Serosurvey of vector-borne diseases in the Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) in captivity

Abstract

Vector-borne diseases affect the health status of canines worldwide. We examined serum samples from six captive Mexican wolves (Canis lupus baileyi) at the Reserva de la Biosfera La Michilía, Durango, México for antibodies against Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis, Borrelia burgdorferi, and the antigen against Dirofilaria spp. Blood samples were collected from the cephalic vein and centrifuged to obtain sera, to be assayed using commercially available IgG ELISA tests. One of the six individuals tested positive for antibodies to A. phagocytophilum. The positive-tested wolf (male, 13 year-old) was born at the Reserve and had lived there all his life, but had never showed signs of illness. Conservation of the Mexican wolf is an international priority and due to the evidence of antibodies against A. phagocytophilum found in this animal species at the Reserva de la Biosfera de la Michilía, further studies on molecular detection of this bacteria, the role of potential vectors, and wolf immunity to this pathogen are recommended.