Pathogens with potential impact on reproduction in captive and free-ranging European bison (Bison bonasus) in Poland - a serological survey

Abstract

Background The European bison is an endangered species, and as such it is extremely important to monitor herds for pathogens which can lead to reproductive failure. The aim of the present study was to determine the current prevalence of antibodies to pathogens known to potentially influence reproduction in European bison. Serum samples from 183 bison, originating from different parts of Poland, were tested using commercial ELISA tests for antibodies to Chlamydia spp., Coxiella burnetti, Leptospira interrogans, Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii; the findings were compared between captive and main free-ranging herds, and with regard to the influence of demographic factors such as age and sex. The prevalence of seropositivity was also checked with regard to location and the animal species sharing it. Results Chlamydia spp. antibodies were present in 48 out of 130 (36.9%) tested samples. Coxiella burnetii was found in one sample out of 178 (0.58%). N. caninum in 36 out of 172 (20.9%) and T. gondii in 23 out of 172 (13.4%). No sample was positive for leptospirosis. Neither sex nor age appeared to have a significant effect on the occurrence of antibodies to the identified species. The prevalence of Chlamydia spp. in the samples varied significantly according to location; however, similar frequency ranges were observed between free ranging and captive herds. In contrast, antibodies to N. caninum were more common in free-ranging herds than captive herds, with the highest frequency observed in the Bieszczady Mountains. Conclusions Chlamydia spp., N. caninum and T. gondii might have a similar impact on the reproductive potential of European bison as they have on cattle. The high occurrence of antibodies to N. caninum in bison from the Bieszczady Mountains may be associated with the relatively high density of the wolf population in the area.

Contact between European bison and cattle from the cattle breeders’ perspective, in the light of the risk of pathogen transmission

“…According to Kwiecień et al [ 35 ], cattle and European bison sharing common pastures are subject to a higher risk of Trueperella pyogenes transmission. European bison and cattle also share a variety of endoparasites from different classes [ 36 ], such as 11 species of protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Eimeria [ 37 , 38 ], as well as Neospora caninum , Toxoplasma gondii , and Sarcocystis cruzi [ 39 – 42 ]. Many parasitic nematode species are generalists that can infect multiple host species [ 43 ].…”

Intra-Palpebral Tuberculin Skin Test and Interferon Gamma Release Assay in Diagnosing Tuberculosis Due to Mycobacterium caprae in European Bison (Bison bonasus)

“…European bison are free-living endangered animals that face many threats, both environmental ones [42] and those associated with infectious diseases [43]. In order to protect them, active species protection measures, including health monitoring, must be carried out.…”

Comorbidities and concentration of trace elements in livers of European bison from Bieszczady Mountains (Poland)

“…In recent years, these two diseases have forced the elimination of dozens of European bison in this area. In the Bieszczady Mountains, an increased prevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies 21 and Schmallenberg virus 22 was also found more often than in other Polish populations. In this area, the first case of Ashwortius sidemi (Nematoda, Trichostrongylidae, a new parasite of the European bison) was found in Poland 23 .…”