Person: Gonzálvez Juan, Moisés
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Detection of rat Hepatitis E virus in pigs, Spain, 2023
We identified rat hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA in farmed pigs from Spain. Our results indicate that pigs might be susceptible to rat HEV and could serve as viral intermediaries between rodents and humans. Europe should evaluate the prevalence of rat HEV in farmed pigs to assess the risk to public health.
Garrapatas del zorro rojo (Vulpes vulpes) en áreas antropizadas de ambientes mediterráneos semiáridos
High exposure of West Nile virus in equid and wild bird populations in Spain following the epidemic outbreak in 2020
A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the circulation and risk factors associated with West Nile virus (WNV) exposure in equine and wild bird populations following the largest epidemic outbreak ever reported in Spain. A total of 305 equids and 171 wild birds were sampled between November 2020 and June 2021. IgG antibodies against flaviviruses were detected by blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (bELISA) in 44.9% (109/243) and 87.1% (54/62) of unvaccinated and vaccinated equids, respectively. The individual seroprevalence in unvaccinated individuals (calculated on animals seropositive by both bELISA and virus microneutralization test [VNT]) was 38.3% (95%CI: 33.1–43.4). No IgM antibodies were detected in animals tested (0/243; 0.0%; 95%CI: 0.0–1.5) by capture-ELISA. The main risk factors associated with WNV exposure in equids were age (adult and geriatric), breed (crossbred) and the absence of a disinsection programme on the facilities. In wild birds, IgG antibodies against flaviviruses were found in 32.7% (56/171; 95%CI: 26.8–38.6) using bELISA, giving an individual WNV seroprevalence of 19.3% (95%CI: 14.3–24.3) after VNT. Seropositivity was found in 37.8% of the 37 species analysed. Species group (raptors), age (>1-year old) and size (large) were the main risk factors related to WNV seropositivity in wild birds. Our results indicate high exposure and widespread distribution of WNV in equid and wild bird populations in Spain after the epidemic outbreak in 2020. The present study highlights the need to continue and improve active surveillance programmes for the detection of WNV in Spain, particularly in those areas at greatest risk of virus circulation.
The role of zoological centers as reservoirs of Leishmaniosis in urban áreas
Background Leishmaniosis is associated with Phlebotomus sand fly vector density, but our knowledge of the environmental framework that regulates highly overdispersed vector abundance distributions is limited. We used a standardized sampling procedure in the bioclimatically diverse Murcia Region in Spain and multilevel regression models for count data to estimate P. perniciosus abundance in relation to environmental and anthropic factors. Methods Twenty-five dog and sheep premises were sampled for sand flies using adhesive and light-attraction traps, from late May to early October 2015. Temperature, relative humidity and other animal- and premise-related data recorded on site and other environmental data were extracted from digital databases using a geographical information system. The relationship between sand fly abundance and explanatory variables was analysed using binomial regression models. Results The total number of sand flies captured, mostly with light-attraction traps, was 3,644 specimens, including 80% P. perniciosus, the main L. infantum vector in Spain. Abundance varied between and within zones and was positively associated with increasing altitude from 0 to 900 m above sea level, except from 500 to 700 m where it was low. Populations peaked in July and especially during a 3-day heat wave when relative humidity and wind speed plummeted. Regression models indicated that climate and not land use or soil characteristics have the greatest impact on this species density on a large geographical scale. In contrast, micro-environmental factors such as animal building characteristics and husbandry practices affect sand fly population size on a smaller scale. Conclusions A standardised sampling procedure and statistical analysis for highly overdispersed distributions allow reliable estimation of P. perniciosus abundance and identification of environmental drivers. While climatic variables have the greatest impact at macro-environmental scale, anthropic factors may be determinant at a micro-geographical scale. These finding may be used to elaborate predictive distribution maps useful for vector and pathogen control programs.
Thelazia callipaeda en el zorro rojo de zonas mediterráneas semiáridas: ¿es un motivo de preocupación aunque la prevalencia sea baja?
Emergence of epizootic hemorrhagic disease in red deer (Cervus elaphus), Spain, 2022
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) virus serotype 8 (EHDV-8) emerged in Spain in autumn 2022. In this study, we aimed to (1) characterize the clinical and lesional presentation of EHDV infection in European red deer (Cervus elaphus), and (2) study the spatial spread of the virus in wild ruminants in Spain after its introduction, in 2022/2023. We confirmed EHDV infection in two clinically compatible sick red deer by PCR and detection of anti-EHDV specific antibodies. EHDV infection occurred in red deer with hyperacute to acute clinical signs and lesions associated to vascular changes leading to death of the animals. Partial sequences of variable segment 2 (VP2) and segment 5 (NS1) genes of the detected viruses had >99% nucleotide identity with EHDV-8 sequences from Tunisia and Italy. In a cross-sectional serological study of EHDV in 592 wild ruminants, mainly red deer (n=578), in southwestern Spain, we detected anti-EHDV antibodies in 37 of 592 samples (6.3%; 95% confidence interval: 4.3–8.2), all from red deer and from the localities where clinical cases of EHD were confirmed in red deer. We conclude that EHDV-8 infection causes severe EHD in European red deer. The serosurvey revealed a limited spread of EHDV-8 in Spanish wild ruminant populations in the first year of virus detection in Spain.
The role of zoological centers as reservoirs of leish-maniosis in urban areas
SUMMARY A questionnaire to evaluate the importance of Leishmaniosis in zoological centers was designed to gather information about suspected and confirmed clinical cases of the disease. The questionnaire was sent to members of the Iberian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (n=38). Although a limited response (26.32%) was obtained three suspected and three verified cases were reported suggesting Leishmaniosis is a disease of little relevance in zoos. A further study was carried out to analyze the presence and persistence of infected animals and vectors in Oasys zoological center in southeast Spain where a wolf with leishmaniosis was diagnosed eight years before. RealTime PCR from skin biopsies of eight carnivorous was performed and fifty percent (n=4) were positive (three swift foxes (Vulpes velox) and one tiger Panthera tigris). Furthermore, 70 sand flies were captured using castor-oil sticky interception traps and were identified using morphological and DNA barcoding methods as Phlebotumus perniciosus (76.90%), P. papatasi (12.30%), Sergentomyia minuta (7.60%) and P. ariasi (3%). Sand fly abundance was greatest in areas protected from direct sunlight. Our results suggest that animals in zoological centers could be reservoirs of Leishmania spp. However more studies are needed to assess the epidemiological implications of these presumed hosts
What do we know about Angiostrongylus cantonensisin Spain? Current knowledge and future perspectives in a globalized world
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an important emerging and zoonotic nematode that has been reported worldwide since its first description in Asia 86 years ago. Among places where this parasite has been recently described, insular regions of northwest Africa seem to be particularly relevant. We performed a systematic review in scientific databases to search and extract information about all reports describing cases of A. cantonensis in Spain until July 2021. As a result, seven surveys about the presence of this pathogen in Spanish insular regions were found, especially in the Canary Islands, as well as a non-autochthonous report of A. cantonensis in the mainland Spain. The lack of reliable information about the presence or absence of this nematode in the Iberian Peninsula highlights the need for further studies concerning this emerging pathogen since rodents acting as competent definitive hosts of A. cantonensis are widely distributed in the mainland. Moreover, the high maritime traffic daily registered in Spanish ports could be a main entrance pathway for A. cantonensis or its intermediate hosts in the country due to the frequent and direct connection between these points and regions where this pathogen is endemic. We encourage to focus further efforts on investigating the current epidemiological situation of A. cantonensis in the Iberian Peninsula, just as in other Mediterranean countries with similar epidemiological, ecological and geographical characteristics. In this sense, the relevant implications of this parasite for animal and public health make necessary to act integrating different viewpoints under the One Health perspective
Monitoring the dynamics of consumption of ungulate game by-products in vulture feeding stations in Iberian Mediterranean ecosystems
Vulture feeding stations (VFS) are strategic sites for the management of ungulate game by-products, with major implications for the conservation of obligate avian scavengers. These feeding points are designed to prevent access by facultative mammalian scavengers and to reduce the risk of trophically transmitted pathogen infection through scavenging behaviour. The aim of this study, using camera trap video recordings, was to evaluate the feeding dynamics around 32 lots of ungulate game by-products deposited in VFS in southern Spain. During the study period (2017–2022), 11 different avian and mammal scavenger species was detected. Also, many feeding events involving all scavenger species (51.1%; 362/709) and mammal scavenger species (23.4%; 166/709) was recorded. A significantly earlier presence of major obligate scavengers (Gyps fulvus and Aegypius monachus) (P = 0.023) and a lower persistence of by-products deposited (P < 0.001) were detected during October–December compared to January–March. Our results confirm that VFS play an important role in vulture conservation in Iberian Mediterranean ecosystems. However, we also point out the potential risk of VFS as hotspots of foodborne pathogens for mammal scavengers, particularly when the hunting offal persists longer. Consequently, we urge the competent authorities to update the regulations affecting VFS management, and hunting estate managers to make every effort to correctly apply those preventing scavenging mammals from gaining access to VFS. Further studies tackling access of non-target species to VFS are also warranted to properly assess the sanitary implications and geographical extent of these problems for mammal species inhabiting areas where VFS are installed.
The role of wild carnivore carcasses in the transmission of infectious agents : epidemiological and ecological aspects
Esta tesis doctoral profundiza en las consecuencias epidemiológicas de las interacciones entre la fauna silvestre y los cadáveres de mamíferos carnívoros en tres zonas montañosas del sureste de España. Además, se evalúa el grado de interdisciplinaridad, el uso de terminología ecológica y los argumentos que sustentan la transmisión trófica de patógenos en estudios en la interfaz silvestre-doméstico-humano. En el Capítulo 1 realizamos una revisión sistemática para conocer el estado actual del conocimiento sobre la transmisión de parásitos por consumo de carne en la interfaz silvestre-doméstico-humano. También evaluamos el grado de interdisciplinaridad de los equipos de investigación y la precisión en el uso de términos ecológicos, así como la base científica de los argumentos que sustentaron las conclusiones epidemiológicas. La mayoría de los artículos justificaron la transmisión trófica de parásitos utilizando exclusivamente referencias bibliográficas o afirmaciones sin base científica. Además, los términos ecológicos en muchas publicaciones estaban ausentes y, cuando se mencionaban, solían ser imprecisos o incorrectos. Esta falta de precisión y rigor puede deberse a que las publicaciones han sido mayoritariamente realizadas por equipos unidisciplinares. Estos resultados remarcan la necesidad de establecer colaboraciones entre investigadores formados en Ecología y Epidemiología en estudios epidemiológicos en la interfaz silvestre-doméstico-humano. En los Capítulos 2 y 3 investigamos el comportamiento de los vertebrados ante cadáveres de carnívoros, con especial atención a la interacción entre el zorro rojo (Vulpes vulpes) y los cadáveres de congéneres para la transmisión de parásitos vía trófica y no trófica. Se monitorizaron 56 cadáveres de zorro y 10 de otros mesocarnívoros durante 7-10 semanas utilizando cámaras trampa en tres zonas montañosas del sureste de España, con diferentes comunidades de vertebrados y grados de antropización. Los zorros fueron muy eficientes en detectar la carroña de mesocarnívoro. No obstante, el comportamiento generalizado consistió en evitar el consumo o retrasarlo varias semanas, sobre todo entre congéneres. Las especies carroñeras contactaron más frecuentemente con los cadáveres, probablemente por sus hábitos alimenticios. En cuanto a los eventos de zorros, el contacto fue más frecuente y temprano en cadáveres heteroespecíficos, retrasándose varias semanas en congéneres. Para el frotamiento se observó un patrón similar entre ambos tipos de carroña, aunque la frecuencia fue mayor en cadáveres de zorro. En cambio, el marcaje fue más frecuente en cadáveres de congéneres, probablemente porque son utilizados como puntos de información de larga persistencia. Nuestros resultados sugieren que la decisión de consumir cadáveres de congéneres está probablemente condicionada por dos fuerzas contrarias: el alto valor nutritivo de los congéneres y el riesgo de adquirir parásitos. Demostramos que la carroña de carnívoro es un componente fundamental en el "paisaje de la aversión" de los carnívoros. En relación con las interacciones no tróficas, los zorros evitaron el contacto temprano con la carroña probablemente para reducir el riesgo de infección por parásitos de transmisión no trófica, especialmente en congéneres. Sin embargo, el estrecho contacto causado por el frotamiento puede jugar un papel importante en la transmisión de ectoparásitos. Los eventos de marcaje también podrían suponer un riesgo epidemiológico en los lugares donde se encuentran los cadáveres, ya que algunos patógenos excretados por orina y heces pueden permanecer en el cadáver o en sus inmediaciones durante mucho tiempo. Por ello, la estrategia del zorro para reducir el riesgo de infección parece ineficaz frente a algunos parásitos de transmisión no trófica. En general, esta tesis doctoral proporciona un conocimiento detallado de las interacciones ecológicas entre la carroña de carnívoro y los vertebrados. Esta información es una base fundamental para inferir las consecuencias epidemiológicas derivadas de estas relaciones. Además, animamos a incrementar las colaboraciones interdisciplinares en estudios epidemiológicos en la interfaz silvestre-doméstico-humano desde una perspectiva One Health.
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