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Robinson S, Falinski K, Johnson D, VanWormer E, Shapiro K, Amlin A, Barbieri M. Evaluating the Risk Landscape of Hawaiian Monk Seal Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii. ECOHEALTH 2024:10.1007/s10393-024-01678-7. [PMID: 38850367 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-024-01678-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a disease of primary concern for Hawaiian monk seals (Neomonachus schauinslandi), due to its apparently acute lethality and especially heavy impacts on breeding female seals. The disease-causing parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, depends on cats to complete its life cycle; thus, in order to understand how this pathogen infects marine mammals, it is essential to understand aspects of the terrestrial ecosystem and land-to-sea transport. In this study, we constructed a three-tiered model to assess risk of Hawaiian monk seal exposure to T. gondii oocysts: (1) oocyst contamination as a function of cat population characteristics; (2) land-to-sea transport of oocysts as a function of island hydrology, and (3) seal exposure as a function of habitat and space use. We were able to generate risk maps highlighting watersheds contributing the most to oocyst contamination of Hawaiian monk seal habitat. Further, the model showed that free-roaming cats most associated with humans (pets or strays often supplementally fed by people) were able to achieve high densities leading to high levels of oocyst contamination and elevated risk of T. gondii exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kim Falinski
- UH, Water Resources Research Center, Honolulu, USA
| | | | | | | | - Angela Amlin
- NOAA, Pacific Islands Regional Office, Honolulu, USA
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2
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Gamble A, Olarte-Castillo XA, Whittaker GR. Backyard zoonoses: The roles of companion animals and peri-domestic wildlife. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadj0037. [PMID: 37851821 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adj0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The spillover of human infectious diseases from animal reservoirs is now well appreciated. However, societal and climate-related changes are affecting the dynamics of such interfaces. In addition to the disruption of traditional wildlife habitats, in part because of climate change and human demographics and behavior, there is an increasing zoonotic disease risk from companion animals. This includes such factors as the awareness of animals kept as domestic pets and increasing populations of free-ranging animals in peri-domestic environments. This review presents background and commentary focusing on companion and peri-domestic animals as disease risk for humans, taking into account the human-animal interface and population dynamics between the animals themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Gamble
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Ximena A Olarte-Castillo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Gary R Whittaker
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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3
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Landrau-Giovannetti N, Waltzek TB, López-Orozco N, Su C, Rotstein D, Levine G, Rodrigues TCS, Silva-Krott I, Humann C, West K. Prevalence and genotype of Toxoplasma gondii in stranded Hawaiian cetaceans. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2022; 152:27-36. [PMID: 36394138 DOI: 10.3354/dao03699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a significant threat to endangered Hawaiian wildlife including birds and marine mammals. To estimate the prevalence of T. gondii in stranded cetaceans from 1997 to 2021 in Hawai'i, we tested tissues from 37 stranded spinner dolphins Stenella longirostris and 51 stranded individuals that represented 18 other cetacean species. DNA from cetacean tissue extracts were screened using a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the Toxoplasmatinae internal transcribed spacer 1 of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. A positive result was obtained in 9 tissues examined for each of 2 spinner dolphins out of 525 tissue samples analyzed by PCR. The PCR-positive spinner dolphins had disseminated acute toxoplasmosis with necrosis, inflammation, and intralesional protozoal cysts and tachyzoites in multiple organs. Discrete positive immunostaining for T. gondii was observed in all tissues tested including the adrenal gland, brain, liver, and lung. Both positive spinner dolphins were negative for cetacean morbillivirus. The T. gondii genotyping was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) based on 10 genetic markers. The PCR-RFLP analysis revealed the T. gondii belonged to PCR-RFLP-ToxoDB genotype #24, previously detected in wild pig Sus scrofa in O'ahu, bobcats Lynx rufus from Mississippi, USA, and chickens Gallus gallus from Costa Rica and Brazil. These cases represent the first report of this genotype in aquatic mammals and the second and third reports of fatal disseminated T. gondii infection in stranded spinner dolphins from Hawai'i. Nearshore species, like spinner dolphins, may be at increased risk of mortality from this parasite in marine coastal waterways via sewage systems, storm water drainage, and freshwater runoff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelmarie Landrau-Giovannetti
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Association of zoonotic protozoan parasites with microplastics in seawater and implications for human and wildlife health. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6532. [PMID: 35474071 PMCID: PMC9042925 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10485-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastics are widely recognized as a pervasive marine pollutant. Microplastics have been garnering increasing attention due to reports documenting their ingestion by animals, including those intended for human consumption. Their accumulation in the marine food chain may also pose a threat to wildlife that consume species that can accumulate microplastic particles. Microplastic contamination in marine ecosystems has thus raised concerns for both human and wildlife health. Our study addresses an unexplored area of research targeting the interaction between plastic and pathogen pollution of coastal waters. We investigated the association of the zoonotic protozoan parasites Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium parvum, and Giardia enterica with polyethylene microbeads and polyester microfibers. These pathogens were chosen because they have been recognized by the World Health Organization as underestimated causes of illness from shellfish consumption, and due to their persistence in the marine environment. We show that pathogens are capable of associating with microplastics in contaminated seawater, with more parasites adhering to microfiber surfaces as compared with microbeads. Given the global presence of microplastics in fish and shellfish, this study demonstrates a novel pathway by which anthropogenic pollutants may be mediating pathogen transmission in the marine environment, with important ramifications for wildlife and human health.
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Martins M, Urbani N, Flanagan C, Siebert U, Gross S, Dubey JP, Cardoso L, Lopes AP. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Pinnipeds under Human Care and in Wild Pinnipeds. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111415. [PMID: 34832571 PMCID: PMC8620079 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111415] [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: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infection has been reported in numerous species of marine mammals, some of them with fatal consequences. A serosurvey for T. gondii infection was conducted in pinnipeds from an oceanographic park in Portugal (n = 60); stranded pinnipeds on the Portuguese coast (n = 10); and pinnipeds captured in Lorenzensplate, Germany (n = 99). Sera from 169 pinnipeds were tested for the presence of antibodies to T. gondii by the modified agglutination test with a cut-off titre of 25. An overall seroprevalence of 8.9% (95% confidence interval: 5.1–14.2) was observed. Antibody titres of 25, 50, 100, 1600 and ≥3200 were found in five (33.3%), two (13.3%), five (33.3%), one (6.7%) and two (13.3%) animals, respectively. Pinnipeds under human care had a seroprevalence of 20.0% (12/60), in contrast to 2.8% (3/109) in wild pinnipeds (p < 0.001). General results suggest a low exposure of wild pinnipeds to T. gondii, while the seroprevalence found in pinnipeds under human care highlights the importance of carrying out further studies. This is the first serological survey of T. gondii in pinnipeds in Portugal and the first infection report in South African fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus).
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Martins
- Zoomarine Portugal, 8201-864 Guia, Portugal; (M.M.); (N.U.); (C.F.)
| | - Nuno Urbani
- Zoomarine Portugal, 8201-864 Guia, Portugal; (M.M.); (N.U.); (C.F.)
| | - Carla Flanagan
- Zoomarine Portugal, 8201-864 Guia, Portugal; (M.M.); (N.U.); (C.F.)
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 25761 Buesum, Germany; (U.S.); (S.G.)
| | - Stephanie Gross
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 25761 Buesum, Germany; (U.S.); (S.G.)
| | - Jitender P. Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA;
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Correspondence:
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
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Sweeny AR, Albery GF, Becker DJ, Eskew EA, Carlson CJ. Synzootics. J Anim Ecol 2021; 90:2744-2754. [PMID: 34546566 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ecologists increasingly recognise coinfection as an important component of emergent epidemiological patterns, connecting aspects of ecoimmunology, behaviour, ecosystem function and even extinction risk. Building on syndemic theory in medical anthropology, we propose the term 'synzootics' to describe co-occurring enzootic or epizootic processes that produce worse health outcomes in wild animals. Using framing from syndemic theory, we describe how the synzootic concept offers new insights into the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases. We then recommend a set of empirical criteria and lines of evidence that can be used to identify synzootics in nature. We conclude by exploring how synzootics could indirectly drive the emergence of novel pathogens in human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R Sweeny
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gregory F Albery
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Daniel J Becker
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Evan A Eskew
- Department of Biology, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Washington, USA
| | - Colin J Carlson
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Petrella A, Mazzariol S, Padalino I, Di Francesco G, Casalone C, Grattarola C, Di Guardo G, Smoglica C, Centelleghe C, Gili C. Cetacean Morbillivirus and Toxoplasma gondii Co-infection in Mediterranean Monk Seal Pup, Italy. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:1237-1239. [PMID: 33754995 PMCID: PMC8007312 DOI: 10.3201/eid2704.204131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) pup from the southern Adriatic coast of Italy showed cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) and disseminated Toxoplasma gondii co-infection, which probably resulted from CeMV-induced immunosuppression. These findings are of concern for the conservation of this critically endangered species.
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Zhu S, Shapiro K, VanWormer E. Dynamics and epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii oocyst shedding in domestic and wild felids. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:2412-2423. [PMID: 34153160 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Oocyst shedding in domestic and wild felids is a critical yet understudied topic in Toxoplasma gondii ecology and epidemiology that shapes human and animal disease burden. We synthesized published literature dating from the discovery of felids as the definitive hosts of T. gondii in the 1960s through March 2021 to examine shedding prevalence, oocyst genotypes, and risk factors for shedding. Oocyst shedding prevalence in many geographic regions exceeded the commonly accepted 1% reported for domestic cats; crude prevalence from cross-sectional field studies of domestic cat shedding ranged from 0% in Australia to 18.8% in Africa, with greater variation in reports of oocyst shedding in free-ranging, wild felids. Shedding in wild felid species has primarily been described in captive animals, with attempted detection of oocyst shedding reported in at least 31 species. Differences in lifestyle and diet play an important role in explaining shedding variation between free-ranging unowned domestic cats, owned domestic cats and wild felids. Additional risk factors for shedding include the route of infection, diet, age and immune status of the host. It is widely reported that cats only shed oocysts after initial infection with T. gondii, but experimental studies have shown that repeat oocyst shedding can occur. Factors associated with repeat shedding are common amongst free-ranging felids (domestic and wild), which are more likely to eat infected prey, be exposed to diverse T. gondii genotypes, and have coinfections with other parasites. Repeat shedding events could play a significant yet currently ignored role in shaping environmental oocyst loading with implications for human and animal exposure. Oocyst presence in the environment is closely linked to climate variables such as temperature and precipitation, so in quantifying risk of exposure, it is important to consider the burden of T. gondii oocysts that can accumulate over time in diverse environmental matrices and sites, as well as the spatial heterogeneity of free-ranging cat populations. Key directions for future research include investigating oocyst shedding in under-sampled regions, genotyping of oocysts detected in faeces and longitudinal studies of oocyst shedding in free-ranging felids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Karen Shapiro
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth VanWormer
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.,School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
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9
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Nelms SE, Alfaro-Shigueto J, Arnould JPY, Avila IC, Bengtson Nash S, Campbell E, Carter MID, Collins T, Currey RJC, Domit C, Franco-Trecu V, Fuentes MMPB, Gilman E, Harcourt RG, Hines EM, Hoelzel AR, Hooker SK, Johnston DW, Kelkar N, Kiszka JJ, Laidre KL, Mangel JC, Marsh H, Maxwell SM, Onoufriou AB, Palacios DM, Pierce GJ, Ponnampalam LS, Porter LJ, Russell DJF, Stockin KA, Sutaria D, Wambiji N, Weir CR, Wilson B, Godley BJ. Marine mammal conservation: over the horizon. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2021. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine mammals can play important ecological roles in aquatic ecosystems, and their presence can be key to community structure and function. Consequently, marine mammals are often considered indicators of ecosystem health and flagship species. Yet, historical population declines caused by exploitation, and additional current threats, such as climate change, fisheries bycatch, pollution and maritime development, continue to impact many marine mammal species, and at least 25% are classified as threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable) on the IUCN Red List. Conversely, some species have experienced population increases/recoveries in recent decades, reflecting management interventions, and are heralded as conservation successes. To continue these successes and reverse the downward trajectories of at-risk species, it is necessary to evaluate the threats faced by marine mammals and the conservation mechanisms available to address them. Additionally, there is a need to identify evidence-based priorities of both research and conservation needs across a range of settings and taxa. To that effect we: (1) outline the key threats to marine mammals and their impacts, identify the associated knowledge gaps and recommend actions needed; (2) discuss the merits and downfalls of established and emerging conservation mechanisms; (3) outline the application of research and monitoring techniques; and (4) highlight particular taxa/populations that are in urgent need of focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- SE Nelms
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - J Alfaro-Shigueto
- ProDelphinus, Jose Galvez 780e, Miraflores, Perú
- Facultad de Biologia Marina, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Perú
| | - JPY Arnould
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - IC Avila
- Grupo de Ecología Animal, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - S Bengtson Nash
- Environmental Futures Research Institute (EFRI), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - E Campbell
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
- ProDelphinus, Jose Galvez 780e, Miraflores, Perú
| | - MID Carter
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - T Collins
- Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460, USA
| | - RJC Currey
- Marine Stewardship Council, 1 Snow Hill, London, EC1A 2DH, UK
| | - C Domit
- Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation, Marine Study Center, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Brazil
| | - V Franco-Trecu
- Departamento de Ecología y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - MMPB Fuentes
- Marine Turtle Research, Ecology and Conservation Group, Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - E Gilman
- Pelagic Ecosystems Research Group, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - RG Harcourt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - EM Hines
- Estuary & Ocean Science Center, San Francisco State University, 3150 Paradise Dr. Tiburon, CA 94920, USA
| | - AR Hoelzel
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - SK Hooker
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - DW Johnston
- Duke Marine Lab, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - N Kelkar
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Royal Enclave, Srirampura, Jakkur PO, Bangalore 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - JJ Kiszka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Coastlines and Oceans Division, Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - KL Laidre
- Polar Science Center, APL, University of Washington, 1013 NE 40th Street, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - JC Mangel
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
- ProDelphinus, Jose Galvez 780e, Miraflores, Perú
| | - H Marsh
- James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 48111, Australia
| | - SM Maxwell
- School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, University of Washington Bothell, Bothell WA 98011, USA
| | - AB Onoufriou
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
- Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - DM Palacios
- Marine Mammal Institute, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University, Newport, OR, 97365, USA
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA
| | - GJ Pierce
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - LS Ponnampalam
- The MareCet Research Organization, 40460 Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - LJ Porter
- SMRU Hong Kong, University of St. Andrews, Hong Kong
| | - DJF Russell
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - KA Stockin
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - D Sutaria
- School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, University of Washington Bothell, Bothell WA 98011, USA
| | - N Wambiji
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P.O. Box 81651, Mombasa-80100, Kenya
| | - CR Weir
- Ketos Ecology, 4 Compton Road, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2BP, UK
| | - B Wilson
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QA, UK
| | - BJ Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
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Mazzariol S, Centelleghe C, Petrella A, Marcer F, Beverelli M, Di Francesco CE, Di Francesco G, Di Renzo L, Di Guardo G, Audino T, Tripodi L, Casalone C. Atypical Toxoplasmosis in a Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) Pup. J Comp Pathol 2021; 184:65-71. [PMID: 33894880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is the rarest species of pinniped in the world. Necropsy of a Mediterranean monk seal pup that stranded alive on the southern Adriatic Italian coast and died a few hours later revealed co-infection by cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) and Toxoplasma gondii. Pathological lesions included a multifocal, moderate to severe, necrotizing myocarditis and a diffuse, chronic, moderate interstitial pneumonia with bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial hyperplasia. Lesions of atypical necrotizing arteritis were seen in the aorta and major pulmonary arteries in association with the presence T. gondii organisms. Severe haemorrhagic foci and lesions of non-suppurative meningoencephalitis, together with the presence of protozoal cysts, were seen in the brain. Co-infection of CeMV and T. gondii has not been previously reported in monk seals. The vascular lesions found in this animal can be considered atypical because they have not been reported in other terrestrial or marine mammal species. The disseminated toxoplasmosis associated with the unusual vascular and haemorrhagic brain lesions could be related to the immunosuppressive effects of CeMV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Mazzariol
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Cinzia Centelleghe
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro, Padova, Italy.
| | - Antonio Petrella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Foggia, Italy
| | - Federica Marcer
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Beverelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Foggia, Italy
| | | | | | - Ludovica Di Renzo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Tania Audino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Torino, Italy
| | - Letizia Tripodi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Torino, Italy
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11
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O'Byrne AM, Lambourn DM, Rejmanek D, Haman K, O'Byrne M, VanWormer E, Shapiro K. Sarcocystis neurona Transmission from Opossums to Marine Mammals in the Pacific Northwest. ECOHEALTH 2021; 18:84-94. [PMID: 34213686 PMCID: PMC8367900 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-021-01536-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Increasing reports of marine mammal deaths have been attributed to the parasite Sarcocystis neurona. Infected opossums, the only known definitive hosts, shed S. neurona sporocysts in their feces. Sporocysts can contaminate the marine environment via overland runoff, and subsequent ingestion by marine mammals can lead to fatal encephalitis. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of S. neurona in opossums from coastal areas of Washington State (USA) and to compare genetic markers between S. neurona in opossums and marine mammals. Thirty-two road-kill opossums and tissue samples from 30 stranded marine mammals meeting inclusion criteria were included in analyses. Three opossums (9.4%) and twelve marine mammals (40%) were confirmed positive for S. neurona via DNA amplification at the ITS1 locus. Genetic identity at microsatellites (sn3, sn7, sn9) and the snSAG3 gene of S. neurona was demonstrated among one harbor porpoise and two opossums. Watershed mapping further demonstrated plausible sporocyst transport pathways from one of these opossums to the location where an infected harbor porpoise carcass was recovered. Our results provide the first reported link between S. neurona genotypes on land and sea in the Pacific Northwest, and further demonstrate how terrestrial pathogen pollution can impact the health of marine wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice M O'Byrne
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6, Ireland
| | - Dyanna M Lambourn
- Wildlife Program, WA Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1111 Washington Street SE, Olympia, WA, 98501, USA
| | - Daniel Rejmanek
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Katherine Haman
- Wildlife Program, WA Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1111 Washington Street SE, Olympia, WA, 98501, USA
| | - Michael O'Byrne
- University of Göttingen, Wilhelmsplatz 1, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Elizabeth VanWormer
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Karen Shapiro
- Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, 4206 VM3A, Davis, CA, 95616-5270, USA.
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12
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Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH, Grigg ME. Recent epidemiologic and clinical importance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in marine mammals: 2009-2020. Vet Parasitol 2020; 288:109296. [PMID: 33271425 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. T. gondii causes mortality in several species of marine mammals, including threatened Southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris) and endangered Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi). Marine mammals are now considered sentinels for environmental exposure to protozoan agents contaminating marine waters, including T. gondii oocysts. Marine mammals also serve as food for humans and can result in foodborne T. gondii infections in humans. The present review summarizes worldwide information on the prevalence of clinical and subclinical infections, epidemiology, and genetic diversity of T. gondii infecting marine mammals in the past decade. The role of genetic types of T. gondii and clinical disease is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitender P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | - Fernando H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Camila K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Oliver C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Michael E Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20895, USA
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13
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Lepczyk CA, Haman KH, Sizemore GC, Farmer C. Quantifying the presence of feral cat colonies and
Toxoplasma gondii
in relation to bird conservation areas on O'ahu, Hawai'i. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Katherine H. Haman
- Washington Department of Fish and WildlifeScience Division Olympia Washington
| | - Grant C. Sizemore
- Invasive Species Programs, American Bird Conservancy Washington District of Columbia
| | - Chris Farmer
- Hawaii Program, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, American Bird Conservancy Hawaii
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14
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Reisfeld L, Sacristán C, Ferreira Machado E, Sánchez-Sarmiento AM, Costa-Silva S, Ewbank AC, Navas-Suárez PE, Guerra JM, Barrel JDSP, Réssio RA, Favero CM, Gastal S, Kolesnikovas CK, Marigo J, Ruoppolo V, Catão-Dias JL. Toxoplasmosis and Sarcocystis spp. infection in wild pinnipeds of the Brazilian coast. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2019; 136:235-241. [PMID: 31724556 DOI: 10.3354/dao03410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The protozoans Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp. (Sarcocystidae: Apicomplexa) affect a wide variety of vertebrates. Both have been reported to infect pinnipeds, with impacts on health ranging from inapparent to fulminant disease and death. However, little is known regarding their infections and associated pathology in South American pinnipeds. We used histological techniques to survey for the presence of T. gondii and Sarcocystis spp. in 51 stranded pinnipeds from Brazil. Immunohistochemical and molecular assays were employed in those cases consistent with Sarcocystidae infection. T. gondii cysts were detected in the central nervous system and heart of a South American fur seal Arctocephalus australis, associated with meningoencephalitis, myocarditis and endocarditis, and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, this animal presented Sarcocystis sp. cysts in brain and heart tissues. Four additional specimens-2 Subantarctic fur seals A. tropicalis, an Antarctic fur seal A. gazella and another South American fur seal-presented intrasarcoplasmic cysts compatible with Sarcocystis spp. in muscle samples. There was no inflammation associated with the Sarcocystis spp. tissue cysts and all cysts were negative for S. neurona immunohistochemistry. The B1 gene of T. gondii was amplified in the 5 pinnipeds infected by Sarcocystidae protozoans. To our knowledge, this is the first report of toxoplasmosis in wild South American pinnipeds and of Sarcocystis spp. in South American fur seals. Detection of terrestrial parasites in aquatic mammals could be an indicator of their presence in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Reisfeld
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil
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15
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Reiling SJ, Measures L, Feng S, Boone R, Merks H, Dixon BR. Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis sp. and Neospora caninum-like parasites in seals from northern and eastern Canada: potential risk to consumers. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 17:e00067. [PMID: 32095635 PMCID: PMC7033983 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2019.e00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic parasites of seals that are harvested for food may pose a health risk when seal meat or organ tissues of infected animals are eaten raw or undercooked. In this study, 124 tissue samples from 81 seals, comprising four species, were collected from northern and eastern Canada. Tissues from 23 ringed seals (Pusa hispida), 8 hooded seals (Cystophora cristata), 21 harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus), and 29 grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) were tested for parasites of the Sarcocystidae family including Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp., and Neospora spp. using nested PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was present in 26% of ringed seals, 63% of hooded seals, 57% of harp seals, and 31% of grey seals. Sarcocystis sp. DNA was found in 9% of ringed seals, 13% of hooded seals, 14% of harp seals, and 4% of grey seals, while N. caninum-like DNA was present in 26% of ringed seals. While it is unclear how pinnipeds may become infected with these protozoans, horizontal transmission is most likely. However, one harp seal pup (4 days old) was PCR-positive for T. gondii, suggesting vertical transmission may also occur. Phylogenetic analysis of the 18S gene region indicates that Sarcocystis sp. in these seals belongs to a unique genotype. Furthermore, this study represents a new host report for T. gondii in harp seals, a new host and geographic report for N. caninum-like parasites in ringed seals, and four new hosts and geographic reports for Sarcocystis sp. These results demonstrate that parasites of the Sarcocystidae family are prevalent in northern and eastern Canadian seals. While the zoonotic potential of Sarcocystis sp. and the N. caninum-like parasite are unclear, consumption of raw or undercooked seal meat or organ tissues pose a risk of T. gondii infection to consumers. Tissues from ringed, hooded, harp and grey seals in Canada were PCR-positive for Toxoplasma, Sarcocystis and Neospora. Raw or undercooked seal meat may pose a risk for zoonotic transmission of T. gondii to consumers. The risk for zoonotic transmission of Sarcocystis sp. and the Neospora caninum-like parasite is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Reiling
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Lena Measures
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maurice Lamontagne Institute, Mont-Joli, QC, G5H 3Z4, Canada
| | - Sandy Feng
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Ryan Boone
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Harriet Merks
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Brent R. Dixon
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
- Corresponding author. Address: 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, A.L. 2204E, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
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16
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Shapiro K, VanWormer E, Packham A, Dodd E, Conrad PA, Miller M. Type X strains of Toxoplasma gondii are virulent for southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) and present in felids from nearby watersheds. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20191334. [PMID: 31431162 PMCID: PMC6732395 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.1334] [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] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Why some Toxoplasma gondii-infected southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) develop fatal toxoplasmosis while others have incidental or mild chronic infections has long puzzled the scientific community. We assessed robust datasets on T. gondii molecular characterization in relation to detailed necropsy and histopathology results to evaluate whether parasite genotype influences pathological outcomes in sea otters that stranded along the central California coast. Genotypes isolated from sea otters were also compared with T. gondii strains circulating in felids from nearby coastal regions to assess land-to-sea parasite transmission. The predominant T. gondii genotypes isolated from 135 necropsied sea otters were atypical Type X and Type X variants (79%), with the remainder (21%) belonging to Type II or Type II/X recombinants. All sea otters that died due to T. gondii as a primary cause of death were infected with Type X or X-variant T. gondii strains. The same atypical T. gondii strains were detected in sea otters with fatal toxoplasmosis and terrestrial felids from watersheds bordering the sea otter range. Our results confirm a land–sea connection for virulent T. gondii genotypes and highlight how faecal contamination can deliver lethal pathogens to coastal waters, leading to detrimental impacts on marine wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Shapiro
- Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.,One Health Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Elizabeth VanWormer
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA.,School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Andrea Packham
- Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Erin Dodd
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Patricia A Conrad
- Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.,One Health Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Melissa Miller
- One Health Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.,California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
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17
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Shapiro K, Bahia-Oliveira L, Dixon B, Dumètre A, de Wit LA, VanWormer E, Villena I. Environmental transmission of Toxoplasma gondii: Oocysts in water, soil and food. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 15:e00049. [PMID: 32095620 PMCID: PMC7033973 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2019.e00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan parasite that can cause morbidity and mortality in humans, domestic animals, and terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. The environmentally robust oocyst stage of T. gondii is fundamentally critical to the parasite's success, both in terms of its worldwide distribution as well as the extensive range of infected intermediate hosts. Despite the limited definitive host species (domestic and wild felids), infections have been reported on every continent, and in terrestrial as well as aquatic environments. The remarkable resistance of the oocyst wall enables dissemination of T. gondii through watersheds and ecosystems, and long-term persistence in diverse foods such as shellfish and fresh produce. Here, we review the key attributes of oocyst biophysical properties that confer their ability to disseminate and survive in the environment, as well as the epidemiological dynamics of oocyst sources including domestic and wild felids. This manuscript further provides a comprehensive review of the pathways by which T. gondii oocysts can infect animals and people through the environment, including in contaminated foods, water or soil. We conclude by identifying critical control points for reducing risk of exposure to oocysts as well as opportunities for future synergies and new directions for research aimed at reducing the burden of oocyst-borne toxoplasmosis in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Shapiro
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, One Shields Ave, 4206 VM3A, University of California, Davis, CA 95616-5270, USA
| | - Lillian Bahia-Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - Brent Dixon
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, A.L. 2204E, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Aurélien Dumètre
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 257, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Luz A. de Wit
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, 130 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95050, USA
| | - Elizabeth VanWormer
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, VBS 111, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Isabelle Villena
- EA 7510, UFR Medicine, University Reims Champagne-Ardenne, National Reference Center on Toxoplasmosis, Hospital Maison Blanche, Reims, France
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18
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Aguirre AA, Longcore T, Barbieri M, Dabritz H, Hill D, Klein PN, Lepczyk C, Lilly EL, McLeod R, Milcarsky J, Murphy CE, Su C, VanWormer E, Yolken R, Sizemore GC. The One Health Approach to Toxoplasmosis: Epidemiology, Control, and Prevention Strategies. ECOHEALTH 2019; 16:378-390. [PMID: 30945159 PMCID: PMC6682582 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-019-01405-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
One Health is a collaborative, interdisciplinary effort that seeks optimal health for people, animals, plants, and the environment. Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is an intracellular protozoan infection distributed worldwide, with a heteroxenous life cycle that practically affects all homeotherms and in which felines act as definitive reservoirs. Herein, we review the natural history of T. gondii, its transmission and impacts in humans, domestic animals, wildlife both terrestrial and aquatic, and ecosystems. The epidemiology, prevention, and control strategies are reviewed, with the objective of facilitating awareness of this disease and promoting transdisciplinary collaborations, integrative research, and capacity building among universities, government agencies, NGOs, policy makers, practicing physicians, veterinarians, and the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Alonso Aguirre
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, 4400 University Dr. MSN: 5F2, Fairfax, VA, 22030-4400, USA.
| | - Travis Longcore
- Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF B55, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Michelle Barbieri
- NMFS/PIFSC/PSD/Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu, HI, 96818, USA
| | - Haydee Dabritz
- Community Health Branch, Yolo County Health & Human Services Agency, 137 N Cottonwood St, Woodland, CA, 95695, USA
| | - Dolores Hill
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Center Road Building 307-C Room 134, BARC East, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Patrice N Klein
- United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, 201 14th Street, SW, Washington, DC, 20250, USA
| | | | - Emily L Lilly
- Virginia Military Institute, 303D Maury-Brooke Hall, Lexington, VA, 24450, USA
| | - Rima McLeod
- The University of Chicago, AMB N310, (MC 2114) 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | | | - Caroline E Murphy
- The Wildlife Society, 425 Barlow Place, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Chunlei Su
- M409 Walters Life Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Elizabeth VanWormer
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 406 Hardin Hall, 3310 Holdrege Street, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Robert Yolken
- Stanley Neurovirology Laboratory, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Grant C Sizemore
- American Bird Conservancy, 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 451, Washington, DC, 20008, USA
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19
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20
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Colegrove KM, Burek-Huntington KA, Roe W, Siebert U. Pinnipediae. PATHOLOGY OF WILDLIFE AND ZOO ANIMALS 2018. [PMCID: PMC7150363 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-805306-5.00023-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This chapter reviews common diseases of pinnipeds, including species in the Otariidae (fur seals and sea lions), Phocidae (true seals), and Odobenidae (walrus) families. Much of the knowledge on pathologic conditions of pinnipeds comes from necropsies of stranded animals and those housed in captivity. As such, disease knowledge is biased toward species frequently housed in zoos and aquaria, those that strand more commonly, or those in which free-ranging populations are more easily accessible. Though historically systematic evaluations of wild populations have rarely been accomplished, in the past 10 years, with advances in marine mammal medicine and anesthesia, biologists and veterinarians more frequently completed live animal health field investigations to evaluate health and disease in free-ranging pinniped populations.
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