Divergent Rabies Virus Variant of Probable Bat Origin in 2 Gray Foxes, New Mexico, USA.

In the Western Hemisphere, bat-associated rabies viruses (RABVs) have established independent transmission cycles in multiple mammal hosts, forming genetically distinct lineages. In New Mexico, USA, skunks, bats, and gray foxes are rabies reservoir hosts and represent a public health risk because of encounters with humans. During 2015 and 2019, two previously undescribed RABVs were detected in 2 gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) in Lincoln County, New Mexico. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleoprotein gene indicated that the isolates are a novel RABV variant. These 2 cases probably represent repeated spillover events from an unknown bat reservoir to gray foxes. Molecular analysis of rabies cases across New Mexico identified that other cross-species transmission events were the result of viral variants previously known to be enzootic to New Mexico. Despite a robust rabies public health surveillance system in the United States, advances in testing and surveillance techniques continue to identify previously unrecognized zoonotic pathogens.

Francisella tularensis infection in dogs: 88 cases (2014-2016).

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the epidemiology, clinical signs, and treatment of dogs with Francisella tularensis infection in New Mexico. ANIMALS: 87 dogs in which 88 cases of tularemia (1 dog had 2 distinct cases) were confirmed by the New Mexico Department of Health Scientific Laboratory Division from 2014 through 2016 and for which medical records were available. PROCEDURES: Dogs were confirmed to have tularemia if they had a 4-fold or greater increase in anti-F tularensis antibody titer between acute and convalescent serum samples or F tularensis had been isolated from a clinical or necropsy specimen. Epidemiological, clinical, and treatment information were collected from the dogs' medical records and summarized. RESULTS: All 88 cases of tularemia were confirmed by paired serologic titers; the first (acute) serologic test result was negative for 84 (95%) cases. The most common reported exposure to F tularensis was wild rodent or rabbit contact (53/88 [60%]). Dogs had a median number of 3 clinical signs at initial evaluation; lethargy (81/88 [92%]), pyrexia (80/88 [91%]), anorexia (67/88 [76%]), and lymphadenopathy (18/88 [20%]) were most common. For 32 (36%) cases, the dog was hospitalized; all hospitalized dogs survived. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dogs with F tularensis infection often had nonspecific clinical signs and developed moderate to severe illness, sometimes requiring hospitalization. Veterinarians examining dogs from tularemia-enzootic areas should be aware of the epidemiology and clinical signs of tularemia, inquire about potential exposures, and discuss prevention methods with owners, including reducing exposure to reservoir hosts and promptly seeking care for ill animals.

Identification of skunk species submitted for rabies testing in the desert southwest.

Skunks usually are identified by their common name (skunk) when submitted for rabies testing. In the desert southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, USA; and northern Mexico), there are five species of skunks; four of which can occur in sympatry. To better understand the ecology of skunk rabies in these areas, it is imperative that species be properly identified. We used the displacement loop (d-loop) of the mitochondrial genome to identify to species 24 skunk brain samples submitted for rabies testing in New Mexico from 2001 to 2002. Most were identified as striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), but hooded (Mephitis macroura) and hog-nosed (Conepatus leuconotus) skunks were also found.

Yersinia pestis infection in dogs: 62 cases (2003-2011).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology, clinical signs, and treatment practices in dogs with Yersinia pestis infection in New Mexico. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 62 dogs with plague in New Mexico. PROCEDURES: Confirmed case animals had isolation of Yersinia pestis from a clinical specimen, a positive direct fluorescent antibody test result, or a minimum 4-fold change between acute and convalescent serum antibody titers with clinically compatible illness. Retrospective review of cases of laboratory-confirmed plague from 2003 to 2011 was performed with a standardized chart abstraction form. Epidemiologic, clinical, and treatment data were evaluated. RESULTS: 62 confirmed cases of canine plague were identified from 2003 to 2011. Most cases (85%) were confirmed by serologic titers alone or in conjunction with other testing methods. Clinical signs included fever (100%), lethargy (97%), anorexia (77%), lymphadenopathy (23%), vomiting (13%), diarrhea (8%), and abscesses (2%). Most case animals (73%) were treated with multiple antimicrobials. Sixty (97%) case animals survived; of the 2 nonsurvivors, one was euthanized and another died. Potential sources of exposure to Y pestis included hunting, rodent or rabbit exposure, and residence in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that dogs with exposure to Y pestis can develop moderate to severe illness or die as a result of infection. Veterinarians practicing in and examining animals from the western United States need to be familiar with the epidemiology of plague and query owners about potential plague exposures when consistent clinical signs are present. Veterinarians are often the first to recognize signs of plague among sentinel populations and have the opportunity to intervene and prevent zoonotic disease transmission.