Targeted strategies for the management of wildlife diseases: the case of brucellosis in Alpine ibex.

The management of infectious diseases in wildlife reservoirs is challenging and faces several limitations. However, detailed knowledge of host-pathogen systems often reveal heterogeneity among the hosts' contribution to transmission. Management strategies targeting specific classes of individuals and/or areas, having a particular role in transmission, could be more effective and more acceptable than population-wide interventions. In the wild population of Alpine ibex (Capra ibex-a protected species) of the Bargy massif (French Alps), females transmit brucellosis (Brucella melitensis) infection in ~90% of cases, and most transmissions occur in the central spatial units ("core area"). Therefore, we expanded an individual-based model, developed in a previous study, to test whether strategies targeting females or the core area, or both, would be more effective. We simulated the relative efficacy of realistic strategies for the studied population, combining test-and-remove (euthanasia of captured animals with seropositive test results) and partial culling of unmarked animals. Targeting females or the core area was more effective than untargeted management options, and strategies targeting both were even more effective. Interestingly, the number of ibex euthanized and culled in targeted strategies were lower than in untargeted ones, thus decreasing the conservation costs while increasing the sanitary benefits. Although there was no silver bullet for the management of brucellosis in the studied population, targeted strategies offered a wide range of promising refinements to classical sanitary measures. We therefore encourage to look for heterogeneity in other wildlife diseases and to evaluate potential strategies for improving management in terms of efficacy but also acceptability.

Brucella melitensis Rev.1 vaccination generates a higher shedding risk of the vaccine strain in Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) compared to the domestic goat (Capra hircus).

Epidemiological investigations implemented in wild and domestic ruminants evidenced a reservoir for Brucella in Capra ibex in the French Alps. Vaccination was considered as a possible way to control Brucella infection in this wildlife population. Twelve ibexes and twelve goats were allocated into four groups housed separately, each including six males or six non-pregnant females. Four to five animals were vaccinated and one or two animals were contact animals. Half of the animals were necropsied 45 days post-vaccination (pv), and the remaining ones at 90 days pv. Additional samples were collected 20 and 68 days pv to explore bacterial distribution in organs and humoral immunity. Neither clinical signs nor Brucella-specific lesions were observed and all vaccinated animals seroconverted. Brucella distribution and antibody profiles were highly contrasted between both species. Proportion of infected samples was significantly higher in ibex compared to goats and decreased between 45 and 90 days pv. Two male ibex presented urogenital excretion at 20 or 45 days pv. The bacterial load was higher 45 days in ibexes compared to goats, whereas it remained moderate to low 90 days pv in both species with large variability between animals. In this experiment, differences between species remained the main source of variation, with low impact of other individual factors. To conclude, multiplicative and shedding capacity of Rev.1 was much higher in ibex compared to goats within 90 days. These results provide initial information on the potential use in natura of a commercial vaccine.

Serological survey in wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Switzerland and other European countries: Sarcoptes scabiei may be more widely distributed than previously thought.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoptic mange has recently emerged in wild boar in Switzerland, raising the question of the origin of the infection. The main aim of this study was to assess the extent of exposure of the wild boar populations to Sarcoptes scabiei in Switzerland, prior to and after the detection of mange cases, to determine whether the mite has been recently introduced into the populations concerned. We performed a serological survey using a commercially available ELISA and 1056 archived blood samples of free-ranging wild boar from Switzerland. To facilitate the interpretation of the obtained data, we additionally estimated seroprevalence in wild boar populations of four other European countries (1060 samples), both from areas with confirmed clinical cases of mange and from areas without reported cases in wild boar. Lastly, we revised the evaluation of the commercial ELISA when used with wild boar sera. RESULTS: Seropositive reactions were observed for samples from all five countries and from 15 of the 16 study areas. The obtained apparent seroprevalences ranged from 0.0% (0/82; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0-4.4) to 17.4% (8/46; 95% CI: 7.8-31.4). Wild boar from study areas with known clinical cases and those ≤60 kg were four times more likely to be seropositive than wild boar from areas without reported cases and > 60 kg, respectively. Optical density values did not differ between the two types of study areas among seropositive samples but were significantly lower among seronegative samples from areas without than from areas with clinical cases. No difference was observed between the two sampling periods in Switzerland. The revised ELISA specificity was 96.8% (984/1017; 95% CI: 95.5-97.7) when wild boar from areas without history of mange were considered truly negative. CONCLUSIONS: Seropositivity to S. scabiei is more frequent and occurs over a larger geographic range than expected. Data suggest that the parasite is endemic within the wild boar populations of Switzerland and other European countries but that its presence is not necessarily associated with disease occurrence. Extrinsic factors which trigger disease emergence in infected populations remain to be investigated. The applied ELISA represents a promising tool for future studies.

Evolution and molecular epidemiology of classical swine fever virus during a multi-annual outbreak amongst European wild boar.

Classical swine fever is a viral disease of pigs that carries tremendous socio-economic impact. In outbreak situations, genetic typing is carried out for the purpose of molecular epidemiology in both domestic pigs and wild boar. These analyses are usually based on harmonized partial sequences. However, for high-resolution analyses towards the understanding of genetic variability and virus evolution, full-genome sequences are more appropriate. In this study, a unique set of representative virus strains was investigated that was collected during an outbreak in French free-ranging wild boar in the Vosges-du-Nord mountains between 2003 and 2007. Comparative sequence and evolutionary analyses of the nearly full-length sequences showed only slow evolution of classical swine fever virus strains over the years and no impact of vaccination on mutation rates. However, substitution rates varied amongst protein genes; furthermore, a spatial and temporal pattern could be observed whereby two separate clusters were formed that coincided with physical barriers.

How to survey classical swine fever in wild boar (Sus scrofa) after the completion of oral vaccination? Chasing away the ghost of infection at different spatial scales.

Oral mass vaccination (OMV) is considered as an efficient strategy for controlling classical swine fever (CSF) in wild boar. After the completion of vaccination, the presence of antibodies in 6-12 month-old hunted wild boars was expected to reflect a recent CSF circulation. Nevertheless, antibodies could also correspond to the long-lasting of maternal antibodies. This paper relates an experience of surveillance which lasted 4 years after the completion of OMV in a formerly vaccinated area, in north-eastern France (2010-2014). First, we conducted a retrospective analysis of the serological data collected in 6-12 month-old hunted wild boars from 2010 up to 2013, using a spatial Bayesian model accounting for hunting data autocorrelation and heterogeneity. At the level of the whole area, seroprevalence in juvenile boars decreased from 28% in 2010-2011 down to 1% in 2012-2013, but remained locally high (above 5%). The model revealed the existence of one particular seroprevalence hot-spot where a longitudinal survey of marked animals was conducted in 2013-2014, for deciphering the origin of antibodies. Eleven out of 107 captured piglets were seropositive when 3-4 months-old, but their antibody titres progressively decreased until 6-7 months of age. These results suggest piglets were carrying maternal antibodies, few of them carrying maternal antibodies lasting until the hunting season. Our study shows that OMV may generate confusion in the CSF surveillance several years after the completion of vaccination. We recommend using quantitative serological tools, hunting data modelling and capture approaches for better interpreting serological results after vaccination completion. Surveillance perspectives are further discussed.

Schmallenberg virus infection among red deer, France, 2010-2012.

Schmallenberg virus infection is emerging in European domestic and wild ruminants. We investigated the serologic status of 9 red deer populations to describe virus spread from September 2010 through March 2012 among wildlife in France. Deer in 7 populations exhibited seropositivity, with an average seroprevalence of 20%.

Bayesian modelling of hunting data may improve the understanding of host-parasite systems: wild boar diseases and vaccination as an example.

Wildlife diseases are often studied using hunting data. In such studies, inferences about diseases are often made by comparing raw disease prevalence levels, ignoring complications like stochasticity in recruitment. We carried out a field trial to study the effectiveness of oral vaccination of wild boar (Sus scrofa) against classical swine fever (CSF) in the Vosges mountains (Northeastern France) for 3 years (2008-2010). Since August 2004, hunters had carried out three vaccination sessions per year in spring, summer and autumn. During our study period, we determined whether each wild boar hunted in our study area was immunized or not against CSF. We used a Bayesian approach to model the changes in the proportion of vaccinated animals in the population of young animals (i.e., <12 months old). This approach allowed to disentangle the effects of the birth peaks (leading to a decrease) and of both the vaccination sessions and natural infection (leading to an increase) on this proportion. We thus inferred, at the individual level, the probability that a non-immunized animal became vaccinated after a particular session. There was a high between-year variability in the effectiveness of the vaccination: the observed patterns were similar in 2008 and 2010, but 2009 was characterized by an overall greater effectiveness of the vaccination. Within a particular year, the spring vaccination session was more effective than the autumn session, probably because of the higher food availability in autumn that render the vaccination places less attractive to the animals. The vaccination effectiveness was rather low in summer, except in 2009, probably because of higher age identification error this year. This model also highlighted an immunisation of animals occurring outside vaccination periods, which suggests either the presence of the CSF virus in our study area, or the consumption of the vaccine outside the vaccination sessions. Finally, we observed a high spatial variability of the probability of vaccination. The effectiveness of the vaccination was indeed strongly related to both the distribution of the forests and the distribution of the vaccination places in our study area. This study highlights an optimal vaccination effort of 1.25 places per km(2) to maximize the proportion of immune wild boar in that area.

Possible association between complex congenital heart defects and 11p15 hypomethylation in three patients with severe Silver-Russell syndrome.

Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is characterized by pre- and post-natal growth restriction that spares head growth, feeding difficulties, and variable dysmorphic facial features without major malformations. Hypomethylation of the paternal 11p15 imprinting control region 1 (ICR1) and maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 7 are found in 50-60% and in 5-10% of SRS patients, respectively. We report on the pre- and post-natal features of three unrelated SRS patients with unusual congenital heart defects (CHDs). Two patients born prematurely had total anomalous pulmonary venous return and died shortly after birth, and a third patient, now 4 years old, had cor triatriatum sinistrum, which was surgically corrected. In all three patients, the underlying molecular defect was 11p15 ICR1 hypomethylation. Based on a large cohort with molecularly proven SRS, the prevalence of CHD in SRS is estimated at 5.5%. We suggest that the occurrence of CHD in SRS with 11p15 ICR1 hypomethylation is not coincidental, but specific to this genotype.

"BACACIX", a spatial index combining proxies of bovine and badger space use associated with extended Mycobacterium bovis circulation in France.

To better prevent and control multi-host pathogen circulation over large areas, it is essential to identify patterns of disease persistence within host communities involved in pathogen circulation at a macroscale. The aim of this study was to design and calculate "BACACIX", a spatial index of indirect contacts between cattle and badgers, two species involved in the circulation of Mycobacterium bovis, one of the main causative agents of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), in some areas of France. The index combined spatial models of land use distribution (the probable distribution defining animal use of space) based on pasture location for cattle, and based on land cover for badgers, with proxies for animal density for both species. For badgers, we used two series of census data of badger setts in two regions of France to evaluate our model of badger space use distribution (also known as utilization distribution), and analyzed the relationship between BACACIX and the upsurge of bovine tuberculosis observed in several regions of France during the decade after the country obtained the officially bTB-free status in 2001. We observed high values of BACACIX from the southwest to the northeast of France and from Brittany to the Channel coast. Conversely, in two areas (north-central area and Mediterranean coast), index values were low, suggesting that indirect cattle-badger contacts were unlikely. In the two series of census data of badger setts that we analyzed, 96.5% and 87% of the global positioning system (GPS) locations of badger setts, respectively were located in the calculated badger space use distribution. A logistic regression model showed that after controlling bTB over the previous decade, the value of the index was positively associated with the risk of cattle outbreaks between 2001 and 2010 (OR = 1.57). In addition, the risk of bTB occurrence in cattle decreased when the pasture area outside the badger space use distribution increased. In the future, the spatial index of indirect cattle-badger contacts we propose could help to better target bTB surveillance and control in France.

Evaluation of a Lateral Flow Immunochromatography Assay (LFIA) for Diagnosis and Surveillance of Brucellosis in French Alpine Ibex (Capra ibex).

France has been officially free of bovine brucellosis since 2005. Nevertheless, in 2012, as the source of two human cases, a bovine outbreak due to B. melitensis biovar 3 was confirmed in the French Alpine Bargy massif, due to a spillover from wild, protected Alpine ibex (Capra ibex). In order to reduce high Brucella prevalence in the local ibex population, successive management strategies have been implemented. Lateral flow immunochromatography assay (LFIA) was thus identified as a promising on-site screening test, allowing for a rapid diagnosis far from the laboratory. This study compared a commercial LFIA for brucellosis diagnosis with the WOAH-recommended tests for small ruminants (i.e., Rose Bengal test (RBT), Complement fixation test, (CFT) and Indirect ELISA, (iELISA)). LFIA showed the same analytical sensitivity as iELISA on successive dilutions of the International Standard anti-Brucella melitensis Serum (ISaBmS) and the EU Goat Brucella Standard Serum (EUGBSS). Selectivity was estimated at 100% when vaccinated ibex sera were analyzed. When used on samples from naturally infected ibex, LFIA showed high concordance, as well as relative sensitivity and specificity (>97.25%) in comparison with RBT and CFT. This work shows high reliability and ensures a better standardization of LFIA testing for wild ruminants.

[Brucellosis in Alpine ibex: 10 years of research and expert assessments]. / La brucellose du bouquetin des Alpes - Un exemple de dix années de recherche et d'expertise.

Brucellosis due to Brucella melitensis affects domestic and wild ruminants, as well as other mammals, including humans. Despite France being officially free of bovine brucellosis since 2005, two human cases of Brucella melitensis infection in the French Alps in 2012 led to the discovery of one infected cattle herd and of one infected population of wild Alpine ibex (Capra ibex). In this review, we present the results of 10 years of research on the epidemiology of brucellosis in this population of Alpine ibex. We also discuss the insights brought by research and expert assessments on the efficacy of disease management strategies used to mitigate brucellosis in the French Alps.

Title: La brucellose du bouquetin des Alpes - Un exemple de dix années de recherche et d'expertise. Abstract: La brucellose à Brucella melitensis touche les ruminants domestiques et sauvages, ainsi que d'autres mammifères, dont les humains. Bien que la France soit officiellement indemne depuis 2005, deux cas humains reportés en Haute-Savoie en 2012 ont conduit à la découverte de l'infection dans un élevage bovin et chez les bouquetins des Alpes (Capra ibex) du massif du Bargy. Nous présentons dans cette synthèse les principales découvertes de ces dix dernières années sur le système brucellose-bouquetins. Nous discuterons également de l'apport de la recherche et de l'expertise sur l'évaluation de l'efficacité des mesures de gestion sanitaire mises en place dans le massif du Bargy pour lutter contre la brucellose.

Combining seroprevalence and capture-mark-recapture data to estimate the force of infection of brucellosis in a managed population of Alpine ibex.

In wildlife, epidemiological data are often collected using cross-sectional surveys and antibody tests, and seroprevalence is the most common measure used to monitor the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases. On the contrary, the force of infection, a measure of transmission intensity that can help understand epidemiological dynamics and monitor management interventions, remains rarely used. The force of infection can be derived from age-stratified cross-sectional serological data, or from longitudinal data (although less frequently available in wildlife populations). Here, we combined seroprevalence and capture-mark-recapture data to estimate the force of infection of brucellosis in an Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) population monitored from 2012 to 2018. Because the seroprevalence of brucellosis was 38% in this population in 2012, managers conducted two culling operations in 2013 and 2015, as well as captures every year since 2012, where seronegative individuals were marked and released, and seropositive individuals were removed. We obtained two estimates of the force of infection and its changes across time, by fitting (i) a catalytic model to age-seroprevalence data obtained from unmarked animals (cross-sectional), and (ii) a survival model to event time data obtained from recaptures of marked animals (longitudinal). Using both types of data allowed us to make robust inference about the temporal dynamics of the force of infection: indeed, there was evidence for a decrease in the force of infection between mid-2014 and late 2015 in both datasets. The force of infection was estimated to be reduced from 0.115 year-1 [0.074-0.160] to 0.016 year-1 [0.001-0.057]. These results confirm that transmission intensity decreased during the study period, probably due to management interventions and natural changes in infection dynamics. Estimating the force of infection could therefore be a valuable complement to classical seroprevalence analyses to monitor the dynamics of wildlife diseases, especially in the context of ongoing disease management interventions.

Estimation of Bait Uptake by Badgers, Using Non-invasive Methods, in the Perspective of Oral Vaccination Against Bovine Tuberculosis in a French Infected Area.

Although France is officially declared free of bovine tuberculosis (TB), Mycobacterium bovis infection is still observed in several regions in cattle and wildlife, including badgers (Meles meles). In this context, vaccinating badgers should be considered as a promising strategy for the reduction in M. bovis transmission between badgers and other species, and cattle in particular. An oral vaccine consisting of live Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) contained in bait is currently under assessment for badgers, for which testing bait deployment in the field and assessing bait uptake by badgers are required. This study aimed to evaluate the bait uptake by badgers and determine the main factors influencing uptake in a TB-infected area in Burgundy, north-eastern France. The baits were delivered at 15 different setts located in the vicinity of 13 pastures within a TB-infected area, which has been subject to intense badger culling over the last decade. Pre-baits followed by baits containing a biomarker (Rhodamine B; no BCG vaccine) were delivered down sett entrances in the spring (8 days of pre-baiting and 4 days of baiting) and summer (2 days of pre-baiting and 2 days of baiting) of 2018. The consumption of the marked baits was assessed by detecting fluorescence, produced by Rhodamine B, in hair collected in hair traps positioned at the setts and on the margins of the targeted pastures. Collected hairs were also genotyped to differentiate individuals using 24 microsatellites markers and one sex marker. Bait uptake was estimated as the proportion of badgers consuming baits marked by the biomarker over all the sampled animals (individual level), per badger social group, and per targeted pasture. We found a bait uptake of 52.4% (43 marked individuals of 82 genetically identified) at the individual level and a mean of 48.9 and 50.6% at the social group and pasture levels, respectively. The bait uptake was positively associated with the presence of cubs (social group level) and negatively influenced by the intensity of previous trapping (social group and pasture levels). This study is the first conducted in France on bait deployment in a badger population of intermediate density after several years of intensive culling. The results are expected to provide valuable information toward a realistic deployment of oral vaccine baits to control TB in badger populations.

Estimating disease prevalence and temporal dynamics using biased capture serological data in a wildlife reservoir: The example of brucellosis in Alpine ibex (Capra ibex).

The monitoring of the disease prevalence in a population is an essential component of its adaptive management. However, field data often lead to biased estimates. This is the case for brucellosis infection of ibex in the Bargy massif (France). A test-and-cull program is being carried out in this area to manage the infection: captured animals are euthanized when seropositive, and marked and released when seronegative. Because this mountainous species is difficult to capture, field workers tend to focus the capture effort on unmarked animals. Indeed, marked animals are less likely to be infected, as they were controlled and negative during previous years. As the proportion of marked animals in the population becomes large, captured animals can no longer be considered as an unbiased sample of the population. We designed an integrated Bayesian model to correct this bias, by estimating the seroprevalence in the population as the combination of the separate estimates of the seroprevalence among unmarked animals (estimated from the data) and marked animals (estimated with a catalytic infection model, to circumvent the scarcity of the data). As seroprevalence may not be the most responsive parameter to management actions, we also estimated the proportion of animals in the population with an active bacterial infection. The actual infection status of captured animals was thus inferred as a function of their age and their level of antibodies, using a model based on bacterial cultures carried out for a sample of animals. Focusing on the population of adult females in the core area of the massif, i.e. with the highest seroprevalence, this observational study shows that seroprevalence has been divided by two between 2013 (51%) and 2018 (21%). Moreover, the likely estimated proportion of actively infected females in the same population, though very imprecise, has decreased from a likely estimate of 34% to less than 15%, suggesting that the management actions have been effective in reducing infection prevalence.

Evaluation of Three Medetomidine-Based Anesthetic Protocols in Free-Ranging Wild Boars (Sus scrofa).

Three medetomidine-based drug protocols were compared by evaluating time courses, reliability and physiological effects in wild boars. A total of 21 cage-trapped wild boars (Sus scrofa) were immobilized using one of the following drug combinations; MTZ: medetomidine (0.2 mg/kg) + tiletamine-zolazepam (2.0 mg/kg), MK: medetomidine (0.15 mg/kg) + ketamine (5 mg/kg), and MKB: medetomidine (0.1 mg/kg) + ketamine (5.0 mg/kg) + butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg). Induction time, recovery time, and physiological variables were recorded and arterial blood gas analysis measured twice, before and after 15 min of oxygen supplementation (0.5-1.0 L/min). For reversal, 4 mg of atipamezole per mg of medetomidine was administered intramuscularly. The boars recovered in the cage and were released once ataxia resolved. The MK group had significantly longer recovery times (mean 164 min ± 79 SD) compared to the other groups. MKB elicited longer and incomplete induction compared to the other groups (mean induction time 20 min ± 10 SD), decreasing the efficiency of the capture and increasing the risk of hyperthermia. Both ketamine-based protocols required additional ketamine intramuscularly to prolong the anesthesia after 20-40 min from induction. Agreement between the pulse oximeter and the blood gas analyzer was low, with the pulse oximeter underestimating the real values of arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation, particularly at higher readings. Mild acute respiratory acidosis (PaCO2 45-60 mmHg) and mild to moderate hypoxemia (PaO2 69-80 mmHg) occurred in most boars, regardless of the treatment group but especially in the MKB group. The acid-base status improved and hypoxemia resolved in all boars during oxygen supplementation, with the PaO2 rising above the physiological reference range (81.6-107.7 mmHg) in many individuals. MK and MKB induced safe and reliable immobilization of wild boars for at least 20 min. Supplemental oxygen delivery is recommended in order to prevent hypoxemia in wild boars immobilized with the protocols used in the present study. Long and ataxic recoveries occurred in most animals, regardless of the protocol, but especially in the MKB group.

How to Strengthen Wildlife Surveillance to Support Freedom From Disease: Example of ASF Surveillance in France, at the Border With an Infected Area.

Using a risk-based approach, the SAGIR network (dedicated to wildlife disease surveillance) had to strengthen surveillance activities after ASF was confirmed in Belgium in September 2018, very near the French border. Three new active dead wild boars search protocols supplemented opportunistic surveillance in Level III risk areas: patrols by volunteer hunters, professional systematic combing, and dog detection. Those protocols were targeted in terms of location and time and complemented each other. The main objectives of the designed surveillance system were (i) to assure early detection in case of introduction of the disease and (ii) to support the free status of the zone. Compiling the surveillance effort was thus a necessity to assure authorities and producer representatives that the sometimes low number of carcasses detected was not a consequence of no surveillance activities. The human involvement in implementing those activities was significant: more than 1000 8-h days just for the time spent in the field on active search activities. We calculated a specific indicator to enable a comparison of the surveillance results from different zones, including non-infected Belgian zones with strengthened surveillance activities. This was a first step in the evaluation of the efficacy of our surveillance activities in a WB population. Field experiments and modelling dead WB detection probability are planned to supplement this evaluation. Belgium regained its ASF-free status in November 2020, and ASF was not detected in France in either the WB or domestic pig populations.

Genetic epidemiology of the Alpine ibex reservoir of persistent and virulent brucellosis outbreak.

While it is now broadly accepted that inter-individual variation in the outcomes of host-pathogen interactions is at least partially genetically controlled, host immunogenetic characteristics are rarely investigated in wildlife epidemiological studies. Furthermore, most immunogenetic studies in the wild focused solely on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) diversity despite it accounts for only a fraction of the genetic variation in pathogen resistance. Here, we investigated immunogenetic diversity of the Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) population of the Bargy massif, reservoir of a virulent outbreak of brucellosis. We analysed the polymorphism and associations with disease resistance of the MHC Class II Drb gene and several non-MHC genes (Toll-like receptor genes, Slc11A1) involved in the innate immune response to Brucella in domestic ungulates. We found a very low neutral genetic diversity and a unique MHC Drb haplotype in this population founded few decades ago from a small number of individuals. By contrast, other immunity-related genes have maintained polymorphism and some showed significant associations with the brucellosis infection status hence suggesting a predominant role of pathogen-mediated selection in their recent evolutionary trajectory. Our results highlight the need to monitor immunogenetic variation in wildlife epidemiological studies and to look beyond the MHC.

Evaluation of a commercial ELISA for detection of epizootic haemorrhagic disease antibodies in domestic and wild ruminant sera.

Bluetongue (BT) and epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) are vector-borne viral diseases affecting domestic and wild ruminants. Both are notifiable under OIE rules. BT and EHD viruses (BTV and EHDV) are closely related Orbiviruses with structural, antigenic and molecular similarities. Both viruses can produce analogous clinical signs in susceptible animals. Serological tests are commonly used for BT and EHD diagnosis and surveillance. Competitive ELISA (c-ELISA) is the most widely used serological test for the specific detection of BTV or EHDV viral protein 7 (VP7) antibodies (Abs). The specificity and sensitivity of the BTV c-ELISA kits available on the market are recognized for the detection of BTV Abs. Concerning EHD, a single commercial EHDV c-ELISA kit (ELISA A kit) commonly used for diagnosis in Europe and Africa was available between 2011 and 2018 but is now no longer on the market. In this study, we evaluated a new commercial c-ELISA to detect ruminant EHDV VP7 Abs in 2,199 serum samples from cattle, sheep, goats, wild deer and zoo animals. The results showed that this ELISA kit is specific and can detect the presence of IgG anti-EHDV VP7 with a very good diagnostic specificity and a satisfactory sensitivity in domestic ruminants, zoo animals and wild deer. Therefore, the evaluated c-ELISA can detect the introduction of EHDV into an area where BTV-seropositive domestic animals are present. The performance of this kit is similar to that of the c-ELISA A kit and can thus be used for diagnosis.

Assessment of the impact of forestry and leisure activities on wild boar spatial disturbance with a potential application to ASF risk of spread.

In Europe, African swine fever virus (ASFV) is one of the most threatening infectious transboundary diseases of domestic pigs and wild boar. In September 2018, ASF was detected in wild boar in the South of Belgium. France, as a bordering country, is extremely concerned about the ASF situation in Belgium, and an active preparedness is ongoing in the country. One of the questions raised by this situation relates to disturbing activities that may affect wild boar movements and their possible impact on the spread of ASFV. Despite evidence of disturbance related to hunting practices, there is a paucity of information on the impact of forestry and human leisure activities. To assess this impact on wild boar movements, a systematic review was first conducted but very few useful data were obtained. For this reason, an expert elicitation was carried out by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety in order to deal with this knowledge gap. A total of 30 experts originating from France and adjacent neighbouring countries (Spain, Belgium and Switzerland) were elicited about the relative importance of six factors of spatial disturbance of wild boar (noise, smell, invasion of space, modification of the environment, duration and frequency of the activity). Then, for each factor of disturbance, they were asked about the impact of 16 different commercial forestry and human leisure activities. A global weighted score was estimated in order to capture the variability of a wide range of territorial conditions and the uncertainty of expert elicitation. This estimate permitted ranking all 16 activities and aggregating them in three groups according to their potential for disturbance of wild boar, using a regression tree analysis. The results of this expert elicitation provide a methodological approach that may be useful for French and other European decision makers and stakeholders involved in the crisis management of ASF.

Red deer (Cervus elaphus) Did Not Play the Role of Maintenance Host for Bluetongue Virus in France: The Burden of Proof by Long-Term Wildlife Monitoring and Culicoides Snapshots.

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is a Culicoides-borne pathogen infecting both domestic and wild ruminants. In Europe, the Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) (RD) is considered a potential BTV reservoir, but persistent sylvatic cycle has not yet been demonstrated. In this paper, we explored the dynamics of BTV1 and BTV8 serotypes in the RD in France, and the potential role of that species in the re-emergence of BTV8 in livestock by 2015 (i.e., 5 years after the former last domestic cases). We performed 8 years of longitudinal monitoring (2008-2015) among 15 RD populations and 3065 individuals. We compared Culicoides communities and feeding habits within domestic and wild animal environments (51,380 samples). Culicoides diversity (>30 species) varied between them, but bridge-species able to feed on both wild and domestic hosts were abundant in both situations. Despite the presence of competent vectors in natural environments, BTV1 and BTV8 strains never spread in RD along the green corridors out of the domestic outbreak range. Decreasing antibody trends with no PCR results two years after the last domestic outbreak suggests that seropositive young RD were not recently infected but carried maternal antibodies. We conclude that RD did not play a role in spreading or maintaining BTV in France.