Cross-sectional evaluation of multiple epidemiological cycles ofspecies in peri-urban wildlife in California.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To perform a cross-sectional survey to estimate prevalence of and potential risk factors forspp infection and exposure in peri-urban wildlife throughout California. ANIMALS: 723 animals representing 12 wildlife species. PROCEDURES: Blood and urine samples were obtained from wildlife in California from 2007 to 2017. Live animals were captured in humane traps, anesthetized, and released. Carcasses were donated by wildlife services and necropsied for urine, blood, and kidney tissue samples. Samples were tested for antibodies against 6 serovars ofspp with a microscopic agglutination test and for pathogenicspp DNA with a real-time PCR assay targeting thegene. Potential risk factors forspp exposure were assessed by logistic regression. Genetic relatedness ofspp were assessed with DNA sequencing of thegene and multiple locus sequence analysis. RESULTS: Statewidespp seroprevalence was 39.1%, and prevalence of positive PCR assay results forspp DNA was 23.0%. Risk factors forspp exposure included being an adult, being from northern California, and being a western gray squirrel, coyote, striped skunk, raccoon, gray fox, or mountain lion. Antibodies against serovar Pomona predominated in most species, followed by serovar Copenhageni. Completesequences were identified asand multiple locus sequence type analysis revealed sequence type 140. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pathogenicspp appeared to be common and widespread among peri-urban wildlife in California. Our data highlight the potential for exposure to infectious disease for both humans and domestic animals at the urban-wildland interface.