A Freedom of Coxiella burnetii Infection Survey in European Bison (Bison bonasus) in Poland

Abstract

Q fever is an important zoonosis caused by the intracellular Gram-negative bacteria Coxiella burnetii. The source of infection are numerous species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, as well as ticks. The disease is widespread throughout Europe, but the role of wildlife in its epidemiology is poorly understood. The European bison (Bison bonasus) population has been growing European-wide quite dynamically over the last few years. The aim of this study was to determine whether C. burnetii infection occurs in European bison and whether it can be considered an important bacterial reservoir in the natural environment. Five hundred and twenty three samples of European bison sera originating from 14 (out of the 26 existing) Polish populations were examined for the presence of specific antibodies using an ID Screen Q Fever Indirect Multi-species ELISA test. Only one (0.19%) serum sample was positive in ELISA, and two other samples were doubtful. The only seropositive animal found in this study was a free-living bull. It suggests possible transmission from domestic cattle by sharing pastures. The transmission of C. burnetii into the European bison was rather accidental in the country and its role as an important wild reservoir is unlikely. Since no tests are available for wildlife ruminants there is a need for the adaptation of the available tests.

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

“…However, it should be stressed that such studies were conducted over 30 years ago and only within a single location, which was found to be self-limiting for Q fever. Our present findings, indicating that Q fever is not currently a threat to the European bison population, are in line with the latest reports on this topic in European bison [ 47 ]. Similarly, low prevalence levels have been recorded in other wild ruminants: 6.8% in European mouflon ( Ovis orientalis musimon ) and 2.4% in red deer ( Cervus elaphus ) in Spain [ 48 ] and 1.2% in roe deer in Flanders [ 49 ].…”

Acute-phase protein concentrations in serum of clinically healthy and diseased European bison (Bison bonasus) – preliminary study

“…One of the tools that can be used to manage wildlife species is selective elimination (culling) of individuals, which genotype (and/or lineage) or health impairment make them undesirable in a herd. Apart from that, diseased individuals may threaten other animals in the population in case of contagious diseases, which, to make things worse, may also have zoonotic potential and be a challenge for public health [3,4]. This applies especially to tuberculosis, which is currently a real zoonotic health hazard in wild ruminant populations including European bison [5].…”

Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Trueperella pyogenes Isolated from Infections in European Bison (Bison bonasus)

“…Recently, the bovine mycobacteria, as well as the atypical mycobacteria, were isolated from European bison kept in captivity in the area where bovine tuberculosis was diagnosed in the past [ 9 , 10 ]. In the serological survey of Q fever, antibodies against Coxiella burnetii were only found in a single free-living individual, suggesting that this disease is not currently a significant problem for the European bison’s health [ 11 ]. Other bacteria which may affect the European bison are Treponema spp., identified as a cause of digital dermatitis lesions [ 12 ]; Pasteurella multocida , associated with respiratory tract diseases [ 13 ] and Borrelia burgdorferi [ 14 ].…”