GPS Tracking of Free-Roaming Cats (Felis catus) on SARS-CoV-2-Infected Mink Farms in Utah

Amman, Brian R.; Cossaboom, Caitlin M.; Wendling, Natalie M.; Harvey, R. Reid; Rettler, Hannah; Taylor, Dean; Kainulainen, Markus H.; Aḥmad, Auṣāf; Bunkley, Paige; Godino, Claire; Tong, Suxiang; Li, Yan; Uehara, Anna; Kelleher, Anna; Zhang, Jing; Lynch, Brian; Behravesh, Casey Barton; Towner, Jonathan S.

doi:10.3390/v14102131

Cited by 11 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…Percent seropositivity of 21 cats sampled across Farms C, D, and E ranged from 0 to 100%. Qualitative serology results on a subset of cats from Farms A, C, and D that were affixed with GPS collars during the October TP are presented elsewhere [ 29 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…On Farms D and E, one (20%) and four (57%) cats tested rRT-PCR positive. During our investigations in October, a subset of the sampled cats on Farms A, C, and D was also affixed with GPS collars to monitor cat movement patterns on- and off-farm; the findings of this sub-study are published separately [ 29 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Hemolyzed specimens were excluded from these analyses. Based on these results and those published earlier for cats [ 29 ], the same cut-off as for humans (2.5) was used for all species except for cats (2.8). Upon finding strong reactivity in mink sera causing assay saturation and hook effect, the specimens were also tested at 1/50 dilution in 1% BSA/PBS.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 92%

“…Notably, the cats tested during this investigation were feral/free-roaming with no known history of close contact with humans, so infected mink represent the most likely source of SARS-CoV-2 exposure to the cats. However, as a sub-study of these investigations, a subset of these sampled cats was fitted with GPS collars and released back on the farms where they were captured [ 29 ]. Results from GPS tracking of these cats showed they made frequent visits to mink sheds, moved freely around the affected farms, and visited surrounding residential properties and neighborhoods, and as such, exposure to SARS-CoV-2 off-farm cannot be ruled out [ 29 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, as a sub-study of these investigations, a subset of these sampled cats was fitted with GPS collars and released back on the farms where they were captured [ 29 ]. Results from GPS tracking of these cats showed they made frequent visits to mink sheds, moved freely around the affected farms, and visited surrounding residential properties and neighborhoods, and as such, exposure to SARS-CoV-2 off-farm cannot be ruled out [ 29 ]. In contrast, the dogs were housed on-farm, and had exposure to humans, including those with a history of COVID-19, so the source of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the dogs is less clear.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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One Health Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 in People and Animals on Multiple Mink Farms in Utah

Cossaboom

Wendling

Lewis

et al. 2022

Viruses

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From July–November 2020, mink (Neogale vison) on 12 Utah farms experienced an increase in mortality rates due to confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. We conducted epidemiologic investigations on six farms to identify the source of virus introduction, track cross-species transmission, and assess viral evolution. Interviews were conducted and specimens were collected from persons living or working on participating farms and from multiple animal species. Swabs and sera were tested by SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) and serological assays, respectively. Whole genome sequencing was attempted for specimens with cycle threshold values <30. Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected by rRT-PCR or serology in ≥1 person, farmed mink, dog, and/or feral cat on each farm. Sequence analysis showed high similarity between mink and human sequences on corresponding farms. On farms sampled at multiple time points, mink tested rRT-PCR positive up to 16 weeks post-onset of increased mortality. Workers likely introduced SARS-CoV-2 to mink, and mink transmitted SARS-CoV-2 to other animal species; mink-to-human transmission was not identified. Our findings provide critical evidence to support interventions to prevent and manage SARS-CoV-2 in people and animals on mink farms and emphasizes the importance of a One Health approach to address emerging zoonoses.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 92%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

One Health Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 in People and Animals on Multiple Mink Farms in Utah

Cossaboom

Wendling

Lewis

et al. 2022

Viruses

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Streamlined detection of Nipah virus antibodies using a split NanoLuc biosensor

Bergeron,

Chiang,

et al. 2024

Emerging Microbes & Infections

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Cat–wildlife interactions and zoonotic disease risk: a call for more and better community science data

Szentivanyi,

Oedin,

Rocha

2023

Mammal Review

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Due to their close interaction with both wildlife and humans, free‐ranging domestic animals are well‐suited to act as conveyors of zoonotic pathogens. Yet, although cats Felis catus are major predators of bats and other groups of zoonotic concern (e.g., rodents and birds), mounting evidence suggests that their role in the emergence of zoonotic diseases may be unappreciated. Here, we use bat–cat information extracted from the popular iNaturalist platform as a case in point to illustrate the potential of community science and social media to expand our understanding of pet‐wildlife interactions. Although observations of cats preying on bats were more prevalent in Europe and North America, evidence of such interactions was documented across different geographic regions, revealing a relatively high incidence of bat predation by cats and providing evidence of cat–bat interactions previously unreported in the scientific literature. The lack of surveillance focused on cats and other pets as bridging hosts for zoonotic spillover events is concerning, considering the recognised risks they pose. Community science is a relatively untapped source of information for pet‐wildlife interactions of zoonotic relevance. It is crucial that we gain a better understanding of the interaction between free‐ranging pets and wildlife to better understand their potential contribution to past and future disease outbreaks. Failing to do so not only jeopardises human health but also puts pets at risk.

show abstract

GPS Tracking of Free-Roaming Cats (Felis catus) on SARS-CoV-2-Infected Mink Farms in Utah

Cited by 11 publications

References 49 publications

One Health Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 in People and Animals on Multiple Mink Farms in Utah

One Health Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 in People and Animals on Multiple Mink Farms in Utah

Streamlined detection of Nipah virus antibodies using a split NanoLuc biosensor

Cat–wildlife interactions and zoonotic disease risk: a call for more and better community science data

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