Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of Aleutian disease caused by Aleutian mink disease virus: A literature review with a perspective of genomic breeding for disease control in American mink (Neogale vison)

Aleutian disease: Risk factors and ImmunAD strategy for genetic improvement of tolerance in American mink (Neogale vison)

“…It also empowers farmers to monitor specific factors closely and take prompt actions, such as quarantine measures or diagnostic testing, in the early stages to prevent AD spread. Several AD tests, such as CIEP and AMDVG ELISA, have been applied in the phenotypic selection of AD-tolerant mink and eradication programs in some mink-producing areas [ 1 , 7 , 32 ]. However, phenotypic selection relies solely on observable traits without considering underlying genetic factors, leading to slower progress in genetic improvement compared to genetic selection methods [ 33 ].…”

“…Animals kept in the herd for a longer time are more likely to be exposed to the virus and infected by AMDV. Breeder animals can act as reservoirs in AD-positive farms and transfer the infection to the kits (vertical transmission) and other animals (horizontal transmission) [ 1 , 26 ]. Therefore, special attention and regular AD measures on breeder animals, such as regular serological tests and quarantine of suspicious animals, should be part of AD control programs in mink farms.…”

“…Aleutian disease (AD), or mink plasmacytosis, caused by Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV), is one of the most severe and costly issues affecting the American mink ( Neogale vison ) breeding industry [ 1 , 2 ]. Aleutian disease reduces pelt quality and lowers the fertility rate in adult animals [ 3 , 4 ].…”

“…Aleutian disease reduces pelt quality and lowers the fertility rate in adult animals [ 3 , 4 ]. Adults typically develop a chronic form of AD, in which the infection results in progressive wasting syndrome with severe weakness and loss of muscle and fat tissues [ 1 , 5 ]. The disease can result in a high mortality rate in kits, mainly due to acute interstitial pneumonia [ 1 , 5 ].…”

“…Proper T helper type 1 and cytotoxic T cell responses against AMDV result in mink’s “non-progressive” form of AD [ 25 , 27 ]. In this form, animals develop lower levels of anti-AMDV antibody production [ 25 , 27 ], as they have higher levels of coordination between cell-mediated and antibody immune responses (for more details, see [ 1 ]). Therefore, low anti-AMDV antibody levels can be used as a hallmark of high levels of coordination between cell- and antibody-mediated immune responses against AMDV and as a result, AD tolerance.…”