Cutaneous sarcoids in captive African lions associated with feline sarcoid-associated papillomavirus infection.
Authors: Orbell G M B, Young S, Munday J S
Journal: Veterinary pathology
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Sarcoid-Associated Papillomavirus in Captive Lions Cutaneous sarcoids—benign but locally invasive tumours well recognised in equine practice—have been documented in five captive African lions, with histopathological and molecular evidence pointing to feline sarcoid-associated papillomavirus (FcSPV) as the causative agent. All affected lions had been fed unskinned bovine carcasses, and polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of papillomavirus DNA sequences previously identified in feline sarcoids and clinically normal cattle skin, supporting a bovine origin for the virus. Critically, once the facility ceased feeding carcasses with visible cutaneous lesions, no new skin tumours developed in any of the lions over the subsequent monitoring period, suggesting direct transmission from infected bovine tissue. Whilst this case series concerns exotic felids rather than equines or production animals, it reinforces the zoonotic potential of sarcoid-associated papillomaviruses and highlights a significant biosecurity risk in facilities handling raw bovine material—a consideration equally relevant to equine yards sourcing feed, bedding, or biological supplements from cattle operations. The findings underscore the importance of scrutinising the skin integrity of any bovine products entering animal care facilities and suggest that visible cutaneous lesions on donor carcasses warrant exclusion from live-feeding protocols.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Sarcoid-associated papillomavirus has a broader host range than previously recognized and can transmit across species through direct contact with infected tissue
- •Biosecurity measures during feeding—particularly removal of skin and cutaneous lesions from carcasses—can prevent viral transmission to non-target species
- •Equine practitioners should be aware that sarcoid-associated papillomavirus may have zoonotic or cross-species transmission potential if exposed animals are fed raw or minimally processed tissue
Key Findings
- •5 of 24 captive African lions (20.8%) developed cutaneous and mucocutaneous sarcoid-like masses over a 6-month period
- •All masses were histologically similar to equine and feline sarcoids and tested positive for feline sarcoid-associated papillomavirus DNA
- •Likely transmission route was feeding on unskinned bovine carcasses containing cutaneous lesions
- •Cessation of feeding bovine carcasses with skin lesions resulted in no additional skin lesion development