Magnetic resonance imaging shows spinal curvature in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) is associated with chronic inflammation of peri-vertebral soft tissues.

Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) farmed in New Zealand are known to develop abnormal spinal curvature late in seawater production. Its cause is presently unknown, but there is evidence to suggest a neuromuscular pathology. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we evaluated the relationship between soft tissue pathology and spinal curvature in farmed Chinook salmon. Regions of interest (ROIs) presenting as pathologic MRI signal hyper-intensity were identified from scans of 24 harvest-sized individuals: 13 with radiographically-detectable spinal curvature and 11 without. ROIs were excised from individuals using anatomical landmarks as reference points and histologically analysed. Pathologic MRI signal was observed more frequently in individuals with radiographic curvature (92%, n = 12) than those without (18%, n = 2), was localized to the peri-vertebral connective tissues and musculature, and presented as three forms: inflammation, fibrosis, or both. These pathologies are consistent with a chronic inflammatory process, such as that observed during recovery from a soft tissue injury, and suggest spinal curvature in farmed Chinook salmon may be associated with damage to and/or compromised integrity of the peri-vertebral soft tissues. Future research to ascertain the contributing factors is required.

Amplification of Ovis aries papillomavirus type 2 DNA from an ovine cutaneous fibropapilloma.

Seven of 60 Perendale sheep within a flock developed single or multiple exophytic masses on their distal hind limbs. A mass was excised from one sheep and histological evaluation revealed epidermal and mesenchymal proliferation, papillomavirus-induced keratinocyte changes and marked keratohyalin clumping. Ovis aries papillomavirus type 2 DNA sequences were amplified using PCR.

Sept des 60 moutons Perendale d'un troupeau ont développé des masses exophytiques uniques ou multiples sur leurs membres postérieurs distaux. Une masse a été excisée sur un mouton et l'évaluation histologique a révélé une prolifération épidermique et mésenchymateuse, des modifications kératinocytaires induites par le papillomavirus et une agglutination marquée de kératohyaline. Les séquences d'ADN du papillomavirus Ovis aries de type 2 ont été amplifiées par PCR.

Sete de 60 ovelhas Perendale de um rebanho desenvolveram massas exofíticas na porção distal dos seus membros posteriores. Uma massa foi removida de uma ovelha e a avaliação histopatológica revelou proliferação mesenquimal e epidérmica, alterações queratinocíticas induzidas por papilomavírus e aglomeração queratohialina. Sequências de papilomavírus Ovis aries tipo 2 foram amplificadas utilizando PCR.

Siete de 60 ovejas Perendale dentro de un rebaño desarrollaron masas exofíticas únicas o múltiples en sus extremidades traseras distales. Se extirpó una masa de una oveja y la evaluación histológica reveló proliferación epidérmica y mesenquimal, cambios de queratinocitos inducidos por el virus del papiloma y marcada acumulación de queratohialina. Mediante PCR se amplificaron secuencias de DNA del virus del papiloma Ovis aries tipo 2.

Equine sarcoids: A clinicopathologic study of 49 cases, with mitotic count and clinical type predictive of recurrence.

Sarcoids are common mesenchymal neoplasms of horses. Although there are few studies in which sarcoids have been followed over a long period of time, sarcoids are considered locally invasive and have been reported to frequently recur following surgical excision. Currently, no histological features have been identified to predict which sarcoids will recur after excision. The present study comprised 49 sarcoids for which histology sections were available and in which the recurrence status of the case was known. Each sarcoid was excised from a different horse. Overall, 12 of the 49 (24%) sarcoids recurred after surgical excision. Mitotic count (MC), cellularity, necrosis, nuclear pleomorphism, and inflammation of the sarcoids were evaluated histologically. Of these, MC correlated with recurrence. Four of 5 (80%) sarcoids with an MC ≥ 20 in 2.37 mm2 recurred, which was a significantly higher recurrence rate than that of sarcoids with an MC < 20, 8 of 44 cases recurred (18%), P = .0051. Clinical type was also found to correlate with recurrence. Three of 4 (75%) fibroblastic types recurred, which was a significantly higher recurrence rate than that of sarcoids with other clinical types, 9 of 45 cases (18%), P < .001. In addition, univariate Cox regression analysis confirmed fibroblastic type and MC ≥ 20 as significant predictors for recurrence (P = .016 and P = .005, respectively). To the authors' knowledge, this is the first large study examining recurrence rates in sarcoids, and the first time that histological features have been correlated with recurrence.

Detection of a novel papillomaviral sequence in viral plaques confined to the pinna of a dog.

A raised plaque that contained histological evidence of papillomavirus infection and sequences from a novel papillomavirus type developed close to the ear canal of a 14-year-old West Highland white terrier. The plaque was excised, and further plaques developed within the same area of pinna.

Une plaque virale à papillomavirus confirmée histologiquement contenant des séquences d'un un nouveau type de papillomavirus se sont développées à proximité du conduit auditif d'un West Highland White âgé de 14 ans. La plaque a été retirée chirurgicalement et d'autres plaques se sont développées dans la même zone du pavillon.

Una placa elevada que contenía evidencia histológica de infección por papilomavirus y secuencias de un nuevo tipo de papilomavirus se desarrolló cerca del canal auditivo de un West Highland White Terrier de 14 años. Se extirpó la placa y se desarrollaron más placas dentro de la misma área del pabellón auricular.

Uma placa elevada apresentando evidências histopatológicas de infecção por papilomavírus e sequências de um novo tipo de papilomavírus surgiu próximo ao conduto auditivo de um West Highland White Terrier de 14 anos de idade. A placa foi removida e outras placas se desenvolveram na mesma área da orelha.

In situ squamous cell carcinoma of the gingiva and nictitating membrane associated with Felis catus papillomavirus type 3 in a cat.

Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) are common cancers of cats. While papillomaviruses (PVs) are an important cause of human OSCCs, there is currently little evidence that PVs cause squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the mouth or other mucosal surfaces in cats. In the present cat, in situ carcinomas developed on the gingiva and nictitating membrane. Neoplastic cells within both cancers contained prominent PV-induced cellular changes consistent with those caused by Felis catus PV3 (FcaPV3), and FcaPV3 DNA was amplified from both cancers. Neoplasms also contained intense nuclear and cytoplasmic p16CDKN2A protein (p16) immunolabeling, suggesting PV-induced degradation of retinoblastoma protein. The molecular and histological features strongly suggested the cancers were caused by FcaPV3 infection. This is the first report of an association between PV infection and the development of an in situ carcinoma of the mucosa of cats. The identification of these lesions suggests that PVs might cause a proportion of OSCCs, and SCCs from other mucosal surfaces, in cats.

Extensive progressive pigmented viral plaques in a Chihuahua dog.

Extensive exophytic pigmented viral plaques developed on a Chihuahua dog causing pruritus and discomfort. Neither the medical treatments used nor a papillomavirus vaccine resulted in clinical improvement. Laser surgery removed some plaques, yet others developed. This case illustrates the difficulty in treating viral plaques and the progressive nature of this disease.

De vastes plaques virales pigmentées exophytiques se sont développées sur un Chihuahua, provoquant prurit et inconfort. Ni les traitements médicaux utilisés ni un vaccin contre le papillomavirus n'ont entraîné d'amélioration clinique. La chirurgie au laser a enlevé certaines plaques, mais d'autres se sont développées. Ce cas illustre la difficulté de traiter les plaques virales et le caractère évolutif de cette maladie.

Se desarrollaron extensas placas virales pigmentadas exofíticas en un perro Chihuahua que causaban prurito y malestar. Ni los tratamientos médicos utilizados ni la vacuna contra el virus del papiloma resultaron en una mejoría clínica. La cirugía con láser eliminó algunas placas, pero se desarrollaron otras. Este caso ilustra la dificultad para tratar las placas virales y la naturaleza progresiva de esta enfermedad.

Placas virais pigmentadas exofíticas extensas se desenvolveram em um cão Chihuahua, causando prurido e desconforto. Nem os tratamentos médicos utilizados nem a vacina contra o papilomavírus resultaram em melhora clínica. A cirurgia a laser removeu algumas placas, mas outras se desenvolveram. Este caso ilustra a dificuldade no tratamento das placas virais e a natureza progressiva da doença.

Papillomas and probable in situ carcinoma in association with a novel papillomavirus in a red-billed gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus).

Numerous raised plaques were observed on the feet of a red-billed gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus) that had been found dead. The plaques consisted of thickened epidermis with cell changes indicative of papillomavirus (PV) infection prominent within affected areas. Evidence suggesting progression to neoplasia was visible in one lesion. A DNA sequence that was most similar, but only 68.3% identical, to duck PV type 3 was amplified from the papillomas, suggesting a novel PV type. Lesions containing PV DNA have only previously been reported in three avian species. This is the first evidence that PVs could cause neoplasia in birds.

International Guidelines for Veterinary Tumor Pathology: A Call to Action.

Standardization of tumor assessment lays the foundation for validation of grading systems, permits reproducibility of oncologic studies among investigators, and increases confidence in the significance of study results. Currently, there is minimal methodological standardization for assessing tumors in veterinary medicine, with few attempts to validate published protocols and grading schemes. The current article attempts to address these shortcomings by providing standard guidelines for tumor assessment parameters and protocols for evaluating specific tumor types. More detailed information is available in the Supplemental Files, the intention of which is 2-fold: publication as part of this commentary, but more importantly, these will be available as "living documents" on a website (www.vetcancerprotocols.org), which will be updated as new information is presented in the peer-reviewed literature. Our hope is that veterinary pathologists will agree that this initiative is needed, and will contribute to and utilize this information for routine diagnostic work and oncologic studies. Journal editors and reviewers can utilize checklists to ensure publications include sufficient detail and standardized methods of tumor assessment. To maintain the relevance of the guidelines and protocols, it is critical that the information is periodically updated and revised as new studies are published and validated with the intent of providing a repository of this information. Our hope is that this initiative (a continuation of efforts published in this journal in 2011) will facilitate collaboration and reproducibility between pathologists and institutions, increase case numbers, and strengthen clinical research findings, thus ensuring continued progress in veterinary oncologic pathology and improving patient care.

Long-term recurrent, yet nonprogressive, pedal viral papillomas in a dog.

Viral papillomas that developed on the toe of a dog, were removed and recurred four times in two years. Despite the papillomas being 'persistent', they remained small and confined to the toe, and did not spread or progress to severe disease. Not all persistent papillomas will progress, even when these are treated using more conservative therapies.

Les papillomes viraux développés sur le doigt d'un chien ont été retirés et ont récidivés à quatre reprises en deux ans. Malgré la « persistance ¼ des papillomes, ils sont restés petits et confinés aux doigts, et n'ont pas disséminés ou ne se sont pas aggravés. Tous les papillomes persistants ne progressent pas, même si ils sont traités avec des traitements plus conservateurs.

Los papilomas virales que se desarrollaron en un dedo de un perro, fueron extirpados y reaparecieron cuatro veces en dos años. A pesar de que los papilomas son "persistentes", permanecieron de pequeño tamaño y confinados al dedo del pie, y no se diseminaron ni progresaron a una enfermedad grave. No todos los papilomas persistentes progresan, incluso cuando se tratan con terapias más conservadoras.

Papilomas virais que se desenvolveram no dígito de um cão foram removidos e tiveram recorrência quatro vezes em um período de dois anos. Apesar de os papilomas serem persistentes, eles permaneceram pequenos e limitados ao dígito, e não se espalharam ou progrediram para doença grave. Nem todos os papilomas persistentes vão progredir, mesmo quando estes são tratados utilizando terapias mais conservadoras.

Development of multiple cutaneous and follicular neoplasms associated with canine papillomavirus type 3 in a dog.

A 12-year-old spayed English pointer dog developed multiple skin lesions including pigmented viral plaques, basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas and trichoblastomas. Canine papillomavirus type 3 was detected in multiple lesions suggesting common aetiology.

Un Pointer anglais de 12 ans a développé de multiples lésions cutanées dont des plaques virales pigmentées, des carcinomes baso-cellulaires, des carcinomes épidermoïdes et des trichoblastomes. Un papillomavirus canin de type 3 a été détecté dans plusieurs lésions, suggérant une étiologie commune.

Uma cadela pointer inglês castrada de 12 anos de idade desenvolveu múltiplas lesões de pele, incluindo placas virais pigmentadas, carcinomas de células basais, carcinomas de células escamosas e tricoblastomas. O vírus do papiloma canino tipo 3 foi detectado em múltiplas lesões, sugerindo etiologia comum.

Un perro de raza Pointer Inglés esterilizado de 12 años desarrolló múltiples lesiones cutáneas, incluidas placas virales pigmentadas, carcinomas de células basales, carcinomas de células escamosas y tricoblastomas. Se detectó virus del papiloma canino tipo 3 en múltiples lesiones, lo que sugiere una etiología común.

Bovine papillomavirus 24: a novel member of the genus Xipapillomavirus detected in the Amazon region.

Bovine papillomaviruses (BPVs) have been described as etiologic agents of cutaneous and mucosal papillomas in cattle. In the present study, we describe a new BPV that was detected in a cutaneous papilloma from a cow. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that this virus belong to the genus Xipapillomavirus, and we refer to it here as BPV type 24 (BPV24). Coinfection with members of the genera Epsilonpapillomavirus and Deltapapillomavirus in a cutaneous papilloma from a different animal was also detected, and the full genomes of these viruses were sequenced. Both papillomas were from cattle within Acre State in the Amazon region of Brazil. The data presented here demonstrate the utility of using high-throughput methods to indentify coinfections and allow the characterization of new genomes.

New Zealand rickettsia-like organism (NZ-RLO) and Tenacibaculum maritimum: Distribution and phylogeny in farmed Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha).

A total of 777 fish from three growing regions of New Zealand Chinook salmon farms comprising of five sites were tested. Quantitative PCR was used to determine the distribution of New Zealand rickettsia-like organism and Tenacibaculum maritimum. Genetic information from these bacteria were then compared with strains reported worldwide. Using this information, suggested associations of pathogens with clinically affected fish were made. NZ-RLO was detected in two of the three regions, and T. maritimum was detected in all regions. Three strains of NZ-RLO were identified during this study. Based on analysis of the ITS rRNA gene, NZ-RLO1 appears to be part of an Australasian grouping sharing high similarity with the Tasmanian RLO, NZ-RLO2 was shown to be the same as an Irish strain, and NZ-RLO3 was shown be closely related to two strains from Chile. Based on multi-locus sequence typing, the New Zealand T. maritimum was the same as Australian strains. NZ-RLOs were detected more frequently in fish with skin ulcers than fish without skin ulcers. While additional research is required to investigate the pathogenicity of these organisms, this is the first time that NZ-RLOs have been associated with the development of clinical infections in farmed Chinook salmon.

Vertebral fusions in farmed Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in New Zealand.

Vertebral fusions are an established economic concern in farmed Atlantic salmon, but have not been studied in detail in farmed Chinook salmon. Two radiographic studies of vertebral fusions were performed in farmed Chinook salmon. Sixteen of 1,301 (1.2%) smolt and 201 of 2,636 (7.6%) harvest fish had fusions. There were no significant differences in the number of fused vertebrae/fusion in smolt compared with harvest fish. Secondly, tagged fish were repeatedly radiographed to determine the progression of the fusions. Nineteen (4.4%), 23 (5.3%) and 39 (9.0%) fish had fusions as smolt, after 129 days in sea water, and at harvest, respectively. There were no significant differences in the average number of vertebra/fusion between the three time points. Of the fusions that were observed in smolt, additional vertebra did not become fused in 81% of the lesions. Within the rare fusions that did progress due to the involvement of adjacent vertebra, an average of 1.6 vertebrae were added per year. Fish with fusions were significantly lighter than non-affected fish at harvest. Fusions are common in farmed Chinook salmon; however, they are typically stable after development. As fish with fusions were lighter at harvest, reducing fusions may have an economic benefit.

Localization of Felis catus Papillomavirus Type 2 E6 and E7 RNA in Feline Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Findings from polymerase chain reaction-based methods have suggested a role of Felis catus papillomavirus 2 (FcaPV-2) in the development of feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, because polymerase chain reaction cannot localize deoxyribonucleic acid or ribonucleic acid within the lesion, it is difficult to differentiate a coincidental FcaPV-2 infection and a causative association. Given that a key event in the pathogenesis of human papillomavirus-induced cancer is the expression of viral E6 and E7 oncogenes, localization of FcaPV-2 E6 and E7 transcription within neoplastic cells in feline SCCs would support a causative role for this papillomavirus. Therefore, RNAscope in situ hybridization was used to localize FcaPV-2 E6 and E7 transcripts in 18 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of cutaneous SCC. Positive signals were present within 5 of 9 samples (56%) from ultraviolet-protected sites and 0 of 9 samples from ultraviolet-exposed sites. In the 4 in situ hybridization-positive samples that contained adjacent hyperplastic skin, hybridization patterns in these regions were characterized by intense nuclear signals within the superficial epidermis and punctate signals within the basal epithelial layers. However, within the 5 SCCs, punctate signals were present within all layers of the epidermis, with progressive loss of intense nuclear signals within the superficial epidermis. This hybridization pattern is consistent with unregulated E6 and E7 transcription and decreased viral replication and is similar to the pattern observed in human papillomavirus-induced cancers as they progress from hyperplastic lesions containing productive infections to nonproductive neoplasms. These findings support a causative role for FcaPV-2 in the pathogenesis of feline SCC.

Malignant Transformation of a Canine Papillomavirus Type 1-Induced Persistent Oral Papilloma in a 3-Year-Old Dog.

This case report describes a rare case of a persistent canine papillomavirus type 1 (CPV-1)-induced oral papilloma that underwent malignant transformation into an oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in a 3-year-old Labrador retriever cross. Initially, the patient had multiple and multifocal verrucous lesions populating the oral cavity exclusively. The papillomas persisted despite multiple surgical ablations, azithromycin, interferon α-2b, alternative medicines, and off-label drug use of an immunostimulant. After 1 year and 6 months, an aggressive lesion developed at the level of the left mandibular first molar (309) and progressed to a well-differentiated invasive OSCC. The presence of CPV-1 DNA in the OSCC, and the known oncogenic abilities of CPV-1, suggests that this virus might have played a significant role in the emergence of the OSCC that ultimately led to the patient's euthanasia due to poor quality of life. This is the first well-documented case where OSCC has developed from an oral papilloma caused by CPV-1 in which the presence of coinfection by another papillomavirus was excluded by multiple polymerase chain reaction tests using various primers.

A FAS-ligand variant associated with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome in cats.

British shorthair (BSH) kittens in multiple litters died as a result of a severe non-neoplastic lymphoproliferative disease that showed many similarities with human autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS). Human ALPS is caused by inherited defects in FAS-mediated lymphocyte apoptosis and the possibility of similar defects was investigated in BSH cats. The whole genomes of two affected kittens were sequenced and compared to 82 existing cat genomes. Both BSH kittens had homozygous insertions of an adenine within exon 3 of the FAS-ligand gene. The resultant frameshift and premature stop codon were predicted to result in a severely truncated protein that is unlikely to be able to activate FAS. Three additional affected BSH kittens were homozygous for the variant, while 11 of 16 unaffected, but closely related, BSH cats were heterozygous for the variant. All BSH cats in the study were from a population with significant inbreeding. The variant was not identified in a further survey of 510 non-BSH cats. Identification of a genetic defect in the FAS-mediated apoptosis pathway confirms that the lymphoproliferative disease in BSH cats fulfills the diagnostic criteria for ALPS in humans. These results will enable the development of a genetic test to detect BSH carrier animals.

Detection of DNA sequences from a novel papillomavirus in a feline basal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are uncommon feline skin neoplasms of uncertain cause. CASE: A 14-year-old Abyssinian cat developed a soft dermal nodule on the dorsal thorax. This mass grew slowly over a six month period before being surgically excised. METHODS AND RESULTS: Histology revealed a BCC. Additionally, changes suggestive of an early Bowenoid in situ carcinoma (BISC) were present in the overlying epidermis. Both the BCC and the BISC contained papillomavirus-induced cell changes and prominent basophilic intracytoplasmic bodies. PCR using consensus primers and primers specific for Felis catus papillomavirus types 2 and 3 (FcaPV-2 and -3) was used to amplify papillomaviral DNA. The same papillomaviral DNA sequence was present in the BCC and the BISC. This sequence was most similar to FcaPV-3, but with just 70.5% similarity, was from a novel papillomavirus type. No recurrence or further masses developed. CONCLUSIONS: This case is unusual due to the presence of a large dermal BCC associated with minimal BISC changes in the overlying epidermis. Additionally, papillomavirus-induced cell changes have not been described previously in a BCC. Furthermore, both the BCC and the BISC contained sequences from a novel papillomavirus type. These observations suggest that the development of some BCCs could be influenced by papillomavirus infection. The novel papillomavirus type detected is the third papillomavirus type to be associated with skin cancer in cats.

Bilateral pre-auricular papillary squamous cell carcinomas associated with papillomavirus infection in a domestic cat.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous papillary squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are extremely rare in humans and have not been reported in any nonhuman species. In humans, oral papillary SCCs are often caused by papillomavirus infection and have a more favourable prognosis than other SCC subtypes. CASE: A 10-year-old ginger and white domestic short hair cat had a 12 month history of symmetrical, roughly circular, exophytic 2 cm diameter masses in both pre-auricular regions. Surgical excision was performed, although with only narrow margins. METHODS AND RESULTS: Histology of both masses revealed a proliferation of neoplastic keratinocytes arranged in numerous filiform projections that were supported by fibrovascular stalks. Although the cells were confined to the epidermis predominantly, nests of neoplastic cells were visible within the superficial dermis. The neoplastic cells demonstrated significant atypia with a variable nuclear:cytoplasmic ratio and a high mitotic index. A papillary subtype SCC was diagnosed. Felis catus papillomavirus type 2 (FcaPV-2) was the only papillomavirus detected in the masses and FcaPV-2 E6/E7 gene expression and p16CDKN2A protein immunostaining were detected. Six months after surgery neither recurrence nor further masses had developed. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first cutaneous papillary SCC reported in a nonhuman species. Papillary SCCs may be a rare manifestation of FcaPV-2 infection in cats. The unusual location of the SCCs suggests that both papillomavirus infection and ultraviolet light exposure could have contributed to neoplasia development. Evidence from this single case suggests that papillary SCCs may have a more favourable prognosis than conventional SCCs in cats.

Frequent detection of transcriptionally active Felis catus papillomavirus 2 in feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas.

Felis catus papillomavirus 2 (FcaPV-2) causes premalignant skin lesions in cats and has also been found in a proportion of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) - a common and potentially fatal cancer of cats. Whilst this could suggest a role of the virus in cancer development, FcaPV-2 has also been detected in skin swabs of normal cats, making it difficult to discern whether the papillomavirus is causing the cancer or merely an 'innocent bystander'. To distinguish between these two possibilities, real-time PCR was used to determine the viral copy number and the transcriptional activity of FcaPV-2 infections present in 70 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded skin lesions including 10 papillomavirus-induced premalignant lesions and 60 SCCs. FcaPV-2 gene expression was found in 21 of 60 (35 %) SCCs, all 10 premalignant lesions and none of 10 normal skin samples. The results showed two distinct subsets of SCCs. The majority of the SCCs had low copy numbers of FcaPV-2 DNA (mean of 17 copies per copy of reference gene DNA) and no FcaPV-2 gene expression, suggesting the virus was an incidental finding. In contrast, 20 SCCs had detectable FcaPV-2 E6/E7 gene expression and very high copy numbers of FcaPV-2 DNA, with a mean of 32 930 copies per copy of reference gene DNA. The relative quantity of E6/E7 gene expression and the viral copy number in this group were similar to those found in the papillomavirus-induced premalignant lesions, suggesting that FcaPV-2 may play a role in the development of a subset of feline cutaneous SCCs.

Genomic characterization of a novel Epsilonpapillomavirus associated with pigmented papillomas in a red deer (Cervus elaphus).

Two of a group of 15 farmed European red (Cervus elaphus elaphus) X wapiti (C. e. canadensis) deer stags developed multiple persistent pigmented squamous papillomas (warts) on their chins. DNA was extracted from a papilloma and a short section of DNA from a novel papillomavirus (PV) was amplified. This short sequence was used to design 'outward facing' primers to amplify the remainder of the circular PV DNA. The PCR product was sequenced using next-generation sequencing and the full genome of the PV, consisting of 8082 bp, was assembled and analysed. The novel PV was designated Cervus elaphus papillomavirus (CePV) type 2. The putative coding regions of CePV2 were predicted to produce four early and two late proteins with two other potential ORFs also noted. Phylogenetic analysis of ORF L1 revealed greater than 60 %, but less than 70 % similarity, to Bos taurus papillomavirus (BPV) types -5 and -7. As both BPV5 and BPV7 are Epsilonpapillomavirus 1, CePV2 is proposed as the first Epsilonpapillomavirus 2 PV type. This is the first EpsilonPV to be identified in a non-bovine species and the first non-DeltaPV to be identified as a cause of disease in any deer species.