Abstract
Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 (CPPV-1) is widespread among free-living carnivores, and CPPV-1 infection may directly or indirectly impact on the population of endangered carnivore species. In this study, we used molecular screening of viral capsid protein 2 (VP2) from 2015 to 2017, to assess the prevalence of CPPV-1 infection in 9 live-trapped (LT) and 17 vehicle collision (VC)-affected free-living leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis chinensis). In addition, we conducted the phylogenetic analysis to evaluate the possible transmission of CPPV-1 between domestic carnivores and leopard cats. We identified the circulation of feline parvovirus and variants of canine parvovirus (CPV), including CPV-2a, CPV-2b, and CPV-2c, in the free-living leopard cat population. The partial sequences of different variants of VP2 obtained from the leopard cats were identical with those obtained from the domestic dogs and cats in Taiwan. Our result suggested that CPPV-1 was currently transmitted between domestic carnivores and leopard cats in Taiwan. A plan of conservation measures based on vaccination program for domestic carnivores, strict controls on populations of free-living dogs and cats and limiting road development only to low-risk areas for leopard cats should be encouraged.
Highlights
The leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis chinensis) is an endangered felid species, which is distributed in East, Southeast, and South Asia [1]
Based on the partial viral capsid protein 2 (VP2) amino acid sequences obtained from the 17 Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 (CPPV-1) positive leopard cats, we determined that 7, 7, 1, and 2, leopard cats were infected with canine parvovirus (CPV)-2a, CPV-2b, CPV2c, and feline parvovirus, respectively (S2 Table)
Except a distinct subclade of CPV-2b isolated from the leopard cats, the partial sequence of the variants of VP2 isolated from the leopard cats were identical with those isolated from the domestic dogs and cats
Summary
The leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis chinensis) is an endangered felid species, which is distributed in East, Southeast, and South Asia [1]. It was previously commonly distributed in the lowland habitats throughout the island of Taiwan [2, 3]. Owing to the islandwide decline in the population of this species, it was listed as an endangered species under the Wildlife Conservation Act in Taiwan in 2009 [4]. The distribution of Taiwanese leopard cats is restricted to small areas in 3 counties, namely Miaoli, Nantou, and Taichung City, in Central Taiwan. Studies in the Miaoli County suggested that road kill, habitat.
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