Mapping urban canid health in Madison, Wisconsin

Urban coyotes and foxes are potential reservoirs for infectious disease and parasites. Little is known about disease prevalence in urban wildlife and the risk of transmission to humans and domestic animals. To assess the... [ view full abstract ]

Urban coyotes and foxes are potential reservoirs for infectious disease and parasites. Little is known about disease prevalence in urban wildlife and the risk of transmission to humans and domestic animals. To assess the health status of urban canids, a health survey was initiated in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin Urban Canid Project. Diagnostic samples were taken from 12 foxes and 12 coyotes trapped and radio-collared for ecological research, including blood, nasal/rectal swabs, and fecal samples. Complete blood counts, chemistry panels, and IDEXX 4Dx SNAP tests were performed. Serological testing for Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Canine Parvovirus Type II (CPV2), Canine Adenovirus (CAV), and Leptospira was completed. Swabs were tested for CDV, CPV2, and CAV presence via PCR. Fecal floats were performed on scat from collared animals or found within the study area. In captured animals, foxes and coyotes shared similar infectious disease exposure with overall prevalence of CAV = 12.5%, CDV = 16.7%, and CPV2 = 33%. CPV titer levels were significant but low, consistent with exposure to noninfectious viral DNA excreted by recently vaccinated domestic animals. One fox had exposure to Leptospira grippotyphosa, while another fox was exposed to Anaplasma. The prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection was 14% and Borrelia burgdorferi exposure was 29%, both only found affecting coyotes. Three coyotes with positive serology to both were localized to the UW Arboretum, suggesting a spatial reservoir. Serum biochemical analyses reflected abnormalities consistent with capture stress. No viral presence was discovered by PCR of swabs. A low number of scat samples contained parasite eggs, with positive animals commonly hosting Ancylostoma, Toxocara, and Trichuris. Mortality over 2 years was 50%, primarily due to vehicular trauma and sarcoptic mange. As trapping continues, the project will correlate urban canid health results with telemetry data to map disease prevalence across the landscape.