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Abstract
Following the discovery in 2015 of the variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 (VSBV-1) in fatal encephalitis cases among exotic squirrel breeders and a zoo animal caretaker in Germany, a case definition was developed. It was employed during trace-back animal trade investigations and sero-epidemiological studies among breeders and zoo animal caretakers of holdings with VSBV-1 infected squirrels. During the investigation, two possible human cases who had died of encephalitis were identified retrospectively among the squirrel breeders. Moreover, one probable human case was detected among the breeders who had a positive memory T-cell response to VSBV-1 antigen and antibodies against VSBV-1. The low rate of seropositivity found among living persons in risk groups that handle exotic squirrels privately or at zoos may reflect rareness of exposure to VSBV-1 during animal contact, a high lethality of infection or a combination of these factors. As a precaution against human exposure, testing of exotic squirrels for VSBV-1 infection and/or avoiding direct contact with exotic squirrels in zoos and private holdings is strongly advised.
Highlights
In 2015, the variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 (VSBV-1, species Mammalian 2 orthobornavirus) was discovered as an emerging zoonotic pathogen responsible for three cases of fatal encephalitis among private breeders of exotic squirrels in Germany [1]
We found that S. variegatoides was initially imported from Costa
In the course of the squirrel trade investigation, we identified two male squirrel breeders who had died of encephalitis of unknown causes in 2005 (Case F) and 2006 (Case G) in the federal states of North RhineWestphalia and Brandenburg, respectively
Summary
In 2015, the variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 (VSBV-1, species Mammalian 2 orthobornavirus) was discovered as an emerging zoonotic pathogen responsible for three cases of fatal encephalitis among private breeders of exotic squirrels in Germany [1]. In early 2018, the virus was retrospectively detected in the brain of a zoo animal caretaker from the German state of Schleswig-Holstein (Case D). This female patient had had occupational contact to an infected Prevost’s squirrel (Callosciurus prevostii), an exotic species from Southeast Asia. She had died of limbic encephalitis in 2013 [2]. Animal scratches and bites are considered the main risk factor [1]
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