Detection of <i>Feline Leukemia Virus</i> in the Endangered Iberian Lynx (<i>Lynx Pardinus</i>)

Luaces, Inés; Doménech, Ana; García-Montijano, Marino; Collado, Victorio M.; Sánchez, Celia; Tejerizo, J German; Galka, Margarita; Fernández, Pilar; Gómez-Lucı́a, Esperanza

doi:10.1177/104063870802000325

Cited by 17 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Histopathological studies revealed generalized immune depletion in these animals, apparently unrelated to infectious agents or malnutrition [24], and glomerulonephritis [28]. Furthermore, the presence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) provirus was recently reported in six samples originating from both the Doñ ana and Sierra Morena areas in southern Spain between 1994 and 2003 [29].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 93%

Feline Leukemia Virus and Other Pathogens as Important Threats to the Survival of the Critically Endangered Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus)

Meli

Cattori

Martínez³

et al. 2009

PLoS ONE

126

121

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BackgroundThe Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is considered the most endangered felid species in the world. In order to save this species, the Spanish authorities implemented a captive breeding program recruiting lynxes from the wild. In this context, a retrospective survey on prevalence of selected feline pathogens in free-ranging lynxes was initiated.Methodology/ Principal FindingsWe systematically analyzed the prevalence and importance of seven viral, one protozoan (Cytauxzoon felis), and several bacterial (e.g., hemotropic mycoplasma) infections in 77 of approximately 200 remaining free-ranging Iberian lynxes of the Doñana and Sierra Morena areas, in Southern Spain, between 2003 and 2007. With the exception of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), evidence of infection by all tested feline pathogens was found in Iberian lynxes. Fourteen lynxes were feline leukemia virus (FeLV) provirus-positive; eleven of these were antigenemic (FeLV p27 positive). All 14 animals tested negative for other viral infections. During a six-month period in 2007, six of the provirus-positive antigenemic lynxes died. Infection with FeLV but not with other infectious agents was associated with mortality (p<0.001). Sequencing of the FeLV surface glycoprotein gene revealed a common origin for ten of the eleven samples. The ten sequences were closely related to FeLV-A/61E, originally isolated from cats in the USA. Endogenous FeLV sequences were not detected.Conclusions/SignificanceIt was concluded that the FeLV infection most likely originated from domestic cats invading the lynx's habitats. Data available regarding the time frame, co-infections, and outcome of FeLV-infections suggest that, in contrast to the domestic cat, the FeLV strain affecting the lynxes in 2007 is highly virulent to this species. Our data argue strongly for vaccination of lynxes and domestic cats in and around lynx's habitats in order to prevent further spread of the virus as well as reduction the domestic cat population if the lynx population is to be maintained.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 93%

Feline Leukemia Virus and Other Pathogens as Important Threats to the Survival of the Critically Endangered Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus)

Meli

Cattori

Martínez³

et al. 2009

PLoS ONE

126

121

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“…Feral cats 6,7 or endangered wild felids as linx and panthers 8 are also under risk of FeLV infection. Both retroviruses affect the immune system and are causes of significant morbidity and mortality 9 or predispose to infections such as hemotropic mycoplasmas 10 or feline infectious peritonitis 11 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fatores de risco da leucemia viral felina em São Paulo, Brazil

Jorge

Ferreira

Hagiwara

2011

Braz. J. Vet. Res. Anim. Sci.

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The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection in cats (n = 812) from the city of São Paulo. Information on age, gender, outdoor access, reproductive status, origin and number of potential contacts were obtained for each animal. Direct immunofluorescence test was used to identify the infected cats. Fifty cats (6.2 %) were positive for FeLV infection. The risk factors identified were "outdoor access" (OR = 47.2; p < 0.001), "having been rescued from the street" (OR = 3.221; p = 0.008) or being three to six year old (OR = 3.046; p = 0.009); the most important risk factor was free outdoor access. A predictive model for FeLV infection was built based on the results of the multivariate analysis. Cats with free outdoor access are more predisposed to infection, with 18% more chances of becoming infected. If the animal is one to three year old, the probability increases, reaching 34%. If the cat is exposed to these three risk factors, the probability of infection is even higher (63%). When analyzed together or as isolated risk factors, the age and being rescued from the street represent less impact on the spreading of the FeLV, as the probability of infection for cats exposed to each of these risk factors is 1 and 4%, respectively. Thus, free roaming and outdoor access are the most important risk factors associated to FeLV infection among cats in São Paulo city and must be taken in consideration in the prevention of this retrovirus infection. Keywords:Cats. Feline leukemia virus. Risk factors. Epidemiology. FeLV. ResumoO objetivo deste estudo foi o de identificar os fatores de risco para a leucemia viral felina (FeLV) em uma amostragem de 812 gatos da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Informações sobre idade, sexo, acesso à rua, estado reprodutivo, origem e número de contactantes foram obtidos para cada animal. Teste de imunofluorescência direto para a pesquisa de antígeno viral em esfregaço de sangue periférico foi utilizado para a identificação dos felinos infectados. Foram encontrados 51 gatos (6,2%) positivos para a infecção. Os fatores de risco identificados foram "acesso a rua" (OR = 47,2; p < 0,001), "ter sido resgatado da rua" (OR = 3,221; p = 0,008) e "ter idade entre 3 e 6 anos" (OR = 3,046; p = 0,009), sendo o "livre acesso à rua" o fator de risco mais importante. Foi elaborado um modelo preditivo para a infecção pelo FeLV, baseandose nos resultados da análise multivariada. Gatos com acesso livre à rua apresentam 18% mais chances de se infectarem e se estiverem na faixa etária entre 3 e 6 anos de idade o risco aumenta para 34%. Se o gato estiver exposto aos três fatores de risco, a probabilidade de infecção é ainda mais alta, de 63%. Quando analisados em conjunto ou como fatores de risco isolados, a idade e o fato de "ter sido resgatado da rua" possuem menor impacto na disseminação de FeLV, já que a probabilidade de infecção para os gatos expostos a cada um desses fatores é de 1% e de 4%, respectivamente. Assim, o acesso livre a rua e ter sido resgatado da rua...

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“…In a recently published retrospective study (Luaces et al, 2008), six of 21 lynxes sampled between 1993 and 2003 were found to be FeLV provirus-positive in Doñ ana and Sierra Morena areas, but not antigenemic. Although no clinical data were reported in this study, there was no indication that FeLV infection could represent a major risk for the lynx populations.…”

Section: Prospective Of the Susceptibility Of Iberian Lynx To Future mentioning

confidence: 95%

“…Chlamydophila felis and several parasitic diseases in captive and wild individuals (Briones et al, 2000;Vicente et al, 2004;Luaces et al, 2005;Millá n et al, 2007Millá n et al, , 2009Sobrino et al, 2007;Willi et al, 2007;Meli et al, 2009). Occasional exposure to viral infections such as feline herpes virus (FHV), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline parvovirus (FPV), canine distemper virus (CDV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) may occur (Luaces et al, 2008;Millá n et al, 2009;Roelke et al, 2008;Meli et al, 2009). Recently, a severe FeLV epidemic struck two small subpopulations of the Doñ ana area.…”

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confidence: 99%

Feline leukemia virus infection: A threat for the survival of the critically endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)

Meli

Cattori

Martínez³

et al. 2010

Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology

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The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is considered the most endangered felid species in the world. To date, less than 200 animals remain in the wild. Low numbers and genetic uniformity may contribute to render this species particularly susceptible to infectious diseases. Different pathogens have been identified in Iberian lynxes; including several feline bacterial and viral agents. Within a 6-month period starting in December 2006, 12 lynxes living in the northern part of the Doñana area were found to be infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Eleven of these animals were antigenemic, and four of them died in the wild in less than 6 months since the first infected animal had been discovered. The remaining viremic lynxes were captured and allocated to a quarantine center to stop the spread of the infection. An additional three animals died shortly in the quarantine center due to acute anemic disease. Sequencing of the envelope surface unit gene revealed a common origin for the FeLV found in all lynxes. The sequences were closely related to FeLV-A/61E, originally isolated from cats in the USA. Our data demonstrate that, similarly to FeLV, the introduction of a new or particularly pathogenic infection brought into the small population of Iberian lynxes by other wild carnivores or feral cats and dogs roaming in the same habitats have severe consequences. It could result in epidemics that have the potential to eradicate the entire lynx population.

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Detection of Feline Leukemia Virus in the Endangered Iberian Lynx (Lynx Pardinus)

Cited by 17 publications

References 15 publications

Feline Leukemia Virus and Other Pathogens as Important Threats to the Survival of the Critically Endangered Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus)

Feline Leukemia Virus and Other Pathogens as Important Threats to the Survival of the Critically Endangered Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus)

Fatores de risco da leucemia viral felina em São Paulo, Brazil

Feline leukemia virus infection: A threat for the survival of the critically endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)

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