Parapox infection in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) in Cornwall

Simpson, V. R.; Stuart, Noel; Stack, M.J.; Ross, H. A.; Head, JC

doi:10.1136/vr.134.12.292

Cited by 25 publications

(21 citation statements)

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“…25 Clinically, the disease is characterized by dermal nodules found on various parts of the skin and oral mucosa. 23,29,36 In contrast to other pinniped species, different histopathologic manifestations of sealpox virus infection have been reported in northern fur seals from the North American Pribilof Island and South American sea lions. Northern fur seals showed dermal epithelioma-like lesions without connection to the overlying epidermis.…”

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Parapoxvirus Infection in Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina) from the German North Sea

et al. 2003

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In the summer of 2000, proliferative lesions of the skin and oral mucosa were observed in 26 young harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from a rehabilitation center in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Verrucose, roundish nodules, approximately 1-2 cm in diameter, were presented in the oral cavity, especially on the tongue. Some animals developed similarly sized spherical dermal elevations with ulceration on flippers, chest, neck, and perineum. Necropsy of one animal showed multifocal, verrucose nodules in the oral cavity and a mild tonsillitis. Histologically, the nodules were characterized by ballooning degeneration of the outer parts of the spiny layer and stratum granulosum, with large eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions and a perivascular to interstitial lymphohistiocytic infiltration accompanied by fibroblastic proliferation and neovascularization. Negative staining of mucosal tissue homogenates demonstrated parapoxvirus-like particles. The presence of parapoxvirus was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction, using primers specific for parapoxvirus of ungulates. By in situ hybridization, using a parapox-specific, digoxigenin-labeled DNA probe, abundant parapoxvirus DNA-positive epithelial cells were detected in the stratum granulosum and the outer parts of the spiny layer. There was no parapoxvirus-positive signal in the adjacent submucosa. Although DNA analysis revealed that the causative agent can clearly be distinct from terrestrial parapoxviruses, lesions resembled parapoxvirus infections in other terrestrial species, and the pattern of virus DNA distribution indicated a direct effect of the virus on keratinocytes. In contrast, changes in the corium may be considered an indirect response mediated by the virus or the immune system.

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Parapoxvirus Infection in Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina) from the German North Sea

et al. 2003

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“…Nodular proliferative skin lesions in seals, reported as ‘sealpox’, have been found in Californian sea lions (Wilson et al., ), South American sea lions ( Otaria byronia ), northern fur seals, harbour seals and grey seals (Wilson and Poglayen‐Neuwall, ; Wilson et al., ; Simpson et al., ) (Table ). The diagnosis has been based on the presence of characteristic skin nodules with a characteristic histopathologic appearance (Okada and Fujimoto, ) and verified by the finding of typical parapoxvirus particles (genus Parapoxvirus , family Poxviridae ) by negative contrast transmission electron microscopy (Wilson and Sweeney, ).…”

Section: Specific Human Pathogens Present In Marine Mammalsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human Pathogens in Marine Mammal Meat – A Northern Perspective

Tryland

Nesbakken

Robertson

et al. 2013

Zoonoses and Public Health

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Only a few countries worldwide hunt seals and whales commercially. In Norway, hooded and harp seals and minke whales are commercially harvested, and coastal seals (harbour and grey seals) are hunted as game. Marine mammal meat is sold to the public and thus included in general microbiological meat control regulations. Slaughtering and dressing of marine mammals are performed in the open air on deck, and many factors on board sealing or whaling vessels may affect meat quality, such as the ice used for cooling whale meat and the seawater used for cleaning, storage of whale meat in the open air until ambient temperature is reached, and the hygienic conditions of equipment, decks, and other surfaces. Based on existing reports, it appears that meat of seal and whale does not usually represent a microbiological hazard to consumers in Norway, because human disease has not been associated with consumption of such foods. However, as hygienic control on marine mammal meat is ad hoc, mainly based on spot-testing, and addresses very few human pathogens, this conclusion may be premature. Additionally, few data from surveys or systematic quality control screenings have been published. This review examines the occurrence of potential human pathogens in marine mammals, as well as critical points for contamination of meat during the slaughter, dressing, cooling, storage and processing of meat. Some zoonotic agents are of particular relevance as foodborne pathogens, such as Trichinella spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Salmonella and Leptospira spp. In addition, Mycoplasma spp. parapoxvirus and Mycobacterium spp. constitute occupational risks during handling of marine mammals and marine mammal products. Adequate training in hygienic procedures is necessary to minimize the risk of contamination on board, and acquiring further data is essential for obtaining a realistic assessment of the microbiological risk to humans from consuming marine mammal meat.

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“…m a m m a l o g y . o r g Infection with viral, bacterial, or parasitic pathogens that cause focal or extensive dermatitis can cause alopecia in pinnipeds (Dailey 2001;Dunn et al 2001;Simpson et al 1994). Hair is directly shed from inflamed follicles or skin irritation may encourage self-trauma resulting in hair fracture.…”

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confidence: 97%