Search

Background: The origin of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains unknown. However, it is likely that the virus spillover occurred from an animal reservoir to humans. Identifying animal species susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for understanding cross-species transmission to humans. This study distinguishes itself by focusing on the susceptibility of the European bison (Bison bonasus), an endangered species, to SARS-CoV-2. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a substantial number (n = 238) of both free-living and captive Polish European bison using an in-house ELISA method and virus neutralization test (VNT). Results: The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was found to be 1.29% (3/232). None of the seropositive European bison tested positive in the virus neutralization test. All seropositive animals were part of captive herds. Conclusions: This study represents the first report of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in both free-ranging and captive European bison in Poland. Based on these findings, the European bison appears to be a less susceptible species to SARS-CoV-2. The most probable route of transmission was from humans to European bison, as all seropositive animals belonged to captive herds with contact with indirect human sources, such as tourists and keepers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Bison (Bison bonasus) is the largest mammal in Europe and is classified as an endangered species. Leishmaniosis is a vector-borne disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum. In general, this infection has been associated with dogs, cats, and humans. However, epidemiologic studies and reports confirm that the parasite is able to infect many other mammalian species. Recent evidence has demonstrated that ruminants in endemic areas are exposed to L. infantum infection. Moreover, climate change has allowed the northward spread of vector species, causing the expansion of L. infantum infection in regions traditionally classified as nonendemic in Europe. The aim of this study was to determine the presence or absence of anti–L. infantum antibodies in serum samples from 343 European bison in Poland, collected from 2017 to 2023. For this purpose, the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies was analyzed using an in-house multispecies ELISA. Anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected in four animals, an overall seroprevalence of 1.17%. The results provide scientific evidence of serologic exposure to the parasite in Poland, a country previously considered nonendemic for L. infantum infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The European bison (Bison bonasus) is a near threatened species and requires health monitoring. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to pathogens known to cause respiratory and digestive illness in ruminants. Results: In the studied 328 European bison, the highest seroprevalence was observed for Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) (50.27%), Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV) (26.36%), and Bluetongue Virus (BTV) (12.83%). For Mycoplasma bovis strains and Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), positive results were rare. Interestingly, a higher prevalence of BTV antibodies was noted in the northeastern populations and older animals. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the Polish European bison population appears to have considerable contact with BoHV-1; however, this does not appear to be of great significance, as clinical symptoms and post-mortem lesions are rarely noted in Polish European bison population. The high seroprevalence of BTV in the north-east of Poland is an ongoing trend, also noted in previous studies. It is possible that European bison may perpetuate the virus in this region. This is the first report of antibodies for BCoV in European bison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]