Digital dermatitis-associated Treponema species detection and quantification in migratory tundra caribou (Rangifer tarandus).

Treponema spp. are associated with infectious lameness in livestock and wild ruminants. While extensive research has been conducted on cattle, investigations in wild ruminants are scarce. Hoof disease is common in caribou populations (Rangifer tarandus), but investigations are limited due to the remoteness of the Arctic. Our study aimed to assess the presence of Treponema spp. associated with bovine digital dermatitis in caribou. DNA was extracted from coronary band tissues from forty-eight caribou without visible hoof lesions and analyzed using two PCR methods (qPCR and nPCR). Treponema spp. were detected in low copy numbers/mg of tissue (3.6 to 6.6 × 101). T. phagedenis was the most prevalent and abundant species in 58% of samples by qPCR, followed by T. medium (44%), and T. pedis (10%). The qPCR and nPCR agreement ranged between 65% and 75% (Cohen's kappa 0.22-0.51). Sanger sequencing of thirteen nPCR products confirmed that treponemes in caribou are remarkably similar to those found in domestic ruminants and wild elk. Our study highlights the colonization of treponemes in healthy hooves of a wild ruminant in the Arctic, where there is no presence of livestock, and expands knowledge on the host range and distribution of treponemes. These findings also emphasize the need for further research into the multifactorial nature of treponema-associated hoof diseases and the putative role of treponemes in infectious lameness affecting caribou.

Can intake data inform on impacts of repeated subsidized onsite spay-neuter clinics for dogs?

Objective: Subsidized dog care and population management programs (DPM) are often implemented for dog population control where for-profit veterinary care is inaccessible. However, impacts of such programs are rarely assessed. The goal of this project was to determine if and how previously collected intake data from ongoing high-volume spay-neuter clinics could be used to measure impacts of such DPM programs. Animals: We used intake data collected from 2008 to 2019 from spay-neuter clinics that had been delivered repeatedly over a 10-year period in 6 First Nations communities in Alberta, to assess changes in intake dog characteristics. Procedures: Numbers of dogs brought in for spay-neuter surgery or surrendered, and their ages, sexes, breeds, weights, and body condition scores were compared. Reasons for surrender were investigated and socioeconomic factors were investigated as possible drivers for community differences in clinic participation rates and clinic sex ratios. Results: Socioeconomic indicators did not differ between the 6 participating communities; however, the total number of clinics requested by communities varied. In early years, female dogs were more likely to be brought to the clinics to be spayed whereas, in later years, more males were seen. The age at which animals were brought in for spay or neuter decreased over time (P < 0.05) but the surrender age did not. Breed proportions of x-large, small, and x-small breeds varied over time for both spay-neuter and surrender dogs (P < 0.05), with large-breed dogs always being the most common. However, there was an increase in small and x-small breeds in the final years of the study. Finally, weight status, a calculated estimate of body condition of spay-neuter dogs, increased over time within large and medium breeds, whereas the body condition score of surrendered dogs shifted from "thin" to "ideal" over time. Conclusions and clinical relevance: This work highlights the potential and challenges of using intake data to assess impacts of spay-neuter clinics that occur repeatedly over many years in the same communities. Overall increased weight status, high participation rates, and reduction of age at intake suggest positive effects of the assessed spay-neuter programs.

Les données d'admission peuvent-elles renseigner sur les impacts des cliniques de stérilisation sur place pour les chiens répétées et subventionnées? Objectif: Des programmes subventionnés de soins canins et de gestion de la population (DPM) sont souvent mis en œuvre pour limiter la population canine là où les soins vétérinaires à but lucratif sont inaccessibles. Cependant, les impacts de ces programmes sont rarement évalués. L'objectif de ce projet était de déterminer si et comment les données d'admission précédemment collectées dans les cliniques de stérilisation à grand volume en cours pourraient être utilisées pour mesurer les impacts de tels programmes de DPM. Animaux: Nous avons utilisé les données d'admission recueillies de 2008 à 2019 dans des cliniques de stérilisation qui avaient été dispensées à plusieurs reprises sur une période de 10 ans dans 6 communautés des Premières Nations de l'Alberta, pour évaluer les changements dans les caractéristiques d'admission des chiens. Procédures: Le nombre de chiens amenés pour une chirurgie de stérilisation ou cédés, ainsi que leurs âges, sexes, races, poids et scores de condition physique ont été comparés. Les raisons de l'abandon ont été étudiées ainsi que les facteurs socio-économiques en tant que facteurs possibles des différences communautaires dans les taux de participation aux cliniques et les ratios des sexes entre les cliniques. Résultats: Les indicateurs socioéconomiques ne différaient pas entre les 6 communautés participantes; cependant, le nombre total de cliniques demandées par les communautés variait. Au cours des premières années, les chiennes étaient plus susceptibles d'être amenées aux cliniques pour être stérilisées, tandis que dans les années suivantes, davantage de mâles étaient vus. L'âge auquel les animaux ont été amenés pour la castration ou la stérilisation a diminué avec le temps (P < 0,05), mais pas l'âge d'abandon. Les proportions de races très grandes, petites et très petites variaient au fil du temps pour les chiens stérilisés et les chiens abandonnés (P < 0,05), les chiens de grande race étant toujours les plus courants. Cependant, il y a eu une augmentation des races petites et très petites au cours des dernières années de l'étude. Enfin, le statut pondéral, une estimation calculée de la condition corporelle des chiens stérilisés, a augmenté avec le temps au sein des races grandes et moyennes, tandis que le score de condition corporelle des chiens abandonnés est passé de « mince ¼ à « idéal ¼ au fil du temps. Conclusions et pertinence clinique: Ce travail met en évidence le potentiel et les défis liés à l'utilisation des données d'admission pour évaluer les impacts des cliniques de stérilisation qui se déroulent à plusieurs reprises sur de nombreuses années dans les mêmes communautés. L'augmentation globale du statut pondéral, les taux de participation élevés et la réduction de l'âge à l'admission suggèrent des effets positifs des programmes de stérilisation évalués.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Exposure of the Gulf of St. Lawrence grey seal Halichoerus grypus population to potentially zoonotic infectious agents.

The population of grey seals Halichoerus grypus in Canadian waters is currently used as a commercial source of meat for human consumption. As with domestic livestock, it is important to understand the occurrence in these seals of infectious agents that may be of public health significance and thus ensure appropriate measures are in place to avoid zoonotic transmission. This study examined the prevalence of antibodies against Brucella spp., Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, 6 serovars of Leptospira interrogans, and Toxoplasma gondii in 59 grey seals and determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) the presence of these potentially zoonotic agents in specific organs and tissues of seropositive animals. The presence of encysted Trichinella spp. larvae was also investigated by digestion of tongue, diaphragm and other muscle samples, but none were detected. Seroprevalence against Brucella spp. and E. rhusiopathiae was low (5 and 3%, respectively). All 59 seals tested had antibodies against L. interrogans, but no carrier of this bacterium was detected by PCR. Seroprevalence against T. gondii was 53%, and DNA of this protozoan was detected by PCR in 11/30 (37%) seropositive animals. Standard sanitary measures mandatory for commercialization of meat products for human consumption should greatly reduce the potential for exposure to these infectious agents. However, special consideration should be given to freezing seal meat for at least 3 d to ensure destruction of tissue cysts of T. gondii.

Discovery of herpesviruses in Canadian wildlife.

Herpesviruses (HVs) have a wide range of hosts in the animal kingdom. The result of infection with HVs can vary from asymptomatic to fatal diseases depending on subtype, strain, and host. To date, little is known about HVs naturally circulating in wildlife species and the impact of these viruses on other species. In our study, we used genetic and comparative approaches to increase our understanding of circulating HVs in Canadian wildlife. Using nested polymerase chain reaction targeting a conserved region of the HV DNA polymerase gene, we analyzed material derived from wildlife of western and northern Canada collected between February 2009 and Sept 2014. For classification of new virus sequences, we compared our viral sequences with published sequences in GenBank to identify conserved residues and motifs that are unique to each subfamily, alongside phylogenetic analysis. All alphaherpesviruses shared a conserved tryptophan (W856) and tyrosine (Y880), betaherpesviruses all shared a serine (S836), and gammaherpesviruses had a conserved glutamic acid (E835). Most of our wildlife HV sequences grouped together with HVs from taxonomically related host species. From Martes americana, we detected previously uncharacterized alpha- and beta-herpesviruses.

Evaluation of a portable oxygen concentrator to provide fresh gas flow to dogs undergoing anesthesia.

This study evaluated the ability of a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) to provide fresh gas to an anesthetic machine via an Ayre's T-piece or a Bain circuit. Fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) was compared at flows of 0.5 to 3.0 L/min. Measured FiO2 was 96% at flow rates ≥ 1 L/min. Mean battery life at 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 L/min was 4.21 ± 0.45, 2.62 ± 0.37 and 1.5 ± 0.07 hours, respectively. The POC proved to be useful and effective during 2 power outages. The POC was sufficient to prevent rebreathing in 70% of dogs using a T-piece circuit and 20% of dogs with a Bain circuit. A significant negative correlation between inspired CO2 and O2 flow rates was noted. A significant positive correlation between inspired CO2 and ETCO2 was documented. The occurrence of hypercarbia was associated with low O2 flow. Battery back-up was essential during power outages. The POC can be effectively used for delivery of anesthesia.

Évaluation d'un concentrateur d'oxygène portable pour fournir une circulation de gaz frais aux chiens subissant une anesthésie. Cette étude a évalué la capacité d'un concentrateur d'oxygène portable (COP) à fournir du gaz frais à l'aide d'une pièce en T d'Ayre ou d'un circuit de Bain. La fraction d'oxygène inspiré (FiO2) a été comparée à des débits de 0,5 à 3,0 L/min. La FiO2 mesurée était de 96 % à des taux de débit de ≥ 1 L/min. La durée de vie moyenne de la batterie à 1,0, à 2,0 et à 3,0 L/min était de 4,21 ± 0,45, de 2,62 ± 0,37 et 1,5 ± 0,07 heures, respectivement. Le COP s'est avéré utile et efficace durant deux pannes d'électricité. Le COP a été suffisant pour prévenir la réinspiration chez 70 % des chiens en utilisant un circuit de pièce en T et un circuit de Bain chez 20 % des chiens. Une corrélation négative importante entre le CO2 inspiré et les taux de débit d'O2 a été observée. Une corrélation positive importante entre le CO2 inspiré et l' ETCO2 a été documentée. L'occurrence de l'hypercarbie était associée à un faible débit d'O2. Une batterie de secours était essentielle durant les pannes d'électricité. Le COP peut être efficacement utilisé pour fournir de l'anesthésie.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Parasite prevalence in fecal samples from shelter dogs and cats across the Canadian provinces.

BACKGROUND: In Canada, surveys of enteric parasites in dogs and cats have been reported sporadically over the past 40 years, mostly focusing on a specific region. The present work was performed to determine the current prevalence of various parasites in fecal samples from shelter dogs and cats across the Canadian provinces. METHODS: A total of 1086 dog and 636 cat fecal samples from 26 shelters were analysed using a sugar solution double centrifugal flotation technique. Prevalences (national, regional, provincial, age and parasite-specific), were calculated and compared using the Fisher-Exact test. A multiplex PCR was performed to distinguish Taenia spp, Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis on samples positive for taeniid eggs. RESULTS: Overall, 33.9% of dogs and 31.8% of cats were positive for at least one parasite. Toxocara canis and T. cati were the most prevalent parasite present in fecal samples followed by Cystoisospora spp. Prevalence in dogs was similar across the Atlantic, East, West and Pacific regions, while prevalence in cats varied regionally. Eggs of E. granulosus/E. canadensis were detected in samples from dogs from BC, AB, and ON. CONCLUSIONS: Data from this study will help in the development of strategies, based on the level of risk per geographic location for the prevention and response to these parasites in pets and free-roaming and shelter animals in Canada.

Dog-walking behaviours affect gastrointestinal parasitism in park-attending dogs.

BACKGROUND: In urban parks, dogs, wildlife and humans can be sympatric, introducing the potential for inter- and intra-specific transmission of pathogens among hosts. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of zoonotic and non-zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites in dogs in Calgary city parks, and assess if dog-walking behaviour, park management, history of veterinary care, and dog demographics were associated with parasitism in dogs METHODS: From June to September 2010, 645 questionnaires were administered to dog owners in nine city parks to determine behavioural and demographic factors, and corresponding feces from 355 dogs were collected. Dog feces were analyzed for helminth and some protozoan species using a modified sugar flotation technique and microscopic examination, a subsample was analyzed for Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. using a direct immunofluorescence assay. Descriptive and multivariate statistics were conducted to determine associations among behaviours, demographics, and parasite prevalence and infection intensities RESULTS: Parasite prevalence was 50.2%. Giardia spp. (24.7%), Cryptosporidium spp. (14.7%), and Cystoisospora spp. (16.8%) were the most prevalent parasites. Helminth prevalence was low (4.1%). Presence of Giardia spp. was more likely in intact and young dogs; and infection with any parasite and Giardia spp. intensity were both positively associated with dogs visiting multiple parks coupled with a high frequency of park use and off-leash activity, and with being intact and young. Cryptosporidium spp. intensity was associated with being intact and young, and having visited the veterinarian within the previous year CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate a higher overall prevalence of protozoa in dogs than previously found in Calgary. The zoonotic potential of some parasites found in park-attending dogs may be of interest for public health. These results are relevant for informing park managers, the public health sector, and veterinarians.

Sentinels in a climatic outpost: Endoparasites in the introduced muskox (Ovibos moschatus wardi) population of Dovrefjell, Norway.

We assessed the occurrence of endoparasite eggs, cysts, oocysts and larvae in the muskox population of Dovrefjell, Norway, during June and August 2012. This population originates from 13 calves translocated from Eastern Greenland during the 1950s. A total of 167 faecal samples were collected, of which 49% came from identified individuals: 165 were examined by the Baermann and 95 by McMaster techniques and 167 by immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Lungworm larvae recovered in the Baermanns were identified as Protostrongylidae (82%) and Dictyocaulus sp. (76%) based on morphology. Further molecular analyses of the ITS-2 region of two protostrongylid larvae from two muskoxen as Muellerius capillaris. Larval prevalence and intensity differed significantly between samples collected from the different age groups in June and August, with increasing prevalence and intensity in calves during the course of their first summer, whereas intensity decreased in adults from June to August. McMaster test and IFAT were used to determine the occurrence of infections with intestinal strongyles (84%), Moniezia spp. (24%), Nematodirus sp. (2%), Eimeria spp. (98%), Cryptosporidium sp. (14%) and Giardia duodenalis (7%). Molecular analyses of three isolates of Cryptosporidium and Giardia were identified as Cryptosporidium xiaoi and G. duodenalis assemblage A. Although infection intensity of all these intestinal parasites tended to be low, the high level of polyparasitism, together with the other challenges faced by this population living at the edge of their climatic range, means that these infections should not be ignored. The potential that M. capillaris, Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections derive from other sympatric host species (sheep and reindeer) is discussed.

Spatial heterogeneity and temporal variations in Echinococcus multilocularis infections in wild hosts in a North American urban setting.

Echinococcus multilocularis, the causative agent of human alveolar echinococcosis, has the potential to circulate in urban areas where wild host populations and humans coexist. The spatial and temporal distribution of infection in wild hosts locally affects the risk of transmission to humans. We investigated the spatial and temporal patterns of E. multilocularis infection in coyotes and rodent intermediate hosts within the city of Calgary, Canada, and the association between spatial variations in coyote infection and the relative composition of small mammal assemblages. Infection by E. multilocularis was examined in small mammals and coyote faeces collected monthly in five city parks from June 2012 to June 2013. Coyote faeces were analysed using a ZnCl(2) centrifugation and sedimentation protocol. Infection in intermediate hosts was assessed through lethal trapping and post-mortem analysis. Parasite eggs and metacestodes were morphologically identified and molecularly confirmed through species-specific PCR assays. Of 982 small mammals captured, infection was detected in 2/305 (0.66%) deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), 2/267 (0.75%) meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus), and 1/71 (1.41%) southern red backed voles (Myodes gapperi). Overall faecal prevalence in coyotes was 21.42% (n = 385) and varied across sites, ranging from 5.34% to 61.48%. Differences in coyote faecal prevalence across sites were consistent with local variations in the relative abundance of intermediate hosts within the small mammal assemblages. Infections peaked in intermediate hosts during autumn (0.68%) and winter (3.33%), and in coyotes during spring (43.47%). Peaks of infections in coyote faeces up to 83.8% in autumn were detected in a hyper-endemic area. To the best of our knowledge, our findings represent the first evidence of a sylvatic life-cycle of E. multilocularis in a North American urban setting, and provide new insights into the complexity of the parasite transmission ecology.

Variables associated with Besnoitia tarandi prevalence and cyst density in barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus) populations.

Besnoitia tarandi has been documented in free-ranging reindeer and caribou (Rangifer tarandus spp.) since 1922 throughout their arctic and subarctic ranges; however, very little is known about its epidemiology. We evaluated variables associated with B. tarandi prevalence and cyst density with the use of barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus) from two migratory herds in northern Quebec: the Rivière-aux-Feuilles and the Rivière-George herds. Diagnosis of infection was made upon the microscopic observation of characteristic cysts in a formalin-fixed section of skin from the anterior aspect of the metatarsus. The density of cysts (number of B. tarandi cysts/mm(2)) was calculated in a section of the dermis extending from the epidermis of the skin to the base of the hair follicles and adnexal structures. Statistically significant associations between B. tarandi prevalence and cyst density, sex, age, and time of harvest were observed. Male caribou had a slightly higher prevalence compared to females, whereas cyst densities were similar between sexes. We found a nonlinear increase in the odds of infection by B. tarandi by age combined with the opposite trend for intensity of infection. Higher B. tarandi prevalence was observed in caribou sampled in the fall compared to June of the same year, suggesting that transmission is increased during the summer. Higher densities of cysts observed during the fall compared to June of the following year may be the result of the elimination of B. tarandi cysts from the dermis during the winter, or lower winter survival of heavily infected caribou. Comparisons of B. tarandi prevalence and density across herds should take into account these different variables.

Defining parasite biodiversity at high latitudes of North America: new host and geographic records for Onchocerca cervipedis (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) in moose and caribou.

BACKGROUND: Onchocerca cervipedis is a filarioid nematode of cervids reported from Central America to boreal regions of North America. It is found primarily in subcutaneous tissues of the legs, and is more commonly known as 'legworm'. Blackflies are intermediate hosts and transmit larvae to ungulates when they blood-feed. In this article we report the first records of O. cervipedis from high latitudes of North America and its occurrence in previously unrecognized host subspecies including the Yukon-Alaska moose (Alces americanus gigas) and the Grant's caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti). METHODS: We examined the subcutaneous connective tissues of the metacarpi and/or metatarsi of 34 moose and one caribou for parasitic lesions. Samples were collected from animals killed by subsistence hunters or animals found dead in the Northwest Territories (NT), Canada and Alaska (AK), USA from 2005 to 2012. Genomic DNA lysate was prepared from nematode fragments collected from two moose. The nd5 region of the mitochondrial DNA was amplified by PCR and sequenced. RESULTS: Subcutaneous nodules were found in 12 moose from the NT and AK, and one caribou from AK. Nematodes dissected from the lesions were identified as Onchocerca cervipedis based on morphology of female and male specimens. Histopathological findings in moose included cavitating lesions with multifocal granulomatous cellulitis containing intralesional microfilariae and adults, often necrotic and partially mineralized. Lesions in the caribou included periosteitis with chronic cellulitis, eosinophilic and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, and abundant granulation associated with intralesional adult nematodes and larvae. Sequences of the nd5 region (471bp), the first generated for this species, were deposited with Genbank (JN580791 and JN580792). Representative voucher specimens were deposited in the archives of the United States National Parasite Collection. CONCLUSIONS: The geographic range of O. cervipedis is broader than previously thought, and extends into subarctic regions of western North America, at least to latitude 66°N. The host range is now recognized to include two additional subspecies: the Yukon-Alaska moose and Grant's caribou. Accelerated climate change at high latitudes may affect vector dynamics, and consequently the abundance and distribution of O. cervipedis in moose and caribou. Disease outbreaks and mortality events associated with climatic perturbations have been reported for other filarioids, such as Setaria tundra in Fennoscandia, and may become an emerging issue for O. cervipedis in subarctic North America.

Detection of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in several herds of Arctic Caribou (Rangifer tarandus ssp.).

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is a common pathogen in domestic ruminants that causes granulomatous inflammation of the small intestine leading to emaciation and wasting. Clinical disease (Johne's disease) is also reported for several wild ruminant species. Between 2007 and 2009 we collected 561 fecal samples from caribou (Rangifer tarandus ssp.) representing 10 herds of migratory caribou, two herds of caribou from Greenland, and three populations of boreal woodland caribou. Feces were tested for MAP by bacterial culture and PCR targeting the IS900 insertion sequence. In total, 31 samples from eight different populations representing all three ecotypes were found positive for MAP by PCR, with one sample from the Rivière-aux-Feuilles herd also being culture positive for the type II (cattle) strain. The proportion of positive animals was particularly high in the Akia-Maniitsoq herd in Greenland, and Rivière-aux-Feuilles and Riviè re-George herds in northeastern Canada (23.4, 11.5, and 10.0%, respectively). Our results indicate that MAP is present in several caribou herds of different ecotypes in northern Canada and Greenland and that MAP circulates within wildlife populations that do not have ongoing contact with domestic livestock. The epidemiology, pathogenicity, and effects on the health of caribou in northern ecosystems remain unknown.

Echinococcus multilocularis in urban coyotes, Alberta, Canada.

Echinococcus multilocularis is a zoonotic parasite in wild canids. We determined its frequency in urban coyotes (Canis latrans) in Alberta, Canada. We detected E. multilocularis in 23 of 91 coyotes in this region. This parasite is a public health concern throughout the Northern Hemisphere, partly because of increased urbanization of wild canids.

Comparison of gross visual and microscopic assessment of four anatomic sites to monitor Besnoitia tarandi in barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus).

The objective of this study was to establish a standardized protocol to monitor Besnoitia tarandi prevalence and intensity in barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus) herds by: 1) calculating the relative sensitivity and specificity of the gross visual assessment of four anatomical sites compared with microscopic evaluation, and 2) determining which of four anatomical sampling sites was the most sensitive for detecting B. tarandi cysts by microscopy. Sampled tissues consisted of the conjunctiva of the left eye and skin sections from the rostrum, metatarsus, and thigh from 312 harvested caribou. Diagnosis of infection with B. tarandi was based on observation of at least one cyst by microscopic examination. For each tissue, the maximal density of cysts (number of B. tarandi cysts/mm(2) in the section examined) was calculated for a measured area consisting of the dermis extending from the epidermis of the skin to the base of the hair follicles and adnexal structures. For the conjunctiva, the entire submucosa was evaluated. Gross visual evaluation markedly underestimated B. tarandi prevalence in caribou with a relative sensitivity ranging from 0.29 in the conjunctiva to 0.13 in the skin section from the thigh, whereas relative specificities ranged from 0.98 to 1.00. The metatarsus and rostrum skin sections had the highest probabilities of cyst detection of all four anatomical sampling sites. The metatarsus harbored significantly higher densities of B. tarandi cysts than the rostrum, thigh, or conjunctiva. In conclusion, microscopic evaluation of a skin section from the anterior aspect of the mid-third portion of the metatarsal region could be used as a standardized comparative indicator of density of B. tarandi infection in Rangifer.

Occurrence, diagnosis, and strain typing of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection in Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis) in southwestern Alberta.

The role that wildlife may play in the transmission of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map), the causative agent of Johne's disease (JD), and the potential consequences of infection in these populations are being given increasing consideration. A yearling male Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis) from southwestern Alberta, Canada, was found infected with Map in August 2009. Clinical signs of emaciation and diarrhea and histologic findings of diffuse granulomatous enteritis of the distal ileum, lymphadenitis of the mesenteric lymph nodes, and lymphangitis of the ileum were similar to previously described cases of JD in bighorn sheep. Infection with Map was confirmed by bacterial isolation through fecal culture, acid-fast staining, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of IS900. The Map1506 gene was sequenced, and the isolate was identified as a Cattle (Type II) strain. In a follow-up herd-level survey, three of 44 fecal samples (7%) from individual bighorn sheep from the same herd as the index case were PCR-positive and identified as Type II Map strains. Twenty-five samples from a distant bighorn population were negative. Additional strain typing of the isolates from the index case and the positive fecal samples was done by sequencing three discriminatory short sequence repeat (SSR) regions. All four SSR profiles differed from one another, suggesting multiple introductions or a long-existing circulation of Map within this bighorn population. Detailed molecular analyses are essential for understanding and managing diseases at the wildlife-livestock interface.

Muskox lungworm (Umingmakstrongylus pallikuukensis) does not establish in experimentally exposed thinhorn sheep (Ovis dalli).

Muskoxen (Ovibos moschlatus moschatus) on the northwestern mainland of Nunavut and Northwest Territories, Canada, are infected with the protostrongylid lungworm, Umingmaksrongylus pallikuuhkensis. The geographic range of this muskox population is expanding to the south and west, and it is anticipated that these animals will eventually become sympatric with Dall's sheep (Ovis dalli dalli) in the Mackenzie and Richardson Mountains. To address the concern of wildlife managers that U. pallikulkensis may infect and adversely affect Dalls sheep, four Dalls/Stone's (Ovis dalli stonei) hybrid lambs and one adult muskox (Ovibos moschatus wardi) were each given 100 third-stage larvae of U. pallikuukensis. All animals were intensively monitored for 9 mo postinfection (PI) using clinical examinations, fecal analyses, hematology, blood chiemistry and medical imaging. No first-stage larvae of U. pallikuinkensis were recovered from the lambs and monitoring revealed nio evidence that the parasite had established in any of these animals. First-stage larvae were found in the feces of the muskox beginning at 94 days PI, and typical parasite cysts were visible in lung radiographs at 188 days PI. This study addresses an important management and wildlife health issue associated with the potential for host-switching of pathogens and indicates that it is improbable that thinhorn sheep are suitable hosts for U. pallikuukensis.