World Camelids Research Articles

Sinonasal chondrosarcoma in a llama.

A 14-y-old intact female llama (Lama glama) was presented for evaluation of a right maxillary swelling of 3-mo duration. Clinically, the animal had mild nasal discharge, abnormal retropulsion of the right eye, and moderate gingival disease. An incisional biopsy of the maxillary mass revealed pleomorphic and mitotically active neoplastic spindle-to-stellate cells organized in haphazard lacunae embedded in abundant chondroid matrix. Given the poor prognosis, euthanasia was elected. Postmortem examination and sectioning of the head exposed a large solid, white, firm mass that vastly expanded the right infraorbital region, extending to the maxilla, effacing the right nasal conchae and ipsilateral zygomatic bone. Collectively, postmortem dissection, cytology, and histopathology of the primary mass supported a diagnosis of sinonasal chondrosarcoma. To our knowledge, this entity had not been reported previously in this species and should be considered a differential for facial deformities in New World camelids.

Development and validation of the Axiom-MaruPri SNP chip for genetic analyses of domesticated old world camelids

Camels play a crucial socio-economic role in sustaining the livelihoods of millions in arid and semi-arid regions. They possess remarkable physiological attributes which enable them to thrive in extreme environments, and provide a source of meat, milk and transportation. With their unique traits, camels embody an irreplaceable source of untapped genomic knowledge. This study introduces Axiom-MaruPri, a medium-density SNP chip meticulously designed and validated for both Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedarius. Comprising of 182,122 SNP markers, derived from the re-sequenced data of nine Indian dromedary breeds and the double-humped Bactrian camel, this SNP chip offers 34,894 markers that display polymorphism in both species. It achieves an estimated inter-marker distance of 14 Kb, significantly enhancing the coverage of the camel genome. The medium-density chip has been successfully genotyped using 480 camel samples, achieving an impressive 99 % call rate, with 96 % of the 182,122 SNPs being highly reliable for genotyping. Phylogenetic analysis and Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components yield clear distinctions between Bactrian camels and dromedaries. Moreover, the discriminant functions substantially enhance the classification of dromedary camels into different breeds. The clustering of various camel breeds reveals an apparent correlation between geographical and genetic distances. The results affirm the efficacy of this SNP array, demonstrating high genotyping precision and clear differentiation between Bactrian and dromedary camels. With an enhanced genome coverage, accuracy and economic efficiency the Axiom_MaruPri SNP chip is poised to advance genomic breeding research in camels. It holds the potential to serve as an invaluable genetic resource for investigating population structure, genome-wide association studies and implementing genomic selection in domesticated camelid species.

First record of nasopharyngeal myiasis caused by Cephalopina titillator (Clark, 1816) in camel (Camelus dromedarius Linnaeus, 1758) in Uzbekistan

Nasopharyngeal myiasis caused by the camel nasal bot, Cephalopina titillator, is very common in old world camelids and is usually found at necropsy or during meat inspection. Herein we report massive infection with C. titillator in a 9 years old female one-humped camel slaughtered on February 18, 2024 in the village of Kizil Uy, Nukus District, Republic of Karakalpakstan, northwestern Uzbekistan. A total of 69 larvae: 20 first stage larva (28.9%), 31 second stage larva (44.9%), and 18 third stage larva (26.0%) were detected in the nasal passages and pharynx of the camel. Morphological and morphometrical characters of all larval stages are illustrated and detailed in this article. To our knowledge this is the first record of camel nasal bot infestation in Uzbekistan. Future epidemiological studies are needed to shed light on the prevalence, seasonal fluctuation, clinical impact and economic burden of nasopharyngeal myiasis in dromedary camels of the country.

Sarcocystis spp. of New and Old World Camelids: Ancient Origin, Present Challenges.

Sarcocystis spp. are coccidian protozoans belonging to the Apicomplexa phylum. As with other members of this phylum, they are obligate intracellular parasites with complex cellular machinery for the invasion of host cells. Sarcocystis spp. display dixenous life cycles, involving a predator and a prey as definitive and intermediate hosts, respectively. Specifically, these parasites develop sarcocysts in the tissues of their intermediate hosts, ranging in size from microscopic to visible to the naked eye, depending on the species. When definitive hosts consume sarcocysts, infective forms are produced in the digestive system and discharged into the environment via feces. Consumption of oocyst-contaminated water and pasture by the intermediate host completes the parasitic cycle. More than 200 Sarcocystis spp. have been described to infect wildlife, domestic animals, and humans, some of which are of economic or public health importance. Interestingly, Old World camelids (dromedary, domestic Bactrian camel, and wild Bactrian camel) and New World or South American camelids (llama, alpaca, guanaco, and vicuña) can each be infected by two different Sarcocystis spp: Old World camelids by S. cameli (producing micro- and macroscopic cysts) and S. ippeni (microscopic cysts); and South American camelids by S. aucheniae (macroscopic cysts) and S. masoni (microscopic cysts). Large numbers of Old and New World camelids are bred for meat production, but the finding of macroscopic sarcocysts in carcasses significantly hampers meat commercialization. This review tries to compile the information that is currently accessible regarding the biology, epidemiology, phylogeny, and diagnosis of Sarcocystis spp. that infect Old and New World camelids. In addition, knowledge gaps will be identified to encourage research that will lead to the control of these parasites.

Borna disease virus 1 infection in alpacas: Comparison of pathological lesions and viral distribution to other dead-end hosts.

Borna disease is a progressive meningoencephalitis caused by spillover of the Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) to horses and sheep and has gained attention due to its zoonotic potential. New World camelids are also highly susceptible to the disease; however, a comprehensive description of the pathological lesions and viral distribution is lacking for these hosts. Here, the authors describe the distribution and severity of inflammatory lesions in alpacas (n = 6) naturally affected by this disease in comparison to horses (n = 8) as known spillover hosts. In addition, the tissue and cellular distribution of the BoDV-1 was determined via immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. A predominant lymphocytic meningoencephalitis was diagnosed in all animals with differences regarding the severity of lesions. Alpacas and horses with a shorter disease duration showed more prominent lesions in the cerebrum and at the transition of the nervous to the glandular part of the pituitary gland, as compared to animals with longer disease progression. In both species, viral antigen was almost exclusively restricted to cells of the central and peripheral nervous systems, with the notable exception of virus-infected glandular cells of the Pars intermedia of the pituitary gland. Alpacas likely represent dead-end hosts similar to horses and other spillover hosts of BoDV-1.

Success of embryo transfer of hybrid embryos in Old World camelids: A first study.

This is the first study to test the embryo transfer (ET) of hybrid embryos in Old World camelids and produces a live calf from a dromedary recipient. Hybrid embryos were collected from 7 dromedary and 10 Bactrian donors, with or without ovarian super-stimulation, and transferred to dromedary recipients. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted on Day 10 post-ET by using the progesterone-ELISA test and trans-rectal ultrasonography at 1 and 2 months of gestation. The date of abortion, stillbirth, or normal calving for each pregnant recipient was recorded. Without ovarian super-stimulation, two and one recipients were pregnant at 10 days post-ET, from ♂ Bactrian X ♀ dromedary and ♂ dromedary X ♀ Bactrian, respectively. While at 2 months of gestation, only one recipient was diagnosed pregnant from ♂ Bactrian X ♀ dromedary. Response to ovarian super-stimulation was successful in all 4 of the tested dromedary donors and in 8 out of 10 Bactrian donors. Additionally, 4 super-stimulated Bactrian donors (40%) showed failure of ovulation. The number of super-stimulated developed follicles and recovered embryos was higher in dromedary donors compared to Bactrian donors. Ten and two recipients were diagnosed pregnant at 10 days post-ET for ♂ Bactrian X ♀ dromedary and ♂ dromedary X ♀ Bactrian, respectively. At 2 months of gestation, the number of pregnant recipients from ♂ Bactrian X ♀ dromedary was reduced to eight, while the two pregnant recipients from ♂ dromedary X ♀ Bactrian remained pregnant. Total early pregnancy loss at 2 months gestation for all transferred hybrid embryos, obtained with or without ovarian super-stimulation, was 4/15 (26.6%). One healthy male calf was born from a recipient, with a total gestation period of 383 days, that received an embryo from a Bactrian male and a dromedary donor. Stillbirth was observed in six cases after 10.5-12 months of gestation and three cases aborted between 7 and 9 months of gestation due to trypanosomiasis. In conclusion, ET of hybrid embryos in Old World camelids is successful. However, further studies are required to improve the outcome of this technology to be used for meat and milk production in camels.

Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii infections in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in central desert of Iran.

The protozoan parasite Neospora caninum infects carnivores as definitive and a wide range of mammals as intermediate hosts. This parasite is regarded as an important cause of abortion in cattle worldwide, causing significant economic losses. Although there is serological evidence of infection in Old World camelids, the significance of N. caninum in these animal species is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to use molecular and histological methods to detect N. caninum in the blood and tissues of 100 slaughtered one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Iran. For this, genomic DNA was extracted from blood, brain, portal lymph node and liver of the camels, and nested-PCR assay followed by sequencing were performed. Besides, paraffin-embedded tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and studied microscopically. In addition, immunohistochemical staining for N. caninum was attempted on brain samples with positive PCR results. All animals were tested for antibodies against N. caninum and Toxoplasma gondii by whole tachyzoite-agglutination tests. N. caninum DNA was detected in blood, brain, and portal lymph node, but not in the liver of two (2%) camels. Histopathological examination revealed cysts resembling N. caninum in brain samples of one of these camels; however, immunohistochemical staining for N. caninum and T. gondii did not allow a morphological identification. IgG antibodies to N. caninum and T. gondii were detected in 36% and 35% of the camels, respectively. This study provides the first insight into direct detection of N. caninum in C. dromedarius in Iran. Further molecular studies on aborted fetuses, stillborn animals and cases of perinatal mortality are needed to understand the possible involvement of N. caninum in cases of reproductive failure. As the definitive hosts of N. caninum are domestic and wild canids, producers should be advised to monitor and limit exposure of their camelids to these species and their feces.

Diagnosis, treatment and outcome of metallic foreign body ingestion in two new world camelids

AbstractA 14‐year‐old alpaca and a 3‐year‐old llama presented independently with vague symptoms of abdominal discomfort. Bloodwork was unremarkable in the alpaca, but showed signs of sepsis in the llama, and abdominal ultrasonography was normal in both animals. Abdominal radiography revealed a metallic gastrointestinal foreign body in both cases. Ventral midline laparotomy was performed, and the foreign bodies were retrieved from the C3 compartment in the alpaca and from the proximal duodenum in the llama. Both camelids received broad‐spectrum antimicrobial drugs, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and supportive care. The alpaca and llama were discharged from the hospital 16 and 8 days after surgery, respectively. The alpaca was euthansed due to recumbency of unknown aetiology 2 months later, while the llama was doing well 4 months after discharge. This report shows the usefulness of abdominal radiographs in camelids presenting with unspecific clinical signs and demonstrates that hardware disease should be considered as a differential diagnosis.

Paleobiogeographical origins of Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica in light of new DNA sequence characteristics of F. nyanzae from hippopotamus.

Fascioliasis is a highly pathogenic disease affecting humans and livestock worldwide. It is caused by the liver flukes Fasciola hepatica transmitted by Galba/Fossaria lymnaeid snails in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas and Oceania, and F. gigantica transmitted by Radix lymnaeids in Africa and Asia. An evident founder effect appears in genetic studies as the consequence of their spread by human-guided movements of domestic ruminants, equines and Old World camelids in the post-domestication period from the beginning of the Neolithic. Establishing the geographical origins of fasciolid expansion is multidisciplinary crucial for disease assessment. Sequencing of selected nuclear ribosomal and mitochondrial DNA markers of F. nyanzae infecting hippopotamuses (Hippopotamus amphibius) in South Africa and their comparative analyses with F. hepatica and F. gigantica, and the two Fascioloides species, Fs. jacksoni from Asian elephants and Fs. magna from Holarctic cervids, allow to draw a tuned-up evolutionary scenario during the pre-domestication period. Close sequence similarities indicate a direct derivation of F. hepatica and F. gigantica from F. nyanzae by speciation after host capture phenomena. Phylogenetic reconstruction, genetic distances and divergence estimates fully fit fossil knowledge, past interconnecting bridges between continents, present fasciolid infection in the wild fauna, and lymnaeid distribution. The paleobiogeographical analyses suggest an origin for F. gigantica by transfer from primitive hippopotamuses to grazing bovid ancestors of Reduncinae, Bovinae and Alcelaphinae, by keeping the same vector Radix natalensis in warm lowlands of southeastern Africa in the mid-Miocene, around 13.5 mya. The origin of F. hepatica should have occurred after capture from primitive, less amphibious Hexaprotodon hippopotamuses to mid-sized ovicaprines as the wild bezoar Capra aegagrus and the wild mouflon Ovis gmelini, and from R. natalensis to Galba truncatula in cooler areas and mountainous foothills of Asian Near East in the latest Miocene to Early Pliocene, around 6.0 to 4.0 mya and perhaps shortly afterwards.

First report about a cerebrospinal nematode infection in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

The number of New World camelids in European farms is rising and thus, the need for veterinary care towards these animals arises. However, veterinary care requires sophisticated knowledge on disease and pathogen occurrence within New World camelids. Here, an alpaca cria with neurological signs was admitted to the veterinary clinic. Although the animal was treated with antibiotics, vitamins and dexamethason, it refused to drink milk and the clinical status worsened. After euthanasia, necropsy and histopathological examination were carried out and revealed intracerebral nematode larvae. The morphology of these larvae strongly suggests them to be Baylisascaris procyonis, a parasite of raccoons. The extended history revealed that a fully grown raccoon was living within farm enclosures, suggesting an infection of the alpaca and the development of a cerebrospinal larva migrans. This zoonotic disease is characterized by aberrant larval migration that typically shows extraintestinal migration in dead-end hosts. The aim of this report is to sensitize practical colleagues towards this rare, but occasionally fatal infection in New World camelids while familiarizing diagnostic pathologists with the morphological characteristics of this disease.

Fatal Infection in an Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) Caused by Pathogenic Rhodococcus equi

Simple SummarySerious consequences of septicemic bacterial infections include the formation of purulent and pyogranulomatous inflammation resulting in abscesses in inner organs. Different bacteria are known to cause these infections in livestock. In this study, we report in detail on a case of a fatal Rhodococcus (R.) equi infection in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos), to our knowledge, for the first time. R. equi is a member of the actinomycetes, a bacterial group known to contain several pathogenic bacteria. R. equi primarily affects equine foals and other domestic animals, but also humans, which renders this bacterium a zoonotic agent. The rhodococcal infection of the alpaca reported herein caused septicemia, resulting in emaciation and severe lesions in the lungs and heart. The onset of infection was presumably caused by aspiration pneumonia, resulting in abscesses exclusively in the lungs. The R. equi isolate proved to be pathogenic, based on the virulence gene vapA encoding the virulence-associated protein A. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed a susceptibility to doxycycline, erythromycin, gentamycin, neomycin, rifampicin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline and vancomycin. This report of an R. equi infection in an alpaca makes clear that we still have knowledge gaps about bacterial infectious diseases in alpacas and potential zoonotic impacts. Therefore, the determination of pathogenic, zoonotic bacteria in alpacas is essential for treatment and preventive measures with respect to sustaining the health, welfare and productivity of this camelid species.Rhodococcus (R.) equi is a pathogen primarily known for infections in equine foals, but is also present in numerous livestock species including New World camelids. Moreover, R. equi is considered an emerging zoonotic pathogen. In this report, we describe in detail a fatal rhodococcal infection in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos), to our best knowledge, for the first time. The alpaca died due to a septicemic course of an R. equi infection resulting in emaciation and severe lesions including pyogranulomas in the lungs and pericardial effusion. The onset of the infection was presumably caused by aspiration pneumonia. R. equi could be isolated from the pyogranulomas in the lung and unequivocally identified by MALDI-TOF MS analysis and partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, the 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the rpoB gene. The isolate proved to possess the vapA gene in accordance with tested isolates originating from the lungs of infected horses. The R. equi isolates revealed low minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC values) for doxycycline, erythromycin, gentamycin, neomycin, rifampicin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline and vancomycin in antibiotic susceptibility testing. Investigations on the cause of bacterial, especially fatal, septicemic infections in alpacas are essential for adequately addressing the requirements for health and welfare issues of this New World camelid species. Furthermore, the zoonotic potential of R. equi has to be considered with regard to the One Health approach.

Outbreak of a Systemic Form of Camelpox in a Dromedary Herd (Camelus dromedarius) in the United Arab Emirates.

Camelpox virus (CMLV) is the causative agent of camelpox, which frequently occurs in the Old World camelids-rearing countries except for Australia. It has also been described in experimentally inoculated New World camelids. Camelpox outbreaks are often experienced shortly after the rainy season, which occurs twice a year on the Arabian Peninsula because of the increased density of the insect population, particularly mosquitos. A systemic form of camelpox outbreak in seven dromedary camels was diagnosed by histology, virus isolation, and PCR. A phylogenetic analysis using full length CMLV genomes of the isolated CMLV strains showed a single phylogenetic unit without any distinctive differences between them. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) isolate sequences showed phylogenetical relatedness with CMLV isolates from Israel with only minor sequence differences. Although the sequences of viruses from both countries were closely related, the disease manifestation was vastly different. Our study shows that the virulence is not only determined by genetic features of CMLV alone but may also depend on other factors such as unknown aspects of the host (e.g., age, overall fitness), management, and the environment.

FGF5 missense mutation is associated with dromedary hair length variation.

Several FGF5 mutations are associated with hair length variation in many domestic animals, including New World camelids. The dromedary was investigated in the present study with breeds exhibiting marked variations in hair length. This study aimed to: (1) identify the molecular variation(s) in the three exons of FGF5 of a diverse group of breeds (Mejaheem, Shaele, Sofor, Waddah and Omani; n = 28); (2) examine the association of the identified variants with hair length; (3) validate the association via genotyping the polymorphism in a large population of diverse camels (n = 113); and (4) test the segregation of the identified variant with hair length in a pedigree. A non-synonymous mutation (c.779 C > T) was identified that changes the amino acid from proline to leucine and was found to be associated with different hair length in dromedaries. The variants at c.779 displayed a co-dominance mode of inheritance and three hair length phenotypes: short (C/C), intermediate (C/T) and long (T/T). Across the examined dromedary breeds, both alleles were present, which is probably due to the breeders' preference for an intermediate hair length. When compared with other camelids, the identified variant was found exclusively in dromedaries with the ancestral allele at c.779 being 'C'. This study constitutes the first thorough exploration of the FGF5 gene in dromedaries.

Acute fasciolosis in an alpaca: a case report

BackgroundThe popularity of new world camelids, particularly alpacas, is growing rapidly in Ireland, presenting a clinical challenge to veterinary practitioners who may not have worked with these species previously. To the authors’ knowledge, the clinical course of a case of acute fasciolosis in an alpaca has not previously been reported, and fasciolosis has not been reported at all in alpacas in Ireland, making this case report a valuable addition to the current literature.Case presentationA three-year-old male castrated huacaya alpaca was admitted to UCD Veterinary Hospital with a two-day history of colic and tenesmus. He had been treated with albendazole, dexamethasone and potentiated amoxycillin by the referring veterinary practitioner with no response. On initial clinical exam, sensitivity to abdominal palpation was the only abnormality. However, the alpaca proceeded to show abnormal lying positions, tenesmus and reduced faecal output over the next 24 h. A general blood panel demonstrated moderate anaemia, marked hyperglobulinaemia and moderately increased hepatocellular and hepatobiliary enzyme activity. Abdominal radiography revealed enlargement of the first forestomach compartment without evidence of gastrointestinal obstruction or peritonitis. An abdominal ultrasound exam revealed an elongated, heterogenous mass in the caudoventral abdomen that appeared to be contiguous with the liver. FNA of this mass revealed that it was in fact a liver lobe with biliary stasis and inflammation. Faecal sedimentation demonstrated Fasciola hepatica eggs. In spite of treatment with triclabendazole and supportive treatment including blood transfusion, the alpaca’s condition continued to deteriorate and he was euthanised. On post-mortem exam, acute fasciolosis was diagnosed.ConclusionsThe clinical presentation and course of a case of acute fasciolosis in an individual alpaca is described, including the results of a range of diagnostic tests that were carried out. The final diagnosis is supported by a description of post-mortem findings. This information will serve as a resource for veterinary practitioners involved in the diagnosis and treatment of similar cases.

Investigation of neonatal disorders in New World camelids and factors associated with death during and after hospitalization of affected crias.

To assess signalment, clinical findings, and treatments for New World camelids (NWCs) hospitalized for evaluation and treatment of neonatal disorders and investigate associations between these factors and death during and after hospitalization. 267 NWCs ≤ 30 days of age. Medical records of a veterinary teaching hospital were retrospectively reviewed to identify NWCs admitted for evaluation and treatment of neonatal disorders between 2000 and 2010. Signalment, physical examination data, diagnostic findings, treatments, and outcomes were recorded. Factors were examined for association with death during hospitalization and the overall hazard of death by use of multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards analysis, respectively. The sample comprised alpacas (n = 255) and llamas (12). Median age at admission was 3 days, and median hospitalization time was 2 days; 208 of the 267 (77.9%) neonatal NWCs survived to hospital discharge. Factors associated with increased odds of death during hospitalization included prematurity or dysmaturity, hypothermia, sepsis, toxic changes in neutrophils, and undergoing surgery. The odds of death during hospitalization also increased as anion gap increased. After discharge, 151 of 176 (85.8%) animals had follow-up information available (median follow-up time, 2,932 days); 126 (83%) were alive and 25 (17%) had died. Prematurity or dysmaturity, congenital defects, sepsis, oxygen administration, and undergoing surgery as a neonate were associated with an increased hazard of death; the hazard of death also increased as serum chloride concentration at the time of hospitalization increased. Results suggested the prognosis for survival during and after hospitalization is good for most NWCs hospitalized because of neonatal disorders.

Presentation, Clinical Pathology Abnormalities, and Identification of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Camels (Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedarius) Presenting to Two North American Veterinary Teaching Hospitals. A Retrospective Study: 1980-2020.

Old World Camelids (OWC) represent two species (Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedarius) with increasing numbers in North America. Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism is a major cause of clinical disease in camelids and leads to significant economic impacts. Literature reporting on clinical parasitism of camels is localized to India, Africa, and the Middle East, with limited information available on OWCs in North America. Objectives of this study were to report on clinical presentation and diagnostic findings in Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedarius with GI parasitism and provide a comparative analysis between geographic regions. Medical records of OWCs presenting to two veterinary teaching hospitals (of the University of Tennessee and University of Wisconsin) were evaluated. Thirty-one camels including 11 Bactrians and six dromedaries (14 species not recorded) were included for the clinical component of this study, reporting on signalment, presenting complaint, and clinical pathology. Anorexia, weight loss, and diarrhea were the most common presenting complaint. Clinical pathology findings included eosinophilia, hypoproteinemia, and hyponatremia. For the second component of this study, a total of 77 fecal parasite examination results were evaluated for parasite identification and regional variation. Trichuris, Capillaria, Strongyloides, Nematodirus, Dictyocaulus, Moniezia, and protozoan parasites (Eimeria, Cryptosporidium, Giardia) were recorded. Strongyle-type eggs predominated, followed by Trichuris and Eimeria spp. There was a statistically significant variation in prevalence of coccidia between the two regions, with fecal examinations from Tennessee more likely to contain Eimeria (P = 0.0193). Clinicians treating camels in North America should recognize anorexia, weight loss, and diarrhea combined with clinical pathologic changes of hypoproteinemia, eosinophilia and hyponatremia as possible indications of GI parasitism. Clinicians should also consider the potential for regional variation to exist for GI parasites of camels in different areas of North America.

New World camelids are sentinels for the presence of Borna disease virus.

Borna disease (BD), a frequently fatal neurologic disorder caused by Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1), has been observed for decades in horses, sheep, and other mammals in certain regions of Europe. The bicoloured white-toothed shrew (Crocidura leucodon) was identified as a persistently infected species involved in virus transmission. Recently, BoDV-1 attracted attention as a cause of fatal encephalitis in humans. Here, we report investigations on BoDV-1-infected llamas from a farm in a BD endemic area of Switzerland, and alpacas from holdings in a region of Germany where BD was last seen in the 1960s but not thereafter. All New World camelids showed apathy and abnormal behaviour, necessitating euthanasia. Histologically, severe non-suppurative meningoencephalitis with neuronal Joest-Degen inclusion bodies was observed. BoDV-1 was confirmed by immunohistology, RT-qPCR, and sequencing in selected animals. Analysis of the llama herd over 20years showed that losses due to clinically suspected BD increased within the last decade. BoDV-1 whole-genome sequences from one Swiss llama and one German alpaca and-for comparison-from one Swiss horse and one German shrew were established. They represent the first published whole-genome sequences of BoDV-1 clusters 1B and 3, respectively. Our analysis suggests that New World camelids may have a role as a sentinel species for BoDV-1 infection, even when symptomatic cases are lacking in other animal species.

A Deadly Cargo: Gene Repertoire of Cytotoxic Effector Proteins in the Camelidae.

Cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells can kill target cells based on their expression and release of perforin, granulysin, and granzymes. Genes encoding these molecules have been only poorly annotated in camelids. Based on bioinformatic analyses of genomic resources, sequences corresponding to perforin, granulysin, and granzymes were identified in genomes of camelids and related ungulate species, and annotation of the corresponding genes was performed. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to study evolutionary relationships between the species analyzed. Re-sequencing of all genes in a panel of 10 dromedaries and 10 domestic Bactrian camels allowed analyzing their individual genetic polymorphisms. The data showed that all extant Old World camelids possess functional genes for two pore-forming proteins (PRF1, GNLY) and six granzymes (GZMA, GZMB, GZMH, GZMK, GZMM, and GZMO). All these genes were represented as single copies in the genome except the GZMH gene exhibiting interspecific differences in the number of loci. High protein sequence similarities with other camelid and ungulate species were observed for GZMK and GZMM. The protein variability in dromedaries and Bactrian camels was rather low, except for GNLY and chymotrypsin-like granzymes (GZMB, GZMH).

The impact of COVID-19 on Old World Camelids and their potential role to combat a human pandemic.

The impact of COVID-19 on Old World Camelids and their potential role to combat a human pandemic.

Diversity of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. and methicillin-resistant Mammaliicoccus spp. isolated from ruminants and New World camelids

Information about livestock carrying methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci and mammaliicocci (MRCoNS/MRM) is scarce. The study was designed to gain knowledge of the prevalence, the phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance and the genetic diversity of MRCoNS/MRM originating from ruminants and New World camelids. In addition, a multi-locus sequence typing scheme for the characterization of Mammaliicoccus (formerly Staphylococcus) sciuri was developed. The study was conducted from April 2014 to January 2017 at the University Clinic for Ruminants and the Institute of Microbiology at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. Seven hundred twenty-three nasal swabs originating from ruminants and New World camelids with and without clinical signs were examined. After isolation, MRCoNS/MRM were identified by MALDI-TOF, rpoB sequencing and typed by DNA microarray-based analysis and PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted by agar disk diffusion. From all 723 nasal swabs, 189 MRCoNS/MRM were obtained. Members of the Mammaliicoccus (M.) sciuri group were predominant (M. sciuri (n = 130), followed by M. lentus (n = 43), M. fleurettii (n = 11)). In total, 158 out of 189 isolates showed phenotypically a multi-resistance profile. A seven-loci multi-locus sequence typing scheme for M. sciuri was developed. The scheme includes the analysis of internal segments of the house-keeping genes ack, aroE, ftsZ, glpK, gmk, pta1 and tpiA. In total, 28 different sequence types (STs) were identified among 92 selected M. sciuri isolates. ST1 was the most prevalent ST (n = 35), followed by ST 2 (n = 15), ST3 and ST5 (each n = 5), ST4 (n = 3), ST6, ST7, ST8, ST9, ST10 and ST11 (each n = 2).