Search

We examined 1,022 free-living roe deer, red deer, and fallow deer for mycobacteria in Germany, 2002-2006. Retropharyngeal lymph nodes and other tissues were processed for culture and isolates were identified with the use of polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing. Mycobacteria were found in 18.3% of deer, with Mycobacterium avium in 14.8%. Other atypical mycobacteria were detected in 5.3%. Members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex were not detected.

Investigations regarding European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV) in European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) in Slovakia were undertaken in order to detect the possible presence of EBHSV and to evaluate its phylogenetic position. Liver and/or serum samples were obtained from 135 European brown hares shot by hunters in eight regional hunting areas. From 36 animals corresponding liver and serum samples were available; from the remaining 49 and 50 animals only liver or serum samples were examined, respectively. Samples were tested for antibodies against EBHSV and for viral RNA by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and RT-PCR products were subsequently sequenced. Additionally, matrilinear hare haplotypes were analyzed in order to detect potential familial susceptibility to EBHSV. Sixty-three of 86 sera contained antibodies against EBHSV, whereas 15 of 85 liver samples were PCR positive. Of the latter, 14 were sequenced, revealing three new strains of EBHSV. Fifteen different matrilinear haplotypes were identified, but no correlation was found between haplotype and susceptibility to EBHSV infection. Our findings confirmed the existence of EBHSV in Slovakia and reinforce the need for determining EBHSV status when importing hares for restocking.

A total of 164 blood samples, collected from free-ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and fallow deer (Dama dama) in six German national parks (NP) between 2000 and 2002, were assayed for antibodies against nine viral disease agents. Antibodies were only detected against the alpha-herpesviruses; specifically, bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) (22 of 157, 14%), cervid herpesvirus-1 (17 of 157, 10.8%), and caprine herpesvirus-1 (11 of 159, 6.9%). Titers ranged from 4 to 102. Most of the seropositive sera, and those with the highest antibody titers, were from red and roe deer in the Harz and Hochharz NP, which are connected and allow migration between the two. The distribution and specificity of antibodies detected in individual deer suggests that the three alpha-herpesviruses are circulating in these deer populations. No antibodies were detected against bovine viral diarrhea virus, epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus, bovine leukemia virus, bluetongue virus, foot-and-mouth disease virus, or sheep and goat poxvirus.

The collection of blood samples for serological studies is often stressful for the focus animal. Recently, the use of bloodsucking bugs, such as Dipetalogaster maximus or Triatoma infestans (Reduviidae; Triatominae; Heteroptera), has been suggested as a new and less invasive method for blood collection. To evaluate this technique, we collected paired blood samples from 20 domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) during a study of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV). For each rabbit, blood samples were collected by the conventional method (needle and syringe from the vena auricularis) and through feeding by D. maximus. Samples were tested for RHDV antibodies using standard test kits at three different dilutions. Antibody titers were identical for 56 paired samples and differed in only four cases. The simple matching indices were 1 for the 1:10 dilution and 0.9 for the 1:100 and 1:1000 dilutions. The major advantages of the new technique are 1) the possibility to obtain blood from animals where veins are inaccessible and 2) the fact that anesthesia of focus animals may not be necessary.

A pestivirus was detected and characterized in chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica) originating from the French part of the Pyrenees. Phylogenetic analysis of the pestivirus was done on the basis of a fragment from the 5' noncoding region including 22 published nucleotide sequences of different pestivirus strains. Our strain was grouped within the clade of border disease viruses (BDV). However, it had an intermediate position between clade BDV and classical swine fever viruses representing a basal position to BDV strains of domestic sheep. Our strain was grouped as a sister unit to a novel pestivirus (Chamois-1) recently described from chamois in Spain. Therefore, we postulate that this virus occurs in the entire population of Pyrenean chamois. On the basis of the phylogenetic grouping of this isolate, a postulated cross-species transmission of pestivirus from domestic sheep to chamois via shared pastures seems to be unlikely.

Blood samples (n = 223) of free-ranging roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) were collected from selected hunting grounds in Germany between October 2001 and October 2002. Samples originated from Lower Saxony (n = 43) and North-Rhine Westphalia (n = 108) within a 20-km area ("cordon") cordoned off along the border of The Netherlands. This is adjacent to the area of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that occurred between 21 March and 22 April 2001 in The Netherlands. Negative control samples were taken from northern Germany (Schleswig-Holstein, n = 72). Two different enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used for the detection of antibodies against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype O strain Manisa. To confirm ELISA-positive results, a virus neutralization test was performed. All samples tested negative for antibodies against FMDV. These results suggest that FMDV was not transmitted to free-ranging roe deer living in parts of Germany adjacent to the area affected by the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in The Netherlands.

A total of 51 sera from a migratory population of Burchell's zebras (Equus burchelli) were collected in the Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) between 1999 and 2001 to assess levels of exposure to equine herpesvirus types 1, 2, 4, 9 (EHV-1, -2, -4, -9), EHV-1 zebra isolate T965, and equine arteritis virus (EAV). Using virus-specific neutralizing antibody tests, seroprevalence was high for EHV-9 (60% of 45), moderate for EAV (24% of 51), and lower for the EHV-1-related zebra isolate (17% of 41), EHV-1 (14% of 49), and EHV-4 (2% of 50). No evidence for exposure to EHV-2 was found (0% of 51). The high level of exposure to EHV-9 is interesting because evidence of infection with this virus has not been previously described in any wild equine population. Although the epidemiology of EHV-9 in Burchell's zebras is presently unknown, our results suggest that in East Africa, this species may be a natural host of EHV-9, a neuropathogenic virus that was only recently isolated from captive Thomson's gazelles (Gazella thomsoni) in Japan. There is currently no evidence that EHV-9 induced mortality in Burchell's zebras in the Serengeti, but because of the reported virulence of this virus for more susceptible species such as Thomson's gazelles, viral transmission from infected zebras to ungulates may result in mortality.

A total of 294 sera collected between 1999 and 2001 from eight captive and one free-ranging herds of Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) distributed in Saudi Arabia (SA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were assayed for antibodies against 13 selected viral agents. Arabian oryx have been exposed to bluetongue virus (BTV), epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV), rinderpest virus (RPV), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine adenovirus 3 (BAV-3), cervid herpesvirus-1, foot-and-mouth disease virus, equine herpesvirus 9, and bovine viral diarrhea virus. The high seroprevalence to BTV and EHDV in the UAE and SA indicates that Arabian oryx are likely to be susceptible to infection by these viruses and therefore could act as a source of virus to vectors during the infective stage of infection. Moreover, antibodies were detected against RPV and BRSV in sera from SA and against BAV-3 in sera from the UAE. No antibodies were found against bovine herpesvirus-1, caprine herpesvirus-1, enzootic bovine leucosis virus, and peste des petits ruminants virus. On the basis of these results, caution should be applied when considering translocation of Arabian oryx, and only those proven to be free of infectious agents that might present a risk to other species should be moved.

To assess if wild carnivores in Germany play a role in the epizootiology of canine parvovirus (CPV) infection, seroprevalences against CPV in free-ranging carnivores (n=1,496) from selected urban and rural areas were compared. Antibodies against CPV were found in sera from red foxes (Vulpes vulpes; 136 of 1,442; 9%), raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonides; two of 33; 6%), stone martens (Martes foina; four of 13; 31%), and pine martens (Martes martes; one of two) using the hemagglutination-inhibition test and pig erythrocytes. Evidence of CPV infection was detected in all study areas. Antibody titers varied between 10 and 320. In red foxes, the number of reactors did not differ between most urban and rural areas. However, we found significantly more reactors in the most densely populated urban area (Berlin). None of 430 tissue samples (small intestine, spleen, mesenterial lymph nodes) from any species tested for the presence of CPV nucleic acid using polymerase chain reaction yielded an amplification product. Based on our results, we believe that contact between domestic dogs and free-ranging red foxes probably plays a subordinate role in the epizootiology of CPV in Germany.

From 1997-99 European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) population densities were estimated by spotlight surveys within different areas in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. These areas showed a wide variation in local hare population densities. In addition, red fox (Vulpes vulpes) densities were estimated in 1997 by surveys of fox dens and litters. Sera of 321 hares (shot between 1998-2000) from four study areas were examined for antibodies against European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Yersinia spp. (n = 299) and Francisella tularensis (n = 299) by western blotting, Brucella spp. by Rose Bengal test, and Toxoplasma gondii by Sabin-Feldman test (n = 318). Tissue samples comprising lung, liver, spleen, kidney, heart, and adrenal glands were collected for histopathology. Liver (n = 201) and spleen (n = 201) samples were processed for the detection of T. gondii-antigen in tissue sections and 321 liver and spleen samples were investigated for EBHSV-antigen by ELISA. Furthermore, 116 hares were examined macro- and microscopically for lungworms. Significant negative correlations between hare and fox densities were found in spring and autumn 1997. Antibodies against EBHSV were detected in 92 of 321 (29%), against Yersinia spp. in 163 of 299 (55%), and against T. gondii in 147 of 318 (46%) hares. We evaluated the potential influence of origin and hunting season on exposure rates of hares using logistic regression analysis. A strong association between hare densities and exposure rates was observed for various agents. One hundred and eight of 201 (57%) hares were positive for T. gondii-antigen. All sera were negative for antibodies against Brucella spp. and F. tularensis and all lung samples were negative for lungworms. In conclusion, variation in red fox densities may have an impact on the hare populations examined and the infectious diseases we studied seem to play a subordinate role in the dynamics of European brown hare populations from Schleswig-Holstein.

Organ samples from free-living raptors from the federal states of Berlin and Brandenburg in eastern Germany were tested for Newcastle disease virus (NDV; n = 331) and Chlamydia psittaci (n = 39) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In 18 individuals NDV nucleic acids were detected. These samples originated from barn owls (Tyto alba; n = 15, 28%), tawny owl (Strix aluco; n = 1, 5%), common buzzard (Buteo buteo, n = 1, 1%), and European kestrel (Falco tinnunculus; n = 1, 4%). In 29 (74%) of 39 samples C. psittaci was detected. Chlamydia psittaci is common in free-living birds of prey in the investigated area.

From 1998 to 2000, serum samples of 80 shot European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) from Argentina were examined for antibodies against European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV) and 80 spleen samples were tested for EBHSV-antigen by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Nine hares were positive for EBHSV-antigen. Antibodies against EBHSV were detected in only one individual. Based on negative staining electron microscopy of spleen homogenates, we observed calicivirus in one of five EBHSV-antigen positive hares. However, EBHS has not been reported to cause abnormal mortality in these hares. This is the first report of antibodies to EBHSV, EBHSV-antigen, and electron microscopy findings in free-ranging European brown hares from South America.

Since 1980 severe chronic balanoposthitis has been observed in free-living European bison (Bison bonasus) in the Białowieza Primeval Forest (Poland). Sera of 50 bison with balanoposthitis and 48 clinically healthy male and 49 female bison were investigated for antibodies against Mycoplasma bovis and M. bovigenitalium by western blot analysis. Prevalence of antibodies against M. bovigenitalium was significantly higher in bison with balanoposthitis than in unaffected male bison. Mycoplasma bovigenitalium may play a role in the pathogenesis of balanoposthitis in European bison.

One hundred sixty-seven plasma samples of free-living birds of prey from Berlin and Brandenburg State (Germany) were tested for antibodies against avian adenovirus (FAV, group I) using agar gel precipitation test. Antibodies to FAV were detected in seven (4%) of 167 total samples. The positive samples originated only from common buzzards (Buteo buteo; seven [12%] of 59). This serologic survey provides evidence of natural exposure of free-living common buzzards from eastern Germany to adenoviruses.

We conducted virologic investigations on postmortem specimens from 261 free-living European bison (Bison bonasus) from the Bialowieza Primeval Forest, Poland collected between 1990 and 2000. Fifty-four of 94 males had balanoposthitis; none of the 167 female bison examined had reproductive tract lesions. Peripheral blood, swabs, and various tissues were analyzed for bovine viruses as well as for viral DNA by bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) and bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. An infectious bovine rhinotracheitis like BoHV-1 strain was isolated from the spleen of a female bison calf and additionally was detected by nested PCR from splenic tissue. None of the bison had significant antibody titers against BoHV-1, bovine herpesvirus 2, BoHV-4, caprine herpesvirus 1, cervid herpesvirus 1, or bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus-1. However, low antibody titers in two animals indicate that this European bison population has been exposed to BVD virus or BVD-like viruses and BoHV-2.

From 1997 to 2000, complete necropsy and histopathologic investigations were performed on 157 free-ranging European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) found dead throughout Switzerland. Organ samples of all these individuals (157 livers and 107 spleens available) were tested for European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV)-antigen by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kit. Furthermore, 60 additional blood samples were tested for antibodies against EBHSV by ELISA. In addition, liver samples of 87 free-ranging mountain hares (Lepus timidus) hunted in 1996 were tested for EBHSV-antigen. In two European brown hares from southern Switzerland lesions suggestive of changes induced by EBHSV were present, and high titers of EBHSV-antigen were detected in both liver and spleen samples of these animals. Based on negative staining electron microscopy investigations of liver and spleen homogenates, we observed calicivirus in one antigen-positive hare. Low EBHSV-antigen titers were found in three additional European brown hares from central and western Switzerland, but EBHS-lesions were absent. Antibodies against EBHSV were not detected in any of the sera of European brown hares, and EBHSV-antigen was not found in the samples of mountain hares. This is the first report of EBHS in European brown hares from Switzerland.

Four hundred forty-eight blood plasma samples from free-living birds of prey from Berlin and the Brandenburg area in eastern Germany were tested for antibodies against Newcastle disease virus (NDV), falcon herpesvirus (FHV), owl herpesvirus (OHV), and Chlamydia psittaci. Antibodies to NDV were detected in 6 (2%) of 346 tested diurnal birds of prey, whereas none of the owls (n = 55) was positive. The positive samples originated from two common buzzards (Buteo buteo), three ospreys (Pandion haliactus) and one marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus). Titers varied between 1:8 and 1:32. Of 253 birds of prey one osprey (<1%) tested positive for antibodies to FHV with low titer of 1:6. This is the first detection of antibodies against FHV in an osprey. Furthermore, antibodies against OHV could be found in one tawny owl (Strix aluco) and one common buzzard (2 of 253, 1%) with low titers of 1:6. Of 422 birds of prey 267 (63%) tested positive for antibodies to Chlamydia psittaci with titers varying between 1:5 and 1:256 which reflects the ubiquitous occurrence of Chlamydia psittaci in these birds of prey.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a serious disease of wild carnivores throughout the world. In Europe, infection has been detected in several carnivores including the Eurasian badger (Meles meles). In the present study 182 badger blood samples were collected from an intensively studied population of wild badgers in southwestern England (January-July, 1997), and a further 286 from throughout southern Britain (June 1996-November 1998). A neutralizing peroxidase-linked antibody test was used for the detection of antibodies against CDV. All the samples were negative for CDV antibodies, suggesting that in contrast to mainland Europe, the disease may be either absent or maintained at low levels in British badgers.

In the Bialowieza Primeval Forest (Poland) a chronic disease of the external genital organs has been observed in free-living male European bison (Bison bonasus) since 1980. Investigations on this disease started in the late 1980s. The most striking findings are necrotic and ulcerative lesions of the prepuce and penis of bison aged from 6 mo to >10 yr. Histologic examination of tissue samples from the prepuce of six bison (9-mo- to 8-yr-old), and from the penis of two bison (3- and 8-yr-old), were characteristic of necrobacillosis. Masses of slender, Gram-negative, rod-like or filamentous bacteria occurred in necrotic tissue. At the periphery of necrotic tissue filamentous bacteria were often arranged in large clusters and strands that advanced towards healthy tissue. Immunolabeling and electron microscopy also suggest that these organisms are Fusobacterium sp.

Two hundred and eighty one serum samples collected from free-ranging black (Diceros bicornis) and white (Ceratotherium simum) rhinoceros, in the Republic of South Africa (RSA), Namibia, and Kenya from 1987-97, were examined for antibody to 16 different infectious agents. Positive antibody titers were detected against Akabane (59.8%), bluetongue (55%), African horse sickness (27.9%), epizootic haemorrhagic disease of deer (19.4%), parainfluenza type 3 (25.3%), bovine herpes virus 1 (3.1%), equine herpes virus 1 (8.8%) and bovine viral diarrhea (1.2%) viruses, and four serovars of Leptospira interrogans, (ranging 1.2 to 8.8%). No antibody was detected against Rift Valley fever virus, encephalomyocarditis virus, Brucella abortus, and Trypanosoma equiperdum. Interspecies differences were detected for African horse sickness, epizootic haemorrhagic disease of deer and parainfluenza type 3 viruses. There appeared to be some geographic variation in the prevalence of antibody for African horse sickness, bluetongue, epizootic haemorrhagic disease of deer, parainfluenza type 3, equine herpes virus 1 and Leptospira interrogans serovar bratislava.

A total of 486 serum samples collected from several species of both free-living and captive cervids in Germany was examined for antibodies against malignant catarrhal fever (MCF)-associated viruses (MCFV) by a competitive-inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CI-ELISA). Eleven (2%) of these samples were positive for antibodies against MCFV. Among 157 serum samples collected from 16 different species of captive deer including four (7%) of 54 fallow deer and one (7%) of 14 sika deer (Cervus nippon) were seropositive. Among 329 samples from three species of free-ranging deer, including 253 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), 22 red deer (Cervus elaphus) and 54 fallow deer (Cervus dama), only fallow deer were antibody-positive. Of the 25 fallow deer samples collected between 1990 and 1993, four (16%) were seropositive. Among 29 free-ranging fallow deer samples collected in the hunting period 1996-1997, antibodies to MCFV were detected in two (7%) of these sera. All of these fallow deer samples were collected from a circumscribed area in northern Germany. In the same area a high seroprevalence (72%) to MCFV was observed in domestic sheep (n = 50). Among 20 sheep samples (buffy coat) and 15 fallow deer samples (spleen or lymph nodes) examined for ovine herpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2) by PCR, all 20 sheep samples examined were OvHV-2 positive, but all of the 15 fallow deer samples, including seven seropositive deer, were OvHV-2 negative.

Antibodies against rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) from 352 red fox (Vulpes vulpes) sera collected in Germany (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) in 1993 were tested by a blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kit. Ninety samples with positive or suspected results also were analyzed by the hemagglutination inhibition test (HIT). Eighteen serum samples (5%) were positive with the blocking ELISA and eight of these also were positive with HIT. The 18 positive sera also were tested by blocking ELISA for antibodies against European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV) and by sandwich ELISA to detect for antibodies against RHDV and EBHSV antigen. Antibodies were not found against EBHSV using the blocking ELISA. With the sandwich ELISA, six samples were positive against RHDV and also against EBHSV, indicating cross-reactivity between determinants of both viruses. However, antibody titers against RHDV were higher than against EBHSV in five samples, and in one animal titers were similar. In addition, two positive samples were investigated by Western blot immunoassay which showed clear positive reactions with the two main peptide bands of EBHSV and RHDV. Comparison of the areas below the peaks of the bands after immunoblotting indicated that there was a stronger reaction with the two main polypeptides of RHDV than with the two main peptides of EBHSV. This is the first report of calicivirus antibodies in free-ranging red foxes. Based on the specificity of the tests, the antibodies detected against caliciviruses may be induced by RHDV. There is a potential link for RHDV between free-ranging rabbits and foxes.

The 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) of cytopathogenic pestiviruses isolated from two seronegative roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in northern Germany was partially sequenced and compared with those of 28 other pestiviruses. Due to the occurrence within a narrow location and the complete identity of the sequenced fragments from both roe deer isolates (SH9 and SH11) they seem to belong to the same bovine virus diarrhea virus (BVDV) strain called SH9/11. This strain is highly homologous (up to 93% identity) to "classical" BVDV strains. However, SH9/11 has characteristic variations in its 5' UTR distinct from all other pestiviruses analyzed in this study. Strain SH9/11 is more similar to BVDV group I than to group II, although it is clearly separated from all other cattle isolates tested. In monoclonal antibody (mAb)-typing studies, isolate SH9 reacted with one pestivirus-specific mAb (C16), with two BVDV specific mAbs (N2B12 and D5), and with one mAb (f48) raised against the E2 protein of classical swine fever virus out of a panel of 13 mAbs. The separate position of strain SH9/11 again was demonstrated by the unique reaction pattern of isolate SH9 when compared with other mAb f48-positive BVDV and BDV strains. All these results indicate that indicate that distinct BVDV strains might exist among freeranging roe deer in Germany.

From 1993 to 1995, 100 blood samples and 97 spleen samples of free-ranging rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) from northern Germany were tested for prevalence of different bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) antibodies and BVDV antigen, respectively. Forty sera (40%) were positive for antibodies to one or more of three cytopathogenic BVDV strains (NADL, Grub 313/83, and roe deer isolate SH9/11). Microneutralization test (NT) titers ranged from 5 to 13. Moreover, 13 of 35 NT positive sera also were positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of anti-BVDV antibodies. Therefore, we assume that the rabbits either had passively acquired antibodies or had experienced natural infection with BVDV. Furthermore, 97 spleen samples were used for attempts to isolate BVDV and tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for viral nucleic acid using various protocols. Bovine viral diarrhea virus was not identified in these samples.

Twenty-one blood samples of free-ranging mountain zebras (Equus zebra) from Namibia were tested for equine herpesvirus (EHV-1, -2, -3, -4) specific antibodies by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and neutralization test (NT). Additionally, type-specific nested polymerase chain reactions (nested PCR) were employed for detection of EHV-1, -2 and -4 DNA. Equine herpesvirus-1 antibodies were detected by IFA in all zebras, while only seven serum samples contained EHV-4 IFA antibodies. Sera with high IFA antibodies also were found to neutralize EHV-1 and -4. Furthermore, 20 zebras were EHV-2 seropositive by IFA, and one zebra had EHV-2 neutralizing antibodies. Equine herpesvirus-3 specific antibodies were not detected. We did not amplify EHV-1, -2 or -4 specific DNA sequences in peripheral blood leukocytes of the same zebras using type-specific nested PCR. EHV infections appear to be widespread in free-ranging zebras, as they are in domestic horses.

A study of European brown hare syndrome (EBHS) was conducted in Poland (Czempin). From April 1993 until February 1994, 100 blood and 78 spleen samples of European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) were tested for prevalence of EBHS and rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHDV) antibodies and EBHS virus antigen with two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kits. Thirty-eight of 100 serum samples were positive for EBHS, and six (7.6%) of 78 of the spleen materials were-antigen positive for EBHS virus. Three (3%) of the sera were positive against RHDV, whereas two of these also were seropositive for EBHSV. European brown hare syndrome virus seropositive hares were most frequently found from April to September. Based on negative staining electron microscopy investigations of liver and spleen homogenates of all antigen-positive hares, we observed caliciviruses in only one animal. For histopathological investigations organ specimens were available from 98 hares. Histopathological findings corresponded with the clinical picture of chronic EBHS. A pathohistological picture consistent with EBHS was found in 22 (22%) of investigated hares and corresponded in 50% of the animals which reacted positively in the EBHSV antigen-ELISA and in 29% of the animals which reacted positively in the EBHSV antibody-ELISA. These results from western Poland are the first that caliciviruses are present in European brown hare population in Eastern Europe and may be one of the causes for increased mortality in the Polish hare population over the past 10 years.

From 1990 until 1992, 355 blood samples of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) (n = 123), red deer (Cervus elaphus) (n = 60), fallow deer (Dama dama) (n = 87) and other cervid species (n = 85) from three different habitats (n = 180) and 11 wildlife parks or zoos (n = 175) in Germany were tested for prevalence of pestivirus antibodies. Seventeen samples were seropositive for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV); only one animal had antibodies for Border disease virus. Microneutralization test titers ranged from 1:5 to 1:125. We found no significant difference in antibody prevalence among deer in habitats with high, intermediate and low density of cattle. There were significantly more seropositive individuals in roe deer compared to fallow deer. Significantly more seropositive individuals were found among juvenile animals than among adults. Antibody prevalence in free-ranging cervids was significantly higher compared with that of deer in enclosures. Antibody prevalence in summer was significantly higher than in winter.