title: A SEROSURVEY OF DISEASES OF FREE-RANGING GRAY WOLVES (CANIS LUPUS) IN MINNESOTA, USA.
abstract: We tested serum samples from 387 free-ranging wolves ( Canis lupus ) from 2007 to 2013 for exposure to eight canid pathogens to establish baseline data on disease prevalence and spatial distribution in Minnesota's wolf population. We found high exposure to canine adenoviruses 1 and 2 (88% adults, 45% pups), canine parvovirus (82% adults, 24% pups), and Lyme disease (76% adults, 39% pups). Sixty-six percent of adults and 36% of pups exhibited exposure to the protozoan parasite Neospora caninum . Exposure to arboviruses was confirmed, including West Nile virus (37% adults, 18% pups) and eastern equine encephalitis (3% adults). Exposure rates were lower for canine distemper (19% adults, 5% pups) and heartworm (7% adults, 3% pups). Significant spatial trends were observed in wolves exposed to canine parvovirus and Lyme disease. Serologic data do not confirm clinical disease, but better understanding of disease ecology of wolves can provide valuable insight into wildlife population dynamics and improve management of these species.
authors.affiliation: 1   Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 5463 W Broadway, Forest Lake, Minnesota 55025, USA.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carstensen
authors.affiliation: 1   Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 5463 W Broadway, Forest Lake, Minnesota 55025, USA.
authors.forename: John H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Giudice
authors.affiliation: 1   Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 5463 W Broadway, Forest Lake, Minnesota 55025, USA.
authors.forename: Erik C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Hildebrand
authors.affiliation: 2   US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Dubey
authors.affiliation: 3   Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 1201 E Hwy. 2, Grand Rapids, Minnesota 55744, USA.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Erb
authors.affiliation: 3   Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 1201 E Hwy. 2, Grand Rapids, Minnesota 55744, USA.
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stark
authors.affiliation: 4   US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, 34912 US Hwy. 2, Grand Rapids, Minnesota 55744, USA.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hart
authors.affiliation: 5   US Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, 8711 37th St. SE, Jamestown, North Dakota 58401-7317, USA.
authors.forename: Shannon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Barber-Meyer
authors.affiliation: 5   US Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, 8711 37th St. SE, Jamestown, North Dakota 58401-7317, USA.
authors.forename: L David
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Mech
authors.affiliation: 6   Voyageurs National Park, National Park Service, 360 Hwy. 11 E, International Falls, Minnesota 56649, USA.
authors.forename: Steve K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Windels
authors.affiliation: 7   1854 Treaty Authority, Resource Management Division, 4428 Haines Rd., Duluth, Minnesota 55811, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Edwards
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004217:Distemper Virus, Canine / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D008910:Minnesota; D010322:Parvoviridae Infections / Q000662:veterinary*; D017993:Parvovirus, Canine; D019596:Wolves / Q000097:blood* / Q000821:virology
keywords: Antibody titer; Canis lupus; Lyme disease; Neospora caninum; canine distemper; canine parvovirus; eastern equine encephalitis