Pathology of Chronic Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae Carriers in a Declining Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) Population.

Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) across North America commonly experience population-limiting epizootics of respiratory disease. Although many cases of bighorn sheep pneumonia are polymicrobial, Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is most frequently associated with all-age mortality events followed by years of low recruitment. Chronic carriage of M. ovipneumoniae by adult females serves as a source of exposure of naïve juveniles; relatively few ewes may be responsible for maintenance of infection within a herd. Test-and-remove strategies focused on removal of adult females with evidence of persistent or intermittent shedding (hereafter chronic carriers) may reduce prevalence and mitigate mortality. Postmortem confirmation of pneumonia in chronic carriers has been inadequately reported and the pathology has not been thoroughly characterized, limiting our understanding of important processes shaping the epidemiology of pneumonia in bighorn sheep. Here we document postmortem findings and characterize the lesions of seven ewes removed from a declining bighorn sheep population in Wyoming, USA, following at least two antemortem detections of M. ovipneumoniae within a 14-mo period. We confirmed that 6/7 (85.7%) had variable degrees of chronic pneumonia. Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae was detected in the lung of 4/7 (57.1%) animals postmortem. Four (57.1%) had paranasal sinus masses, all of which were classified as inflammatory, hyperplastic lesions. Pasteurella multocida was detected in all seven (100%) animals, while Trueperella pyogenes was detected in 5/7 (71.4%). Our findings indicate that not all chronic carriers have pneumonia, nor do all have detectable M. ovipneumoniae in the lung. Further, paranasal sinus masses are a common but inconsistent finding, and whether sinus lesions predispose to persistence or result from chronic carriage remains unclear. Our findings indicate that disease is variable in chronic M. ovipneumoniae carriers, underscoring the need for further efforts to characterize pathologic processes and underlying mechanisms in this system to inform management.

Clinical Characteristics of Neurocysticercosis in a Peruvian Population-Based Epilepsy Cohort: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study of Baseline Clinical Intake.

(1) Background: This study presents the baseline characteristics of a community-level population of people with epilepsy (n = 1975) living in an area endemic for Taenia solium, the pathogen responsible for neurocysticercosis (NCC). (2) Methods: Participants were sequentially enrolled in a clinical cohort from 2007 to 2020 in Tumbes, Peru. All participants provided demographic and clinical history and received clinical evaluations. Diagnostics, including neuroimaging, cysticercosis serologies, and EEG, were obtained where possible. The data presented are from the cross-sectional baseline assessment of cohort participants. (3) Results: Approximately 38% of participants met the criteria for NCC. Those with NCC were more likely to have adult-onset epilepsy, as well as a longer duration of epilepsy, as compared to their counterparts without NCC. Overall, the data indicate a large treatment gap, with only approximately a quarter of the baseline population with prescriptions for anti-seizure medications. (4) Conclusions: These data reveal a high proportion of NCC among people living with epilepsy in these communities, with limited health care resources. At baseline, 74% of the population were not receiving anti-seizure treatments. Further analyses of these data will clarify the natural history of the disease for this population.

Clearance of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in Captive Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) Following Extended Oral Doxycycline Treatment.

Respiratory disease is a significant barrier for bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) conservation, and a need remains for management options in both captive and free-ranging populations. We treated Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae infection in six bighorn lambs and five bighorn yearlings at two captive research facilities with twice daily oral doxycycline for 8 wk or longer. Doses of 5 mg/kg twice daily mixed in formula for lambs and 10 mg/kg twice daily mixed in moistened pellets for older lambs and yearlings were tolerated well with minimal side effects. All animals in this case report remain Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae free over 2 yr later. Further evaluation is warranted to confirm efficacy of this therapeutic approach.

Using Opportunistic Samples to Monitor West Nile Virus Infection Status in Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) in Wyoming, USA (2020-22).

The frequency of arthropod-borne viral disease in naïve hosts is subject to change based on complex interactions among vector, host, virus, and external factors (e.g., climate). Thus, continual monitoring for both disease susceptibility and host infection dynamics is needed, especially for viruses that have proven detrimental to the health of wildlife hosts of conservation concern. The Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is a gamebird of ecological and economic importance in the western United States for which population declines have led to a Near Threatened conservation status. Although these declines have mainly been attributed to habitat loss, West Nile virus (WNV) also poses a threat, with regional transmission potentially fueled by anthropogenic landscape alterations that may facilitate mosquito breeding. With limited WNV monitoring in Greater Sage-grouse after recognition of high susceptibility to mortality early after its initial detection in the western United States, the potential long-term impacts of WNV on this species are poorly understood. We used the plaque reduction neutralization test of filter paper strip-eluted sera to assess for anti-WNV antibodies, indicating prior infection, in opportunistically collected samples. From 2020 to 2022, 85 Greater Sage-grouse in Wyoming were sampled; none had anti-WNV antibodies. This result corroborates findings of previous studies documenting low seroprevalence. With the tenuous conservation status of the species, all potential population health risks should be considered in future management strategies, especially in the face of changing climate and landscapes.

Mortality in Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) Associated with Natural Infection with H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV) Subclade 2.3.4.4.

A Eurasian strain of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) was first detected in North America in December 2021 and has since been confirmed in numerous wild and domestic avian species. In April 2022, 41 Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were found dead in Johnson County, Wyoming, USA adjacent to a property with confirmed HPAIV in a backyard poultry flock. Oropharyngeal swabs were collected from 11 of the 41 turkeys and necropsy was performed on seven. Avian influenza virus RNA was detected in all 11 turkeys by real-time reverse-transcription PCR. Acute, multiorgan necrosis was observed grossly and identified in all seven turkeys evaluated by histopathology, most consistently in the lung, spleen, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and gonads. Lesions indicate high virulence of subclade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV in Wild Turkeys, with infections presenting as clusters of acute mortality. Although documented cases of HPAIV in Wild Turkeys are rare, these findings signify a risk of spillback from domestic poultry, which may be heightened by the recent rise in backyard poultry ownership and the use of peridomestic habitat by wild birds. Additional research is needed to better understand the risk of disease transmission at the interface of Wild Turkeys and backyard poultry and the potential conservation and management implications of HPAIV in wild gallinaceous birds.

Abundance and diversity of Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in southern Ontario, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) is a genus of hematophagous midges feeding on various vertebrate hosts and serving as a vector for numerous pathogens important to livestock and wildlife health. North American pathogens include bluetongue (BT) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) viruses. Little is known about Culicoides spp. distribution and abundance and species composition in Ontario, Canada, despite bordering numerous U.S. states with documented Culicoides spp. and BT and EHD virus activity. We sought to characterize Culicoides spp. distribution and abundance and to investigate whether select meteorological and ecological risk factors influenced the abundance of Culicoides biguttatus, C. stellifer, and the subgenus Avaritia trapped throughout southern Ontario. METHODS: From June to October of 2017 to 2018, CDC-type LED light suction traps were placed on twelve livestock-associated sites across southern Ontario. Culicoides spp. collected were morphologically identified to the species level when possible. Associations were examined using negative binomial regression among C. biguttatus, C. stellifer, and subgenus Avaritia abundance, and select factors: ambient temperature, rainfall, primary livestock species, latitude, and habitat type. RESULTS: In total, 33,905 Culicoides spp. midges were collected, encompassing 14 species from seven subgenera and one species group. Culicoides sonorensis was collected from three sites during both years. Within Ontario, the northern trapping locations had a pattern of seasonal peak abundance in August (2017) and July (2018), and the southern locations had abundance peaks in June for both years. Culicoides biguttatus, C. stellifer, and subgenus Avaritia were significantly more abundant if ovine was the primary livestock species at trapping sites (compared to bovine). Culicoides stellifer and subgenus Avaritia were significantly more abundant at mid- to high-temperature ranges on trap days (i.e., 17.3-20.2 and 20.3-31.0 °C compared to 9.5-17.2 °C). Additionally, subgenus Avaritia were significantly more abundant if rainfall 4 weeks prior was between 2.7 and 20.1 mm compared to 0.0 mm and if rainfall 8 weeks prior was between 0.1 and 2.1 mm compared to 0.0 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Results from our study describe Culicoides spp. distribution in southern Ontario, the potential for spread and maintenance of EHD and BT viruses, and concurrent health risks to livestock and wildlife in southern Ontario in reference to certain meteorological and ecological risk factors. We identified that Culicoides spp. are diverse in this province, and appear to be distinctly distributed spatially and temporally. The livestock species present, temperature, and rainfall appear to have an impact on the abundance of C. biguttatus, C. stellifer, and subgenus Avaritia trapped. These findings could help inform targeted surveillance, control measures, and the development of management guides for Culicoides spp. and EHD and BT viruses in southern Ontario, Canada.

Butorphanol, Azaperone, and Medetomidine for Chemical Immobilization in Free-Ranging Shiras (Alces alces shirasi) Moose: Ground and Helicopter Darting in Wyoming, USA.

We chemically immobilized a free-ranging moose subspecies, Shiras moose (Alces alces shirasi), using a combination of butorphanol (27.3 mg/mL), azaperone (9.1 mg/mL), and medetomidine (10.9 mg/mL). Ground and helicopter darting with fixed doses of 2 mL and 3 mL, respectively, safely immobilized 13 individuals in Wyoming, USA.

Utilizing blood filter paper and ear punch samples for the detection of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 by RT-rtPCR.

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2), a virulent and contagious viral pathogen that affects wild and domestic lagomorph populations, was identified in Wyoming, USA in December 2020. A surveillance program was developed involving full-carcass submission and liver analysis, although carcass quality as a result of predation and decomposition impeded analysis. To increase the number of submissions and provide flexibility to field staff, we evaluated 2 sample types: 77 dried blood on filter paper samples, 66 ear punch samples. At initial sampling, test specificity and sensitivity of the RT-rtPCR utilizing dried blood on filter paper and ear punch samples were both 100% compared to liver. Filter paper results were consistent over time; sensitivity stayed >96% through weeks 2, 4, and 6, with a maximum mean difference of 6.0 Ct from baseline liver Ct values (95% CI: 5.0-7.3) at 6 wk. Test sensitivity of the ear punch sample at 1, 3, 5, and 7 wk post-sampling remained at 100%, with a maximum mean difference of 5.6 Ct from baseline liver Ct values (95% CI: 4.3-6.9) at 5 wk. Filter paper and ear punch samples were suitable alternatives to liver for RHDV2 surveillance in wild lagomorph populations. Alternative sampling options provide more flexibility to surveillance programs, increase testable submissions, and decrease exposure of field personnel to zoonotic disease agents.

SOURCE AND SEASONALITY OF EPIZOOTIC MYCOPLASMOSIS IN FREE-RANGING PRONGHORN (ANTILOCAPRA AMERICANA).

Mycoplasma bovis is an economically important bacterial pathogen of cattle (Bos taurus) and bison (Bison bison) that most commonly causes pneumonia, polyarthritis, and mastitis. It is prevalent in cattle and ranched bison; however, infections in other species are rare. In early 2019, we identified M. bovis in free-ranging pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in northeastern Wyoming. Here, we report on additional pronghorn mortalities caused by M. bovis, in the same approximately 120-km2 geographic region 1 yr later. Genetic analysis by multilocus sequence typing revealed that the mortalities were caused by the same M. bovis sequence type, which is unique among all sequence types documented thus far in North America. To explore whether pronghorn maintain chronic infections and begin assessing M. bovis status in other sympatric species, we used PCR testing of nasal swabs to opportunistically survey select free-ranging ungulates. We found no evidence of subclinical infections in 13 pronghorn sampled from the outbreak area (upper 95% binomial confidence limit [bCL], ∼24.7%) or among 217 additional pronghorn (upper 95% bCL, ∼1.7%) sampled from eight additional counties in Wyoming and 10 in Montana. All mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus; n=231; upper 95% bCL, ∼1.6%) sampled from 11 counties in Wyoming also were PCR negative. To assess the potential for environmental transmission, we examined persistence of M. bovis in various substrates and conditions. Controlled experiments revealed that M. bovis can remain viable for 6 h in shaded water and 2 h in direct sunlight. Our results indicate that environmental transmission of M. bovis from livestock to pronghorn is possible and that seasonality of infection could be due to shared resources during late winter. Further investigations to better understand transmission dynamics, to assess population level impacts to pronghorn, and to determine disease risks among pronghorn and other ungulate taxa appear warranted.

Using whole-genome sequence data to examine the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli from wild meso-mammals and environmental sources on swine farms, conservation areas, and the Grand River watershed in southern Ontario, Canada.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the health of humans and animals and has repeatedly been detected in wild animal species across the world. This cross-sectional study integrates whole-genome sequence data from Escherichia coli isolates with demonstrated phenotypic resistance that originated from a previous longitudinal wildlife study in southern Ontario, as well as phenotypically resistant E. coli water isolates previously collected as part of a public health surveillance program. The objective of this work was to assess for evidence of possible transmission of antimicrobial resistance determinants between wild meso-mammals, swine manure pits, and environmental sources on a broad scale in the Grand River watershed, and at a local scale-for the subset of samples collected on both swine farms and conservation areas in the previous wildlife study. Logistic regression models were used to assess potential associations between sampling source, location type (swine farm vs. conservation area), and the occurrence of select resistance genes and predicted plasmids. In total, 200 isolates from the following sources were included: water (n = 20), wildlife (n = 73), swine manure pit (n = 31), soil (n = 73), and dumpsters (n = 3). Several genes and plasmid incompatibility types were significantly more likely to be identified on swine farms compared to conservation areas. Conversely, internationally distributed sequence types (e.g., ST131), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- and AmpC-producing E. coli were isolated in lower prevalences (<10%) and were almost exclusively identified in water sources, or in raccoon and soil isolates obtained from conservation areas. Differences in the odds of detecting resistance genes and predicted plasmids among various sources and location types suggest different primary sources for individual AMR determinants, but, broadly, our findings suggest that raccoons, skunks and opossums in this region may be exposed to AMR pollution via water and agricultural sources, as well as anthropogenic sources in conservation areas.

Rural Raccoons (Procyon lotor) Not Likely to Be a Major Driver of Antimicrobial Resistant Human Salmonella Cases in Southern Ontario, Canada: A One Health Epidemiological Assessment Using Whole-Genome Sequence Data.

Non-typhoidal Salmonella infections represent a substantial burden of illness in humans, and the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among these infections is a growing concern. Using a combination of Salmonella isolate short-read whole-genome sequence data from select human cases, raccoons, livestock and environmental sources, and an epidemiological framework, our objective was to determine if there was evidence for potential transmission of Salmonella and associated antimicrobial resistance determinants between these different sources in the Grand River watershed in Ontario, Canada. Logistic regression models were used to assess the potential associations between source type and the presence of select resistance genes and plasmid incompatibility types. A total of 608 isolates were obtained from the following sources: humans (n = 58), raccoons (n = 92), livestock (n = 329), and environmental samples (n = 129). Resistance genes of public health importance, including bla CMY-2, were identified in humans, livestock, and environmental sources, but not in raccoons. Most resistance genes analyzed were significantly more likely to be identified in livestock and/or human isolates than in raccoon isolates. Based on a 3,002-loci core genome multi-locus sequence typing (cgMLST) scheme, human Salmonella isolates were often more similar to isolates from livestock and environmental sources, than with those from raccoons. Rare instances of serovars S. Heidelberg and S. Enteritidis in raccoons likely represent incidental infections and highlight possible acquisition and dissemination of predominantly poultry-associated Salmonella by raccoons within these ecosystems. Raccoon-predominant serovars were either not identified among human isolates (S. Agona, S. Thompson) or differed by more than 350 cgMLST loci (S. Newport). Collectively, our findings suggest that the rural population of raccoons on swine farms in the Grand River watershed are unlikely to be major contributors to antimicrobial resistant human Salmonella cases in this region.

Using whole-genome sequence data to examine the epidemiology of Salmonella, Escherichia coli and associated antimicrobial resistance in raccoons (Procyon lotor), swine manure pits, and soil samples on swine farms in southern Ontario, Canada.

To better understand the contribution of wildlife to the dissemination of Salmonella and antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella and Escherichia coli, we examined whole-genome sequence data from Salmonella and E. coli isolates collected from raccoons (Procyon lotor) and environmental sources on farms in southern Ontario. All Salmonella and phenotypically resistant E. coli collected from raccoons, soil, and manure pits on five swine farms as part of a previous study were included. We assessed for evidence of potential transmission of these organisms between different sources and farms utilizing a combination of population structure assessments (using core-genome multi-locus sequence typing), direct comparisons of multi-drug resistant isolates, and epidemiological modeling of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and plasmid incompatibility (Inc) types. Univariable logistic regression models were fit to assess the impact of source type, farm location, and sampling year on the occurrence of select resistance genes and Inc types. A total of 159 Salmonella and 96 resistant E. coli isolates were included. A diversity of Salmonella serovars and sequence types were identified, and, in some cases, we found similar or identical Salmonella isolates and resistance genes between raccoons, soil, and swine manure pits. Certain Inc types and resistance genes associated with source type were consistently more likely to be identified in isolates from raccoons than swine manure pits, suggesting that manure pits are not likely a primary source of those particular resistance determinants for raccoons. Overall, our data suggest that transmission of Salmonella and AMR determinants between raccoons and swine manure pits is uncommon, but soil-raccoon transmission appears to be occurring frequently. More comprehensive sampling of farms, and assessment of farms with other livestock species, as well as additional environmental sources (e.g., rivers) may help to further elucidate the movement of resistance genes between these various sources.

Spatio-temporal analyses reveal infectious disease-driven selection in a free-ranging ungulate.

Infectious diseases play an important role in wildlife population dynamics by altering individual fitness, but detecting disease-driven natural selection in free-ranging populations is difficult due to complex disease-host relationships. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal infectious prion disease in cervids for which mutations in a single gene have been mechanistically linked to disease outcomes, providing a rare opportunity to study disease-driven selection in wildlife. In Wyoming, USA, CWD has gradually spread across mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) populations, producing natural variation in disease history to evaluate selection pressure. We used spatial variation and a novel temporal comparison to investigate the relationship between CWD and a mutation at codon 225 of the mule deer prion protein gene that slows disease progression. We found that individuals with the 'slow' 225F allele were less likely to test positive for CWD, and the 225F allele was more common in herds exposed to CWD longer. We also found that in the past 2 decades, the 225F allele frequency increased more in herds with higher CWD prevalence. This study expanded on previous research by analysing spatio-temporal patterns of individual and herd-based disease data to present multiple lines of evidence for disease-driven selection in free-ranging wildlife.

Serologic Evidence of Arthropod-Borne Virus Infections in Wild and Captive Ruminants in Ontario, Canada.

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are globally widespread, and their transmission cycles typically involve numerous vertebrate species. Serologic testing of animal hosts can provide a routine surveillance approach to monitoring animal disease systems, can provide a surveillance alternative to arthropod testing and human case reports, and may augment knowledge of epizootiology. Wild and captive ruminants represent good candidate sentinels to track geographic distribution and prevalence of select arboviruses. They often are geographically widespread and abundant, inhabit areas shared by humans and domestic animals, and are readily fed on by various hematophagous arthropod vectors. Ontario, Canada, is home to high densities of coexisting humans, livestock, and wild cervids, as well as growing numbers of arthropod vectors because of the effects of climate change. We collected blood samples from 349 livestock (cattle/sheep) and 217 cervids (wild/farmed/zoo) in Ontario (2016-2019) to assess for antibodies to zoonotic and agriculturally important arboviruses. Livestock sera were tested for antibodies to bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV). Sera from cervids were tested for antibodies to BTV, EHDV, West Nile virus (WNV), eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), Powassan virus (POWV), and heartland virus (HRTV). Fifteen (9.0%) cattle were seropositive for EHDV-serotype 2. Nine (4.2%) cervids were seropositive for arboviruses; three confirmed as WNV, three as EEEV, and one as POWV. All animals were seronegative for BTV and HRTV. These results reveal low seroprevalence of important agricultural, wildlife, and zoonotic pathogens and underline the need for continued surveillance in this and other regions in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Population Screening for Urine Antigens to Detect Asymptomatic Subarachnoid Neurocysticercosis: A Pilot Study in Northern Peru.

Subarachnoid neurocysticercosis (SANCC) is a severe and progressive brain infection with Taenia solium. We performed a pilot study of noninvasive screening for SANCC in two endemic villages in northern Peru using a urine antigen screen followed by brain magnetic resonance imaging for participants with elevated levels of antigen. Among the 978 participants screened, we identified eight individuals with SANCC, many of whom were asymptomatic. This represents a minimum prevalence of 0.8% of SANCC, a level higher than expected based on prior studies, and a positive predictive value of 62% for our novel urine screening test. Future studies should confirm whether early detection and management improve clinical outcomes.

A RETROSPECTIVE SUMMARY OF CERVID MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY IN ONTARIO AND NUNAVUT REGIONS OF CANADA (1991-2017).

Free-ranging cervids in Canada face diverse threats such as climate change, human population expansion, and the northward spread of vector-borne pathogens. However, we currently have a limited understanding of the impacts of these health challenges in Ontario cervids. Our objective was to identify and characterize causes of morbidity and mortality in free-ranging cervids submitted to the Ontario and Nunavut node of the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) over a 27-yr period (1991 to 2017). Submissions included carcasses submitted for full postmortem examination (gross and histopathology; n=196) and field-collected tissues (n=384). Ancillary tests were performed on a case-by-case basis. Univariable logistic regression was used to test for associations between select causes of morbidity and mortality, and factors such as sex, age, and season. Four cervid species were examined: white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; n=211), moose (Alces alces; n=140), elk (Cervus canadensis; n=136), and caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou; n=93). Noninfectious disease was the most common general cause of morbidity and mortality (38.1%; 221/580) and was most commonly attributed to trauma (49.7%; 110/221). Deaths attributed to infectious diseases (34.3%; 199/580) were most often bacterial in etiology (45.7%; 91/199). The most common primary infectious disease diagnosed in caribou was digital limb infection, and moose were most commonly diagnosed with parasitic causes, including meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) and winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus). Chronic wasting disease was not diagnosed among cervids tested during the study period, consistent with the previous lack of detection of the disease in Ontario. These results reveal that anthropogenic, infectious, and environmentally associated causes of morbidity and mortality are commonly diagnosed in cervids submitted to the CWHC Ontario and Nunavut regions, and represent potential population threats that should continue to be monitored.

Racial differences in adult-onset MRI-negative temporal lobe epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: We recently detected a significant racial difference in our population with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) seizure monitoring unit. We found that Black patients were more likely than their White counterparts to carry a TLE diagnosis. Using this same patient population, we focus on the patients with TLE to better describe the relationship between race and epidemiology in this population. METHODS: We analyzed the data from patients diagnosed with TLE admitted to the UAB seizure monitoring unit between January 2000 and December 2011. For patients with a video electroencephalography (EEG) confirmed diagnosis of TLE (n = 385), basic demographic information including race and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were collected. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used to explore the relationship between MRI findings, demographic data, and race. RESULTS: For Black patients with TLE, we found that they were more likely to be female (odds ratio [OR] = 1.91, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14-3.19), have seizure onset in adulthood (OR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.43-3.19), and have normal MRIs (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.04-2.77) compared to White counterparts with TLE after adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that Black race (compared to White) is associated with higher expression of adult-onset MRI-negative TLE, an important subtype of epilepsy with unique implications for evaluation, treatment, and prognosis. If validated in other cohorts, the findings may explain the lower reported rates of epilepsy surgery utilization among Blacks. The racial differences in surgical utilization could be due to a greater prevalence of an epilepsy that is less amenable to surgical resection rather than to cultural differences or access to care.

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease in White-Tailed Deer, Canada.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease affects wild and domestic ruminants and has recently spread northward within the United States. In September 2017, we detected epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus in wild white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, in east-central Canada. Culicoides spp. midges of the subgenus Avaritia were the most common potential vectors identified on site.

Racial disparities in temporal lobe epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: This study reports on epilepsy type period prevalence and black-white racial differences in a large patient population in the Southeastern United States. METHODS: For all patients visiting the University of Alabama at Birmingham's seizure monitoring unit between 2000 and 2011 (n = 3240), video EEG diagnosis was recorded along with basic demographic information. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) diagnosis. RESULTS: The racial distribution was 77.3% white, and 20.0% black (other races were only 2.3% of the population). Most patients had either TLE (n = 630) or PNES (n = 1150) compared to other focal (n = 424) or generalized epilepsies (n = 224). The diagnosis of TLE was significantly greater for blacks than whites (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.47-2.37). The period prevalence measures for the other conclusively diagnosed epilepsies were not significantly different. Women were disproportionately represented in the study population, and black women carried the most statistical weight for the TLE prevalence difference. INTERPRETATION: The nearly two-fold larger period prevalence of TLE among black patients is a striking finding that merits explanation. Although some selection bias exists due to a moderately lower than expected representation of blacks, socioeconomic status or access to care should not be assumed to be the only factors that might be responsible for the prevalence difference. Rather, all clues for distinct pathophysiological racial differences should be explored.

Prevalence of antibodies to Leptospira in wild mammals trapped on livestock farms in Ontario, Canada.

To determine the prevalence and diversity of Leptospira serogroups circulating in wildlife on farms in Ontario, we tested samples from 51 raccoons (Procyon lotor), seven skunks (Mephitis mephitis), four rats (Rattus norvegicus), and three opossums (Didelphis virginiana) that were trapped on 27 livestock (swine [Sus scrofa], cattle [Bos taurus]) farms in 2010. Seventeen of 51 raccoons (33%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 21-48%) sampled were positive for at least one Leptospira serogroup using the microscopic agglutination test. None of the other 14 animals had detectable Leptospira antibodies. On swine farms, 13 of 30 raccoons (43%; 95% CI, 27-61%) were antibody positive, and on cattle farms, four of 21 raccoons (19%; 95% CI, 8-40%) were positive. Leptospira antibody prevalence in raccoons did not differ between swine and cattle farms. Raccoons were positive to serovars representative of serogroups Grippotyphosa, Australis, Icterohaemorrhagiae, and Pomona and were negative to serovars of serogroups Autumnalis, Canicola, and Sejroe. The prevalence of Leptospira antibodies in raccoons in this study is similar to what has been reported previously; however, the diversity of serogroups was higher in this study than what has been reported in raccoons from an urban area of Ontario, Canada. Understanding the prevalence and distribution of Leptospira serogroups in wildlife in Ontario, Canada, is important for the development and maintenance of appropriate disease management strategies in humans, livestock, and companion animals.