aleutian mink disease

Aleutian Mink Disease (AMD) Overview

Aleutian mink disease, also known as Aleutian disease or mink plasmacytosis, is a chronic and infectious disease affecting American minks (Neogale vison). The disease is caused by the Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV), which belongs to the Carnivore amdoparvovirus 1 species within the genus Amdoparvovirus [11].

Causes and Transmission

The disease is highly contagious and can be transmitted through contact with infected animals, contaminated food or water, and fomites. The virus has been found as a natural infection in mink-breeding countries worldwide [10].

Symptoms and Manifestations

The symptoms of Aleutian disease include:

• Loss of appetite
• Decreased activity
• Weight loss
• Tarry diarrhea
• Rough coat
• Spontaneous abortion and death in minks and ferrets [5, 8]

In severe cases, the disease can lead to malaise, anorexia, neurological symptoms, renal failure, and reduced litter size in adults and pneumonia in mink [9].

Management and Control

The management of Aleutian disease generally involves a test and cull program. Positive minks are identified by testing blood samples for AMDV antibodies by counterimmunoelectrophoresis [1]. The infection can be controlled through assessment of the infection risk factors, selection of animals with superior immune responses against pathogens, and implementation of biosecurity measures to minimize the likelihood of infection [15].

Economic Impact

Aleutian disease is an economically significant disease in mink-breeding countries, causing significant losses to the industry due to mortality rates and reduced productivity [13, 14].

Aleutian mink disease (AMD) is a multi-systemic infectious disease caused by Aleutian mink disease virus, which can affect farmed minks worldwide. The clinical signs of AMD in minks can vary depending on the age of the animals infected.

Common Symptoms:

• Progressive weight loss [4]
• Melena (black-colored feces) [4]
• Inappetance (loss of appetite) [4]
• Immune complex-associated signs such as:
  • Uveitis (inflammation of the eye) [4]
  • Elevated gamma-globulin levels [4]
• Infertility, abortion, and neonatal interstitial pneumonitis in persistently

Aleutian mink disease (AMD) can be diagnosed using various tests, which are crucial for early detection and management of the disease. Here are some diagnostic tests used to detect AMD:

• Serological tests: These tests measure the presence of antibodies against Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) in the blood serum of affected animals. Examples include:
  • Counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIEP) test: This is a sensitive and specific test for detecting AMDV antibodies in mink [8].
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): ELISA kits are available for detecting AMDV antibodies, which can be used to diagnose the disease [6][14]
• Molecular diagnostic tests: These tests detect the presence of AMDV genetic material in affected animals. Examples include:
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay: PCR is a sensitive and specific test for detecting AMDV DNA in mink tissues [5][15]
• Histopathological examination: This involves examining tissue samples under a microscope to look for characteristic lesions associated with AMD.
• Immunohistochemical evaluation: This test uses antibodies to detect the presence of AMDV antigens in affected tissues.

It's worth noting that antemortem diagnosis can be made on the basis of a positive serum titer coupled with hypergammaglobulinemia or histologic evidence of associated lesions [5]. Postmortem diagnosis can also be made using various tests, including PCR and serological tests.

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for Aleutian mink disease (AD), also known as mink plasmacytosis. According to search results [5], "Given the difficulties in eradicating AD and the lack of either vaccine or therapy, the control of this disease remains a significant challenge."

However, supportive therapy is currently the best approach for treating Aleutian disease in ferrets [7]. This includes providing care and support to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

It's worth noting that researchers have explored various treatment options, including immunosuppressive treatment [2], but these have not been widely adopted or proven effective. Additionally, aptamer-targeting of Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) has shown promise as a potential strategy to inhibit virus replication [4].

Unfortunately, the lack of an effective treatment or vaccine for AD means that affected mink are often humanely killed, and the balance of the herd is vaccinated to prevent further spread of the disease [1].

Differential Diagnoses for Aleutian Mink Disease

Aleutian mink disease (AD) can be challenging to diagnose, and several conditions may present similar symptoms. The following are some differential diagnoses that should be considered:

• Other viral causes of enteritis: AD is a viral disease, but other viruses such as coronavirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus can also cause enteritis in mink.
• Bacterial enteritis: Bacterial infections like E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter can cause similar symptoms to AD.
• Neurotropic form of CD (Chronic Wasting Disease): This condition can present with similar neurological symptoms as AD.
• Malabsorption, maldigestion, and bacterial enteritis: These conditions can also cause weight loss and other systemic symptoms similar to AD.

**Key Diagnostic Features