Detection of viral infections in wild Korean raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis)

Abstract

Wild raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis) may play a role transmitting several pathogens to humans and pet animals. Information concerning the incidence of rabies, canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus (CPV), canine adenovirus type 2 (CAdV-2), canine parainfluenza virus type 5 (CPIV-5), and canine herpesvirus (CHV) is needed in wild raccoon dogs. In total, 62 brain samples of raccoon dogs were examined for rabies virus (RABV) and CDV, and 49 lung samples were screened for CDV, CAdV-2, CPIV-5, and CHV. No RABV, CAdV-2, CPIV-5, or CHV was identified, but nine CDV antigens (8.1%, 9/111) were detected. Moreover, 174 serum samples from wild raccoon dogs were screened for antibodies against the five major viral pathogens. The overall serosurveillance against CDV, CPV, CAdV-2, CPIV-5, and CHV in wild raccoon dogs was 60.3%, 52.9%, 59.8%, 23.6%, and 10.3%, respectively. Comparisons of the sero-surveillance of the five pathogens showed that raccoon dogs of Gyeonggi province have slightly higher sero-positive rates against CDV, CPV, and CHV than those of Gangwon province. These results indicate high incidences of CDV, CPV, and CAdV-2 in wild raccoon dogs of two Korean provinces and a latent risk of pathogen transmission to companion and domestic animals.

Detection and Genetic Characterization of Astroviruses in Brain Tissues of Wild Raccoon Dogs

“…Based on many previous studies, raccoon dogs ( Nyctereutes procyonoides ) are known to be vectors for the transmission of infectious diseases, such as canine distemper virus (CDV), rabies, helminths, and tick-borne diseases between livestock and wildlife in Europe and Asia [ 15 , 16 ]. In raccoon dogs, AstV was first detected through metagenomic analysis in China in 2021 and 2022 [ 17 , 18 ].…”

“…Raccoon dogs are increasing in population due to their adaptability to various environments and their lack of natural enemies, and their potential to invade human habitats has led to increased interest in pathogens for which they are hosts [ 19 , 20 ]. Raccoon dog-related diseases reported in Korea are mainly focused on several pathogens such as CDV and rabies, and AstV has never been reported in raccoon dogs [ 15 ]. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence and genetic characterization of AstV in 133 wild raccoon dogs collected in Korea between 2017 and 2019.…”

Detection and Genetic Characterization of Astroviruses in Brain Tissues of Wild Raccoon Dogs

“…Based on many previous studies, raccoon dogs are known to be vectors for the transmission of infectious diseases such as canine distemper virus (CDV), rabies, helminths, and tick-borne diseases between livestock and wildlife in Europe and Asia [15,16]. In raccoon dogs, AstV was first detected through metagenomic analysis in China in 2021 and 2022 [17,18].…”

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia in the lungs of a wild Korean raccoon dog

“…11 Korean raccoon dogs are an important reservoir and/or carrier of numerous zoonotic disease agents. 14,19 However, little is known about the noninfectious diseases in this species.A raccoon dog carcass from the Daejeon Wildlife Rescue Center in Korea was submitted to the…”

“…11 Korean raccoon dogs are an important reservoir and/or carrier of numerous zoonotic disease agents. 14,19 However, little is known about the noninfectious diseases in this species.…”