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Biomedical subjects

J R Gunson

Publications and source records attributed to J R Gunson.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1986

Population reduction as a factor in the control of skunk rabies in Alberta.

Population reduction is being used currently to combat skunk rabies in Alberta. A total of 2,398 striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) were removed from three counties of southern Alberta during 1980-1983 in an effort to combat rabies outbreaks in those areas. The methods employed included trapping, poisoning, and shooting. Skunks in Forty Mile County have been rabies-free for 4 yr and the outbreaks in Newell and Warner counties appear to be under control. The data suggest that population reduction has been effective in controlling rabies in those areas.

Alberta↗
PubMed1984

Presence of neutralizing antibodies to rabies virus in striped skunks from areas free of skunk rabies in Alberta.

Nine percent of 198 serum samples from striped skunks, Mephitis mephitis (Schreber) from five areas of Alberta were positive for rabies neutralizing antibody. Positive samples were minimal (2%) from specimens sampled in an area enzootic for rabies and occurred at greater rates in areas negative for skunk rabies. Transmission of rabies virus to skunks may have been from a source other than skunks in those areas, most probably from bats.

Alberta↗
PubMed1981

A serological survey of Leptospira interrogans serotype pomona in Alberta and Saskatchewan striped skunks and possible transmission between cattle and skunks.

The range of known occurrence of Leptospira interrogans serotype pomona is extended to Alberta in striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis); no evidence of L. sejroe was found. Reacting sera from skunks were confined to the southern portion of Alberta and adjacent Saskatchewan, although a number of reactors were found sufficiently further north in Saskatchewan suggesting that a different mode of infection may be functioning there. Of 95 skunk sera from near a dairy farm infected with serotype pomona 40% were reactors. Of 438 skunk sera from other areas only 5.7% were reactors; that difference was suggestive of transmission from cattle to skunks on the dairy farm. Of 22 skunk sera collected near the dairy farm in summer none were reactors, whereas 52% of skunk sera taken the previous and following winters were. That seasonal difference was not evident among sera from other locations.

Alberta↗
PubMed1980

Prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in striped skunks from Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Fifteen percent (81 of 542) of striped skunks, Mephitis mephitis, collected in the prairie of Alberta and Saskatchewan during 1974 to 1978, were positive for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. The seropositive rates varied from 8% (6 of 78) for skunks less than six months of age to 47% (9 of 19) in animals three or more years old. Spring and summer transmission was indicated by a preponderance of high titres (greater than or equal to 1:1024) in seropositive skunks collected April through September (22 of 40, 55%) compared to seropositives collected October through MFarch (10 of 38, 26%) (P = < 0.05). Prevalence was significantly greater among skunks collected in the relatively humid parkland (63 of 286, 22%) than in the arid prairie grassland biome (20 of 225, 8%) (P = < 0.01). The results indicate that T. gondii is focally enzootic in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Alberta↗
PubMed1980

Sylvatic trichinosis in Alberta.

Results of surveys for Trichinella sp. in several species of wildlife in Alberta suggest that infection is limited to wolves (Canis lupus) in northern areas of the province and maintained by a wolf/wolf transmission.

Alberta↗
PubMed1978

Oral papillomatosis in coyotes (Canis latrans) and wolves (Canis lupus) of Alberta.

Twelve cases of oral papillomatosis were detected in wild carnivores of Alberta, ten in coyotes (Canis latrans) and two in wolves (Canis lupus). Lesions ranged from mild with a few small papillomas to severe with much of the surface of the lips, tongue and buccal cavity covered with papillomas. Three of five coyotes with severe papillomatosis were in obvious poor health. The gross and histologic lesions are described and the significance of this disease in wild carnivores is discussed.

Alberta↗