Mink enteritis virus

Mink enteritis virus (MEV), also known as feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) when it infects cats, is a highly contagious and deadly virus that primarily affects the mustelid family, including mink, ferrets, and occasionally other wild mustelids. It is a member of the Parvoviridae family and is closely related to the canine parvovirus that affects dogs. The virus causes a disease known as mink enteritis, characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and severe dehydration. Due to its high mortality rate, MEV poses a significant threat to both wild and farmed mink populations.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The clinical signs of MEV infection include severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, and anorexia. Infected animals may also exhibit signs of depression and decreased activity. The disease progresses rapidly, and death can occur within a few days of symptom onset. Diagnosis of MEV is typically based on clinical signs, histopathological examination of the intestines, and detection of the virus in feces or tissues using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Transmission and Prevention

MEV is highly contagious and is transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, their feces, or contaminated environments. The virus is highly resistant to environmental conditions and can remain infectious in the environment for up to a year. Prevention of MEV infection is primarily through vaccination and maintaining strict biosecurity measures on mink farms. This includes quarantine of new animals, disinfection of equipment and facilities, and minimizing contact between farmed and wild mustelids.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for MEV infection. Management of the disease focuses on supportive care to alleviate symptoms and prevent secondary infections. This may include administration of fluids to prevent dehydration, electrolyte replacement, and antibiotics to control secondary bacterial infections. Vaccination is the most effective method to prevent MEV infection and is recommended for all susceptible animals in endemic areas.

Economic Impact

MEV poses a significant economic threat to the mink farming industry due to high mortality rates, reduced pelt quality, and increased veterinary costs associated with managing outbreaks. The disease can lead to substantial financial losses for affected farms and can impact the global fur trade.

Research and Future Directions

Research on MEV continues to focus on understanding the virus's epidemiology, improving diagnostic methods, and developing more effective vaccines. Advances in molecular biology and immunology offer promising avenues for the development of novel prevention and control strategies against MEV and related parvoviruses.