Clark, S. D. | bioRxiv Science

bioRxiv2024

The good, the BATV, and the ugly - first report of BATV vector competence in Culex quinquefasciatus from the Southern United States

Batai virus is an arbovirus with wide geographic, host, and climactic ranges. BATV infects primarily avian species but can cause disease in ruminants and humans. Louisiana is at particular risk for overlaps in natural and agricultural systems as the Mississippi Flyway passes through the state. We assessed the vector competence of Louisiana Cx. quinquefasciatus for BATV and found infection and dissemination rates of 22% and 11.1% at 7 days post-exposure (dpe), and 15.8% and 5.3% at 21dpe. The current H5N1 avian influenza outbreak in dairy cows demonstrates the importance of understanding the overlap in avian and other vertebrate species to inform public health and agricultural biosecurity. Results indicate a moderate vector competence of regional Louisiana Cx. quinquefasciatus for BATV. This study presents the first known report of vector competence of BATV in US mosquitoes and establishes the non-zero risk of its emergence in the southern US.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2020

Incidence of canine dilated cardiomyopathy, breed and age distributions, and grain-free diet sales in the United States from 2000-2019: A retrospective survey.

BackgroundDilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is considered a predominantly inherited disease in dogs. Recent reports suggest an increased incidence of DCM in atypical breeds eating grain-free and/or legume-rich diets. However, little data regarding incidence of DCM within the US is available; and no existing data quantifies DCM among breeds over time. HypothesisWe hypothesized that DCM incidence among breeds could be estimated by retrospective polling of veterinary cardiologists. Further, if a correlation existed between grain-free diets and DCM, an increase in DCM would be on trend with increased grain-free pet food sales. Materials and MethodsThirty-six U.S. cardiology specialty practices were asked for all initial canine and DCM cases evaluated from 2000-2019; fourteen cardiology practices participated. DCM signalment data was provided by three hospitals over 15 years; representing 68 breeds. Age distribution of DCM cases upon diagnosis were compared to other cardio cases and general hospital population from one hospital. All data were evaluated using linear regression models. Grain-free pet food sales data was evaluated from 2011-2019. ResultsFourteen hospitals participated and reported 67,243 unique canine patients. Nationally, data did not support a significant change in percent DCM over time (p=0.85). The overall average incidence rate of DCM during the study period was 3.83% (range 2.41-5.65%), while grain-free diet sales increased 500% from 2011-2019. No correlation between overall DCM incidence and grain free diet sales was discovered. A significant upward trend in mixed breeds diagnosed with DCM, with no significant trend in other breeds was appreciated. An upward trend in age at DCM diagnosis was identified, correlating with trends from overall hospital populations. ConclusionsThese data do not support overall increased DCM incidence, or a correlation with grain-free pet food sales. Additional data are necessary to understand whether regional factors contribute to increased DCM within smaller cohorts.

scientific communication and education↗