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Prentice MB, Gilbertson MLJ, Storm DJ, Turner WC, Walsh DP, Pinkerton ME, Kamath PL. Metagenomic sequencing sheds light on microbes putatively associated with pneumonia-related fatalities of white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus). Microb Genom 2024; 10:001214. [PMID: 38536208 PMCID: PMC10995629 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
With emerging infectious disease outbreaks in human, domestic and wild animal populations on the rise, improvements in pathogen characterization and surveillance are paramount for the protection of human and animal health, as well as the conservation of ecologically and economically important wildlife. Genomics offers a range of suitable tools to meet these goals, with metagenomic sequencing facilitating the characterization of whole microbial communities associated with emerging and endemic disease outbreaks. Here, we use metagenomic sequencing in a case-control study to identify microbes in lung tissue associated with newly observed pneumonia-related fatalities in 34 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Wisconsin, USA. We identified 20 bacterial species that occurred in more than a single individual. Of these, only Clostridium novyi was found to substantially differ (in number of detections) between case and control sample groups; however, this difference was not statistically significant. We also detected several bacterial species associated with pneumonia and/or other diseases in ruminants (Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, Trueperella pyogenes, Pasteurella multocida, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Fusobacterium necrophorum); however, these species did not substantially differ between case and control sample groups. On average, we detected a larger number of bacterial species in case samples than controls, supporting the potential role of polymicrobial infections in this system. Importantly, we did not detect DNA of viruses or fungi, suggesting that they are not significantly associated with pneumonia in this system. Together, these results highlight the utility of metagenomic sequencing for identifying disease-associated microbes. This preliminary list of microbes will help inform future research on pneumonia-associated fatalities of white-tailed deer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie L. J. Gilbertson
- Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Wendy C. Turner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Daniel P. Walsh
- U.S. Geological Survey, Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, University of Montana, Montana, USA
| | - Marie E. Pinkerton
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Pauline L. Kamath
- School of Food and Agriculture, University of Maine, Maine, USA
- Maine Center for Genetics in the Environment, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA
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Chen J, Wang S, Dong D, Zhang Z, Huang Y, Zhang Y. Isolation and Characterization of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae Infecting Goats with Pneumonia in Anhui Province, China. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:218. [PMID: 38398727 PMCID: PMC10890177 DOI: 10.3390/life14020218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovipneumoniae) causes a fatal infection in goats, leading to significant economic losses in the small-ruminant industry worldwide. The present study aimed to characterize the strains of M. ovipneumoniae infecting goats with pneumonia in Anhui Province, China. From November 2021 to January 2023, among 20 flocks, a total of 1320 samples (600 samples of unvaccinated blood, 400 nasal swabs, 200 samples of pleural fluid, and 120 samples of lung tissue) were obtained from goats with typical signs of pneumonia, such as a low growth rate, appetite suppression, increased temperature, discharge from the nose, and a cough. Necropsied goats showed increased pleural fluid, fibrinous pleuropneumonia, and attached localized pleural adhesions. M. ovipneumoniae isolated from the samples were subjected to an indirect hemagglutination test (IHA), PCR amplicon sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and biochemical identification tests. The overall positivity rate of M. ovipneumoniae was 27.50%. Mycoplasmas were obtained from 80 (20.0%) nasal swabs, 21 (10.5%) pleural fluid samples, and 15 (12.5%) lung samples. PCR amplicon (288 bp) sequencing identified eight strains of M. ovipneumoniae. In a phylogenetic tree, the isolated strains were homologous to the standard strain M. ovipneumoniae Y-98 and most similar to M. ovipneumoniae FJ-SM. Local strains of M. ovipneumoniae were isolated from goats in Anhui province. The identified genomic features and population structure will promote further study of M. ovipneumoniae pathogenesis and could form the basis for vaccine and therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahong Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China;
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (S.W.); (Z.Z.); (Y.H.)
- Center of Agriculture Technology Cooperation and Promotion of Dingyuan County, Dingyuan 233200, China;
| | - Shijia Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (S.W.); (Z.Z.); (Y.H.)
| | - Dong Dong
- Center of Agriculture Technology Cooperation and Promotion of Dingyuan County, Dingyuan 233200, China;
| | - Zijun Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (S.W.); (Z.Z.); (Y.H.)
- Center of Agriculture Technology Cooperation and Promotion of Dingyuan County, Dingyuan 233200, China;
| | - Yafeng Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (S.W.); (Z.Z.); (Y.H.)
- Center of Agriculture Technology Cooperation and Promotion of Dingyuan County, Dingyuan 233200, China;
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China;
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Borang M, Ramachandran Latha R, Mampilli P, Melepat DP, Kaithathara V. Development of loop-mediated isothermal amplification for detection of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in goats, Capra hircus. J Microbiol Methods 2024; 217-218:106885. [PMID: 38158081 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2023.106885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is an important pathogen that causes respiratory disease in goats and sheep, leading to significant economic losses in the livestock industry. A quick and robust diagnostic test will aid in early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) offers several advantages over traditional PCR, including faster amplification, simpler operation, and lower equipment requirements, making it a promising tool for use in basic livestock units where resources and infrastructure may be limited. The present study reports on developing a LAMP assay to rapidly detect M. ovipneumoniae in goats (Capra hircus) targeting the 16S rRNA gene. LAMP was optimized to perform at 60 °C for 75 min. The result was visualized by a change in colour from deep pink to orange and further confirmed by gel electrophoresis, which gave a typical ladder-like pattern. The detection limit of the assay was as low as 0.04 ng/μl, indicating the high sensitivity of the assay. The test failed to amplify DNA isolated from healthy goat blood, Mycoplasma arginini DNA, and Staphylococcus aureus DNA. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the assay were 97.73% and 94.83%, and 96.08%, respectively. The study concludes that the developed loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay is a practical and reliable tool for field-level diagnosis of M. ovipneumoniae infections in goats, with high sensitivity and specificity under resource-limited conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miti Borang
- Dept. Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, Kerala, India
| | - Rathish Ramachandran Latha
- Dept. Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, Kerala PIN: 673576, India.
| | - Pradeep Mampilli
- Dept. Veterinary Pathology, College of veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, Kerala, India
| | - Deepa Padinjare Melepat
- Dept. Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, Kerala, India
| | - Vijayakumar Kaithathara
- College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Kerala, India
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Tosa MI, Biel MJ, Graves TA. Bighorn sheep associations: understanding tradeoffs of sociality and implications for disease transmission. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15625. [PMID: 37576510 PMCID: PMC10416771 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sociality directly influences mating success, survival rates, and disease, but ultimately likely evolved for its fitness benefits in a challenging environment. The tradeoffs between the costs and benefits of sociality can operate at multiple scales, resulting in different interpretations of animal behavior. We investigated the influence of intrinsic (e.g., relatedness, age) and extrinsic factors (e.g., land cover type, season) on direct contact (simultaneous GPS locations ≤ 25 m) rates of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) at multiple scales near the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. During 2002-2012, male and female bighorn were equipped with GPS collars. Indirect contact (GPS locations ≤ 25 m regardless of time) networks identified two major breaks whereas direct contact networks identified an additional barrier in the population, all of which corresponded with prior disease exposure metrics. More direct contacts occurred between same-sex dyads than female-male dyads and between bighorn groups with overlapping summer home ranges. Direct contacts occurred most often during the winter-spring season when bighorn traveled at low speeds and when an adequate number of bighorn were collared in the area. Direct contact probabilities for all dyad types were inversely related to habitat quality, and differences in contact probability were driven by variables related to survival such as terrain ruggedness, distance to escape terrain, and canopy cover. We provide evidence that probabilities of association are higher when there is greater predation risk and that contact analysis provides valuable information for understanding fitness tradeoffs of sociality and disease transmission potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie I. Tosa
- Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, West Glacier, MT, United States of America
| | - Mark J. Biel
- Glacier National Park, National Park Service, West Glacier, MT, United States of America
| | - Tabitha A. Graves
- Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, West Glacier, MT, United States of America
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Complete Genome Sequences of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae Strains 150 and 274, Isolated from Different Regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Microbiol Resour Announc 2023; 12:e0001123. [PMID: 36847545 PMCID: PMC10019298 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00011-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is an important pathogen in sheep, goats, and wild ruminants. We sequenced M. ovipneumoniae strains 150 and 274 from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Strain 150 has a circular genome of 1,053,380 bp with 29.15% GC content while strain 274 has 1,081,404 bp with 28.82% GC content.
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Whiting JC, Bleich VC, Bowyer RT, Epps CW. Restoration of bighorn sheep: History, successes, and remaining conservation issues. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2023.1083350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammals are imperiled worldwide, primarily from habitat loss or modification, and exhibit downward trends in their populations and distributions. Likewise, large-bodied herbivores have undergone a collapse in numbers and are at the highest extinction risk of all mammals. Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) are among those large-bodied herbivores that possess a slow-paced life history, suffer from debilitating diseases, and have experienced range contractions across their historical distribution since the late 1800s. Translocations and reintroductions of these mountain ungulates are key aspects of restoration and often are used to re-establish populations in historical habitat or to supplement declining herds. Millions of US dollars and much effort by state and federal natural resource agencies, as well as public and private organizations, have been expended to restore bighorn sheep. Despite those efforts, translocated populations of bighorn sheep have not always been successful. We assessed restoration of bighorn sheep to provide insights in the context of conservation of populations of bighorn sheep, because this management tool is a frequently used to re-establish populations. We focused briefly on past efforts to restore bighorn sheep populations and followed with updates on the value of habitat enhancements, genetic issues, the importance of ecotypic or phenotypic adaptations when restoring populations, predation, and disease transmission. We also raised issues and posed questions that have potential to affect future decisions regarding the restoration of bighorn sheep. This information will help conservationists improve the success of conserving these iconic large mammals.
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Dekelaita DJ, Epps CW, German DW, Powers JG, Gonzales BJ, Abella-Vu RK, Darby NW, Hughson DL, Stewart KM. Animal movement and associated infectious disease risk in a metapopulation. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:220390. [PMID: 36756067 PMCID: PMC9890124 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Animal movements among habitat patches or populations are important for maintaining long-term genetic and demographic viability, but connectivity may also facilitate disease spread and persistence. Understanding factors that influence animal movements is critical to understanding potential transmission risk and persistence of communicable disease in spatially structured systems. We evaluated effects of sex, age and Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae infection status at capture on intermountain movements and seasonal movement rates observed in desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) using global positioning system collar data from 135 individuals (27 males, 108 females) in 14 populations between 2013 and 2018, following a pneumonia outbreak linked to the pathogen M. ovipneumoniae in the Mojave Desert, California, USA. Based on logistic regression analysis, intermountain movements were influenced by sex, age and most notably, infection status at capture: males, older animals and uninfected individuals were most likely to make such movements. Based on multiple linear regression analysis, females that tested positive for M. ovipneumoniae at capture also had lower mean daily movement rates that were further influenced by season. Our study provides empirical evidence of a pathogenic infection decreasing an individual's future mobility, presumably limiting that pathogen's ability to spread, and ultimately influencing transmission risk within a spatially structured system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella J. Dekelaita
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Clinton W. Epps
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - David W. German
- Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep Recovery Program, CaliforniaDepartment of Fish and Wildlife, Bishop, CA 93514, USA
| | - Jenny G. Powers
- Biological Resources Division, National Park Service, 1201 Oakridge Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525, USA
| | - Ben J. Gonzales
- Wildlife Investigations Laboratory, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1701 Nimbus Road, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670-4503, USA
| | - Regina K. Abella-Vu
- Wildlife Branch, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1812 Ninth Street, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA
| | - Neal W. Darby
- Mojave National Preserve, National Park Service, 2701 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311, USA
| | - Debra L. Hughson
- Mojave National Preserve, National Park Service, 2701 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311, USA
| | - Kelley M. Stewart
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557-0186, USA
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Isolation and Identification of Aeromonas veronii in Sheep with Fatal Infection in China: A Case Report. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020333. [PMID: 36838298 PMCID: PMC9961254 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the findings of a sheep breeding farm in Shaanxi, China, 2.53% (15/594) of sheep exhibited respiratory (clinical) symptoms such as dyspnoea, nasal discharge, wet cough, fever, and progressive emaciation. Although multi-drug treatment strategies (including ampicillin, tylosin, florfenicol, and ceftiofur) have been attempted to improve clinical outcomes, they have only been met with limited success, with a mortality rate of 40%. Ultimately, Aeromonas veronii (A. veronii) was identified as the causative pathogen for respiratory disease. The rates of symptomatic and asymptomatic sheep positive to A. veronii were 64.28% (95% CI 52.25-76.31%) and 8.02% (95% CI 6.96-9.08%), respectively. Pathogenicity tests demonstrated that the A. veronii is pathogenic to sheep and mice. The results of the antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed that the strain was sensitive to cefotaxime, gentamicin, and enrofloxacin and resistant to ampicillin, ceftiofur, amoxicillin, kanamycin, neomycin, streptomycin, tetracycline, florfenicol, and tylosin. We suggest that the combination of cefotaxime and gentamicin is an effective treatment based on the results of an antimicrobial susceptibility test, which exhibited good therapeutic efficacy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in which pathogenic A. veronii has been documented as the cause of death in sheep in China. We concluded that pathogenic A. veronii poses a potential risk to the industry of sheep husbandry. This study's findings can help guide prevention and treatment plans for A. veronii infection in sheep.
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Walsh DP, Felts BL, Cassirer EF, Besser TE, Jenks JA. Host vs. pathogen evolutionary arms race: Effects of exposure history on individual response to a genetically diverse pathogen. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.1039234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThroughout their range, bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) populations have seen significant disease-associated declines. Unfortunately, understanding of the underlying epidemiological processes driving the disease dynamics in this species has hindered conservation efforts aimed at improving the health and long-term viability of these populations. Individual response to pathogen exposure emerges from dynamic interactions between competing evolutionary processes within the host and pathogen. The host’s adaptive immune system recognizes pathogens and mounts a defensive response. Pathogens have evolved strategies to overcome adaptive immune defenses including maintaining high genetic diversity through rapid evolution. The outcomes of this evolutionary warfare determine the success of pathogen invasion of the host and ultimately the success of conservation efforts.MethodsDuring an epizootic dominated by a single strain, we explore these host-pathogen dynamics by examining the variation in effects of pathogen invasion on captive bighorn sheep with differing histories of exposure to genetically diverse strains of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (Movi). We monitored clinical signs of disease and sampled animals and their environment to detect spread of Movi among 37 bighorn sheep separated into nine pens based on known exposure histories.ResultsWe documented Movi transmission within and across pens and we detected Movi DNA in air, water, and invertebrate samples. Higher levels of antibody to Movi prior to the epizootic were associated with a lower likelihood of presenting clinical signs of pneumonia. Nonetheless, higher antibody levels in symptomatic individuals were associated with more severe progressive disease, increased probability and speed of pneumonia-induced mortality, and reduced likelihood of returning to a healthy state. Bighorn sheep with previous exposure to a strain other than the predominant epizootic strain were more likely to recover.DiscussionOur results indicate that Movi-strain variability was sufficient to overwhelm the adaptive host immunological defenses. This outcome indicates, in free-ranging herds, past exposure is likely insufficient to protect bighorn sheep from infection by new Movi strains, although it influences the progression of disease and recovery within the herd. Therefore, given Movi-strain variability and the lack of immunological protection from past exposure, focusing management efforts on minimizing the introduction of Movi into bighorn herds, through separation of domestic and bighorn sheep and avoidance of management activities that create commingling of bighorn sheep carrying differing Movi strains, will likely be the most effective approach for reducing the effects of disease and achieving bighorn sheep conservation goals.
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Dugovich BS, Beechler BR, Dolan BP, Crowhurst RS, Gonzales BJ, Powers JG, Hughson DL, Vu RK, Epps CW, Jolles AE. Population connectivity patterns of genetic diversity, immune responses and exposure to infectious pneumonia in a metapopulation of desert bighorn sheep. J Anim Ecol 2023. [PMID: 36637333 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Habitat fragmentation is an important driver of biodiversity loss and can be remediated through management actions aimed at maintenance of natural connectivity in metapopulations. Connectivity may protect populations from infectious diseases by preserving immunogenetic diversity and disease resistance. However, connectivity could exacerbate the risk of infectious disease spread across vulnerable populations. We tracked the spread of a novel strain of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in a metapopulation of desert bighorn sheep Ovis canadensis nelsoni in the Mojave Desert to investigate how variation in connectivity among populations influenced disease outcomes. M. ovipneumoniae was detected throughout the metapopulation, indicating that the relative isolation of many of these populations did not protect them from pathogen invasion. However, we show that connectivity among bighorn sheep populations was correlated with higher immunogenetic diversity, a protective immune response and lower disease prevalence. Variation in protective immunity predicted infection risk in individual bighorn sheep and was associated with heterozygosity at genetic loci linked to adaptive and innate immune signalling. Together, these findings may indicate that population connectivity maintains immunogenetic diversity in bighorn sheep populations in this system and has direct effects on immune responses in individual bighorn sheep and their susceptibility to infection by a deadly pathogen. Our study suggests that the genetic benefits of population connectivity could outweigh the risk of infectious disease spread and supports conservation management that maintains natural connectivity in metapopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian S Dugovich
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Brianna R Beechler
- Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Brian P Dolan
- Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Rachel S Crowhurst
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Ben J Gonzales
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Rancho Cordova, California, USA
| | - Jenny G Powers
- National Park Service, Biological Resources Division, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Debra L Hughson
- National Park Service, Mojave National Preserve, Barstow, California, USA
| | - Regina K Vu
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Rancho Cordova, California, USA
| | - Clinton W Epps
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Anna E Jolles
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA.,Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
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Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae: A Most Variable Pathogen. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121477. [PMID: 36558811 PMCID: PMC9781387 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, a well-established respiratory pathogen of sheep and goats, has gained increased importance recently because of its detection in wild ruminants including members of the Cervidae family. Despite its frequent isolation from apparently healthy animals, it is responsible for outbreaks of severe respiratory disease which are often linked to infections with multiple heterologous strains. Furthermore, M. ovipneumoniae is characterized by an unusually wide host range, a high degree of phenotypic, biochemical, and genomic heterogeneity, and variable and limited growth in mycoplasma media. A number of mechanisms have been proposed for its pathogenicity, including the production of hydrogen peroxide, reactive oxygen species production, and toxins. It shows wide metabolic activity in vitro, being able to utilize substrates such as glucose, pyruvate, and isopropanol; these patterns can be used to differentiate strains. Treatment of infections in the field is complicated by large variations in the susceptibility of strains to antimicrobials, with many showing high minimum inhibitory concentrations. The lack of commercially available vaccines is probably due to the high cost of developing vaccines for diseases in small ruminants not presently seen as high priority. Multiple strains found in affected sheep and goats may also hamper the development of effective vaccines. This review summarizes the current knowledge and identifies gaps in research on M. ovipneumoniae, including its epidemiology in sheep and goats, pathology and clinical presentation, infection in wild ruminants, virulence factors, metabolism, comparative genomics, genotypic variability, phenotypic variability, evolutionary mechanisms, isolation and culture, detection and identification, antimicrobial susceptibility, variations in antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, vaccines, and control.
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12
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Anderson K, Cahn ML, Stephenson TR, Few AP, Hatfield BE, German DW, Weissman JM, Croft B. Cost distance models to predict contact between bighorn sheep and domestic sheep. WILDLIFE SOC B 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Anderson
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife 787 North Main Street, Suite 220 Bishop CA 93514 USA
| | - Maya L. Cahn
- School of Forestry and Environmental Studies Yale University 370 Prospect Street New Haven CT 06511 USA
| | - Thomas R. Stephenson
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife 787 North Main Street, Suite 220 Bishop CA 93514 USA
| | - Alexandra P. Few
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife 787 North Main Street, Suite 220 Bishop CA 93514 USA
| | - Brian E. Hatfield
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife 787 North Main Street, Suite 220 Bishop CA 93514 USA
| | - David W. German
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife 787 North Main Street, Suite 220 Bishop CA 93514 USA
| | - Jonathon M. Weissman
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife 787 North Main Street, Suite 220 Bishop CA 93514 USA
| | - Brian Croft
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 777 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 208 Palm Springs CA 92262 USA
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Bowen L, Manlove K, Roug A, Waters S, LaHue N, Wolff P. Using transcriptomics to predict and visualize disease status in bighorn sheep ( Ovis canadensis). CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 10:coac046. [PMID: 35795016 PMCID: PMC9252122 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coac046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Increasing risk of pathogen spillover coupled with overall declines in wildlife population abundance in the Anthropocene make infectious disease a relevant concern for species conservation worldwide. While emerging molecular tools could improve our diagnostic capabilities and give insight into mechanisms underlying wildlife disease risk, they have rarely been applied in practice. Here, employing a previously reported gene transcription panel of common immune markers to track physiological changes, we present a detailed analysis over the course of both acute and chronic infection in one wildlife species where disease plays a critical role in conservation, bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis). Differential gene transcription patterns distinguished between infection statuses over the course of acute infection and differential correlation (DC) analyses identified clear changes in gene co-transcription patterns over the early stages of infection, with transcription of four genes-TGFb, AHR, IL1b and MX1-continuing to increase even as transcription of other immune-associated genes waned. In a separate analysis, we considered the capacity of the same gene transcription panel to aid in differentiating between chronically infected animals and animals in other disease states outside of acute disease events (an immediate priority for wildlife management in this system). We found that this transcription panel was capable of accurately identifying chronically infected animals in the test dataset, though additional data will be required to determine how far this ability extends. Taken together, our results showcase the successful proof of concept and breadth of potential utilities that gene transcription might provide to wildlife disease management, from direct insight into mechanisms associated with differential disease response to improved diagnostic capacity in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kezia Manlove
- Department of Wildland Resources and Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Annette Roug
- Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Shannon Waters
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Nate LaHue
- Nevada Department of Wildlife, Reno, NV, 89512, USA
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14
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Manlove KR, Roug A, Sinclair K, Ricci LE, Hersey KR, Martinez C, Martinez MA, Mower K, Ortega T, Rominger E, Ruhl C, Tatman N, Taylor J. Bighorn sheep show similar in-host responses to the same pathogen strain in two contrasting environments. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9109. [PMID: 35866023 PMCID: PMC9288933 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecological context-the biotic and abiotic environment, along with its influence on population mixing dynamics and individual susceptibility-is thought to have major bearing on epidemic outcomes. However, direct comparisons of wildlife disease events in contrasting ecological contexts are often confounded by concurrent differences in host genetics, exposure histories, or pathogen strains. Here, we compare disease dynamics of a Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae spillover event that affected bighorn sheep populations in two contrasting ecological contexts. One event occurred on the herd's home range near the Rio Grande Gorge in New Mexico, while the other occurred in a captive facility at Hardware Ranch in Utah. While data collection regimens varied, general patterns of antibody signal strength and symptom emergence were conserved between the two sites. Symptoms appeared in the captive setting an average of 12.9 days postexposure, average time to seroconversion was 24.9 days, and clinical signs peaked at approximately 36 days postinfection. These patterns were consistent with serological testing and subsequent declines in symptom intensity in the free-ranging herd. At the captive site, older animals exhibited more severe declines in body condition and loin thickness, higher symptom burdens, and slower antibody response to the pathogen than younger animals. Younger animals were more likely than older animals to clear infection by the time of sampling at both sites. The patterns presented here suggest that environment may not be a major determinant of epidemiological outcomes in the bighorn sheep-M. ovipneumoniae system, elevating the possibility that host- or pathogen-factors may be responsible for observed variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kezia R Manlove
- Department of Wildland Resources and Ecology Center Utah State University Logan Utah USA
| | - Annette Roug
- Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Salt Lake City Utah USA.,Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Research, Faculty of Veterinary Science University of Pretoria Onderstepoort South Africa
| | - Kylie Sinclair
- Department of Wildland Resources and Ecology Center Utah State University Logan Utah USA
| | - Lauren E Ricci
- Department of Wildland Resources and Ecology Center Utah State University Logan Utah USA
| | - Kent R Hersey
- Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Salt Lake City Utah USA
| | | | | | - Kerry Mower
- New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Santa Fe New Mexico USA
| | - Talisa Ortega
- Taos Pueblo Division of Natural Resources Taos New Mexico USA
| | - Eric Rominger
- New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Santa Fe New Mexico USA
| | - Caitlin Ruhl
- New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Santa Fe New Mexico USA
| | - Nicole Tatman
- New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Santa Fe New Mexico USA
| | - Jace Taylor
- Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Salt Lake City Utah USA.,US Fish and Wildlife Service Washington District of Columbia USA
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15
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Dawood A, Algharib SA, Zhao G, Zhu T, Qi M, Delai K, Hao Z, Marawan MA, Shirani I, Guo A. Mycoplasmas as Host Pantropic and Specific Pathogens: Clinical Implications, Gene Transfer, Virulence Factors, and Future Perspectives. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:855731. [PMID: 35646746 PMCID: PMC9137434 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.855731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasmas as economically important and pantropic pathogens can cause similar clinical diseases in different hosts by eluding host defense and establishing their niches despite their limited metabolic capacities. Besides, enormous undiscovered virulence has a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of pathogenic mycoplasmas. On the other hand, they are host-specific pathogens with some highly pathogenic members that can colonize a vast number of habitats. Reshuffling mycoplasmas genetic information and evolving rapidly is a way to avoid their host's immune system. However, currently, only a few control measures exist against some mycoplasmosis which are far from satisfaction. This review aimed to provide an updated insight into the state of mycoplasmas as pathogens by summarizing and analyzing the comprehensive progress, current challenge, and future perspectives of mycoplasmas. It covers clinical implications of mycoplasmas in humans and domestic and wild animals, virulence-related factors, the process of gene transfer and its crucial prospects, the current application and future perspectives of nanotechnology for diagnosing and curing mycoplasmosis, Mycoplasma vaccination, and protective immunity. Several questions remain unanswered and are recommended to pay close attention to. The findings would be helpful to develop new strategies for basic and applied research on mycoplasmas and facilitate the control of mycoplasmosis for humans and various species of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Dawood
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, (HZAU), Wuhan, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Egypt
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Samah Attia Algharib
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, HZAU, Wuhan, China
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, Egypt
| | - Gang Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, (HZAU), Wuhan, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingting Zhu
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, (HZAU), Wuhan, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingpu Qi
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, (HZAU), Wuhan, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kong Delai
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, (HZAU), Wuhan, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiyu Hao
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, (HZAU), Wuhan, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Marawan A. Marawan
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, (HZAU), Wuhan, China
- Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, Egypt
| | - Ihsanullah Shirani
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, (HZAU), Wuhan, China
- Para-Clinic Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jalalabad, Afghanistan
| | - Aizhen Guo
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, (HZAU), Wuhan, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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16
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Johnson BM, Stroud-Settles J, Roug A, Manlove K. Disease Ecology of a Low-Virulence Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae Strain in a Free-Ranging Desert Bighorn Sheep Population. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12081029. [PMID: 35454275 PMCID: PMC9028599 DOI: 10.3390/ani12081029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Like many wildlife diseases, bighorn sheep pneumonia can vary in burden. Here, we report on a bighorn sheep pneumonia event that showed much lower symptom and mortality burdens than have been documented previously. We provide detailed descriptions of symptoms, diagnostic testing results, and mixing patterns throughout the population, and end by discussing mechanisms that could have generated the distinct disease ecology associated with this event. Abstract Infectious pneumonia associated with the bacterial pathogen Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is an impediment to bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) population recovery throughout western North America, yet the full range of M. ovipneumoniae virulence in bighorn sheep is not well-understood. Here, we present data from an M. ovipneumoniae introduction event in the Zion desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) population in southern Utah. The ensuing disease event exhibited epidemiology distinct from what has been reported elsewhere, with virtually no mortality (0 adult mortalities among 70 animals tracked over 118 animal-years; 1 lamb mortality among 40 lambs tracked through weaning in the two summers following introduction; and lamb:ewe ratios of 34.9:100 in the year immediately after introduction and 49.4:100 in the second year after introduction). Individual-level immune responses were lower than expected, and M. ovipneumoniae appeared to fade out approximately 1.5 to 2 years after introduction. Several mechanisms could explain the limited burden of this M. ovipneumoniae event. First, most work on M. ovipneumoniae has centered on Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (O. c. candensis), but the Zion bighorns are members of the desert subspecies (O. c. nelsoni). Second, the particular M. ovipneumoniae strain involved comes from a clade of strains associated with weaker demographic responses in other settings. Third, the substructuring of the Zion population may have made this population more resilient to disease invasion and persistence. The limited burden of the disease event on the Zion bighorn population underscores a broader point in wildlife disease ecology: that one size may not fit all events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna M. Johnson
- Department of Wildland Resources and Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84321, USA;
| | | | - Annette Roug
- Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, 1594 W North Temple Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, USA;
- Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Research, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Soutpan Road, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Kezia Manlove
- Department of Wildland Resources and Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84321, USA;
- Correspondence:
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17
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Johnson T, Jones K, Jacobson BT, Schearer J, Adams N, Thornton I, Mosdal C, Jones S, Jutila M, Rynda-Apple A, Besser T, Bimczok D. Experimental infection of specific-pathogen-free domestic lambs with Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae causes asymptomatic colonization of the upper airways that is resistant to antibiotic treatment. Vet Microbiol 2022; 265:109334. [PMID: 35033769 PMCID: PMC9109813 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovipneumoniae) is a respiratory pathogen associated with mild to moderate respiratory disease in domestic lambs and severe pneumonia outbreaks in wild ruminants such as bighorn sheep. However, whether M. ovipneumoniae by itself causes clinical respiratory disease in domestic sheep in the absence of secondary bacterial pathogens is still unclear. The goal of our study was to better understand the role of M. ovipneumoniae as a respiratory pathogen in domestic sheep and to explore potential antibiotic treatment approaches. Therefore, we inoculated four 4-month-old, specific-pathogen-free lambs with fresh nasal wash fluids from M. ovipneumoniae-infected sheep. The lambs were monitored for M. ovipneumoniae colonization, M. ovipneumoniae-specific antibodies, clinical signs, and cellular and molecular correlates of lung inflammation for eight weeks. All lambs then were treated with gamithromycin and observed for an additional four weeks. M. ovipneumoniae inoculation resulted in stable colonization of the upper respiratory tract in all M. ovipneumoniae-inoculated, but in none of the four mock-infected control lambs. All M. ovipneumoniae-infected lambs developed a robust antibody response to M. ovipneumoniae within 2 weeks. However, we did not observe significant signs of respiratory disease, evidence of lung damage or inflammation in any of the infected lambs. Interestingly, treatment with gamithromycin, which blocked growth of the M. ovipneumoniae in vitro, failed to reduce M. ovipneumoniae colonization. These observations indicate that, in the absence of co-infections, M. ovipneumoniae caused asymptomatic colonization of the upper respiratory tract that was resistant to clearance by the host immune response and by gamithromycin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thea Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, 2155 Analysis Drive, Bozeman, MT 59718, USA
| | - Kerri Jones
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, 2155 Analysis Drive, Bozeman, MT 59718, USA
| | - B Tegner Jacobson
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, 2155 Analysis Drive, Bozeman, MT 59718, USA
| | - Julia Schearer
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, 2155 Analysis Drive, Bozeman, MT 59718, USA
| | - Noah Adams
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, Montana State University, USA
| | - Isaak Thornton
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Montana State University, USA
| | - Cassie Mosdal
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, 2155 Analysis Drive, Bozeman, MT 59718, USA
| | - Steven Jones
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, 2155 Analysis Drive, Bozeman, MT 59718, USA
| | - Mark Jutila
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, 2155 Analysis Drive, Bozeman, MT 59718, USA
| | - Agnieszka Rynda-Apple
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, 2155 Analysis Drive, Bozeman, MT 59718, USA
| | - Thomas Besser
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, PO Box 647040, Pullman, WA 99164-7040, USA
| | - Diane Bimczok
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, 2155 Analysis Drive, Bozeman, MT 59718, USA.
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18
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Martin AM, Hogg JT, Manlove KR, LaSharr TN, Shannon JM, McWhirter DE, Miyasaki H, Monteith KL, Cross PC. Disease and secondary sexual traits: effects of pneumonia on horn size of bighorn sheep. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alynn M. Martin
- U.S. Geological Survey Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center 2327 University Way, Suite #2 Bozeman MT 59715 USA
| | - John T. Hogg
- Montana Conservation Science Institute Missoula MT 59803 USA
| | - Kezia R. Manlove
- Department of Wildland Resources and Ecology Center Utah State University Logan UT 84322 USA
| | - Tayler N. LaSharr
- Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology University of Wyoming Laramie WY 82071 USA
| | - Justin M. Shannon
- Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Utah Department of Natural Resources Salt Lake City UT 84116 USA
| | | | | | - Kevin L. Monteith
- Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology University of Wyoming Laramie WY 82071 USA
| | - Paul C. Cross
- U.S. Geological Survey Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center 2327 University Way, Suite #2 Bozeman MT 59715 USA
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19
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Koester LR, Petry AL, Youngs CR, Schmitz-Esser S. Ewe Vaginal Microbiota: Associations With Pregnancy Outcome and Changes During Gestation. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:745884. [PMID: 34745049 PMCID: PMC8570082 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.745884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive performance is paramount to the success of livestock production enterprises focused on lamb meat production. Reproductive success is influenced by various factors, possibly including the reproductive tract microbial communities present at the time of copulation and throughout pregnancy. There are few publications that identify the vaginal microbial communities of livestock, and even fewer exist for sheep. To compare ewe vaginal microbial communities, vaginal swabs were taken from 67 Hampshire and Hampshire X Suffolk crossbred ewes from the Iowa State University sheep farm at a pre-breeding time point (S1) and after pregnancy testing (S2). Animals that were determined pregnant were sampled again within a few days of expected parturition (S3). DNA was extracted from these swabs, and 16S rRNA gene Illumina MiSeq amplicon sequencing was conducted to fingerprint the bacterial communities found within this system. Pre-breeding time point samples showed no differences in community structure between animals later found to be pregnant or non-pregnant, but significant changes were detected in species richness (Chao; P < 0.001) and species diversity (Shannon; P < 0.001) at the second sampling time point. A higher microbial diversity within the S2 time point samples may suggest a more stable environment driven by pregnancy, as this increased diversity is maintained in pregnant animals from the S2 to the S3 time point. Additionally, several bacterial phylotypes, such as Mannheimia, Oscillospiraceae-like OTUs and Alistipes, were more abundant at either the S1 or S2 time points in animals that established pregnancy, suggesting a beneficial effect on pregnancy outcome. This study identifies changes within the microbial communities of the ewe vagina before and during gestation and offers inferences on how these changes may impact pregnancy outcome. Information presented herein offers new knowledge about sheep vaginal microbial communities and serves as a starting point to help guide researchers to improve sheep reproductive performance in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas R Koester
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States.,Interdepartmental Microbiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Amy L Petry
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Curtis R Youngs
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Stephan Schmitz-Esser
- Interdepartmental Microbiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States.,Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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20
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Besser TE, Cassirer EF, Lisk A, Nelson D, Manlove KR, Cross PC, Hogg JT. Natural history of a bighorn sheep pneumonia epizootic: Source of infection, course of disease, and pathogen clearance. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:14366-14382. [PMID: 34765112 PMCID: PMC8571585 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A respiratory disease epizootic at the National Bison Range (NBR) in Montana in 2016-2017 caused an 85% decline in the bighorn sheep population, documented by observations of its unmarked but individually identifiable members, the subjects of an ongoing long-term study. The index case was likely one of a small group of young bighorn sheep on a short-term exploratory foray in early summer of 2016. Disease subsequently spread through the population, with peak mortality in September and October and continuing signs of respiratory disease and sporadic mortality of all age classes through early July 2017. Body condition scores and clinical signs suggested that the disease affected ewe groups before rams, although by the end of the epizootic, ram mortality (90% of 71) exceeded ewe mortality (79% of 84). Microbiological sampling 10 years to 3 months prior to the epizootic had documented no evidence of infection or exposure to Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae at NBR, but during the epizootic, a single genetic strain of M. ovipneumoniae was detected in affected animals. Retrospective screening of domestic sheep flocks near the NBR identified the same genetic strain in one flock, presumptively the source of the epizootic infection. Evidence of fatal lamb pneumonia was observed during the first two lambing seasons following the epizootic but was absent during the third season following the death of the last identified M. ovipneumoniae carrier ewe. Monitoring of life-history traits prior to the epizootic provided no evidence that environmentally and/or demographically induced nutritional or other stress contributed to the epizootic. Furthermore, the epizootic occurred despite proactive management actions undertaken to reduce risk of disease and increase resilience in this population. This closely observed bighorn sheep epizootic uniquely illustrates the natural history of the disease including the (presumptive) source of spillover, course, severity, and eventual pathogen clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E. Besser
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and PathologyWashington State UniversityPullmanWashingtonUSA
| | | | - Amy Lisk
- US Fish and Wildlife ServiceMoieseMontanaUSA
| | - Danielle Nelson
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic LaboratoryDepartment of Veterinary Microbiology and PathologyWashington State UniversityPullmanWashingtonUSA
| | - Kezia R. Manlove
- Department of Wildland Resources & Ecology CenterUtah State UniversityLoganUtahUSA
| | - Paul C. Cross
- U. S. Geological SurveyNorthern Rocky Mountain Science CenterBozemanMontanaUSA
| | - John T. Hogg
- Montana Conservation Science InstituteMissoulaMontanaUSA
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21
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Chen J, Zhou Y, Zhu E, Yang P, Li M, Zhang S, Yue J, Wen M, Wang K, Cheng Z. Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae induces caspase-8-dependent extrinsic apoptosis and p53- and ROS-dependent intrinsic apoptosis in murine alveolar macrophages. Virulence 2021; 12:2703-2720. [PMID: 34678131 PMCID: PMC8923071 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1984714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (MO) is a principle causative agent of chronic respiratory disease in ruminants, including sheep, goats, and deer, posing a great threat to the ruminant industry worldwide. However, the pathogenesis of MO infection still remains not well understood and needs further clarification. Here we report a time-dependent apoptosis in cultured murine alveolar macrophage (MH-S) cell lines in response to MO infection in vitro. Mechanistically, MO infection activated apoptosis in MH-S cells through caspase-8-dependent extrinsic pathway and through tumor protein 53 (p53)- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent intrinsic mitochondrial pathways. Moreover, MO infection promoted both transcription and translation of proinflammatory cytokine genes including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), in a caspase-8-, p53-, and ROS-dependent manner, implying a potential link between MO-induced inflammation and apoptotic cell death. Collectively, our results suggest that MO infection induces the activation of extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways in cultured MH-S cells, which is related to upregulated expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Our findings will contribute to the elucidation of pathogenesis in MO infection and provide valuable reference for the development of new strategies for controlling MO infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Veterinary Public Health of Guizhou Province, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Veterinary Public Health of Guizhou Province, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Erpeng Zhu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Veterinary Public Health of Guizhou Province, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Peng Yang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Veterinary Public Health of Guizhou Province, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Mei Li
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Veterinary Public Health of Guizhou Province, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shuangxiang Zhang
- The Laboratory of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, China
| | - Jun Yue
- The Laboratory of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, China
| | - Ming Wen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Veterinary Public Health of Guizhou Province, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Kaigong Wang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Veterinary Public Health of Guizhou Province, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhentao Cheng
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Veterinary Public Health of Guizhou Province, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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22
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Li Z, Du Z, Li J, Sun Y. Comparative analysis on lung transcriptome of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (Mo) - infected Bashbay sheep and argali hybrid sheep. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:327. [PMID: 34645427 PMCID: PMC8511284 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03040-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bashbay sheep (Bbs) has a certain degree of resistance to Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (Mo), however, Argali hybrid sheep (Ahs) is susceptible to Mo. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the difference of the susceptibility for Mo infection, RNA-sequencing technology was used to compare the transcriptomic response of the lung tissue of Mo-infected Bbs and Ahs. Results Six Bbs and six Ahs were divided into experimental group and control group respectively, all of them were experimentally infected with Mo by intratracheal injection. For collecting lung tissue samples, three Bbs and three Ahs were sacrificed on day 4 post-infection, and the others were sacrificed on day 14 post-infection. Total RNA extracted from lung tissue were used for transcriptome analyses based on high-throughput sequencing technique and bioinformatics. The results showed that 212 (146 up-regulated, 66 down-regulated) DEGs were found when comparing transcriptomic data of Bbs and Ahs at 4th dpi, besides, 311 (158 up-regulated, 153 down-regulated) DEGs were found at 14th dpi. After GO analysis, three main GO items protein glycosylation, immune response and positive regulation of gene expression were found related to Mo infection. In addition, there were 20 DEGs enriched in these above items, such as SPLUC1 (BPIFA1), P2X7R, DQA, HO-1 and SP-A (SFTPA-1). Conclusions These selected 20 DEGs associated with Mo infection laid the foundation for further study on the underlying molecular mechanism involved in high level of resistance to Mo expressed by Bbs, meanwhile, provided deeper understandings about the development of pathogenicity and host-pathogen interactions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-021-03040-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengqiang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832003, China
| | - Zhihui Du
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832003, China
| | - Jie Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832003, China
| | - Yanming Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832003, China.
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Thorne JW, Murdoch BM, Freking BA, Redden RR, Murphy TW, Taylor JB, Blackburn HD. Evolution of the sheep industry and genetic research in the United States: opportunities for convergence in the twenty-first century. Anim Genet 2021; 52:395-408. [PMID: 33955573 PMCID: PMC8360125 DOI: 10.1111/age.13067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The continuous development and application of technology for genetic improvement is a key element for advancing sheep production in the United States. The US sheep industry has contracted over time but appears to be at a juncture where a greater utilization of technology can facilitate industry expansion to new markets and address inefficiencies in traditional production practices. Significant transformations include the increased value of lamb in relation to wool, and a downtrend in large-scale operations but a simultaneous rise in small flocks. Additionally, popularity of hair breeds not requiring shearing has surged, particularly in semi-arid and subtropical US environments. A variety of domestically developed composite breeds and newly established technological approaches are now widely available for the sheep industry to use as it navigates these ongoing transformations. These genetic resources can also address long-targeted areas of improvement such as growth, reproduction and parasite resistance. Moderate progress in production efficiency has been achieved by producers who have employed estimated breeding values, but widespread adoption of this technology has been limited. Genomic marker panels have recently shown promise for reducing disease susceptibility, identifying parentage and providing a foundation for marker-assisted selection. As the ovine genome is further explored and genomic assemblies are improved, the sheep research community in the USA can capitalize on new-found information to develop and apply genetic technologies to improve the production efficiency and profitability of the sheep industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. W. Thorne
- Texas A&M AgriLife ExtensionTexas A&M UniversitySan AngeloTX76901USA
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food ScienceUniversity of IdahoMoscowID83844USA
| | - B. M. Murdoch
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food ScienceUniversity of IdahoMoscowID83844USA
| | - B. A. Freking
- United States Meat Animal Research CenterUnited States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research ServiceClay CenterNE68933‐0166USA
| | - R. R. Redden
- Texas A&M AgriLife ExtensionTexas A&M UniversitySan AngeloTX76901USA
| | - T. W. Murphy
- United States Meat Animal Research CenterUnited States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research ServiceClay CenterNE68933‐0166USA
| | - J. B. Taylor
- United States Sheep Experiment StationUnited States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research ServiceDuboisID83423USA
| | - H. D. Blackburn
- National Animal Germplasm ProgramUnited States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research ServiceFort CollinsCO80521USA
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Miller A, Matera-Witkiewicz A, Mikołajczyk A, Wątły J, Wilcox D, Witkowska D, Rowińska-Żyrek M. Zn-Enhanced Asp-Rich Antimicrobial Peptides: N-Terminal Coordination by Zn(II) and Cu(II), Which Distinguishes Cu(II) Binding to Different Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136971. [PMID: 34203496 PMCID: PMC8267837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The antimicrobial activity of surfactant-associated anionic peptides (SAAPs), which are isolated from the ovine pulmonary surfactant and are selective against the ovine pathogen Mannheimia haemolytica, is strongly enhanced in the presence of Zn(II) ions. Both calorimetry and ITC measurements show that the unique Asp-only peptide SAAP3 (DDDDDDD) and its analogs SAAP2 (GDDDDDD) and SAAP6 (GADDDDD) have a similar micromolar affinity for Zn(II), which binds to the N-terminal amine and Asp carboxylates in a net entropically-driven process. All three peptides also bind Cu(II) with a net entropically-driven process but with higher affinity than they bind Zn(II) and coordination that involves the N-terminal amine and deprotonated amides as the pH increases. The parent SAAP3 binds Cu(II) with the highest affinity; however, as shown with potentiometry and absorption, CD and EPR spectroscopy, Asp residues in the first and/or second positions distinguish Cu(II) binding to SAAP3 and SAAP2 from their binding to SAAP6, decreasing the Cu(II) Lewis acidity and suppressing its square planar amide coordination by two pH units. We also show that these metal ions do not stabilize a membrane disrupting ability nor do they induce the antimicrobial activity of these peptides against a panel of human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Miller
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.M.); (J.W.)
| | - Agnieszka Matera-Witkiewicz
- Screening Laboratory of Biological Activity Tests and Collection of Biological Material, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.M.-W.); (A.M.)
| | - Aleksandra Mikołajczyk
- Screening Laboratory of Biological Activity Tests and Collection of Biological Material, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.M.-W.); (A.M.)
| | - Joanna Wątły
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.M.); (J.W.)
| | - Dean Wilcox
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, 6128 Burke Laboratory, Hanover, NH 03755, USA;
| | - Danuta Witkowska
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of Opole, 68 Katowicka St., 45-060 Opole, Poland
- Correspondence: (D.W.); (M.R.-Ż.)
| | - Magdalena Rowińska-Żyrek
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.M.); (J.W.)
- Correspondence: (D.W.); (M.R.-Ż.)
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Investigation of the Prevalence of Mycoplasma Ovipneumoniae in Southern Xinjiang, China. J Vet Res 2021; 65:155-160. [PMID: 34250299 PMCID: PMC8256467 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2021-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction It is very important to monitor the infection of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae as a potential threat to the sheep industry. Southern Xinjiang is a major sheep breeding base in China, however, there is no relevant information concerning the infection of the region’s ovine stock with this bacteria at present. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap. Material and Methods A total of 824 nasal swabs and the lungs of six sheep that died of pneumonia were collected in four regions between 2018 and 2020. Primers specific for M. ovipneumoniae and universal ones for the genus were used for PCR. Sequencing was undertaken of 159 universal primer-positive samples (153 nasal swabs and 6 lungs) and of 84 specific primer-positive samples (80 nasal swabs, 20 per region; and 4 lungs, 1 per region). The lungs were also sampled for the isolation of M. ovipneumoniae. A phylogenetic tree based on partial sequences of the Mycoplasma 16S rRNA gene was built. Results The overall nasal swab positive rate for M. ovipneumoniae was 40.78%; the rate of animals older than 12 months was significantly different to those of younger sheep (< 3 months, 53.39%; 3 – 12 months, 46.01%; >12 months, 31.76%). Four strains of M. ovipneumoniae were isolated from six lungs. Phylogenetic analysis indicated their origin outside southern Xinjiang. Two other species were also detected: M. arginine and M. conjunctivae. Conclusion Our survey indicated that a high level of M. ovipneumoniae asymptomatic colonisation in sheep, especially in lambs, affects southern Xinjiang and also confirmed the existence of M. conjunctivae and M. arginine. Our results showed that the health of sheep in southern Xinjiang is facing a great threat, and relevant prevention and control measures should be strengthened.
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Grossman PC, Schneider DA, Herndon DR, Knowles DP, Highland MA. Differential pulmonary immunopathology of domestic sheep (Ovis aries) and bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) with Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae infection: A retrospective study. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 76:101641. [PMID: 33689940 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is a respiratory pathogen that impacts domestic sheep (Ovis aries; DS) and bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis; BHS). BHS are reported to be more susceptible than DS to developing polymicrobial pneumonia associated with M. ovipneumoniae infection. Using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues, we performed a retrospective study investigating the pulmonary immune response of DS and BHS to M. ovipneumoniae infection. M. ovipneumoniae infected DS exhibited a more robust and well-organized BALT formation as compared to BHS. Digital analysis of immunohistochemical chromogen deposition in lung tissue was used to quantitate T cell marker CD3, B cell markers CD20 and CD79a, macrophage markers CD163 and Iba1, and cytokine IL-17. A significant interaction of species and infection status was identified for CD3, CD163, and IL-17. BHS had a greater increase in bronchiolar CD3 and bronchiolar and alveolar CD163 with infection, as compared to DS. BHS had an increase in bronchiolar associated lymph tissue (BALT) and alveolar IL-17 with infection, while these remained similar in DS regardless of infection status. IL-17 in respiratory epithelium of bronchi and bronchioles comparatively decreased in DS and increased in BHS with infection. These data begin to define the interspecies differential immune response to pulmonary M. ovipneumoniae infection in DS and BHS and provide the first investigations of respiratory epithelium-associated IL-17 in ovine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige C Grossman
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - David A Schneider
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA; United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - David R Herndon
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Donald P Knowles
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA; United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Margaret A Highland
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA; United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.
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Spaan RS, Epps CW, Crowhurst R, Whittaker D, Cox M, Duarte A. Impact of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae on juvenile bighorn sheep ( Ovis canadensis) survival in the northern Basin and Range ecosystem. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10710. [PMID: 33552728 PMCID: PMC7821761 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining the demographic impacts of wildlife disease is complex because extrinsic and intrinsic drivers of survival, reproduction, body condition, and other factors that may interact with disease vary widely. Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae infection has been linked to persistent mortality in juvenile bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), although mortality appears to vary widely across subspecies, populations, and outbreaks. Hypotheses for that variation range from interactions with nutrition, population density, genetic variation in the pathogen, genetic variation in the host, and other factors. We investigated factors related to survival of juvenile bighorn sheep in reestablished populations in the northern Basin and Range ecosystem, managed as the formerly-recognized California subspecies (hereafter, "California lineage"). We investigated whether survival probability of 4-month juveniles would vary by (1) presence of M. ovipneumoniae-infected or exposed individuals in populations, (2) population genetic diversity, and (3) an index of forage suitability. We monitored 121 juveniles across a 3-year period in 13 populations in southeastern Oregon and northern Nevada. We observed each juvenile and GPS-collared mother semi-monthly and established 4-month capture histories for the juvenile to estimate survival. All collared adult females were PCR-tested at least once for M. ovipneumoniae infection. The presence of M. ovipneumoniae-infected juveniles was determined by observing juvenile behavior and PCR-testing dead juveniles. We used a known-fate model with different time effects to determine if the probability of survival to 4 months varied temporally or was influenced by disease or other factors. We detected dead juveniles infected with M. ovipneumoniae in only two populations. Derived juvenile survival probability at four months in populations where infected juveniles were not detected was more than 20 times higher. Detection of infected adults or adults with antibody levels suggesting prior exposure was less predictive of juvenile survival. Survival varied temporally but was not strongly influenced by population genetic diversity or nutrition, although genetic diversity within most study area populations was very low. We conclude that the presence of M. ovipneumoniae can cause extremely low juvenile survival probability in translocated bighorn populations of the California lineage, but found little influence that genetic diversity or nutrition affect juvenile survival. Yet, after the PCR+ adult female in one population died, subsequent observations found 11 of 14 ( 79%) collared adult females had surviving juveniles at 4-months, suggesting that targeted removals of infected adults should be evaluated as a management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S. Spaan
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States of America
| | - Clinton W. Epps
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States of America
| | - Rachel Crowhurst
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States of America
| | - Donald Whittaker
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Salem, OR, United States of America
| | - Mike Cox
- Nevada Department of Wildlife, Reno, NV, United States of America
| | - Adam Duarte
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States of America
- Pacific Northwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Olympia, WA, United States of America
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Paterson JT, Butler C, Garrott R, Proffitt K. How sure are you? A web-based application to confront imperfect detection of respiratory pathogens in bighorn sheep. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237309. [PMID: 32898140 PMCID: PMC7478830 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationships between host-pathogen population dynamics in wildlife are poorly understood. An impediment to progress in understanding these relationships is imperfect detection of diagnostic tests used to detect pathogens. If ignored, imperfect detection precludes accurate assessment of pathogen presence and prevalence, foundational parameters for deciphering host-pathogen dynamics and disease etiology. Respiratory disease in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) is a significant impediment to their conservation and restoration, and effective management requires a better understanding of the structure of the pathogen communities. Our primary objective was to develop an easy-to-use and accessible web-based Shiny application that estimates the probability (with associated uncertainty) that a respiratory pathogen is present in a herd and its prevalence given imperfect detection. Our application combines the best-available information on the probabilities of detection for various respiratory pathogen diagnostic protocols with a hierarchical Bayesian model of pathogen prevalence. We demonstrated this application using four examples of diagnostic tests from three herds of bighorn sheep in Montana. For instance, one population with no detections of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (PCR assay) still had an 6% probability of the pathogen being present in the herd. Similarly, the apparent prevalence (0.32) of M. ovipneumoniae in another herd was a substantial underestimate of estimated true prevalence (0.46: 95% CI = [0.25, 0.71]). The negative bias of naïve prevalence increased as the probability of detection of testing protocols worsened such that the apparent prevalence of Mannheimia haemolytica (culture assay) in a herd (0.24) was less than one third that of estimated true prevalence (0.78: 95% CI = [0.43, 0.99]). We found a small difference in the estimates of the probability that Mannheimia spp. (culture assay) was present in one herd between the binomial sampling approach (0.24) and the hypergeometric approach (0.22). Ignoring the implications of imperfect detection and sampling variation for assessing pathogen communities in bighorn sheep can result in spurious inference on pathogen presence and prevalence, and potentially poorly informed management decisions. Our Shiny application makes the rigorous assessment of pathogen presence, prevalence and uncertainty straightforward, and we suggest it should be incorporated into a new paradigm of disease monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Terrill Paterson
- Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Carson Butler
- Fish and Wildlife Branch, Grand Teton National Park, Moose, WY, United States of America
| | - Robert Garrott
- Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States of America
| | - Kelly Proffitt
- Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, Bozeman, MT, United States of America
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Devoe JD, Lowrey B, Proffitt KM, Garrott RA. Restoration Potential of Bighorn Sheep in a Prairie Region. J Wildl Manage 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse D. Devoe
- Fish and Wildlife Ecology and Management Program, Department of EcologyMontana State University Bozeman MT 59718 USA
| | - Blake Lowrey
- Fish and Wildlife Ecology and Management Program, Department of EcologyMontana State University Bozeman MT 59718 USA
| | - Kelly M. Proffitt
- Montana Department of FishWildlife and Parks 1400 South 19th Street Bozeman MT 59718 USA
| | - Robert A. Garrott
- Fish and Wildlife Ecology and Management Program, Department of EcologyMontana State University Bozeman MT 59718 USA
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Cid D, Pinto C, Domínguez L, Vela AI, Fernández-Garayzábal JF. Strength of association between isolation of Pasteurella multocida and consolidation lesions in ovine pneumonic pasteurellosis. Vet Microbiol 2020; 248:108823. [PMID: 32891951 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2020.108823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the association of Pasteurella multocida isolation and the molecular characteristics of the isolates with the presence of pneumonic lesions in lambs at slaughter to assess its importance as a causative agent of pneumonic pasteurellosis compared with Mannheimia haemolytica. P. multocida was isolated from the 13.9% and 2.7%, and M. haemolytica from the 36.4% and 26.8%, of lungs with and without lesions, respectively (P < 0.05). Both microorganisms were frequently coisolated (23.2% and 12.5% from lungs with and without lesions, respectively). Isolation of P. multocida alone exhibited greater strength of association with pneumonic lesions (OR 11.4; 95% CI 3.2-40.6) than that exhibited by M. haemolytica alone (OR 3.0; 95% CI 1.6-5.4). Cluster analysis grouped the lungs into four clusters characterized by the isolation of M. haemolytica or P. multocida alone (clusters 1 and 4), coisolation of both microorganisms (cluster 3), and isolation of neither (cluster 2). Cluster 4 lungs exhibited higher frequencies of pneumonic lesions (87.5%) and severe (20.8%) and moderate (25.0%) lesions. Lungs coinfected with both pathogens (cluster 3) did not exhibit a higher frequency of severe and moderate consolidation lesions (6.1% and 14.3%, respectively), suggesting that P. multocida and M. haemolytica do not act synergically to cause more severe pneumonic infections. The greater strength of association of P. multocida isolation with pneumonic lesions together with the higher severity of the lesions caused could indicate a greater role played by this pathogen in the aetiopathogenesis of pneumonic pasteurellosis in sheep than is commonly assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Cid
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Complutense University, Av. Puerta de Hierro, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - C Pinto
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Complutense University, Av. Puerta de Hierro, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - L Domínguez
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Complutense University, Av. Puerta de Hierro, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre. Complutense University, Av. Puerta de Hierro, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - A I Vela
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Complutense University, Av. Puerta de Hierro, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre. Complutense University, Av. Puerta de Hierro, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - J F Fernández-Garayzábal
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Complutense University, Av. Puerta de Hierro, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre. Complutense University, Av. Puerta de Hierro, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Bai F, Wu J, Liu B, Wang X, Shi X, Lv T, Wang Y, Hao Y. Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae-derived lipid-associated membrane proteins induce cytokine secretion in mouse peritoneal macrophages through TLR2 signalling. Res Vet Sci 2020; 132:474-480. [PMID: 32799171 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovi) is the causative agent of chronic non-progressive pneumonia in sheep, goats, bighorn, and wild small ruminants. However, the mechanism of infection and immune response to M. ovi remain unclear. Invading microbes express lipid-associated membrane proteins (LAMPs) on the cell surface that interact with host cells to facilitate infection, and are thus the major molecules recognised by the host immune system. Upon LAMP recognition, Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and NLRP3 inflammasome sense the pathogens and signalling pathways for cytokine secretion. In this study, we investigated whether M. ovi and M. ovi-derived LAMPs are immuno-biologically active compounds capable of activating mouse peritoneal macrophages and explored the underlying mechanism. RESULTS After infection of wild-type mice with M. ovi, the expression of TLR2 and NLRP3 at the transcriptional and translational levels was determined with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry. In addition, the cytokine levels and associated pathways were detected in infected wild-type, Tlr2-/-, and Nlrp3-/- mice via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blotting. The nuclear factor (NF)-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways were found to mediate the expression of inflammatory cytokines in M. ovi or M. ovi-derived LAMP-infected peritoneal macrophages, and cytokines were not induced in Tlr2-/- and/or Nlrp3-/- macrophages. CONCLUSION Host cytokine production is activated in response to M. ovi-derived LAMPs through the NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathway via TLR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Bai
- Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Saihan District, Hohhot 010018, China; Veterinary Research Institute, Inner Mongolia Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, No. 22 Zhaojun Road, Yuquan District, Hohhot 010031, China.
| | - Jindi Wu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Saihan District, Hohhot 010018, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Techniques for Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Saihan District, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Saihan District, Hohhot 010018, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Techniques for Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Saihan District, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Saihan District, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Xiaona Shi
- Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Saihan District, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Tianxing Lv
- Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Saihan District, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Saihan District, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Yongqing Hao
- Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Saihan District, Hohhot 010018, China.
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Dekelaita DJ, Epps CW, Stewart KM, Sedinger JS, Powers JG, Gonzales BJ, Abella‐Vu RK, Darby NW, Hughson DL. Survival of Adult Female Bighorn Sheep Following a Pneumonia Epizootic. J Wildl Manage 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniella J. Dekelaita
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Oregon State University Corvallis OR 97331‐3803 USA
| | - Clinton W. Epps
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Oregon State University Corvallis OR 97331‐3803 USA
| | - Kelley M. Stewart
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science University of Nevada, Reno Reno NV 89557‐0186 USA
| | - James S. Sedinger
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science University of Nevada, Reno Reno NV 89557‐0186 USA
| | - Jenny G. Powers
- Biological Resources Division National Park Service 1201 Oakridge Drive Fort Collins CO 80525 USA
| | - Ben J. Gonzales
- Wildlife Investigations Laboratory, California Department of Fish and Wildlife 1701 Nimbus Road Rancho Cordova CA 95670‐4503 USA
| | - Regina K. Abella‐Vu
- Wildlife Branch, California Department of Fish and Wildlife 1812 Ninth Street Sacramento CA 95811 USA
| | - Neal W. Darby
- Mojave National Preserve, National Park Service 2701 Barstow Road Barstow CA 92311 USA
| | - Debra L. Hughson
- Mojave National Preserve, National Park Service 2701 Barstow Road Barstow CA 92311 USA
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Bowen L, Longshore K, Wolff P, Klinger R, Cox M, Bullock S, Waters S, Miles AK. Gene Transcript Profiling in Desert Bighorn Sheep. WILDLIFE SOC B 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lizabeth Bowen
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research CenterSacramento CA 95826 USA
| | - Kathleen Longshore
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research CenterSacramento CA 95826 USA
| | - Peregrine Wolff
- Nevada Department of Wildlife 6980 Sierra Center Parkway, Suite 120 Reno NV 89511 USA
| | - Robert Klinger
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research CenterOakhurst CA 93644 USA
| | - Michael Cox
- Nevada Department of Wildlife 6980 Sierra Center Pkwy. Suite 120 Reno NV 89511 USA
| | - Sarah Bullock
- Desert National Wildlife Refuge 16001 Corn Creek Road Las Vegas NV 89124 USA
| | - Shannon Waters
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research CenterSacramento CA 95826 USA
| | - A. Keith Miles
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research CenterSacramento CA 95826 USA
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Brain RA, Anderson JC. Anthropogenic factors affecting wildlife species status outcomes: why the fixation on pesticides? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020:10.1007/s11356-020-08980-1. [PMID: 32418111 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08980-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Most Americans are at least three generations removed from the farm, thereby at least three generations removed from the reality of where their food comes from. Not surprisingly, there are many misconceptions about modern food production, including the potential collateral environmental damage attributed to agriculture, particularly the application of pesticides. However, the implication of conventional agriculture in the broader narrative of wildlife species status outcomes (SSOs) lacks context and relativity. Since the dawn of civilization, humans have had a profound impact on their environment. Originating as hunter-gatherer societies, our ancient ancestors initially exploited anything that could be consumed or brought to bear. With the advent of the "first proto-farmers," humans began manipulating their environments to maximize available resources. Urban centers propagated and flourished proximal to agricultural origins, where modern societies have been built primarily on an abundance of food. As societies "developed," and continue to develop, an inevitable economic transition occurs from agriculture to industry/service predominance, culminating in a corresponding shift in land use. Developed countries have typically experienced maximal expansion of the agricultural frontier, where farmland is now steadily eroding by a proverbial flood of urban development. In contrast, in developing countries, this shift in economic development has not yet fully manifested and the agricultural footprint continues to expand at the expense of native habitats. Thus, the relative influence of "agriculture" on SSOs, in terms of land use, is primarily dependent on economic developmental status, which can be, at least in part, ameliorated via technology by increasing yield from existing land. Moreover, in addition to the land use challenge, there are multiple other factors affecting wildlife SSOs, including a figurative plague of invasive species, a literal plague of disease, a barrage of buildings, bumpers, grilles, and windshields to collide with, light pollution to confuse cues with, poachers to contend with, and even more complicated factors such as climate change. Being an easy target does not mean pesticides are the right target, and this fixation can potentially detract from public awareness regarding the primary drivers affecting SSOs as well as the opportunity to proactively address them. So, relatively speaking, how do these other factors compare to "pesticides" in terms of driving SSOs? Moreover, why is the popular media so fixated on the pesticide narrative? Based on the available evidence, this manuscript attempts to address these questions from a holistic and relative perspective within the context of land use change, economic development, population growth, and associated implications of global connectivity and commerce.
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Robinson RW, Smith TS, Whiting JC, Larsen RT, Shannon JM. Determining Timing of Births and Habitat Selection to Identify Lambing Period Habitat for Bighorn Sheep. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Garwood TJ, Lehman CP, Walsh DP, Cassirer EF, Besser TE, Jenks JA. Removal of chronic Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae carrier ewes eliminates pneumonia in a bighorn sheep population. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:3491-3502. [PMID: 32274004 PMCID: PMC7141075 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pathogen carriage is one mechanism that allows diseases to persist in populations. We hypothesized that persistent or recurrent pneumonia in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) populations may be caused by chronic carriers of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (Mo). Our experimental approach allowed us to address a conservation need while investigating the role of chronic carriage in disease persistence.We tested our hypothesis in two bighorn sheep populations in South Dakota, USA. We identified and removed Mo chronic carriers from the Custer State Park (treatment) population. Simultaneously, we identified carriers but did not remove them from the Rapid City population (control). We predicted removal would result in decreased pneumonia, mortality, and Mo prevalence. Both population ranges had similar habitat and predator communities but were sufficiently isolated to preclude intermixing.We classified chronic carriers as adults that consistently tested positive for Mo carriage over a 20-month sampling period (n = 2 in the treatment population; n = 2 in control population).We failed to detect Mo or pneumonia in the treatment population after chronic carrier removal, while both remained in the control. Mortality hazard for lambs was reduced by 72% in the treatment population relative to the control (CI = 36%, 91%). There was also a 41% reduction in adult mortality hazard attributable to the treatment, although this was not statistically significant (CI = 82% reduction, 34% increase). Synthesis and Applications: These results support the hypothesis that Mo is a primary causative agent of persistent or recurrent respiratory disease in bighorn sheep populations and can be maintained by a few chronic carriers. Our findings provide direction for future research and management actions aimed at controlling pneumonia in wild sheep and may apply to other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J. Garwood
- Department of Natural Resource ManagementSouth Dakota State UniversityBrookingsSDUSA
| | | | - Daniel P. Walsh
- U.S. Geological SurveyNational Wildlife Health CenterMadisonWIUSA
| | | | - Thomas E. Besser
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and PathologyWashington State UniversityPullmanWAUSA
| | - Jonathan A. Jenks
- Department of Natural Resource ManagementSouth Dakota State UniversityBrookingsSDUSA
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Werdel TJ, Jenks JA, Besser TE, Kanta JT, Lehman CP, Frink TJ. Restoration of a bighorn sheep population impeded by
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae
exposure. Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ty J. Werdel
- Department of Natural Resource Management, Edgar S. Mcfadden Biostress LabSouth Dakota State University Brookings SD 57007 U.S.A
| | - Jonathan A. Jenks
- Department of Natural Resource Management, Edgar S. Mcfadden Biostress LabSouth Dakota State University Brookings SD 57007 U.S.A
| | - Thomas E. Besser
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and PathologyWashington State University Pullman WA 99164 U.S.A
| | - John T. Kanta
- South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, 4130 Adventure Trail Rapid City SD 57702 U.S.A
| | - Chadwick P. Lehman
- South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, 13329 US Highway 16A Custer SD 57730 U.S.A
| | - Teresa J. Frink
- Department of Applied SciencesChadron State College, Burkhiser Complex Chadron NE 69337 U.S.A
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Hernández Martínez S, Hernández Pichardo JE, Vazquez Avendaño JR, Ambríz García DA, Navarro Maldonado MDC. Developmental dynamics of cloned Mexican bighorn sheep embryos using morphological quality standards. Vet Med Sci 2020; 6:382-392. [PMID: 31995671 PMCID: PMC7397916 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The developmental dynamics of cloned Mexican bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis mexicana) embryos were evaluated based on morphological quality standards. Categories determined by standards were correlated with the embryonic development stage, number of nuclei and viability. The results showed no differences in the blastocyst rate between the experimental (cloned Mexican bighorn sheep embryos) and control (parthenogenetic domestic sheep embryos) groups (p > .05), while type IV fragmentation was higher in clones (p < .05). The standards allowed for the identification of embryos that divided at least once or fragmented after 24 hr of culture. The highest percentage of morulae appeared at 96 hr, the final stages of development: nonsegmented, blocked, fragmented and blastocysts appeared at 192 hr. Embryonic quality decreased over time, making 96 hr the ideal time point to predict the final morphological quality of embryos. Nuclear staining of the morulae and blastocysts showed that higher embryo quality was associated with a higher percentage of normal and viable blastomeres. The evaluated criteria allowed for descriptions of the dynamics, stage and quality of cloned Mexican bighorn sheep embryos with a high degree of reliability. In addition, developmental anomalies, including fragmentation, multinucleation and blocking, were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarahí Hernández Martínez
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Biological and Health Sciences Division, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa Unit, Iztapalapa, Mexico
| | - José E Hernández Pichardo
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Production, Biological and Health Sciences Division, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José R Vazquez Avendaño
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Biological and Health Sciences Division, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa Unit, Iztapalapa, Mexico
| | - Demetrio Alonso Ambríz García
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Biological and Health Sciences Division, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa Unit, Iztapalapa, Mexico
| | - María Del Carmen Navarro Maldonado
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Biological and Health Sciences Division, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa Unit, Iztapalapa, Mexico
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Genetic structure of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae informs pathogen spillover dynamics between domestic and wild Caprinae in the western United States. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15318. [PMID: 31653889 PMCID: PMC6814754 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51444-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Spillover diseases have significant consequences for human and animal health, as well as wildlife conservation. We examined spillover and transmission of the pneumonia-associated bacterium Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in domestic sheep, domestic goats, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats across the western United States using 594 isolates, collected from 1984 to 2017. Our results indicate high genetic diversity of M. ovipneumoniae strains within domestic sheep, whereas only one or a few strains tend to circulate in most populations of bighorn sheep or mountain goats. These data suggest domestic sheep are a reservoir, while the few spillovers to bighorn sheep and mountain goats can persist for extended periods. Domestic goat strains form a distinct clade from those in domestic sheep, and strains from both clades are found in bighorn sheep. The genetic structure of domestic sheep strains could not be explained by geography, whereas some strains are spatially clustered and shared among proximate bighorn sheep populations, supporting pathogen establishment and spread following spillover. These data suggest that the ability to predict M. ovipneumoniae spillover into wildlife populations may remain a challenge given the high strain diversity in domestic sheep and need for more comprehensive pathogen surveillance.
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Mannheimia haemolytica in bovine respiratory disease: immunogens, potential immunogens, and vaccines. Anim Health Res Rev 2019; 19:79-99. [PMID: 30683173 DOI: 10.1017/s1466252318000142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Mannheimia haemolytica is the major cause of severe pneumonia in bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Early M. haemolytica bacterins were either ineffective or even enhanced disease in vaccinated cattle, which led to studies of the bacterium's virulence factors and potential immunogens to determine ways to improve vaccines. Studies have focused on the capsule, lipopolysaccharide, various adhesins, extracellular enzymes, outer membrane proteins, and leukotoxin (LKT) resulting in a strong database for understanding immune responses to the bacterium and production of more efficacious vaccines. The importance of immunity to LKT and to surface antigens in stimulating immunity led to studies of individual native or recombinant antigens, bacterial extracts, live-attenuated or mutant organisms, culture supernatants, combined bacterin-toxoids, outer membrane vesicles, and bacterial ghosts. Efficacy of several of these potential vaccines can be shown following experimental M. haemolytica challenge; however, efficacy in field trials is harder to determine due to the complexity of factors and etiologic agents involved in naturally occurring BRD. Studies of potential vaccines have led current commercial vaccines, which are composed primarily of culture supernatant, bacterin-toxoid, or live mutant bacteria. Several of those can be augmented experimentally by addition of recombinant LKT or outer membrane proteins.
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Comparison of three methods of enumeration for Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae. J Microbiol Methods 2019; 165:105700. [PMID: 31446035 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2019.105700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae Associated with Polymicrobial Pneumonia in a Free-Ranging Yearling Barren Ground Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) from Alaska, USA. J Wildl Dis 2019. [DOI: 10.7589/2018-08-188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Robinson S, Milner‐Gulland EJ, Grachev Y, Salemgareyev A, Orynbayev M, Lushchekina A, Morgan E, Beauvais W, Singh N, Khomenko S, Cammack R, Kock R. Opportunistic bacteria and mass mortality in ungulates: lessons from an extreme event. Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Robinson
- Department of Zoology University of Oxford Oxford OX2 6GG UK
| | | | - Yuri Grachev
- Institute of Zoology 93 Al Farabi Street, Akademgorodok Almaty 480060 Kazakhstan
| | - Albert Salemgareyev
- Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan 18 Beibitshilik Street Astana 020000 Kazakhstan
| | - Mukhit Orynbayev
- Laboratory for Monitoring of Bacterial and Viral Infections Research Institute for Biological Safety Problems 2‐13 Pionerskaya Street Gvardeiskiy Kordaiskiy Rayon, Zhambylskaya Oblast 080409 Kazakhstan
| | - Anna Lushchekina
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution Laboratory for Biodiversity Conservation 33 Lenin Prospekt Moscow 119071 Russia
| | - Eric Morgan
- Institute for Global Food Security Queen's University Belfast University Road Belfast BT7 1NN UK
| | - Wendy Beauvais
- Ivanek Laboratory Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine 602 Tower Road Ithaca New York 14853‐6401 USA
| | - Navinder Singh
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Almas Allé 8 Umea Västerbotten SE‐901 83 Sweden
| | - Sergei Khomenko
- Animal Production and Health Division Food and Agriculture Organisation Viale delle Terme di Caracalla Rome 00153 Italy
| | - Rosie Cammack
- University of Oxford, Saint Hilda's College Oxford OX4 1DY UK
| | - Richard Kock
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences Royal Veterinary College 4 Royal College Street London NW1 0TU UK
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Pathogenicity and Virulence of Trueperella pyogenes: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20112737. [PMID: 31167367 PMCID: PMC6600626 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria from the species Trueperella pyogenes are a part of the biota of skin and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory, gastrointestinal, or urogenital tracts of animals, but also, opportunistic pathogens. T. pyogenes causes a variety of purulent infections, such as metritis, mastitis, pneumonia, and abscesses, which, in livestock breeding, generate significant economic losses. Although this species has been known for a long time, many questions concerning the mechanisms of infection pathogenesis, as well as reservoirs and routes of transmission of bacteria, remain poorly understood. Pyolysin is a major known virulence factor of T. pyogenes that belongs to the family of cholesterol-dependent cytolysins. Its cytolytic activity is associated with transmembrane pore formation. Other putative virulence factors, including neuraminidases, extracellular matrix-binding proteins, fimbriae, and biofilm formation ability, contribute to the adhesion and colonization of the host tissues. However, data about the pathogen–host interactions that may be involved in the development of T. pyogenes infection are still limited. The aim of this review is to present the current knowledge about the pathogenic potential and virulence of T. pyogenes.
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Miller RS, Pepin KM. BOARD INVITED REVIEW: Prospects for improving management of animal disease introductions using disease-dynamic models. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:2291-2307. [PMID: 30976799 PMCID: PMC6541823 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Management and policy decisions are continually made to mitigate disease introductions in animal populations despite often limited surveillance data or knowledge of disease transmission processes. Science-based management is broadly recognized as leading to more effective decisions yet application of models to actively guide disease surveillance and mitigate risks remains limited. Disease-dynamic models are an efficient method of providing information for management decisions because of their ability to integrate and evaluate multiple, complex processes simultaneously while accounting for uncertainty common in animal diseases. Here we review disease introduction pathways and transmission processes crucial for informing disease management and models at the interface of domestic animals and wildlife. We describe how disease transmission models can improve disease management and present a conceptual framework for integrating disease models into the decision process using adaptive management principles. We apply our framework to a case study of African swine fever virus in wild and domestic swine to demonstrate how disease-dynamic models can improve mitigation of introduction risk. We also identify opportunities to improve the application of disease models to support decision-making to manage disease at the interface of domestic and wild animals. First, scientists must focus on objective-driven models providing practical predictions that are useful to those managing disease. In order for practical model predictions to be incorporated into disease management a recognition that modeling is a means to improve management and outcomes is important. This will be most successful when done in a cross-disciplinary environment that includes scientists and decision-makers representing wildlife and domestic animal health. Lastly, including economic principles of value-of-information and cost-benefit analysis in disease-dynamic models can facilitate more efficient management decisions and improve communication of model forecasts. Integration of disease-dynamic models into management and decision-making processes is expected to improve surveillance systems, risk mitigations, outbreak preparedness, and outbreak response activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S Miller
- Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, United States Department of Agriculture-Veterinary Services, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Kim M Pepin
- National Wildlife Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Services, Fort Collins, CO
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Besser TE, Levy J, Ackerman M, Nelson D, Manlove K, Potter KA, Busboom J, Benson M. A pilot study of the effects of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae exposure on domestic lamb growth and performance. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0207420. [PMID: 30730893 PMCID: PMC6366759 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is a globally distributed pathogen that has been associated with pneumonia in both domestic and wild Caprinae. It is closely related to M. hyopneumoniae, a respiratory pathogen of swine that is associated with decreased growth rates of pigs as well as clinical respiratory disease. In order to assess the effects of M. ovipneumoniae on lamb performance, we generated a cohort of lambs free of M. ovipneumoniae by segregation of test negative ewes after lambing, then compared the growth and carcass quality traits of M. ovipneumoniae-free and -colonized lambs from weaning to harvest. Some signs of respiratory disease were observed during the feeding trial in both lamb groups, but the M. ovipneumoniae-exposed group included more affected lambs and higher average disease scores. At harvest, lungs of lambs in both groups showed few grossly visible lesions, although the M. ovipneumoniae-exposed group did exhibit increased microscopic lung lesions (P<0.05). In addition, M. ovipneumoniae exposed lambs produced lower average daily gains (P<0.05), and lower yield grade carcasses (P<0.05) compared to those of non-exposed lambs. The results demonstrated the feasibility of test and segregation for elimination of M. ovipneumoniae from groups of sheep and suggested that this pathogen may impair lamb growth and productivity even in the absence of overt respiratory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E. Besser
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman WA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jessica Levy
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman WA, United States of America
| | - Melissa Ackerman
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman WA, United States of America
| | - Danielle Nelson
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman WA, United States of America
| | - Kezia Manlove
- Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University College of Natural Resources, Logan UT, United States of America
| | - Kathleen A. Potter
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman WA, United States of America
| | - Jan Busboom
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, Pullman WA, United States of America
| | - Margaret Benson
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, Pullman WA, United States of America
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Jahner JP, Matocq MD, Malaney JL, Cox M, Wolff P, Gritts MA, Parchman TL. The genetic legacy of 50 years of desert bighorn sheep translocations. Evol Appl 2019; 12:198-213. [PMID: 30697334 PMCID: PMC6346675 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation biologists have increasingly used translocations to mitigate population declines and restore locally extirpated populations. Genetic data can guide the selection of source populations for translocations and help evaluate restoration success. Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) are a managed big game species that suffered widespread population extirpations across western North America throughout the early 1900s. Subsequent translocation programs have successfully re-established many formally extirpated bighorn herds, but most of these programs pre-date genetically informed management practices. The state of Nevada presents a particularly well-documented case of decline followed by restoration of extirpated herds. Desert bighorn sheep (O. c. nelsoni) populations declined to less than 3,000 individuals restricted to remnant herds in the Mojave Desert and a few locations in the Great Basin Desert. Beginning in 1968, the Nevada Department of Wildlife translocated ~2,000 individuals from remnant populations to restore previously extirpated areas, possibly establishing herds with mixed ancestries. Here, we examined genetic diversity and structure among remnant herds and the genetic consequences of translocation from these herds using a genotyping-by-sequencing approach to genotype 17,095 loci in 303 desert bighorn sheep. We found a signal of population genetic structure among remnant Mojave Desert populations, even across geographically proximate mountain ranges. Further, we found evidence of a genetically distinct, potential relict herd from a previously hypothesized Great Basin lineage of desert bighorn sheep. The genetic structure of source herds was clearly reflected in translocated populations. In most cases, herds retained genetic evidence of multiple translocation events and subsequent admixture when founded from multiple remnant source herds. Our results add to a growing literature on how population genomic data can be used to guide and monitor restoration programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marjorie D. Matocq
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, and Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation BiologyUniversity of NevadaRenoNevada
| | - Jason L. Malaney
- Department of BiologyAustin Peay State UniversityClarksvilleTennessee
| | - Mike Cox
- Nevada Department of Wildlife, and Wild Sheep Working GroupWestern Association of Fish and Wildlife AgenciesRenoNevada
| | | | | | - Thomas L. Parchman
- Department of Biology, and Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation BiologyUniversity of NevadaRenoNevada
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Loop-mediated isothermal amplification-lateral-flow dipstick (LAMP-LFD) to detect Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 35:31. [PMID: 30701329 PMCID: PMC6353813 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-019-2601-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In order to establish a rapid detection method for Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, this study used the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique to carry out nucleic acid amplification and chromatographic visualization via a lateral flow dipstick (LFD) assay. The M. ovipneumoniae elongation factor TU gene (EF-TU) was detected using a set of specific primers designed for the EF-TU gene, and the EF-TU FIP was detected by biotin labeling, which was used in the LAMP amplification reaction. The digoxin-labeled probe specifically hybridized with LAMP products, which were visually detected by LFD. Here, we established the M. ovipneumoniae LAMP-LFD rapid detection method and tested the specificity, sensitivity, and clinical application of this method. Results showed that the optimized LAMP performed at 60 °C for 60 min, and LFD can specifically and visually detect M. ovipneumoniae with a minimum detectable concentration at 1.0 × 102 CFU/mL. The sensitivity of LAMP-LFD was 1000 times that of the conventional PCR detection methods, and the clinical lung tissue detection rate was 86% of 50 suspected sheep infected with M. ovipneumoniae. In conclusion, LAMP-LFD was established in this study to detect M. ovipneumoniae, a method that was highly specific, sensitive, and easy to operate, and provides a new method for the prevention and diagnosis of M. ovipneumoniae infection.
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Respiratory pathogens and their association with population performance in Montana and Wyoming bighorn sheep populations. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207780. [PMID: 30475861 PMCID: PMC6257920 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory disease caused by Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and Pasteurellaceae poses a formidable challenge for bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) conservation. All-age epizootics can cause 10–90% mortality and are typically followed by multiple years of enzootic disease in lambs that hinders post-epizootic recovery of populations. The relative frequencies at which these epizootics are caused by the introduction of novel pathogens or expression of historic pathogens that have become resident in the populations is unknown. Our primary objectives were to determine how commonly the pathogens associated with respiratory disease are hosted by bighorn sheep populations and assess demographic characteristics of populations with respect to the presence of different pathogens. We sampled 22 bighorn sheep populations across Montana and Wyoming, USA for Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and Pasteurellaceae and used data from management agencies to characterize the disease history and demographics of these populations. We tested for associations between lamb:ewe ratios and the presence of different respiratory pathogen species. All study populations hosted Pasteurellaceae and 17 (77%) hosted Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae. Average lamb:ewe ratios for individual populations where both Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and Pasteurellaceae were detected ranged from 0.14 to 0.40. However, average lamb:ewe ratios were higher in populations where Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae was not detected (0.37, 95% CI: 0.27–0.51) than in populations where it was detected (0.25, 95% CI: 0.21–0.30). These findings suggest that respiratory pathogens are commonly hosted by bighorn sheep populations and often reduce recruitment rates; however ecological factors may interact with the pathogens to determine population-level effects. Elucidation of such factors could provide insights for management approaches that alleviate the effects of respiratory pathogens in bighorn sheep. Nevertheless, minimizing the introduction of novel pathogens from domestic sheep and goats remains imperative to bighorn sheep conservation.
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50
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Einarsdottir T, Gunnarsson E, Hjartardottir S. Icelandic ovine Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae are variable bacteria that induce limited immune responses in vitro and in vivo. J Med Microbiol 2018; 67:1480-1490. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thorbjorg Einarsdottir
- 1Institute for Experimental Pathology, University of Iceland, Keldur, Keldnavegur 3, 112 Reykjavik, Iceland
- 2BioMedical Center, University of Iceland, Iceland
| | - Eggert Gunnarsson
- 1Institute for Experimental Pathology, University of Iceland, Keldur, Keldnavegur 3, 112 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Sigridur Hjartardottir
- 1Institute for Experimental Pathology, University of Iceland, Keldur, Keldnavegur 3, 112 Reykjavik, Iceland
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