Occurrence Pattern of Influenza A Virus, Coxiella burnetii, Toxoplasma gondii, and Trichinella sp. in the Pallas Cat and Domestic Cat and Their Potential Prey Under Arid Climate Conditions

Abstract

The possibility of the occurrence of seropositive reactions against four pathogens in two feline species (Pallas cat (Otocolobus manul) and domestic cat (Felis catus)) and six species of their potential prey was studied. Blood serum was analyzed for the presence of antibodies to the pathogens by enzyme immunoassay. The occurrence pattern of influenza A virus in manuls was the largest among tested pathogens (22%, n = 18). In this case, positive animals were not discovered among domestic cats. Antibodies against Coxiella burnetii were registered only in domestic cats (3.6%, n = 55). Antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii were found in wild and domestic animals: domestic cats (14.7%, n = 61), Pallas’ cats (9.1%, n = 18), and their prey (3.7%, n = 273). The occurrence of Trichinella sp. was comparatively low in domestic cats (1.6%, n = 61); among prey, antibodies to the parasite were found only in one species, the transbaikal hamster (Cricetulus pseudogriseus) (10.9%, n = 119).