Introduction
Appropriate surveillance programs and early detection are essential to minimize the consequences of the transmission and spread of zoonotic agents. In this context, Wildlife Recovery Centres (WRCs) can contribute to the monitoring of infectious diseases, playing a significant role as epidemiological observatories. The study presented was conducted from 2022 to 2024 by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), assessing the importance of the early detection of zoonotic pathogens in selected WRCs in NW Italy.
Methods
An Operational Protocol was developed with technical sampling instructions for Influenza A virus, West Nile and Usutu viruses, Coronavirus, and Chlamydia in wildlife. Approximately 2,300 samples were collected through active monitoring (cloacal and/or oropharyngeal swabs on live/hospitalized animals) and passive monitoring (target organ samples from deceased or euthanized animals). Biomolecular investigations were carried out using standardized and regulated methods: RT Real-Time PCR for viral agents and Real-Time PCR for Chlamydia.
Results
Positivity for Influenza A virus (HPAI H5N1 and H13N2) emerged in 2023 only in the Piedmont region. Chlamydia psittaci was detected in 2.6% of samples, underlining the importance of the surveillance of this zoonotic agent. The discovery of samples positive for WNV and USUV in October and November 2022 highlighted how warmer winters can influence the active season for mosquitoes and increase the window of time for viral transmission. PCR screening for Coronavirus identified 17 positive samples amongst those collected from 285 birds.
Conclusions
The findings expand knowledge on the spread and potential transmission of zoonoses, laying the foundation for implementing effective early detection systems.
Concerning Avian Influenza, for instance, clade 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) viruses have recently displayed an increased capability to infect mammalian species, due to an unusual capability for these viruses to evolve towards more efficient mammalian transmission. The establishment of a surveillance system to monitor the genetic and pathobiological characteristics of these influenza viruses is essential.
