Putative parapoxvirus-associated foot disease in the endangered huemul deer (Hippocamelus bisulcus) in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Chile.
Authors: Vila Alejandro R, Briceño Cristóbal, McAloose Denise, Seimon Tracie A, Armién Anibal G, Mauldin Elizabeth A, Be Nicholas A, Thissen James B, Hinojosa Ana, Quezada Manuel, Paredes José, Avendaño Iván, Silva Alejandra, Uhart Marcela M
Journal: PloS one
Summary
Between 2005 and 2010, researchers documented a severe foot disease outbreak affecting 24 huemul (an endangered South American cervid) in a Chilean national park, characterised by progressive soft tissue swelling, interdigital ulceration, and abnormal hoof proliferation that caused lameness, pain, and mobility loss leading to recumbency and death in approximately 40% of affected animals. Histopathological examination revealed severe papillomatous epidermal hyperplasia and superficial dermatitis, whilst electron microscopy and PCR testing identified parapoxvirus particles with 98% genetic identity to bovine papular stomatitis virus and pseudocowpoxvirus—marking the first confirmed report of this viral foot disease in huemul. The outbreak achieved concerning epidemiological metrics, with 80% morbidity across both sexes and all age groups, suggesting the pathogen's ability to establish transmission within the population and potentially persist in the environment. Although equine practitioners will not encounter huemul directly, this case demonstrates how closely related ungulate species can be susceptible to parapoxviruses traditionally associated with cattle and sheep; understanding cross-species transmission dynamics and recognising atypical presentations of poxvirus foot disease remains clinically relevant for exotic and domestic equine patients. The authors emphasise that effective disease surveillance and rapid diagnostic response protocols are essential when managing threatened wildlife populations, principles equally applicable to coordinated outbreak responses in equestrian settings.
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Practical Takeaways
- •This parapoxvirus case in wild cervids demonstrates that poxviruses can cause severe, potentially fatal foot disease in non-domestic ungulates—farriers and veterinarians should be alert to similar presentations in other species
- •The high morbidity and mortality suggests this pathogen could be a significant conservation and herd health threat; rapid diagnostic response and biosecurity measures are critical when unusual foot disease outbreaks occur
- •Affected animals showed progressive clinical signs (lameness → swelling → ulceration → proliferative changes → recumbency) that would benefit from early intervention, though treatment protocols are not established for this condition
Key Findings
- •24 huemul deer presented with severe foot lesions including lameness, soft tissue swelling, ulceration, and abnormal hoof wear between 2005-2010
- •Morbidity reached 80% and mortality 40% in affected population
- •Histology and electron microscopy identified parapoxvirus particles with 98% identity to bovine papular stomatitis virus and pseudocowpoxvirus
- •Disease progression included intense pain, reduced mobility, loss of body condition, recumbency, and death in severely affected animals