Serologic Survey for Cross-Species Pathogens in Urban Coyotes (Canis latrans), Colorado, USA

Abstract

ABSTRACT:As coyotes (Canis latrans) adapt to living in urban environments, the opportunity for cross-species transmission of pathogens may increase. We investigated the prevalence of antibodies to pathogens that are either zoonotic or affect multiple animal species in urban coyotes in the Denver metropolitan area, Colorado, USA, in 2012. We assayed for antibodies to canine parvovirus-2, canine distemper virus, rabies virus, Toxoplasma gondii, Yersinia pestis, and serotypes of Leptospira interrogans. Overall, 84% of the animals had antibodies to canine parvovirus-2, 44% for canine distemper virus, 20% for T. gondii (IgG), 28% for Y. pestis, and 4% for L. interrogans serotype Grippotyphosa. No neutralizing antibodies were detected to rabies virus, T. gondii (IgM), or L. interrogans serotypes other than Grippotyphosa. With 88% of animals exposed to at least one pathogen, our results suggest that coyotes may serve as important reservoirs and sentinels for etiologic agents.

Exposure of Free-Ranging Wild Carnivores and Domestic Dogs to Canine Distemper Virus and Parvovirus in the Cerrado of Central Brazil

“…Neither test has been validated for use in wild carnivores because of potential inaccuracy or cross-reaction with other agents (Greiner and Gardner 2000). Currently, there are no serological tests validated for the wild carnivores sampled in our study, but the tests developed for domestic dogs and cats are widely used in the testing of wild carni- vores (Malmlov et al 2014;Orozco et al 2014a, b;Nelson et al 2012;Curi et al 2012;Furtado et al 2013;Nava et al 2008;Fiorello et al 2007;Deem and Emmons 2005).…”

Characterization and Comparison of SLAM/CD150 in Free-Ranging Coyotes, Raccoons, and Skunks in Illinois for Elucidation of Canine Distemper Virus Disease

“…Comparative lack of disease in coyotes is notable given the intense surveillance of radio-collared coyotes in Cook County (Basics of studying coyotes, ) and documented high CDV seroprevalence in this species (C. Chu, personal communication). High CDV seropositivity and an absence of fatal disease has also been noted in coyotes elsewhere suggesting frequent exposure without significant morbidity or mortality [ 22 , 23 , 24 ]. These findings suggest that pathogenicity is not determined solely by viral intrinsic factors and that host-virus interactions likely play a role in this population.…”

Seroprevalence and spatial distribution dynamics of Yersinia pestis antibodies in dogs and cats from plague foci in the State of Ceará, Northeastern Brazil

“…The prevalence rate was higher in mustelids (43% -504/1,173), followed by bears (23% -95/459) and canids (15% -1,079/7,291) 28 . Malmlov et al reported a 28% (7/25) serum prevalence in coyotes 26 .…”

“…In the USA, serological surveillance is performed on a wide variety of mammals, as it is thought that this procedure is more sensitive, and allows better assessment of plague behavior and circulation in focal areas [25][26] . Lowell et al 27 state that surveillance involving many species provides better coverage of plague activity than monitoring a single species.…”

“…pestis antibody titers ≥1/128 in 15 pumas, Felis concolor, and a range of 1/1,024 to 1/4,096 in four pumas in rural areas of California (USA). In coyotes from urban areas in California, titers ranged from 1/16 to 1/1,024 26 . In plague areas of China, titers varying from 1/40 to 1/1,280 were found in 49 domestic dogs 23 .…”