A Seroepizootiological Study of some Important Infectious Viral Diseases in Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica) and Sympatric Carnivores in Gujarat

Abstract

In an effort to understand the seroprevalence of viral infections and their impact on the Asiatic lions. a seroepizootiological study of canine distemper virus (CDV), feline parvo virus (FPV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FlY) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) was done in Asiatic lions, hybrid lions and sympatric leopards and domestic carnivores in five zoological parks in Ahmedabad, Baroda, Devaliya, Junagadh and Rajkot and the Gir National Park and Sanctuary. Fifty lions, including 13 hybrid lions, 24 leopards, 30 domestic cats and 196 domestic dogs were tested by agar gel immunodiffusion tests and dot-immunobinding assays for the serological evidence of above viruses. Antibodies to CDV were detected in 94.59 %. (35/37) of Asiatic lions, 76.92 % (10113) of the hybrid lions, 91.66 % (22/24) of the leopards, 70 % (211/ 30) of the domestic cats and 66.83 % (1311 196) of the domestic dogs. High seropositivity to CDV without overt symptoms of clinical disease suggested the possibility of a strain of low pathogenicity circulating or infecting these felids. It also indicated the probability of felid to felid transmission. 100 % seroprevalence to FPV antibodies was observed in both the domestic and exotic felids. Absence of clinical feline panleukopenia-like symptoms, suggested that FPV appeared to manifest itself as an inapparent infection in these domestic and non-domestic felids. 80% of lions, 62.5% of leopards and 80% of domestic cats sampled had high FPV antibody titres more than 1: 160, suggesting repeated infection with an endemic parvo-like virus. There were no detectable levels of antibodies to FIV or FeLV antigens in the lions, leopards and domestic cats. The study found in captive non-domestic felids, a high prevalence to CDV and FPV, two viruses, known to have caused Iarge-scale mortalities in captive and free-living non-domestic felids world-wide. It is suggested that movement, translocation or re-introduction of these seropositive felids may be associated with disease risks and hence movement and translocation of these felids must be done after subjecting them to standard quarantine and disease screening protocols. Vaccination may be considered using killed or other suitable viral vaccines