Serosurvey of selected viruses in captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in China

Abstract

Serum samples from 92 giant pandas in three captive facilities were tested for antibodies against five viruses of carnivores. Antibody titers against canine distemper virus (CDV) in two facilities in which giant pandas were vaccinated were variable. The canine adenovirus (CAV-1) and canine parvovirus (CPV) titers in vaccinated group were both positive, but titers were not high and varied among individual except one vaccinated panda had extremely high CAV-1 titer, indicating infection with the field virus following vaccination. Our results suggest that the vaccines used for these giant pandas do not elicit consistent antibody titers. Antibody titers against CDV, CPV and CAV-1 in unvaccinated giant pandas were highly variable, especially CPV titer. Almost half of sera were CPV antibody positive, and CPV titers were high enough to suggest infection with the virus. Canine coronavirus (CCV) and canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) titers were not detected in all serum samples. The results of this study emphasize the need for research on infectious diseases of giant pandas and development of suitable vaccines for the species.

An Outbreak of Canine Distemper Virus in Tigers (<i>Panthera tigris</i>): Possible Transmission from Wild Animals to Zoo Animals

“…CDV epidemics also have threatened the continuation of the small population such as island fox [35], giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) [29], black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) [38] and African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) [36]. Thus the expanding host range of CDV represents a challenge in the conservation of endangered animals.…”

Identification of canine parvovirus with the Q370R point mutation in the VP2 gene from a giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

“…It has been reported that canine parvovirus (CPV) have been implicated in disease and mortality in giant pandas [18][19][20][21], which is an endangered species native to the China. The giant pandas with CPV infection showed diarrhea, vomiting and water-like feces [18].…”

Parasites of the Giant Panda: A Risk Factor in the Conservation of a Species

“…To date, at least 29 parasite taxa, including 11 endoparasites (5 nematode, 1 trematode and 5 protozoan taxa) and 18 ectoparasites (13 tick, 2 mite, 2 flea taxa and 1 'blow fly') have been recorded in the giant panda (Table 2). However, many of these records are in the Chinese literature (publications or archival documents), Hvistendahl (2015) and Zhao et al (2017) Canine adenovirus Adenoviridae Liver and brain Qin et al (2011)…”

“…There is no comprehensive knowledge on CCV of giant pandas Mainka et al (1994) Canine parvovirus Parvoviridae Unknown Watery diarrhoea and vomiting Mainka et al (1994) and Qin et al (2011)…”