Canine parvovirus and pseudorabies virus coinfection as a cause of death in a wolf (Canis lupus) from southern Italy. Issue 3 (16th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Amoroso, Maria Grazia; Di Concilio, Denise; D'Alessio, Nicola; Veneziano, Vincenzo; Galiero, Giorgio; Fusco, Giovanna
• Is Part Of: Veterinary medicine and science. Volume 6:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 600
• Page End: 605
• Publication Date: 2020-04-16
• Subjects: canine parvovirus -- Canis lupus -- pseudorabies virus -- sequencing; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Animal Diseases; Veterinary medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 636.08905
• DOI: 10.1002/vms3.270
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2053-1095

Abstract

Abstract: Pseudorabies virus (PRV) or suid herpesvirus 1 (SHV‐1) is the causative agent of Aujeszky's disease, a highly contagious viral infection which causes neurological fatal illness in mammals other than suids. Here we report a case of a young wolf ( Canis lupus ) of around 2 years found dead by a hunter in the province of Avellino, Campania Region. Necropsy showed pathological findings consistent with encephalitis and gastroenteritis. Organs were analysed by microbiological and molecular investigations following standard procedures to ascertain the possible cause of death. Real‐time PCR revealed the presence of PRV in the brain and of canine parvovirus 2b in organs like intestine, liver, brain, kidney and pancreas. Death probably occurred very shortly after SHV‐1 infection in an animal already weakened by parvovirosis. Abstract : We describe a case of wolf dead since infected by pseudorabies virus and canine parvovirus, with pseudorabies attributable to wild boar meat ingestion. Since this virus has been recently described as responsible for human encephalitis, its presence in wild animals must be taken in consideration for the circulation of the virus in the environment.