Serologic survey for infectious canine hepatitis virus in grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) from Alaska, 1973 to 1987.
Serum antibody prevalence of infectious canine hepatitis virus was 12% (90 of 725) for grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) from Alaska (USA) during the period 1973 to 1987. Prevalence was highest on Kodiak Island at 29% (37 of 127). Prevalence of exposure at individual collection areas did not change significantly over time. There were no significant sex-specific differences in prevalence. Prevalence was directly related to age, but it was 0% for bears less than 2-yr-old. Young bears which are exposed to the virus may develop clinical disease and die as a result of the infection. This disease may be a factor affecting grizzly bear population dynamics.
Zarnke
R L
RL
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Fairbanks 99701.
Evans
M B
MB
D000257:Adenoviridae Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006516:Adenoviruses, Canine / Q000276:immunology*; D000367:Age Factors; D000413:Alaska / Q000453:epidemiology; D000818:Animals; D002335:Carnivora; D005260:Female; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006522:Hepatitis, Infectious Canine / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D001503:Ursidae
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies