Mycoplasma bovis in wildlife
Mycoplasma bovis is a globally distributed, economically important bacterial pathogen of cattle that is of increasing interest due to recent impacts on bison production operations. We recently documented high mortality seasonal epizootics of M. bovis in pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in northeast Wyoming occurring in the spring of 2019 and 2020. M. bovis has not been previously reported in pronghorn, and little is known about M. bovis in wildlife. Previous reports are limited to few cases in mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). In all reported cases of M. bovis in deer and pronghorn, animals rapidly succumbed to fatal pneumonia.
Pronghorn are a unique and iconic, native wildlife species in Wyoming. Their geographic range is limited to the Great Plains, and they are sensitive to land development and other anthropogenic habitat disturbances. Traditionally, pronghorn are not considered a major threat to the health of cattle or bison, and they are widely tolerated on commercial operations. Our recent observations support the emergence of M. bovis as an important wildlife-livestock interface disease. Currently localized to one region of Wyoming, this disease has shown potential for rapid spread and cross-species transmission.
Our research involves genetic and genomic characterization of M. bovis isolates from various host species, in vitro investigation of host range and strain variation, and surveillance in free-ranging ungulates across Wyoming. We aim to better understand transmission risk and conservation implications to inform livestock producers, wildlife managers, biologists, veterinarians, conservation scientists, and other stakeholders.
Mycoplasma bovis is a globally distributed, economically important bacterial pathogen of cattle that is of increasing interest due to recent impacts on bison production operations. We recently documented high mortality seasonal epizootics of M. bovis in pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in northeast Wyoming occurring in the spring of 2019 and 2020. M. bovis has not been previously reported in pronghorn, and little is known about M. bovis in wildlife. Previous reports are limited to few cases in mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). In all reported cases of M. bovis in deer and pronghorn, animals rapidly succumbed to fatal pneumonia.
Pronghorn are a unique and iconic, native wildlife species in Wyoming. Their geographic range is limited to the Great Plains, and they are sensitive to land development and other anthropogenic habitat disturbances. Traditionally, pronghorn are not considered a major threat to the health of cattle or bison, and they are widely tolerated on commercial operations. Our recent observations support the emergence of M. bovis as an important wildlife-livestock interface disease. Currently localized to one region of Wyoming, this disease has shown potential for rapid spread and cross-species transmission.
Our research involves genetic and genomic characterization of M. bovis isolates from various host species, in vitro investigation of host range and strain variation, and surveillance in free-ranging ungulates across Wyoming. We aim to better understand transmission risk and conservation implications to inform livestock producers, wildlife managers, biologists, veterinarians, conservation scientists, and other stakeholders.
