We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
First detection of herpesvirus and hemosporidians in the endangered Pyrenean Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus aquitanicus).
- Authors
de Francisco, Olga Nicolás; Sacristán, Irene; Ewbank, Ana Carolina; Velarde, Roser; Afonso, Ivan; Garcia-Ferré, Diego; Martín-Maldonado, Bárbara; Esperón, Fernando; Iglesias, Irene; de la Torre, Ana; Margalida, Antoni; Sacristán, Carlos
- Abstract
Pathogens affect wild bird populations worldwide, contributing to their decline. Considering the scarce health data regarding the endangered Pyrenean Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus aquitanicus), we molecularly surveyed selected pathogens (Newcastle disease virus, Avian influenza virus, Chlamydia psittaci, avian pathogenic Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Salmonella spp.) in 30 Pyrenean Capercaillie feces collected in the field (Catalonia, northeastern Spain). Additionally, swab and tissue samples from eight wild Pyrenean Capercaillies of Catalonia and Andorra were molecularly tested for herpesvirus and hemosporidians (Plasmodium spp., Haemoproteus spp., and Leucocytozoon spp.). All fecal samples were negative for the pathogens tested. Nevertheless, we detected a novel herpesvirus in 50% (4/8) of the Pyrenean Capercaillies, and hemosporidian DNA in 62.5% (5/8) of the tissue samples (i.e., Haemoproteus sp. [4 of 8] and/or Leucocytozoon sp. [3 of 8]). To our knowledge, this is the first detection of herpesvirus and hemosporidians infections in Pyrenean Capercaillies. The putative novel herpesvirus belongs to the genus Iltovirus. The presence of hemosporidian parasites in this mountain bird species is of concern, and could be related to the marked increase in the average temperature in the Pyrenees as a consequence of climate change. Our findings are fundamental to improve the conservation plans for the endangered Pyrenean Capercaillie population.
- Subjects
ANDORRA; PYRENEES; HERPESVIRUSES; AVIAN influenza A virus; NEWCASTLE disease virus; HERPESVIRUS diseases; BIRD populations; CAMPYLOBACTER jejuni; BIRD parasites
- Publication
Scientific Reports, 2023, Vol 13, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
2045-2322
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1038/s41598-023-48123-3