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Hansen LG, Larsen LE, Rasmussen TB, Miar Y, Lassuniére R, Jørgensen CS, Ryt-Hansen P. Investigation of the SARS-CoV-2 post-vaccination antibody response in Canadian farmed mink. Vaccine 2023; 41:7387-7394. [PMID: 37932134 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.10.073] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Currently, SARS-CoV-2 have been detected in farmed mink in 13 different countries. Due to the high susceptibility and transmissibility among mink, great concerns of mink serving as a reservoir to generate novel variants with unknown virulence and antigenic properties arose. These concerns have consequently resulted in entire mink productions being culled and banned. This study investigates the post-vaccination antibody response in the Canadian farmed mink vaccinated with a commercial Index spike protein-based vaccine, approved for use in cats, and compares the antibody response to that observed post infection in Danish farmed mink. Blood samples were obtained from 50 mink at the Canadian Centre for Fur Animal Research (CCFAR), Dalhousie University (Truro, Canada). The sera were initially analyzed for antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and selected sera was subsequently tested in a virus neutralization tests. The levels of neutralizing antibodies were evaluated for an ancestral D614G strain and a recent circulating SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (Omicron BA.4). The results revealed that the vaccine induced a strong antibody response in mink by reaching antibody titer levels of up to 1:12800 in the ELISA. Moreover, high levels of neutralizing antibodies were obtained, and despite the great level of genetic differences between the ancestral and Omicron BA.4 strains, the vaccinated mink showed high levels of cross-reacting neutralizing antibodies. Interestingly, the antibody levels towards SARS-CoV-2 in the Canadian vaccinated mink were significantly higher than observed in recently SARS-CoV-2 infected Danish mink and equal to anamnestic responses following re-infection. In conclusion, the vaccine used in the Canadian farmed mink was able to induce a strong and broad-reacting antibody response in mink, which could limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in farmed mink and thereby reduce the risk of mink serving as a SARS-CoV-2 reservoir for human infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Gram Hansen
- Dpt. of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 2, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Lars Erik Larsen
- Dpt. of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 2, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | | | - Younes Miar
- Haley Institute of Animal Science and Aquaculture 100-A, Dalhousie University, Faculty of Agriculture, 58 Sipu Awti, Truro, NS, Canada.
| | - Ria Lassuniére
- Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark.
| | | | - Pia Ryt-Hansen
- Dpt. of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 2, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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2
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Crits-Christoph A, Levy JI, Pekar JE, Goldstein SA, Singh R, Hensel Z, Gangavarapu K, Rogers MB, Moshiri N, Garry RF, Holmes EC, Koopmans MPG, Lemey P, Popescu S, Rambaut A, Robertson DL, Suchard MA, Wertheim JO, Rasmussen AL, Andersen KG, Worobey M, Débarre F. Genetic tracing of market wildlife and viruses at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.13.557637. [PMID: 37745602 PMCID: PMC10515900 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.13.557637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Zoonotic spillovers of viruses have occurred through the animal trade worldwide. The start of the COVID-19 pandemic was traced epidemiologically to the Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market, the site with the most reported wildlife vendors in the city of Wuhan, China. Here, we analyze publicly available qPCR and sequencing data from environmental samples collected in the Huanan market in early 2020. We demonstrate that the SARS-CoV-2 genetic diversity linked to this market is consistent with market emergence, and find increased SARS-CoV-2 positivity near and within a particular wildlife stall. We identify wildlife DNA in all SARS-CoV-2 positive samples from this stall. This includes species such as civets, bamboo rats, porcupines, hedgehogs, and one species, raccoon dogs, known to be capable of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. We also detect other animal viruses that infect raccoon dogs, civets, and bamboo rats. Combining metagenomic and phylogenetic approaches, we recover genotypes of market animals and compare them to those from other markets. This analysis provides the genetic basis for a short list of potential intermediate hosts of SARS-CoV-2 to prioritize for retrospective serological testing and viral sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshua I. Levy
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jonathan E. Pekar
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Stephen A. Goldstein
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Reema Singh
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Zach Hensel
- ITQB NOVA, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Av. da Republica, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Karthik Gangavarapu
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Matthew B. Rogers
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Niema Moshiri
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert F. Garry
- Tulane University, School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; Zalgen Labs, Frederick, MD 21703, USA; Global Virus Network (GVN), Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Edward C. Holmes
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Marion P. G. Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, and Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness Centre., Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philippe Lemey
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Saskia Popescu
- University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Andrew Rambaut
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David L. Robertson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Center for Virus Research, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Marc A. Suchard
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Joel O. Wertheim
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Angela L. Rasmussen
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Kristian G. Andersen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Michael Worobey
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Florence Débarre
- Institut d’Écologie et des Sciences de l’Environnement (IEES-Paris, UMR 7618), CNRS, Sorbonne Université, UPEC, IRD, INRAE, Paris, France
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3
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Himsworth CG, Caleta JM, Coombe M, McGregor G, Dibernardo A, Lindsay R, Sekirov I, Prystajecky N. A comparison of sampling and testing approaches for the surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in farmed American mink. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023; 35:528-534. [PMID: 37366157 PMCID: PMC10300625 DOI: 10.1177/10406387231183685] [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] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in American mink (Neovison vison) is a global priority because outbreaks on mink farms have potential consequences for animal and public health. Surveillance programs often focus on screening natural mortalities; however, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding sampling and testing approaches. Using 76 mink from 3 naturally infected farms in British Columbia, Canada, we compared the performance of 2 reverse-transcription real-time PCR (RT-rtPCR) targets (the envelope [E] and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase [RdRp] genes) as well as serology. We also compared RT-rtPCR and sequencing results from nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, skin, and rectal swabs, as well as nasopharyngeal samples collected using swabs and interdental brushes. We found that infected mink were generally RT-rtPCR-positive on all samples; however, Ct values differed significantly among sample types (nasopharyngeal < oropharyngeal < skin < rectal). There was no difference in the results of nasopharyngeal samples collected using swabs or interdental brushes. For most mink (89.4%), qualitative (i.e., positive vs. negative) serology and RT-rtPCR results were concordant. However, mink were positive on RT-rtPCR and negative on serology and vice versa, and there was no significant correlation between Ct values on RT-rtPCR and percent inhibition on serology. Both the E and RdRp targets were detectable in all sample types, albeit with a small difference in Ct values. Although SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected in multiple sample types, passive surveillance programs in mink should focus on multiple target RT-rtPCR testing of nasopharyngeal samples in combination with serology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea G. Himsworth
- Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jessica M. Caleta
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michelle Coombe
- Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Glenna McGregor
- Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Antonia Dibernardo
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Robbin Lindsay
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Inna Sekirov
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Natalie Prystajecky
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Žigaitė S, Masiulis M, Bušauskas P, Pilevičienė S, Buitkuvienė J, Paulauskas V, Malakauskas A. Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 passive surveillance in Lithuanian mink farms, 2020-2021. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1181826. [PMID: 37360410 PMCID: PMC10288870 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1181826] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The newly emerged SARS-CoV-2, causing COVID-19 in humans, is also infecting American mink (Neovison vison), used in fur production. Since 2020, passive surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in mink farms was implemented in Lithuania. Here, we describe data from a survey of all 57 active Lithuanian mink farms carried out during November-December 2021 to complement passive surveillance in the country. In all 57 mink farms, nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected from dead or live mink and tested by real-time RT-PCR. Dead mink samples were tested in pools of 5, while live mink samples were tested individually. In 19 mink farms, blood serum was collected and tested for antibodies to determine previous exposure to the virus. Environmental samples from 55 farms were also collected and tested in pooled samples by real-time RT-PCR. The present survey has detected 22.81% viral RNA-positive mink farms and a high number of mink farms that were exposed (84.21, 95% CI 67.81-100%) to the virus. The increasing exposure of mink farms to the virus due to growing human COVID-19 cases and limitations of passive surveillance could explain the observed epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2 in Lithuanian mink farms, compared to the few positive farms previously detected by passive surveillance. The unexpected widespread exposure of mink farms to SARS-CoV-2 suggests that passive surveillance is ineffective for early detection of SARS-CoV-2 in mink. Further studies are needed to reveal the present status in previously infected mink farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvija Žigaitė
- Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Marius Masiulis
- Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
- State Food and Veterinary Service, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Simona Pilevičienė
- National Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment Institute, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Jūratė Buitkuvienė
- National Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment Institute, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Alvydas Malakauskas
- Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
- State Food and Veterinary Service, Vilnius, Lithuania
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5
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Dunowska M. Cross-species transmission of coronaviruses with a focus on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in animals: a review for the veterinary practitioner. N Z Vet J 2023:1-13. [PMID: 36927253 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2023.2191349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
AbstractIn 2019 a novel coronavirus termed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged from an unidentified source and spread rapidly among humans worldwide. While many human infections are mild, some result in severe clinical disease that in a small proportion of infected people is fatal. The pandemic spread of SARS-CoV-2 has been facilitated by efficient human-to-human transmission of the virus, with no data to indicate that animals contributed to this global health crisis. However, a range of domesticated and wild animals are also susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection under both experimental and natural conditions. Humans are presumed to be the source of most animal infections thus far, although natural transmission between mink and between free-ranging deer has occurred, and occasional natural transmission between cats cannot be fully excluded. Considering the ongoing circulation of the virus among people, together with its capacity to evolve through mutation and recombination, the risk of the emergence of animal-adapted variants is not negligible. If such variants remain infectious to humans, this could lead to the establishment of an animal reservoir for the virus, which would complicate control efforts. As such, minimising human-to-animal transmission of SARS-CoV-2 should be considered as part of infection control efforts. The aim of this review is to summarise what is currently known about the species specificity of animal coronaviruses, with an emphasis on SARS-CoV-2, in the broader context of factors that facilitate cross-species transmission of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dunowska
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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6
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar C, Herskin M, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Adlhoch C, Aznar I, Baldinelli F, Boklund A, Broglia A, Gerhards N, Mur L, Nannapaneni P, Ståhl K. SARS-CoV-2 in animals: susceptibility of animal species, risk for animal and public health, monitoring, prevention and control. EFSA J 2023; 21:e07822. [PMID: 36860662 PMCID: PMC9968901 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2 in humans and animals is continually evolving. To date, animal species known to transmit SARS-CoV-2 are American mink, raccoon dog, cat, ferret, hamster, house mouse, Egyptian fruit bat, deer mouse and white-tailed deer. Among farmed animals, American mink have the highest likelihood to become infected from humans or animals and further transmit SARS-CoV-2. In the EU, 44 outbreaks were reported in 2021 in mink farms in seven MSs, while only six in 2022 in two MSs, thus representing a decreasing trend. The introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into mink farms is usually via infected humans; this can be controlled by systematically testing people entering farms and adequate biosecurity. The current most appropriate monitoring approach for mink is the outbreak confirmation based on suspicion, testing dead or clinically sick animals in case of increased mortality or positive farm personnel and the genomic surveillance of virus variants. The genomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 showed mink-specific clusters with a potential to spill back into the human population. Among companion animals, cats, ferrets and hamsters are those at highest risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which most likely originates from an infected human, and which has no or very low impact on virus circulation in the human population. Among wild animals (including zoo animals), mostly carnivores, great apes and white-tailed deer have been reported to be naturally infected by SARS-CoV-2. In the EU, no cases of infected wildlife have been reported so far. Proper disposal of human waste is advised to reduce the risks of spill-over of SARS-CoV-2 to wildlife. Furthermore, contact with wildlife, especially if sick or dead, should be minimised. No specific monitoring for wildlife is recommended apart from testing hunter-harvested animals with clinical signs or found-dead. Bats should be monitored as a natural host of many coronaviruses.
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7
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Abstract
Introduction Many countries have reported severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in mink, and transmission back to humans has raised the concern of novel variants emerging in these animals. The monitoring system on Polish mink farms detected SARS-CoV-2 infection first in January 2021 and has been kept in place since then. Material and Methods Oral swab samples collected between February 2021 and March 2022 from 11,853 mink from 594 farms in different regions of Poland were screened molecularly for SARS-CoV-2. Isolates from those with the highest loads of viral genetic material from positive farms were sequenced and phylogenetically analysed. Serological studies were also carried out for one positive farm in order to follow the antibody response after infection. Results SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in mink on 11 farms in 8 out of 16 Polish administrative regions. Whole genome sequences were obtained for 19 SARS-CoV-2 strains from 10 out of 11 positive farms. These genomes belonged to four different variants of concern (VOC) - VOC-Gamma (20B), VOC-Delta (21J), VOC-Alpha (20I) and VOC-Omicron (21L) - and seven different Pango lineages - B.1.1.464, B.1.1.7, AY.43, AY.122, AY.126, B.1.617.2 and BA.2. One of the nucleotide and amino acid mutations specific for persistent strains found in the analysed samples was the Y453F host adaptation mutation. Serological testing of blood samples revealed a high rate of seroprevalence on the single mink farm studied. Conclusion Farmed mink are highly susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2 of different lineages, including Omicron BA.2 VOC. As these infections were asymptomatic, mink may become an unnoticeable virus reservoir generating new variants potentially threatening human health. Therefore, real-time monitoring of mink is extremely important in the context of the One Health approach.
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Moreno A, Lelli D, Trogu T, Lavazza A, Barbieri I, Boniotti M, Pezzoni G, Salogni C, Giovannini S, Alborali G, Bellini S, Boldini M, Farioli M, Ruocco L, Bessi O, Maroni Ponti A, Di Bartolo I, De Sabato L, Vaccari G, Belli G, Margutti A, Giorgi M. SARS-CoV-2 in a Mink Farm in Italy: Case Description, Molecular and Serological Diagnosis by Comparing Different Tests. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081738. [PMID: 36016360 PMCID: PMC9415545 DOI: 10.3390/v14081738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study described a SARS-CoV-2 infection in minks on an Italian farm. Surveillance was performed based on clinical examination and a collection of 1879 swabs and 74 sera from dead and live animals. The farm was placed under surveillance for 4.5 months, from the end of July 2020, when a man working on the farm tested positive by RT-PCR, till mid-December 2020 when all the animals were sacrificed. Clinical examination revealed no clinical signs or increased mortality rates attributable to SARS-CoV-2, while diagnostic tests detected only four weak PCR-positive samples, but 100% of sera were positive for SARS-CoV-2 anti-S antibodies. The phylogenetic analysis of two SARS-CoV-2 sequences from two minks and the sequence of the worker showed that they belonged to different clades. It could be therefore assumed that two distinct introductions of the virus occurred on the farm, and that the first introduction probably occurred before the start of the surveillance period. From the data collected, and especially from the detection of specific antibodies through the combination of different tests, it can be postulated that syndromic surveillance combined with genome detection by PCR may not be sufficient to achieve a diagnosis in asymptomatic animals. In particular, the serological approach, especially when using tests directed towards the S protein, may be useful for improving the traceability of virus circulation in similar environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Moreno
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, IZSLER, Via Bianchi, 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Davide Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, IZSLER, Via Bianchi, 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Tiziana Trogu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, IZSLER, Via Bianchi, 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Lavazza
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, IZSLER, Via Bianchi, 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Barbieri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, IZSLER, Via Bianchi, 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - MariaBeatrice Boniotti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, IZSLER, Via Bianchi, 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giulia Pezzoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, IZSLER, Via Bianchi, 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Cristian Salogni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, IZSLER, Via Bianchi, 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Giovannini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, IZSLER, Via Bianchi, 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Alborali
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, IZSLER, Via Bianchi, 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Bellini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, IZSLER, Via Bianchi, 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Massimo Boldini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, IZSLER, Via Bianchi, 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Farioli
- Direzione Generale Welfare, Regione Lombardia, Piazza Città di Lombardia 1, 20124 Milano, Italy
| | - Luigi Ruocco
- Direzione Generale Sanità Animale e Farmaci Veterinari, Ministero della Salute, Via Giorgio Ribotta, 5-00144 Roma, Italy
| | - Olivia Bessi
- Direzione Generale Sanità Animale e Farmaci Veterinari, Ministero della Salute, Via Giorgio Ribotta, 5-00144 Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Maroni Ponti
- Direzione Generale Sanità Animale e Farmaci Veterinari, Ministero della Salute, Via Giorgio Ribotta, 5-00144 Roma, Italy
| | - Ilaria Di Bartolo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca De Sabato
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Vaccari
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Belli
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione Veterinario, ATS Valpadana, Via Belgiardino, 6-26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Alberto Margutti
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione Veterinario, ATS Valpadana, Via Belgiardino, 6-26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Maurilio Giorgi
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione Veterinario, ATS Valpadana, Via Belgiardino, 6-26100 Cremona, Italy
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No Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Wild Mink (Mustela lutreola and Neogale vison) from Northern Spain during the First Two Years of Pandemic. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12151971. [PMID: 35953960 PMCID: PMC9367499 DOI: 10.3390/ani12151971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a betacoronavirus (β-CoV) closely related to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), which have also caused severe outbreaks of disease in human populations. Human-to-animal transmission events during the COVID-19 pandemic have been documented in several countries. Different animal species have been proven to be susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2 both naturally and by experimental infection, including mustelids such as ferrets, otters, and American mink (Neogale vison). In this sense, infected farmed American mink develop respiratory signs associated with viral pneumonia. This study evaluates the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in European mink (Mustela lutreola) and American mink from Spain, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the receptor binding domain (RBD) of Spike protein antigen in serum samples and/or by RT-qPCR assays in oropharyngeal and rectal swabs. From January 2020 to February 2022, a total of 162 animals (127 European mink and 35 American mink) with no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in the study. Of the 126 serum samples analysed by serology, anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were not detected in the mink included in this study. In the same way, SARS-CoV-2 RNA has not been detected in any of the 160 swabs samples analysed by RT-qPCR. This study shows the absence of the wild mink exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in a geographic area seriously affected by COVID-19. With these results, it can be considered that the probability that the virus is circulating in wild mink is low. With this, the risk of virus transmission to humans by this route is also considered improbable. Abstract The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on wildlife is largely unevaluated, and extended surveillance of animal species is needed to reach a consensus on the role of animals in the emergence and maintenance of SARS-CoV-2. This infection has been detected in farmed and domestic animals and wild animals, mainly in captivity. The interactions or shared resources with wildlife could represent a potential transmission pathway for the SARS-CoV-2 spill over to other wild species and could lead to health consequences or the establishment of new reservoirs in susceptible hosts. This study evaluated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in European mink (Mustela lutreola) and American mink (Neogale vison) in Spain by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the receptor binding domain (RBD) of Spike antigen in serum samples and/or by RT-qPCR assays in oropharyngeal and rectal swabs. From January 2020 to February 2022, a total of 162 animals (127 European mink and 35 American mink) with no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in the study. Antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 were not found in the serum samples analysed (n = 126), nor was the virus amplified by RT-qPCR (n = 160 swabs). Our results suggest that the potential role of wild mink and the European mink bred in captivity and released to the wild as dispersers of SARS-CoV-2 is so far low. However, wildlife surveillance for early detection of human and animal risks should be continued. In this sense, epidemiological monitoring measures, including serology and molecular analysis, are necessary.
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Special Issue “Viral and Host Factors Driving the Emergence and the Evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 and Other Coronaviruses”. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081705. [PMID: 36016327 PMCID: PMC9413748 DOI: 10.3390/v14081705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
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11
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Balasuriya UB, Go YY, Carossino M. Coronaviridae and Tobaniviridae. Vet Microbiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/9781119650836.ch61] [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]
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High Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) at One of Three Captive Cervid Facilities in Texas. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0057622. [PMID: 35319276 PMCID: PMC9045306 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00576-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) across the United States are increasingly recognized for infection and transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Through a cross-sectional study of 80 deer at three captive cervid facilities in central and southern Texas, we provide evidence of 34 of 36 (94.4%) white-tailed deer at a single captive cervid facility seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 by neutralization assay (PRNT90), with endpoint titers as high as 1,280. In contrast, all tested white-tailed deer and axis deer (Axis axis) at two other captive cervid facilities were seronegative, and SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in respiratory swabs from deer at any of the three facilities. These data support transmission among captive deer that cannot be explained by human contact for each infected animal, as only a subset of the seropositive does had direct human contact. The facility seroprevalence was more than double of that reported from wild deer, suggesting that the confined environment may facilitate transmission. Further exploration of captive cervids and other managed animals for their role in the epizootiology of SARS-CoV-2 is critical for understanding impacts on animal health and the potential for spillback transmission to humans or other animal taxa. IMPORTANCE As SARS-CoV-2 vaccine coverage of the human population increases and variants of concern continue to emerge, identification of the epidemiologic importance of animal virus reservoirs is critical. We found that nearly all (94.4%) of the captive white-tailed deer at a cervid facility in central Texas had neutralizing antibodies for SARS-CoV-2. This seroprevalence is over double than that which has been reported from free-ranging deer from other regions of the United States. Horizontal transmission among deer may be facilitated in confinement. Tracking new infections among wild and confined deer is critical for understanding the importance of animal reservoirs for both veterinary and human health.
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Mastutik G, Rohman A, I'tishom R, Ruiz-Arrondo I, de Blas I. Experimental and natural infections of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 in pets and wild and farm animals. Vet World 2022; 15:565-589. [PMID: 35497948 PMCID: PMC9047133 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.565-589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally and has led to extremely high mortality rates. In addition to infecting humans, this virus also has infected animals. Experimental studies and natural infections showed that dogs have a low susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, whereas domesticated cats and other animals in the family Felidae, such as lions, tigers, snow leopards, and cougars, have a high susceptibility to viral infections. In addition, wild white-tailed deer, gorillas, and otters have been found to be infected by SARS-CoV-2. Furry farm animals, such as minks, have a high susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The virus appears to spread among minks and generate several new mutations, resulting in increased viral virulence. Furthermore, livestock animals, such as cattle, sheep, and pigs, were found to have low susceptibility to the virus, whereas chicken, ducks, turkeys, quail, and geese did not show susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This knowledge can provide insights for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mitigation strategies in animals and humans. Therefore, this review focuses on experimental (both replication and transmission) in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies of SARS-CoV-2 infections in pets and in wild and farm animals, and to provide details on the mechanism associated with natural infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gondo Mastutik
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60131, Indonesia
| | - Ali Rohman
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
| | - Reny I'tishom
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60131, Indonesia
| | - Ignacio Ruiz-Arrondo
- Center for Rickettsioses and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro–CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
| | - Ignacio de Blas
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Mixto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain
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Díaz AV, Walker M, Webster JP. Surveillance and control of SARS-CoV-2 in mustelids: An evolutionary perspective. Evol Appl 2021; 14:2715-2725. [PMID: 34899977 PMCID: PMC8652926 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The relevance of mustelids in SARS-CoV-2 transmission has become increasingly evident. Alongside experimental demonstration of airborne transmission among ferrets, the major animal model for human respiratory diseases, transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within- and/or between-commercial mink farms has occurred and continues to occur. The number of mink reared for the luxury fur trade is approximately 60.5 million, across 36 mustelid-farming countries. By July 2021, SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks have been reported in 12 of these countries, at 412 European and 20 North American mink farms. Reverse zoonotic transmission events (from humans to mink) have introduced the virus to farms with subsequent extensive mink-to-mink transmission as well as further zoonotic (mink-to-human) transmission events generating cases among both farm workers and the broader community. Overcrowded housing conditions inherent within intensive mink farms, often combined with poor sanitation and welfare, both guarantee spread of SARS-CoV-2 and facilitate opportunities for viral variants, thereby effectively representing biotic hubs for viral transmission and evolution of virulence. Adequate preventative, surveillance and control measures within the mink industry are imperative both for the control of the current global pandemic and to mitigate against future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana V Díaz
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences Royal Veterinary College University of London Herts UK
| | - Martin Walker
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences Royal Veterinary College University of London Herts UK
| | - Joanne P Webster
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences Royal Veterinary College University of London Herts UK
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