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. 2021 Nov 4;17(1):345.
doi: 10.1186/s12917-021-03057-8.

Pathogens with potential impact on reproduction in captive and free-ranging European bison (Bison bonasus) in Poland - a serological survey

Anna Didkowska  1 , Daniel Klich  2 , Anna Hapanowicz  3 , Blanka Orłowska  3 , Marta Gałązka  3 , Magdalena Rzewuska  4 , Wanda Olech  2 , Krzysztof Anusz  3
Affiliations

Pathogens with potential impact on reproduction in captive and free-ranging European bison (Bison bonasus) in Poland - a serological survey

Anna Didkowska et al. BMC Vet Res. .

Abstract

Background: The European bison is an endangered species, and as such it is extremely important to monitor herds for pathogens which can lead to reproductive failure. The aim of the present study was to determine the current prevalence of antibodies to pathogens known to potentially influence reproduction in European bison. Serum samples from 183 bison, originating from different parts of Poland, were tested using commercial ELISA tests for antibodies to Chlamydia spp., Coxiella burnetti, Leptospira interrogans, Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii; the findings were compared between captive and main free-ranging herds, and with regard to the influence of demographic factors such as age and sex. The prevalence of seropositivity was also checked with regard to location and the animal species sharing it.

Results: Chlamydia spp. antibodies were present in 48 out of 130 (36.9%) tested samples. Coxiella burnetii was found in one sample out of 178 (0.58%). N. caninum in 36 out of 172 (20.9%) and T. gondii in 23 out of 172 (13.4%). No sample was positive for leptospirosis. Neither sex nor age appeared to have a significant effect on the occurrence of antibodies to the identified species. The prevalence of Chlamydia spp. in the samples varied significantly according to location; however, similar frequency ranges were observed between free ranging and captive herds. In contrast, antibodies to N. caninum were more common in free-ranging herds than captive herds, with the highest frequency observed in the Bieszczady Mountains.

Conclusions: Chlamydia spp., N. caninum and T. gondii might have a similar impact on the reproductive potential of European bison as they have on cattle. The high occurrence of antibodies to N. caninum in bison from the Bieszczady Mountains may be associated with the relatively high density of the wolf population in the area.

Keywords: Chlamydia spp.; Coxiella burnetii; ELISA; European bison; Leptospira interrogans; Neospora caninum; Toxoplasma gondii; reproductive system; serology; zoonosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Frequency of infection by Chlamydia spp. in European bison from selected locations. Legend: Significant differences presented in Table S1. Free-ranging herds: BIA-Białowieska forest, BOR-Borecka forest, KNY-Kyszyńska forest, BIE-Bieszczady. Captive herds: BIAc - Białowieża, Nic-Niepołomice, PSc - Pszczyna, OTc- Other captive herds
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Frequency of infection with N. caninum in selected locations. Legend: Significant differences presented in Table S2. Free-ranging groups: BIA-Białowieska Forest, BOR-Borecka Forest, KNY-Knyszyńska forest, BIE-Bieszczady. Captive groups: BIAc - Białowieża, Nic- Niepołomice, PSc- Pszczyna, OTc- Other captive herds
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Location of blood sample collection from captive and free ranging herds of European bison in Poland. The figure belongs to the authors of the publication
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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