Serologic evidence of nonfatal rabies exposure in a free-ranging oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) in Cotapata National Park, Bolivia.
A clinically healthy free-ranging oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) was live-trapped in Boliva in 2000. Based on serology, we concluded that this animal was exposed to feline panleukopenia virus, Toxoplasma gondii, and rabies virus. The rabies virus-neutralizing antibody titer (>70 IU/ml) in this oncilla was unusual for an asymptomatic animal exposed to street virus and at a level expected in animals exposed to a large amount of virus, clinically affected, or vaccinated. Based on a subsequent 18 mo of radiotracking, we concluded that the oncilla had a nonfatal exposure to rabies virus.
Deem
Sharon L
SL
Field Veterinary Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, New York, New York 10460, USA. deems@si.edu
Davis
Rolan
R
Pacheco
Luis F
LF
D000818:Animals; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D001838:Bolivia / Q000453:epidemiology; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D045989:Felidae / Q000097:blood / Q000821:virology*; D005260:Female; D009500:Neutralization Tests / Q000662:veterinary; D011818:Rabies / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011820:Rabies virus / Q000276:immunology*; D012698:Serologic Tests / Q000662:veterinary
D000914:Antibodies, Viral