PCR-based study on viral pathogens circulation among cervids in the Moscow region

Abstract

A molecular survey of selected viruses in free-ranging cervids was conducted in 15 different districts of Moscow region. Samples were collected from 178 game animals including 144 moose (Alces alces), 19 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and 15 deer without species information. Nasal swabs and tissue samples including parts of the nasal septum, upper tracheal rings, lung, heart, liver, kidneys and pooled organ samples were tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Samples were studied for pestiviruses, herpesviruses, coronaviruses, group A rotaviruses, adenoviruses, hepatitis e and parainfluenza type 3 virus. None of the samples were positive for Bovine Coronavirus and SARS-COV-2, hepatitis E virus and parainfluenza type 3 virus. PCR results were positive for bovine herpesviruses (5.05%), pestiviruses (0.56%), rotaviruses (1.68%). DNA of a new adenovirus, presumably causing a mild course of animal respiratory disease, was detected in samples of 6 animals (3.37%). In conclusion, the conducted studies have shown that game animals of the Moscow region can be a natural reservoir of cattle viruses, and this must be taken into account when planning and organizing measures for the control and eradication of such notifiable diseases as bovine viral diarrhoea and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis. Monitoring studies and general disease surveillance of wild animal populations provide additional information on the epidemiology of infectious diseases in the region and allow timely measures to be taken to protect wild animals, domestic animals and the public.