Leptospirosis in Tasmanian Devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) in Tasmania, 2008–2012

Sarah Jane Wynwood; Mary-Anne Burns; Glenn C Graham; Steven L Weier; David B McKay; Sarah Peck; Scott B Craig

doi:10.7589/2015-09-239

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Leptospirosis in Tasmanian Devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) in Tasmania, 2008–2012

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Leptospirosis in Tasmanian Devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) in Tasmania, 2008–2012

Sarah Jane Wynwood, Mary-Anne Burns, Glenn C Graham, Steven L Weier, David B McKay, Sarah Peck and Scott B Craig

Journal of Wildlife Diseases, Vol.52(3), pp.636-641

2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7589/2015-09-239

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Abstract

conservation

leptospira

marsupial

pathology

Tasmania

wildlife disease

In 2014, we performed a diagnostic study of leptospirosis in Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) samples collected between 2008 and 2012 from wild and captive animals. Tasmanian devil populations have been declining because of a facial tumor disease since the 1990s, with ongoing investigations examining potential causative agents. Identifying other causative pathogens that may contribute additively to their decline is important to preserve current and future populations. We tested 81 Tasmanian devil serum samples and two tissue samples using PCR, microscopic agglutination test (MAT), and microsphere immunoassay (MIA). We found evidence of leptospirosis in Tasmanian devil populations across a wide geographic range of Tasmania. Antibodies to serovars in the serogroup Javanica, which are not considered endemic to Australia, were identified in 10 Tasmanian devils using MAT. We also identified serovar Celledoni serologically using the immunoglobulin G MIA and detected Leptospira in one sample using PCR.

Details

Title: Leptospirosis in Tasmanian Devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) in Tasmania, 2008–2012
Authors: Sarah Jane Wynwood (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Mary-Anne Burns (Author) - Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services
Glenn C Graham (Author) - Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services
Steven L Weier (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
David B McKay (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Sarah Peck (Author) - Department of Primary Industries
Scott B Craig (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Publication details: Journal of Wildlife Diseases, Vol.52(3), pp.636-641
Publisher: Wildlife Disease Association, Inc.
Date published: 2016
DOI: 10.7589/2015-09-239
ISSN: 0090-3558
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449648902621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Veterinary Sciences

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