First evidence of Kunjin strain of West Nile virus associated with saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) skin lesions.
Aust Vet J
; 97(10): 390-393, 2019 Oct.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31328253
ABSTRACT
Recently, the Kunjin strain of West Nile virus (WNVKUN ) has been detected using qRT-PCR in belly skin lesions of farmed juvenile saltwater crocodiles. This follows an established association between similar lesions and West Nile virus in American alligators. The lesions present as cutaneous lymphohistiocytic aggregates in the dermal layers of both species. While these lesion do not create an obvious defect on the live crocodile, upon tanning the lesion area collapses and does not uptake the dye evenly, thus reducing its aesthetic appeal. As a result, skins are being rejected jeopardising the economic viability of the Australian crocodile industry. Over 50 skin lesions have since been confirmed as WNVKUN -positive and preliminary evidence of lesion restructuring is presented. Horizontal transmission of WNVKUN by mosquitoes is well-established but other transmission routes, such as ingestion and cloacal shedding, need further evaluation. An infection trial is currently underway to ensure WNVKUN is the causative agent of these skin lesions.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Enfermedades de la Piel
/
Virus del Nilo Occidental
/
Caimanes y Cocodrilos
Tipo de estudio:
Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Animals
País/Región como asunto:
Oceania
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Aust Vet J
Año:
2019
Tipo del documento:
Article