibits were within 80 m of each other and that risk factors for fomite transmission between exhibits based on husbandry practices were present. One institution that did not house exotic equids had a polar bear test positive for EHV-1 on ELISA, with no history of exposure to exotic equids. Further testing of captive polar bears and exotic equids is recommended, as is modification of husbandry practices to limit exposure of polar bears to exotic equids.
Publication Date: 2018-09-14 PubMed ID: 30212313DOI: 10.1638/2016-0189.1Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research article investigates the prevalence of Equine Herpesviruses (EHV) in Polar Bears and Exotic Equids, which are kept in US zoo institutions. The study didn’t find any presence of EHV in Polar Bears through qPCR testing, however, found some instances through ELISA testing. Furthermore, a substantial amount of Exotic Equids tested positive for EHV through ELISA testing.
Research Method
- The research was performed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests on both Polar Bears and Exotic Equid species.
- The Equid species included in the study are Zebra, Przewalski’s wild horse, Persian onager, and Somali wild ass.
- Researches also distributed a questionnaire to institutions that house polar bears, to understand the relationship between husbandry practices and the presence of EHVs.
Results of the Study
- No polar bears tested positive for EHVs on qPCR of blood or nasal swabs.
- Two out of twenty-two (9%) Exotic Equids tested positive for EHVs on qPCR of nasal swabs.
- Thirteen percent (5 out of 38) Polar Bears were positive for EHV-1 through ELISA tests.
- Out of the 43 exotic equids, 30 (70%) were positive for EHV-4 and 8 (19%) for EHV-1 through ELISA.
Husbandry Practices and EHV Transmission
- Research found that nine institutions submitted samples from both Exotic Equids and Polar Bears. Two of these had both categories testing positive for EHV through ELISA.
- These institutions acknowledged that the Polar Bear and Exotic Equid exhibits were within 80 meters of each other and risk factors for Fomite Transmission (transmission of infectious diseases) were present due to existing husbandry practices.
Concluding Remarks
- Despite not having any history of exposure to exotic equids, one institution had a polar bear test positive for EHV-1 through ELISA.
- The researchers recommend further testing on captive polar bears and exotic equids and suggest modifications to husbandry practices to limit polar bears’ exposure to exotic equids.
Cite This Article
APA
Flanders JA, Wack RF, Pusterla N, Mapes SM, Collins D, Gamble KC.
(2018).
Survey for Equine Herpesviruses in Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus) and Exotic Equids Housed in US AZA Institutions.
J Zoo Wildl Med, 49(3), 599-608.
https://doi.org/10.1638/2016-0189.1 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Animals, Zoo
- Data Collection
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / veterinary
- Equidae / blood
- Equidae / virology
- Female
- Herpesviridae / isolation & purification
- Herpesviridae Infections / veterinary
- Horse Diseases
- Horses
- Male
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- United States
- Ursidae / blood
- Ursidae / virology
Citations
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