Serologic Survey for Diseases in Free-Ranging Coyotes (Canis latrans) from Two Ecologically Distinct Areas of Utah

Abstract

The influence of habitat and associated prey assemblages on the prevalence of canine diseases in coyotes (Canis latrans) has received scant attention. From December 1997 through December 1999, we captured 67 coyotes in two ecologically distinct areas of Utah (USA): Deseret Land and Livestock Ranch and US Army Dugway Proving Ground. These areas differ in habitat and prey base. We collected blood samples and tested for evidence of various canine diseases. Prevalence of antibodies against canine parvovirus (CPV) was 100% in the Deseret population and 93% in the Dugway population. All juveniles in both populations had been exposed. We found no difference in the prevalence of antibodies against canine distemper virus (CDV) between the two populations (7% versus 12%; Pϭ0.50). However, we did find an increase in antibodies with age in the Deseret population (Pϭ0.03). Evidence of exposure to canine adenovirus (CAV) was found in both populations (52% and 72%; Pϭ0.08). Prevalence of CAV antibodies was influenced by age on both areas (Deseret: Pϭ0.003; Dugway: Pϭ0.004). Antibodies to Francisella tularensis were low on both areas (2% and 4%). We found a significant difference (Pϭ0.001) in the prevalence of exposure to Yersinia pestis between the two populations: 73% in Deseret compared to 11% in Dugway. This difference is most likely due to the prey species available in the two ecologically distinct study areas.

Serologic Survey for Canine Infectious Diseases among Sympatric Swift Foxes (Vulpes velox) and Coyotes (Canis latrans) in Southeastern Colorado

“…McCue and O'Farrell (1988) reported CDV antibodies in 0-14% of the kit foxes sampled in California. We found that levels of CDV antibodies increased with age among both species, similar to results among coyotes in Texas (Guo et al, 1986), Wyoming (Gese et al, 1997), Arizona (Grinder and Krausman, 2001), and Utah (Arjo et al, 2003). The higher prevalence of CDV antibodies in adults may be a result of adults being more likely to survive exposure or adults having a longer exposure period to the virus and developing a persisting titer (Gorham, 1966;Green et al, 1984).…”

“…The prevalence of CPV antibodies among San Joaquin kit foxes (V. macrotis mutica), a close relative of the swift fox (Mercure et al, 1993), ranged 67-100% in California (McCue and O'Farrell, 1988). The prevalence of CPV antibodies in coyotes from other western states (Arizona, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming) was generally Ͼ70% (Thomas et al, 1984;Gese et al, 1997;Grinder and Krausman, 2001;Arjo et al, 2003). A high prevalence of antibodies is associated with a highly contagious, but nonfatal, infection, because prevalence is measured among survivors (Thomas et al, 1984).…”

“…McCue and O'Farrell (1988) reported a prevalence of CAV antibodies among San Joaquin kit foxes of 6-21% in California. The prevalence of CAV antibodies among coyotes in Arizona, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming has been reported to be 31-100% (Trainer and Knowlton, 1968;Gese et al, 1997;Grinder and Krausman, 2001;Arjo et al, 2003). The degree to which CAV virus affects canid population demographics is unknown.…”

“…The higher prevalence of CDV antibodies in adults may be a result of adults being more likely to survive exposure or adults having a longer exposure period to the virus and developing a persisting titer (Gorham, 1966;Green et al, 1984). Among coyote populations sampled in western states, the prevalence of CDV antibodies was 23-76% (Trainer and Knowlton, 1968;Guo et al, 1986;Williams et al, 1988;Gese et al, 1997;Grinder and Krausman, 2001;Arjo et al, 2003).…”

Evaluation of Trapper-Collected Nobuto Filter-Paper Blood Samples for Distemper and Parvovirus Antibody Detection in Coyotes (Canis latrans) and Raccoons (Procyon lotor)

“…We initially identified titers $32 as evidence of exposure to CDV and titers $25 as evidence of exposure to CPV-2 (Arjo et al 2003;Gese et al 2004). …”