Aline Santana da Hora

Feline stool-associated circular DNA virus (FeSCV), was identified in Japan (2018) and China (2021) but has not yet been detected outside Asia. In this study, 137 fecal or rectal swab samples from 83 cats were screened for circoviruses and FeSCV, with detection of two putative novel Cyclovirus species and 19.3% (16/83) of FeSCV. A higher incidence of FeSCV in kittens and young adults, and FCoV-positive cats with clinical signs of feline infectious peritonitis were observed. Further investigation will clarify the virus pathogenicity and its association with other pathogens.

The impacts of wildfire smoke on the health and behavior of wildlife are largely unknown and a few studies have explicitly considered the impact of wildfire smoke inhalation on the health of wildlife. Veterinarians should be aware of how animals behave during forest fires and the lesions are most common in different groups of animals. We describe here the injuries found in a porcupine that was a victim of wildfire, in a State Park, after a balloon crash. Despite the care provided, the animal died. At necropsy, it showed singed fur, erythema on the skin, swollen lungs, and congestion in the kidney. Microscopic examination revealed pulmonary edema, carbon pigmentation in the alveoli, liver degeneration, acute tubular injury in the kidney, and cardiac hemorrhage. The cardiorespiratory lesions were the most significant finding and were associated with the cause of death. These findings are a warning sign, since rescue veterinarians are often concerned primarily with providing support for burns visible on physical examination, neglecting cardiorespiratory function and metabolic changes that may be present. Necropsy of an animal killed by a forest fire should always be encouraged, as it can help clarify the events that occurred, allows comparative pathology and develop intensive care protocols, reducing the loss of life.

Xenarthrans face increasing viral threats from anthropogenic pressures and domestic animals. In this study, we investigated the presence of coronaviruses, paramyxoviruses, and poxviruses in anteaters and armadillos from Brazilian biomes. We screened 236 individuals for these viruses by molecular methods. Canine distemper virus (CDV) was identified in four giant anteaters and one six-banded armadillo. A poxvirus, showing 88% sequence identity to molluscum contagiosum virus, was detected in one giant anteater. No coronaviruses were detected. These findings expand our knowledge on the host range of CDV and the circulation of divergent poxvirus in wildlife, with implications for conservation and zoonotic disease surveillance.

Brazilian porcupinepox virus (BPoPV) was recently identified in free-ranging Brazilian porcupines (Coendou longicaudatus) in Brazil. In this study, we investigated the histopathological and ultrastructural features of BPoPV infection in four individuals and documented the occurrence of BPoPV in Goiás state, Brazil, where the virus had not been reported previously. Cutaneous lesions exhibited characteristic poxviral cytopathic changes. Histopathological analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed intralesional poxvirus-like particles, confirming both epithelial and systemic viral tropism. These findings contribute to the current understanding of BPoPV-associated disease and raise concerns regarding its potential impact on wild porcupine populations and conservation efforts.

A Brazilian porcupine poxvirus (BPoPV) and Toxoplasma gondii co-infection case in a free-ranging Paraguayan hairydwarf porcupine (Coendou spinosus) is described. An adult female porcupine was rescued in a peri-urban region ofthe city of São Paulo. It presented poor general condition and multiple erythematous to ulcerated nodules and crustedcutaneous plaques in the face, ear, front and hind limbs, and genital region. Skin lesions and hepatomegaly were themajor gross lesions. Hyperplastic ulcerated epidermis and myxomatous edema in dermis associated with interstitiallymphoplasmocytic and histiocytic infiltrate were the microscopic findings. Multiple eosinophilic intracytoplasmicinclusions in keratinocytes of the epidermis and hair follicle, sebocytes, histiocytes, and fibroblasts were observed. Theprotozoan cyst was associated with non-suppurative meningoencephalitis and glial nodules in the cerebral cortex. BPoPVinfection was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis, and T. gondii co-infection was confirmedby molecular investigation. In conclusion, neotropical porcupines are susceptible to co-infection with poxvirus andToxoplasma gondii, and the impact of this interaction needs to be further clarified.

Brazilian porcupinepox virus (BPoPV) is a recently described pathogen associated with severe cutaneous and systemic disease in Coendou spp. porcupines, posing potential conservation and zoonotic risks. Given the solitary behavior of porcupines and the unclear mechanisms of BPoPV transmission, this study investigated the presence of BPoPV DNA in porcupines and their associated ectoparasites (ticks and lice). We analyzed ticks and lice collected from 17 porcupines (C. longicaudatus and C. spinosus), with or without clinical signs of BPoPV infection. Ectoparasites were identified morphologically, separated into distinct pools for ticks and lice by host, and screened by PCR. BPoPV DNA was detected in all symptomatic porcupines and their ectoparasites—including Amblyomma longirostre, A. sculptum ticks, and Eutrichophilus spp. lice—except for one tick pool. Notably, an asymptomatic, BPoPV-negative porcupine harbored A. longirostre ticks that tested positive for the virus. Sequencing confirmed 100% identity with the BPoPV reference strain. These findings suggest that Eutrichophilus lice, A. sculptum, and particularly A. longirostre ticks may play a role in BPoPV transmission. Further studies are needed to elucidate whether these ectoparasites act as biological or mechanical vectors and to assess the zoonotic potential of BPoPV in contact with humans and domestic animals.

During the global Mpox outbreak, the potential role of dogs and cats in the epidemiological chain of monkeypox virus was suspected. Additionally, Brazil is endemic for vaccinia virus and the recently described Brazilian porcupinepox virus, both of which require further investigation regarding their potential reservoirs. Given that dogs and cats are among the most popular pets worldwide and that poxvirus infections could impact multispecies households, this study aimed to assess the circulation of poxviruses in pets during the Mpox pandemic. A pan-pox polymerase chain reaction assay was applied to blood samples from 608 dogs and 271 cats. Despite the potential for detecting poxviruses in companion animals, no molecular evidence of poxvirus infection was found in the studied population. Keywords: monkeypox virus, vaccinia virus, Brazilian porcupinepox virus, Poxviridae. Durante o surto global de Mpox, suspeitou-se da possível participação de cães e gatos na cadeia epidemiológica do monkeypox. Além disso, o Brasil é endêmico para o vaccinia vírus e o recentemente descrito Brazilian porcupinepox virus, os quais demandam estudos mais aprofundados sobre seus possíveis reservatórios. Considerando que esses animais estão entre os pets mais populares do mundo e o impacto potencial das infecções por poxvírus em famílias multiespécies, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a circulação de poxvírus em animais de estimação durante a pandemia de Mpox. Foi realizada a reação em cadeia pela polimerase pan-pox em amostras de sangue de 608 cães e 271 gatos. Apesar da possibilidade de detecção de algumas espécies de poxvírus em animais de companhia, não foi observado material genético de poxvírus na população estudada.

Wild species are susceptible to several typical domestic animal pathogens, and the increasingly close contact between these groups is a predictive factor for disease exposure. Some viruses are important and old‐known, and others are emerging or reemerging for domestic carnivorans and have been identified as threats to the conservation of wild mammals. The purpose of the study was to investigate the occurrence of bocaparvoviruses (BoVs, Parvoviridae family, Parvovirinae subfamily, Bocaparvovirus genus), parvoviruses (Parvoviridae family, Parvovirinae subfamily, Protoparvovirus genus, Protoparvovirus carnivoran1), hepadnaviruses (Hepadnaviridae family), coronaviruses (Coronaviridae family, Orthocoronavirinae subfamily), paramyxoviruses (Paramyxoviridae family) and canine distemper virus (Orthoparamyxovirinae subfamily, Morbillivirus genus, Morbillivirus canis), poxviruses (Poxviridae family), feline herpesvirus (Orthoherpesviridae family, Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily, Varicellovirus genus, Varicellovirus felidalpha1), feline calicivirus (Caliciviridae family, Vesivirus genus, FCV), feline immunodeficiency virus (Retroviridae family, Orthoretrovirinae subfamily, Lentivirus genus, FIV), feline leukemia virus (Retroviridae family, Orthoretrovirinae subfamily, Gammaretrovirus genus, FeLV), and gammaherpesviruses (Orthoherpesviridae family, Gammaherpesvirinae subfamily) in wild carnivorans. A total of 30 biological samples from the families Canidae, Felidae, Mephitidae, Mustelidae, and Procyonidae were evaluated. All animals were victims of vehicular collisions in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Canine parvovirus (CPV‐2) DNA was detected in the spleen of a bush dog (Speothos venaticus), a jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi), and a jaguar (Panthera onca), FeLV proviral DNA was found in the spleen of an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis); while CDV RNA was detected in the liver of a jaguarundi. Phylogenetic analysis carried out with the partial sequence of the CPV‐2 VP2 gene and the U3 (LTR) gag region of FeLV showed 100% identity with strains obtained from domestic dogs and cats, respectively. The approximation between wild and domestic animals favors the transmission of pathogens, especially between phylogenetically close species, such as members of the Canidae and Felidae families. Identification of the DNA and RNA of potentially fatal viruses such as CPV‐2, FeLV, and CDV in four wilds endangered to extinction and understudied species contributes to our understanding of the pathogens circulating in this free‐ranging and vulnerable population.

Cytauxzoon felis is a hemoparasite capable of infecting domestic and wild cats. Studies suggest that wild cats are the main reservoirs of the protozoan, and transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. Hemotropic mycoplasmas are Gram-negative bacteria responsible for severe hemolytic anemia. The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus capable of generating immunosuppression in the host and persistent infection. The present work describes a case of co infection of Cytauxzoon felis, Mycoplasma haemofelis, and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in a cat. A feline from the rural area was admitted to the Veterinary Hospital of Uberlândia - MG of the Federal University of Uberlândia. Fresh whole blood samples were collected for blood count, enzymatic analysis, DNA extraction, real-time PCR for the detection of Cytauxzoon felis and Mycoplasma haemofelis, and the Point of Care ELISA test for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) antigens and antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Piroplasms compatible with Cytauxzoon spp. were observed in the smear, and the tests performed were positive for Cytauxzoon felis, Mycoplasma haemofelis, and FIV.

In this study, we conducted a retrospective survey of 63 giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) using the Federal University of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais State, Brazil as reference site for wild animals. We analyzed the clinical records of 63 animals from January 2016 to February 2020. The information obtained included the location where the anteater was found, the reason for rescue, estimated life stage, gender, weight, general condition of the animal, clinical signs, diagnosis, and destination. Of the 63 animals, 30.15%, (n = 19/63) were found in rural areas, 25.40% (n = 16/63) in urban areas, and 22.22% (n = 14/63) near highways. The main reason for rescue was run-over accidents (n = 18/63, 28.60%). Regarding life stage distribution, 27% (n = 17/63) were cubs, 25.40% (n = 16/63) were adolescent, and 41.26% (n = 26/63) were adults. There was a higher frequency of females (n = 35/63, 56%), and three (9%) of them were pregnant or had cubs. For injury evaluation, three of the 63 giant anteaters were dead on arrival at the rehabilitation site; therefore, we excluded them from this aspect of the study. Of the 60 remaining anteaters, only 13.33% (n = 8/60) of the animals were healthy upon physical examination.The most common condition was traumatic brain injury (n = 32/60 53.33%), followed by fractures (n = 23/60, 38.33%), neonate triad (n = 15/60, 25%), and abrasions (n = 15/60, 25%). The animals presented a high mortality rate (n = 39/60, 65%). The low number of giant anteaters reintroduced to their natural habitat and the high mortality rate of animals sent to rehabilitation centers show that the protection of giant anteaters is important to reduce the number of these animals sent to rehabilitation centers.