Cowpox in zoo and wild animals in the United Kingdom.

J Comp Pathol. July 2023;204(0):39 - 46.

Taiana Costa¹, Mark F Stidworthy², Rosina Ehmann³, Daniela Denk⁴, Ian Ashpole⁵, Gabby Drake⁶, Iuliana Maciuca⁷, Gudrun Zoeller⁸, Hermann Meyer⁹, Julian Chantrey¹⁰

¹ School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Chester High Road, Neston, Liverpool CH64 7TE, UK.; ² International Zoo Veterinary Group, Station House, Parkwood Street, Keighley BD21 4NQ, UK.; ³ Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 Munich, Germany.; ⁴ International Zoo Veterinary Group, Station House, Parkwood Street, Keighley BD21 4NQ, UK.; ⁵ Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Chester CH2 1EU, UK.; ⁶ Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Chester CH2 1EU, UK.; ⁷ School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Chester High Road, Neston, Liverpool CH64 7TE, UK.; ⁸ Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 Munich, Germany.; ⁹ Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 Munich, Germany.; ¹⁰ Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Science (IVES), University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston CH64 7TE, UK. Electronic address: chantrey@liv.ac.uk.

Abstract

Cowpox virus is considered to be a re-emerging zoonotic pathogen and a public health threat due to increasing numbers of cases in humans and animals in Europe over the past decade, including within the United Kingdom (UK). We present epidemiological data and diagnostic features of 27 recent, naturally occurring cowpox cases in zoo and wild animals across the UK, including the first reports of cowpox in two snow leopards (Panthera uncia), a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), three Chilean pudus (Pudu puda), a Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) and a Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), and the first reports of Orthopoxvirus infection in a lar gibbon (Hylobates lar), a Southern tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) and an aardvark (Orycteropus afer). This study provides a detailed overview of cowpox infections in a wide range of non-domestic animal species, presents a range of methods for diagnosis and demonstrates the value of retrospective analysis of pathology surveillance in revealing epidemiological links.

Keywords

Orthopoxvirus; cowpox; cowpox virus; wild animals; zoo animals;

Article Tools:

Medline

Email to me

Archives Highlights:

The relationship between radiographic disc calcification score and FGF4L2 genotype in dachshunds.
Most dachshunds with 1 FGF4L2 copy have radiographic disc calcification scores that are associated with substantially lower risk of symptomatic disc disease. Radiographic disc calcification scores are similar in dachshunds with 0 and 1 FGF4L2 copies. Given the high allele frequency of FGF4L2, breeding to produce progeny with 1 FGF4L2 copy is expected to be a more achievable short-term goal for dachshund spinal health breeding programs than breeding for 0 copies. It is recommended that both K-n and FGF4L2 genotype status be considered when choosing dachshund breeding stock.

Investigation of maternal mortality and stillbirth in feline dystocia after emergency obstetric care interventions: a retrospective analysis.
Medical treatment was successful in 17% of patients, and 83% underwent surgical treatment for dystocia. Ovariohysterectomy (59%) was the most common surgical method, followed by conservative caesarean section (35%).

Duration of efficacy and effect of implant location in adult queens treated with a 9.4 mg deslorelin subcutaneous implant.
The average duration of action of the 9.4 mg deslorelin implant was 790 ± 155 days (range 525-1140 days) with no significant difference in duration or efficacy depending on implantation sites. The 9.4 mg deslorelin implant causes pharmacological sterilization for about 2 years in female cats, is fully reversible, and caused no clinically relevant side effects when administered at both interscapular and periumbilical sites.

"My Bitch Is Empty!" An Overview of the Reasons for Pregnancy Loss in Dogs.
If embryonic death occurs before day 35 of gestation, the embryo is absorbed. Fetal death in the second half of gestation leads to abortion or fetal emphysema, maceration, or mummification.

The Most Common Environmental Risk Factors for Equine Asthma-A Narrative Review.
The symptoms of equine asthma are typical of respiratory inflammations, and they include coughing, nasal discharge, and breathing difficulty even at rest in horses with severe asthma. BALF and tracheal wash analyses are the most popular methods of diagnosing equine asthma. Inadequate housing conditions undoubtedly increase the risk of asthma.