Serologic survey for microbial pathogens

Zarnke, Randall

A serologic survey of selected wildlife species from Alaska was conducted. There was little or no evidence of most diseases in most host species. Some notable exceptions were apparent. Evidence of contagious ecthyma was common in Dall sheep and rare in caribou. Evidence of parainfluenza III in the Delta Junction bison herd increased from zero to nearly 100% over an 8-year period. Evidence of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis was high in arctic caribou herds, especially the Central Arctic Herd. Evidence of bovine viral diarrhea was low in bison, caribou, Dall sheep, moose, and muskox. Brucellosis was low to moderate in caribou and grizzly bear on the North Slope. Evidence of leptospirosis in grizzly bears was more common in the southern portions of the state. Specific serovarieties of Leptospira interrogans were more prevalent in certain host species and certain geographic areas. Evidence of Q fever was found in caribou, Dall sheep, mountain goat, muskox, arctic fox, grizzly bear, and wolf. Evidence of a virus similar to both bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease was found in moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and bison. Prevalence was low and there is conjecture over the identity of the agent. In addition to Q fever, evidence of brucellosis, leptospirosis, infectious canine hepatitis, canine distemper, canine parvovirus, tularemia, and rabies was found in wolves.