Detection of Myxoma Virus DNA in Ticks from Lagomorph Species in Spain Suggests Their Possible Role as Competent Vector in Viral Transmission

García-Pereira, Sergio; González‐Barrio, David; Fernández-García, José Luis; Gómez-Martín, Ana; Habela, M.; García‐Bocanegra, Ignacio; Calero‐Bernal, Rafael

doi:10.7589/jwd-d-20-00116

Cited by 3 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…In this context, MYXV transmission through vectors may depend on two variables identified in the present study: mean annual temperature and humidity. These climatic factors have been shown to be key to the biological cycle of competent vector species (fleas, mosquitos and possibly ticks) of MYXV (Eritja et al., 2005; García‐Pereira et al., 2021; Osácar et al., 2001). Consequently, the presence and abundance of MYXV‐transmitting arthropods may be higher in locations where the mean annual temperatures are higher and humidity values are moderate, resulting in higher rates of exposure.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Spatiotemporal monitoring of myxomatosis in European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems

Camacho‐Sillero

Cardoso

Beato-Benítez

et al. 2022

Transbounding Emerging Dis

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A long‐term active epidemiological surveillance programme was conducted to determine seroprevalence to myxoma virus (MYXV), infection prevalence and spatiotemporal patterns and factors associated with MYXV circulation in wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems. A total of 2376 animals were sampled over four study periods: 2009–2012 (P1), 2012–2015 (P2), 2015–2018 (P3) and 2018–2021 (P4). Antibodies against MYXV were detected by a commercial indirect ELISA in 59.9% (1424/2376; 95% CI: 58.0–61.9) of wild rabbits. At least one seropositive animal was detected on 131 (96.3%) of 136 game estates sampled. MYXV infection was confirmed by PCR in 94 of 1063 (8.8%; 95% CI: 7.3–10.7) wild rabbits. Circulation of the novel recombinant MYXV (ha‐MYXV) was not found in wild rabbits analysed during P4. Five statistically significant spatiotemporal clusters of high MYXV seroprevalence were identified using a Bernoulli model: one in P2 and four in P3. A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) analysis identified sampling season (autumn), age (adult and juvenile), outbreaks of myxomatosis in the month prior to sampling, mean annual temperature, humidity and seropositivity to rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus as factors potentially linked with MYXV seropositivity. GLMM analysis identified outbreaks of myxomatosis in the month prior to sampling, MYXV seropositivity and presence of lesions compatible with myxomatosis as factors associated with MYXV infection. The results indicate high exposure, widespread but non‐homogeneous distribution, and endemic circulation of MYXV in wild rabbit populations in southern Spain during the last decade. Prevalence of antibodies against MYXV showed fluctuations both within the year and over the study periods, revealing variations in the immunity of wild rabbit populations in Mediterranean ecosystems that could increase the risk of MYXV re‐emergence in immunologically naïve populations. The present study highlights the importance of long‐term surveillance to better understand the epidemiology of MYXV in wild lagomorphs.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spatiotemporal monitoring of myxomatosis in European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems

Camacho‐Sillero

Cardoso

Beato-Benítez

et al. 2022

Transbounding Emerging Dis

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“…One of the main findings of our research was the absence of myxomatosis in hunting grounds with an altitude above 800 m. In fact, the majority of hunting grounds in which myxomatosis was detected were located in the "lower" provinces (Albacete, Ciudad Real, and Toledo), while the opposite was observed in Cuenca and Guadalajara, which have an average altitude above 900 m. In addition, the MaxEnt model found that the most important predictor for myxomatosis occurrence was the temperature annual range. These findings may be explained by the effects of climate on myxomatosis vectors: fleas, mosquitoes (García-Bocanegra et al 2019), and possibly ticks (García-Pereira et al 2021). It is known that mosquitoes are less likely to occur when temperature gets colder at higher altitudes (Durán-Martínez 2012), and fleas and ticks follow seasonal patterns of occurrence in wild rabbit (González et al 2016(González et al , 2021 related to factors such as temperature and humidity, as described in ticks (Requena-García et al 2017).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…According to García‐Bocanegra et al. (2019, 2021), myxomatosis spread rapidly from 2018 to 2020, affecting the majority of hare distribution range, showing an apparent mean mortality rate of 55.4% (median: 70%). Interestingly enough, this is the second time it is known that hares have been affected by an emerging disease in Spain, as in 1997, a first outbreak of tularemia was detected in Castilla y León, a zoonotic disease which was also detected in hunters and farmers (Reviriego et al.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors affecting populations of the endemic Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) after the first myxomatosis outbreaks in Central Spain

Lázaro¹,

Guzmán²,

Casas³

et al. 2023

Integr. Zool.

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The Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) is an endemic species distributed in Spain and Portugal. Myxomatosis outbreaks affecting this species were detected in 2018 in Central and Southern Spain, spreading afterward. Aiming to evaluate factors affecting the status of hare population after the arrival of myxomatosis, we conducted 108 nocturnal hare counts in Central Spain during two study periods (winter/spring and summer/autumn) in 54 different hunting grounds, covering 1071 km and observing 884 individuals. The mean density in winter/spring was 7.66 hares/100 ha, (range 6.14–9.54/100 ha), while in summer/autumn, it was 3.4 hares/100 ha (range 2.6–4.4/100 ha). Densities of hares were not affected by the dominant habitat and the presence/absence of myxomatosis outbreaks. Hares were more abundant at hunting grounds at a higher altitude and in those conducting targeted management, while detection of myxomatosis was related to lower altitude and higher levels of game management. A MaxEnt model used to generate a risk map for myxomatosis occurrence showed that the temperature annual range was the most important predictor, which suggests that environmental factors affecting myxomatosis vectors (mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks) could play a key role in disease transmission. As myxomatosis in hares is becoming endemic, hare densities may be improved by game management and the monitoring and surveillance of this emerging disease. These surveillance programs could be the basis of effective collaborations between hunters, researchers, and environmental managers.

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“…H. marginatum, D. marginatus, R. annulatus and I. ricinus) (Moraga-Fernández et al, 2020;Sánchez-Seco et al, 2021).Regarding other viruses, recent studies have discovered H. lusitanicum infected with Myxoma virus, a pathogen found in wild lagomorphs (García-Pereira et al, 2021), and with the hepatitis E virus (HEV)(Rivero-Juarez et al, 2021). However, the role of H. lusitanicum in the transmission cycle of these two viruses is still unknown and warrants further study.…”

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confidence: 99%

Emerging Hyalomma lusitanicum: From identification to vectorial role and integrated control

Valcárcel¹,

Elhachimi

Vila

et al. 2023

Medical Vet Entomology

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In the Mediterranean basin, the tick species Hyalomma lusitanicum Koch stands out among other species of the Hyalomma genus due to its wide distribution, and there is great concern about its potential role as a vector and/or reservoir and its continuous expansion to new areas because of climate warming and human and other animal movements. This review aims to consolidate all the information on H. lusitanicum, including taxonomy and evolution, morphological and molecular identification, life cycle, sampling methods, rearing under laboratory conditions, ecology, hosts, geographical distribution, seasonality, vector role and control methods. The availability of adequate data is extremely relevant to the development of appropriate control strategies in areas where this tick is currently distributed as well as in new areas where it could become established in the near future.

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Detection of Myxoma Virus DNA in Ticks from Lagomorph Species in Spain Suggests Their Possible Role as Competent Vector in Viral Transmission

Cited by 3 publications

References 13 publications

Spatiotemporal monitoring of myxomatosis in European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems

Spatiotemporal monitoring of myxomatosis in European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems

Factors affecting populations of the endemic Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) after the first myxomatosis outbreaks in Central Spain

Emerging Hyalomma lusitanicum: From identification to vectorial role and integrated control

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