Processes underlying rabies virus incursions across US–Canada Border as revealed by whole-genome phylogeography

Trewby, H., Nadin-Davis, S. A., Real, L. A. and Biek, R. (2017) Processes underlying rabies virus incursions across US–Canada Border as revealed by whole-genome phylogeography. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 23(9), pp. 1454-1461. (doi: 10.3201/eid2309.170325) (PMID:28820138) (PMCID:PMC5572885)

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Abstract

Disease control programs aim to constrain and reduce the spread of infection. Human disease interventions such as wildlife vaccination play a major role in determining the limits of a pathogen’s spatial distribution. Over the past few decades, a raccoon-specific variant of rabies virus (RRV) has invaded large areas of eastern North America. Although expansion into Canada has been largely prevented through vaccination along the US border, several outbreaks have occurred in Canada. Applying phylogeographic approaches to 289 RRV whole-genome sequences derived from isolates collected in Canada and adjacent US states, we examined the processes underlying these outbreaks. RRV incursions were attributable predominantly to systematic virus leakage of local strains across areas along the border where vaccination has been conducted but also to single stochastic events such as long-distance translocations. These results demonstrate the utility of phylogeographic analysis of pathogen genomes for understanding transboundary outbreaks.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Trewby, Dr Hannah and Biek, Professor Roman
Authors: Trewby, H., Nadin-Davis, S. A., Real, L. A., and Biek, R.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Emerging Infectious Diseases
Publisher:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
ISSN:1080-6040
ISSN (Online):1080-6059
Copyright Holders:This work is in the public domain
First Published:First published in Emerging Infectious Diseases 23(9):1454-1461
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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