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13 pages, 1726 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Mammalian Scavenger and Wild White-Tailed Deer Activity at White-Tailed Deer Farms
by Alex R. Jack, Whitney C. Sansom, Tiffany M. Wolf, Lin Zhang, Michelle L. Schultze, Scott J. Wells and James D. Forester
Viruses 2025, 17(8), 1024; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17081024 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 308
Abstract
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the wild and on cervid farms have drawn the attention of state wildlife agencies and animal health agencies as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has spread across North America. Deer farm regulations have been implemented to reduce [...] Read more.
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the wild and on cervid farms have drawn the attention of state wildlife agencies and animal health agencies as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has spread across North America. Deer farm regulations have been implemented to reduce direct contact between wild and farmed cervids; however, evidence suggests that indirect contact to infectious prions passed through the alimentary tracts of scavengers may be an important transmission pathway. The objective of this study was to characterize mammalian scavenger and wild deer activities associated with deer farms and link these activities with site-specific spatial covariates utilizing a network of camera traps, mounted to farm perimeter fences. We monitored each of 14 farms in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania for two weeks during the summer, with a subset of farms also monitored in the winter and fall. Across all sites and seasons, we captured 749 observations of wildlife. In total, nine species were captured, with wild white-tailed deer accounting for over three quarters of observations. Despite the large number of wild deer observed, we found that interactions between wild and farmed deer at the fence line were infrequent (six direct contacts observed). In contrast, mammalian scavengers were frequently observed inside and outside of the fence. Supplementary cameras placed on deer feeders revealed higher observation rates of scavengers than those placed along fence lines, highlighting the potential for transmission of CWD through indirect contact via scavenger excreta. To evaluate associations between the number of observations of focal species with land-cover characteristics, two mixed-effects regression models were fitted, one model for scavengers and one for wild deer. Contrary to our hypothesis, landscape context did not have a strong impact on wildlife visitation. This suggests that farm location is less important than management practices, highlighting the need for future research into how farming practices impact rates of wildlife visitation onto cervid farms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chronic Wasting Disease: From Pathogenesis to Prevention)
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12 pages, 7041 KiB  
Article
A Novel Ephemero- and a New CHeRI Orbivirus Isolated from a Dead Farmed White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Florida, USA
by Emily DeRuyter, Pedro H. O. Viadanna, Kristen Wilson, Zoe White, Amira Richardson, Merrie Urban, Pacharapong Khrongsee, Thais C. S. Rodrigues, Thomas B. Waltzek, Juan M. Campos Krauer, Samantha M. Wisely, Kuttichantran Subramaniam and John A. Lednicky
Viruses 2025, 17(5), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17050614 - 25 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1349
Abstract
A novel ephemeral fever rhabdovirus and a CHeRI orbivirus of a previously unidentified genetic lineage were isolated in mosquito cell line C6/36 cells as co-infecting agents from the spleen tissue of a dead farmed white-tailed deer (WTD; Odocoileus virginianus) in Florida. We [...] Read more.
A novel ephemeral fever rhabdovirus and a CHeRI orbivirus of a previously unidentified genetic lineage were isolated in mosquito cell line C6/36 cells as co-infecting agents from the spleen tissue of a dead farmed white-tailed deer (WTD; Odocoileus virginianus) in Florida. We designated the ephemeral fever rhabdovirus as Hardee County ephemerovirus 1, strain CHeRI ephemerovirus 1. The genetic sequences of the CHeRI orbivirus isolated in this work differ significantly from those of three previously described CHeRI orbivirus lineages. We designated this new virus as CHeRI orbivirus 4, strain CHeRI orbivirus 4-1. Whereas it remains unknown whether one, both, or none of the viruses contributed to the pathology, gross observations revealed that the dead WTD had severely congested and hemorrhagic lungs, and that its heart, kidneys, and spleen were also congested. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance, Transmission Dynamics, and Control of Zoonotic Viruses)
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10 pages, 4148 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Cellular and Humoral Immunity to Commercial Cattle BVDV Vaccines in White-Tailed Deer
by Paola M. Boggiatto, Mitchell V. Palmer, Steven C. Olsen and Shollie M. Falkenberg
Vaccines 2025, 13(4), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13040427 - 18 Apr 2025
Viewed by 529
Abstract
Background/Objectives: White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) (WTD) play a central role at the human–livestock–wildlife interface, given their contribution to the spread of diseases that can affect livestock. These include a variety of bacterial, viral, and prion diseases with significant economic impact. Given [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) (WTD) play a central role at the human–livestock–wildlife interface, given their contribution to the spread of diseases that can affect livestock. These include a variety of bacterial, viral, and prion diseases with significant economic impact. Given the implications for WTD as potential reservoirs for a variety of diseases, methods for prevention and disease control in WTD are an important consideration. Methods: Using commercial livestock vaccines against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in killed and modified live formulations, we test the ability of WTD to develop humoral and cellular immune responses following vaccination. Results: We demonstrate that, similar to cattle, WTD develop humoral immune responses to both killed and modified live formulations. Conclusions: As the farmed deer industry and the use of livestock vaccines in non-approved species grow, this type of information will help inform and develop improved husbandry and veterinary care practices. Additionally, while we were unable to detect cell-mediated immune responses to the vaccine, we established PrimeFlow as a method to detect IFN-γ responses in specific T cell populations, adding another level of resolution to our ability to understand WTD immune responses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Infections, Host Immunity and Vaccines)
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19 pages, 3256 KiB  
Article
Identification of Potential Amblyomma americanum Antigens After Vaccination with Tick Extracellular Vesicles in White-Tailed Deer
by Adela Oliva Chávez, Julia Gonzalez, Cristina Harvey, Cárita de Souza Ribeiro-Silva, Brenda Leal-Galvan, Kelly A. Persinger, Sarah Durski, Pia U. Olafson and Tammi L. Johnson
Vaccines 2025, 13(4), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13040355 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1196
Abstract
Background/Objective: Anti-tick vaccines represent a promising alternative to chemical acaricides for the management of ticks on wildlife; however, little progress has been made to produce a vaccine effective in wild hosts that are critical for tick reproduction, such as the white-tailed deer ( [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Anti-tick vaccines represent a promising alternative to chemical acaricides for the management of ticks on wildlife; however, little progress has been made to produce a vaccine effective in wild hosts that are critical for tick reproduction, such as the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). We recently tested Amblyomma americanum salivary and midgut extracellular vesicles as vaccine candidates in white-tailed deer, which resulted in on-host female tick mortality. The objective of this study was to identify the proteins recognized by the antibodies regenerated during these vaccinations to determine potential antigens for vaccine development for white-tailed deer. Methods: Using a proteomic approach, we characterized the cargo within salivary and midgut vesicles. Label-free quantitative proteomics were used to investigate significant changes in protein loading within extracellular vesicles in these two organs. The pre-vaccination and post-vaccination serum from three animals vaccinated with salivary and midgut vesicles and one control animal were used to identify proteins recognized by circulating antibodies. Results: We show that these salivary and midgut vesicles contain a “core-cargo” enriched in chaperones, small GTPases, and other proteins previously reported in small EVs. Label-free quantitative proteomics show significant differences in protein cargo between salivary and midgut vesicles (333 proteins out of 516). Proteomic analysis of immunoprecipitated proteins identified thirty antigens with potential for use in anti-tick vaccines, seven of which we have categorized as high priority. Conclusions: Proteins within tick salivary and midgut vesicles are recognized by antibodies from vaccinated white-tailed deer. These proteins can be further evaluated for their function and potential as vaccine candidates against ticks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Vaccination Against Tick-Borne Pathogens)
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16 pages, 5781 KiB  
Article
The Potential for Trypsin Inhibitor Expression in Leaves to Convey Herbivory Deterrence in Soybean
by Audrey E. Birdwell, Sebe A. Brown, Gino J. D’Angelo, Mitra Mazarei and Charles Neal Stewart
Plants 2025, 14(4), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14040617 - 18 Feb 2025
Viewed by 623
Abstract
Soybean (Glycine max) is the most widely grown legume crop in the world, providing important economic value. Pest herbivory damage by insects and mammalian wildlife, in particular the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), limits yields in soybean. Incorporating trypsin inhibitors [...] Read more.
Soybean (Glycine max) is the most widely grown legume crop in the world, providing important economic value. Pest herbivory damage by insects and mammalian wildlife, in particular the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), limits yields in soybean. Incorporating trypsin inhibitors (TIs) as plant protectant against herbivory pests has been of interest. We previously showed that the overexpression of soybean TIs in soybean conferred insect deterrence under greenhouse experiments. In this study, we examined the potential of transgenic TI-overexpressing lines in deterring insects under field conditions at Knoxville, Tennessee. Our results indicate that the overexpression of TI could lead to a significant reduction in leaf defoliation of the transgenic compared to non-transgenic lines without negatively impacting plant growth and yield under field conditions. Furthermore, we extended our study by comprehensive evaluation of these transgenic plants against the white-tailed deer herbivory in a separate field setting at Jackson, Tennessee, and with controlled deer feeding experiments. No significant differences in growth characteristics were found between transgenic and non-transgenic lines under field conditions. There were also no significant differences in deer deterrence between transgenic and non-transgenic lines in ambient deer herbivory field or controlled deer feeding trials. Our study provides further insights into more exploration of the role of TI genes in pest control in this economically important crop. Full article
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8 pages, 2365 KiB  
Case Report
Pathologic Findings of Cranial Abscesses Involving the Pituitary Gland in Free-Ranging White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Pennsylvania
by Jack Timmons, Matthew Shaub, Luke Scherer, Ian Gereg, Lauren Maxwell, Lane Potts, Madison Stevens, Madeline Vile, Erica A. Miller and Kevin D. Niedringhaus
Animals 2025, 15(3), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15030409 - 2 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 926
Abstract
Intracranial abscesses are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in neurologic free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). These infections are typically attributed to Trueperella pyogenes and occur most often in adult males with concurrent antler and skull infections. A subset of [...] Read more.
Intracranial abscesses are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in neurologic free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). These infections are typically attributed to Trueperella pyogenes and occur most often in adult males with concurrent antler and skull infections. A subset of intracranial abscesses in white-tailed deer are localized to the pituitary gland, with previously described reports in five white-tailed deer. In this case series, five additional free-ranging white-tailed deer in Pennsylvania were diagnosed with pituitary abscesses at necropsy. Two cases were female deer, and four cases were yearling or juvenile deer. Two cases presented with conjunctivitis and keratitis due to extension of pituitary abscesses into the retrobulbar and peri-orbital spaces. One case had a concurrent liver abscess. This case series demonstrates a unique clinical presentation of keratitis and conjunctivitis and emphasizes the potentially unique pathogenesis for pituitary abscesses compared to other intracranial abscesses described in white-tailed deer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathology of Wildlife in the Americas)
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23 pages, 9879 KiB  
Article
Mammal Diversity on Conservation Islands in Protected Areas in Oaxaca, Mexico
by Eugenio Padilla, Rosa Elena Galindo-Aguilar and Miguel Briones-Salas
Diversity 2025, 17(1), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010055 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 2437
Abstract
Protected sites managed by indigenous people have been used for decades to conserve natural resources. These sites can be considered “conservation islands” and can maintain high biodiversity. This study explores the diversity and structure of medium and large mammals in (1) four protected [...] Read more.
Protected sites managed by indigenous people have been used for decades to conserve natural resources. These sites can be considered “conservation islands” and can maintain high biodiversity. This study explores the diversity and structure of medium and large mammals in (1) four protected natural areas in Oaxaca, Mexico, and (2) two different conservation strategies: one protected natural area (PNA) and three Voluntary Conservation Areas (VCAs). Data from 30 camera traps installed by community monitoring between 2013 and 2019 were used. A total of 29,304 camera days were accumulated in the Central Valleys and the Western Mountains and Valleys province. A total of 60,725 photographic records were analyzed, resulting in 13,471 independent events. Twenty-four species of wild mammals were documented, including endangered species. VCA showed higher species richness compared to PNA. Odocoileus virginianus was the most dominant in PNA, while Dicotyles angulatus was most dominant in VCA. We found differences in species richness between the four sites and between the two conservation strategies. Both conservation strategies are effective in maintaining mammal richness. We consider that these sites can serve as conservation islands that, in turn, can inter-connect landscapes and serve as potential biological corridors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)
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19 pages, 4433 KiB  
Article
Relatedness of White-Tailed Deer from Culling Efforts Within Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zones in Minnesota
by Alberto Fameli, Christopher Jennelle, Jessie Edson, Erik Hildebrand, Michelle Carstensen and W. David Walter
Pathogens 2025, 14(1), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14010067 - 13 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1318
Abstract
In white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), closely related females form social groups, avoiding other social groups. Consequently, females infected with chronic wasting disease (CWD) are more likely to infect social group members. Culling has been used to reduce CWD transmission in high-risk [...] Read more.
In white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), closely related females form social groups, avoiding other social groups. Consequently, females infected with chronic wasting disease (CWD) are more likely to infect social group members. Culling has been used to reduce CWD transmission in high-risk areas; however, its effectiveness in removing related individuals has not been assessed. We analyzed 11 microsatellites and a mitochondrial DNA fragment to assess: (1) the genetic structure in white-tailed deer in Minnesota, USA and (2) the effectiveness of localized culling to remove related deer. For (1), we genotyped deer culled in 2019 and 2021 in three CWD management zones, and deer collected in between zones. For (2), we only included culled deer, defining “culled groups” as deer obtained in the same township-range-section and year. We compared mean relatedness among deer from the same culled group (intra-group relatedness) and among deer from different culled groups (inter-group relatedness). We did not find evidence of genetic structure, suggesting that an outbreak in any of the management zones could naturally spread to the others. Culling removed deer that were on average more related than expected by chance (intra-group relatedness > inter-group relatedness), and most highly-related deer were culled in the same bait site. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chronic Wasting Disease)
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8 pages, 220 KiB  
Brief Report
Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA in Deer Keds: Massachusetts, USA
by Patrick Pearson, Guang Xu, Eric L. Siegel, Mileena Ryan, Connor Rich, Martin J. R. Feehan, Blake Dinius, Shaun M. McAuliffe, Patrick Roden-Reynolds and Stephen M. Rich
Insects 2025, 16(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16010042 - 4 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1726
Abstract
Deer keds (Lipoptena spp. and Neolipoptena ferrisi) are hematophagous ectoparasites that primarily infest white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and other cervids in the United States. The distribution of deer keds in the northeastern United States and the pathogens they harbor [...] Read more.
Deer keds (Lipoptena spp. and Neolipoptena ferrisi) are hematophagous ectoparasites that primarily infest white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and other cervids in the United States. The distribution of deer keds in the northeastern United States and the pathogens they harbor remains relatively unexplored. In this study, we examined the geographical distribution and pathogen prevalence of deer keds in Massachusetts by collecting samples from white-tailed deer and testing for tick-borne pathogens. Deer keds were collected across the state, including in four previously unrecorded counties, indicating a wide distribution. Pathogen screening revealed the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA in 30% of the keds, but no other pathogens were detected. The medical and biological significance of detecting A. phagocytophilum DNA in deer keds requires future studies. This research provides a baseline for the distribution and pathogen prevalence of deer keds in Massachusetts and highlights the potential of deer keds as sentinels for monitoring deer-associated microbes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Diversity of Insect-Associated Microorganisms)
14 pages, 580 KiB  
Article
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in New York State
by Emily D. Ledgerwood and Jason D. Luscier
Pathogens 2025, 14(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14010030 - 3 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1014
Abstract
The parasitic protozoa, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), is a model organism for one health because of its wide-ranging impacts on humans, wildlife, and domestic animals. Intermediate hosts, including white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), have been implicated in its maintenance. Prior [...] Read more.
The parasitic protozoa, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), is a model organism for one health because of its wide-ranging impacts on humans, wildlife, and domestic animals. Intermediate hosts, including white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), have been implicated in its maintenance. Prior analysis of Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in New York State deer focused on rural areas; however, the high density of domestic cats (Felis catus) in urban areas has been implicated in its spread amongst deer. To address this, the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii was assessed across two suburban and urban areas with known deer overabundance in Onondaga and Suffolk County. Here, domestic cats are the only likely definitive host. Between 2019 and 2023, serum from culled deer was collected, and Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity was determined using the modified agglutination test. Overall seroprevalence was 49.31% (n = 144) but was significantly higher in Onondaga (64%) compared to Suffolk County (36%), despite similarities between these two regions. Deer from Onondaga also had higher antibody titers. These data suggest that although urbanization may be a predictor of Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity in deer, there are additional contributing factors. Overall, this study emphasizes the need for continued surveillance in intermediate hosts and informs public health and wildlife management decisions aimed at limiting the impact of Toxoplasma gondii. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Parasitic Diseases)
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23 pages, 6434 KiB  
Article
Effects of Deer Browsing on Soil Nutrients and Regeneration Dynamics in a Carolinian Old-Growth Forest of Ontario
by Sarah K. Don, Kenneth A. Anyomi and Susan A. Dudley
Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10589; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310589 - 3 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1238
Abstract
Old growth forests are increasingly rare but important carbon sinks which harbour rich biodiversity. Chronic browsing by the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is a threat to the sustainability of the services provided by these forests, particularly in northern temperate forests where [...] Read more.
Old growth forests are increasingly rare but important carbon sinks which harbour rich biodiversity. Chronic browsing by the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is a threat to the sustainability of the services provided by these forests, particularly in northern temperate forests where deer numbers have increased in recent decades (driven by stricter hunting rules and reduced predation) and necessitating local monitoring of vegetation responses. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of deer exclusion on tree regeneration dynamics and soil nutrients in an old growth Carolinian forest. This was performed using exclusion fencing and tip-up mounds at McMaster Forest Nature Preserve and the Sheelah Dunn Dooley Nature Sanctuary in Hamilton Ontario. Tree regeneration was surveyed from thirty 1 m × 1 m quadrats within exclusion plots and another thirty quadrats from deer-browsed areas adjacent to the exclusion plots. Soil samples were taken from each quadrat to analyze browsing impacts on nitrate, phosphate and soil organic matter. Red oak (Quercus rubra) was planted at the top and base of tip-up mounds of varying heights and widths and monitored for deer access and browsing activity. Results show a significantly higher density of woody plants within exclosures compared to non-exclosures (p = 0.0089) and twice more abundance of highly palatable species within the exclosures. However, species richness (p > 0.05) and diversity (p > 0.05) were minimally impacted by deer browsing, showing a resilient old growth forest. Soil nitrate was consistently higher in the non-exclosures, while phosphate was consistently higher within deer exclosures. Finally, more seedlings survived at the top of mounds than the bases, showing the potential of tip-up mounds to be a natural method of deer exclusion and a critical avenue for restoring over-browsed forests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Change and Forest Biodiversity Conservation)
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13 pages, 562 KiB  
Article
Relative Fluctuating Asymmetry and Predictive Metrics of Cast Antler Pairs in White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
by Brian C. Peterson, Patrick D. Farrell and Casey W. Schoenebeck
Symmetry 2024, 16(10), 1301; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16101301 - 3 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1105
Abstract
Antlers are genetically coded to have bilateral symmetry. However, environmental stressors cause asymmetries between antlers. Previous studies have investigated fluctuating asymmetries on harvested white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann, 1780). Cast antlers provide underutilized metrics that are not available prior to shedding. The [...] Read more.
Antlers are genetically coded to have bilateral symmetry. However, environmental stressors cause asymmetries between antlers. Previous studies have investigated fluctuating asymmetries on harvested white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann, 1780). Cast antlers provide underutilized metrics that are not available prior to shedding. The objectives of this study were to quantify relative fluctuating asymmetry (RFA) between age groups and identify the best age-specific pre- and post-cast antler metrics to confirm an antler pair. We hypothesized lower RFA values for post-cast measurements than pre-cast measurements due to a lessened chance for damage when atop the head. Additionally, younger individuals were hypothesized to have higher RFA values due to greater susceptibility to environmental stressors. Cast antler pairs from 196 white-tailed deer were collected in Nebraska. We measured 14 available antler metrics per cast antler side classified by age group. The most symmetric measurements between antler sides included pedicle seal area, main beam length, and circumference. Antlers of older deer were consistently more symmetric than younger deer. When combining the top metrics and testing against random antler pairs, we found an 81.9–92.3% match rate for 1.5 and ≥2.5-year-olds, respectively. Our findings provided a quantifiable method to assign antler pair classifications more confidently while documenting decreased symmetry in younger individuals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Life Sciences)
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6 pages, 846 KiB  
Brief Report
A Case of Severe Abomasal Sand Impaction in a Farmed White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Florida
by Alireza Rahmani Shahraki, João H. J. Bittar, Samantha M. Wisely and Juan M. Campos-Krauer
Animals 2024, 14(11), 1602; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14111602 - 29 May 2024
Viewed by 1103
Abstract
The University of Florida’s Cervidae Health Research Initiative (CHeRI) conducted a post-mortem examination of a two-year-old white-tailed doe deceased at a northern Florida white-tailed deer farm. The carcass of the deer had notable emaciation and bloating. Upon opening of the carcass, there was [...] Read more.
The University of Florida’s Cervidae Health Research Initiative (CHeRI) conducted a post-mortem examination of a two-year-old white-tailed doe deceased at a northern Florida white-tailed deer farm. The carcass of the deer had notable emaciation and bloating. Upon opening of the carcass, there was pneumonia and the rumen was tympanic and enlarged. Additionally, the abomasum was distended and contained approximately 5 kg of sand. It is not uncommon for white-tailed deer to engage in geophagia (eating soil or sand), which typically does not result in diseases or fatalities. However, in this animal, we suspect a chronic process that created a physical barrier, hindering nutrient absorption and resulting in physical irritation of the abomasal mucosa with subsequent inflammation. This may have caused a disturbance in immune system function, allowing opportunistic bacteria to colonize and invade other organs, such as the lungs, contributing to the animal’s death. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wildlife Diseases: Pathology and Diagnostic Investigation)
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13 pages, 5282 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Replication, Cell Division-Mediated Spread, and HBV Envelope Protein-Dependent Pseudotyping of Three Mammalian Delta-like Agents
by Gnimah Eva Gnouamozi, Zhenfeng Zhang, Vibhu Prasad, Chris Lauber, Stefan Seitz and Stephan Urban
Viruses 2024, 16(6), 859; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16060859 - 28 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2262
Abstract
The human hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a satellite RNA virus that depends on hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface proteins (HBsAg) to assemble into infectious virions targeting the same organ (liver) as HBV. Until recently, the evolutionary origin of HDV remained largely unknown. [...] Read more.
The human hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a satellite RNA virus that depends on hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface proteins (HBsAg) to assemble into infectious virions targeting the same organ (liver) as HBV. Until recently, the evolutionary origin of HDV remained largely unknown. The application of bioinformatics on whole sequence databases lead to discoveries of HDV-like agents (DLA) and shed light on HDV’s evolution, expanding our understanding of HDV biology. DLA were identified in heterogeneous groups of vertebrates and invertebrates, highlighting that the evolution of HDV, represented by eight distinct genotypes, is broader and more complex than previously foreseen. In this study, we focused on the characterization of three mammalian DLA discovered in woodchuck (Marmota monax), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and lesser dog-like bat (Peropteryx macrotis) in terms of replication, cell-type permissiveness, and spreading pathways. We generated replication-competent constructs expressing 1.1-fold over-length antigenomic RNA of each DLA. Replication was initiated by transfecting the cDNAs into human (HuH7, HeLa, HEK293T, A549) and non-human (Vero E6, CHO, PaKi, LMH) cell lines. Upon transfection and replication establishment, none of the DLA expressed a large delta antigen. A cell division-mediated viral amplification assay demonstrated the capability of non-human DLA to replicate and propagate in hepatic and non-hepatic tissues, without the requirement of envelope proteins from a helper virus. Remarkably L-HDAg but not S-HDAg from HDV can artificially mediate envelopment of WoDV and DeDV ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) by HBsAg to form infectious particles, as demonstrated by co-transfection of HuH7 cells with the respective DLA expression constructs and a plasmid encoding HBV envelope proteins. These chimeric viruses are sensitive to HDV entry inhibitors and allow synchronized infections for comparative replication studies. Our results provide a more detailed understanding of the molecular biology, evolution, and virus–host interaction of this unique group of animal viroid-like agents in relation to HDV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Life Cycle of Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) and HDV-Like Agents)
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6 pages, 1200 KiB  
Brief Report
Mycobacterium kansasii Infection in a Farmed White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Florida, USA
by Sydney L. Cottingham, An-Chi Cheng, Pedro H. de Oliveira Viadanna, Kuttichantran Subramaniam, William F. Craft, Marley E. Iredale, Samantha M. Wisely and Juan M. Campos Krauer
Animals 2024, 14(10), 1511; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14101511 - 20 May 2024
Viewed by 1978
Abstract
A 7-year-old farmed white-tailed deer doe was transported to a Levy County, Florida property and began to decline in health, exhibiting weight loss and pelvic limb weakness. The doe prematurely delivered live twin fawns, both of which later died. The doe was treated [...] Read more.
A 7-year-old farmed white-tailed deer doe was transported to a Levy County, Florida property and began to decline in health, exhibiting weight loss and pelvic limb weakness. The doe prematurely delivered live twin fawns, both of which later died. The doe was treated with corticosteroids, antibiotics, gastric cytoprotectants, and B vitamins but showed no improvement. The doe was euthanized, and a post mortem examination was performed under the University of Florida’s Cervidae Health Research Initiative. We collected lung tissue after the animal was euthanized and performed histological evaluation, using H&E and Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) staining, and molecular evaluation, using conventional PCR, followed by Sanger sequencing. The microscopic observations of the H&E-stained lung showed multifocal granuloma, while the ZN-stained tissue revealed low numbers of beaded, magenta-staining rod bacteria inside the granuloma formation. Molecular analysis identified the presence of Mycobacterium kansasii. This isolation of a non-tuberculous Mycobacterium in a white-tailed deer emphasizes the importance of specific pathogen identification in cases of tuberculosis-like disease in farmed and free-ranging cervids. We report the first case of M. kansasii infection in a farmed white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Florida. Although M. kansasii cases are sporadic in white-tailed deer, it is important to maintain farm biosecurity and prevent farmed cervids from contacting wildlife to prevent disease transmission. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wildlife Diseases: Pathology and Diagnostic Investigation)
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