Complement-fixing (CF) antibody to Bacillus piliformis antigen was found in 9 of 14 (64%) serum samples obtained from cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) killed in the wild. CF antibody was not present in the serum of 8 cottontail rabbits trapped as juveniles in the same geographic areas and held in captivity for 4 years. Sero-negative cottontail rabbits died acutely with lesions typical of Tyzzer's disease following the intragastric administration of 10(3.8) ELD50 of B. piliformis spores. The possible influence of Tyzzer's disease upon the cyclic population pattern of cottontail rabbits in the wild is discussed. A hypothesis is presented that B. piliformis spores passed in the feces of diseased wild animals could contaminate pastures, hay and grain, and thereby serve as sources of infection to other animals.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-12.4.545 | DOI Listing |
Viruses
October 2024
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35033 Marburg, Germany.
Having suitable animal models is crucial to mimic human disease states and for the successful transfer of experimental data into clinical practice. In the field of papillomavirus research, the domestic rabbit () has served as an indispensable model organism for almost 100 years. The identification and characterization of the first papillomaviruses in rabbits, their carcinogenic potential and their immunogenicity have contributed significantly to the state of knowledge on the genetics and life cycle of papillomaviruses in general, as well as the development of antiviral strategies such as vaccination procedures.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Mammal
December 2024
USDA National Wildlife Research Center, 4101 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States.
The consequences of intraguild predation on vulnerable subordinate species are an important consideration in the recovery of endangered species. In prairie ecosystems, coyotes () are the primary predator of endangered black-footed ferrets (; hereafter, ferrets) and presumably compete for prairie dog ( spp.) prey.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPLoS Pathog
October 2024
Tumor Virus RNA Biology Section, The HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, NCI, NIH, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America.
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2/genotype GI.2 (RHDV2/GI.2; , ) causes a highly contagious disease with hepatic necrosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation in several species.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Med Entomol
November 2024
United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Plains Area; Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Cattle Fever Tick Research Unit, 22675 N. Moorefield Road., Moore Airbase, Building 6419, Edinburg, TX, USA.
Wildlife are hosts of ectoparasites, such as fleas and ticks that may transmit human and animal pathogens. Little is known about the ecology of many ectoparasite species native to southern Texas, or their role in pathogen maintenance and transmission. Much attention has been given to the role of nonnative nilgai antelope as cattle fever tick hosts and agents of dispersal, but little attention has been given to other ectoparasites that may utilize nilgai antelope as hosts.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!