First detection of Schmallenberg virus in elk (Alces alces) indicating infection of wildlife in Białowieża National Park in Poland

Abstract

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) RNA was detected in the serum of an elk (Alces alces) calf captured on the outskirts of Białowieża National Park (BNP) in December 2012, and shortly afterwards the calf died of acute bronchopneumonia. Serum samples from 169 animals, including bison, red and fallow deer, originating from eight locations situated in four Polish Provinces, were tested for the presence of SBV-specific antibodies between 2011 and 2013. Although no antibodies were found in samples collected up to July 2012, positive samples subsequently appeared between November 2012 and January 2013 in all of the sampled regions. The introduction of SBV infection to the European bison (Bison bonasus) population of BNP between July and November 2012 was also confirmed.

Keywords: Bison; Elk; Poland; Schmallenberg virus; Wildlife.