Epidemiology and genetic analysis of lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV) of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in New York

Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus (LPDV) is a retrovirus that infects wild and domestic turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). The first cases of LPDV in the United States were diagnosed in 2009 and subsequent surveillance has... [ view full abstract ]

Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus (LPDV) is a retrovirus that infects wild and domestic turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). The first cases of LPDV in the United States were diagnosed in 2009 and subsequent surveillance has revealed the virus to be widespread in wild turkey populations throughout much of its native range. In commercial flocks, the virus spreads easily between birds housed in close quarters, but there is little information about the dynamics of LPDV infection in wild birds, which presents a barrier for future management decisions. The objectives of our study were: 1) estimate the prevalence of LPDV in wild turkeys throughout New York 2) identify potential risk factors associated with the virus, and 3) investigate genetic and geographic patterns of infection. We tested bone marrow, collected from hunter-harvested samples over three years (2012-2014), using PCR to determine presence or absence of the virus. Age and sex were the strongest predictors of LPDV infection, based on our logistic regression model, indicating a potential link between social structure and odds of infection. Spatial point pattern analysis, including kernel density estimation, Kulldorff’s spatial scan statistic, and Anselin’s local Moran’s I, showed high prevalence (>50%) throughout New York, with regions of variation and several significant clusters. Our genetic analysis coupled with historic translocation data, appears to support the hypothesis that LPDV may have been distributed throughout the region during wild turkey restoration efforts in the latter part of the century. In addition to illustrating the generalized link between wildlife translocation programs and pathogen dispersal, this work provides important insights into LPDV that can be used to inform future management or monitoring of the virus.