Key Points
- Researchers have discovered a variant of the rustrela virus (RusV) in a wild mountain lion in Colorado.
- This is the first documented case of the rustrela virus linked to “staggering disease” in North America.
- Staggering disease, a severe neurologic condition, has primarily affected domestic cats in Europe, particularly in Sweden and Austria.
- The affected mountain lion, a young female, was euthanized after showing symptoms of hind-limb ataxia.
- The rustrela virus, related to the rubella virus, was identified through collaboration with German researchers.
- Symptoms of staggering disease include hind-limb ataxia, exaggerated gait, and various neurologic signs like tremors and behavioral changes.
- There is currently no information on how widespread RusV is among domestic cats or wildlife in North America.
- Future research may explore potential reservoir hosts and the zoonotic potential of RusV.
Looma News
Researchers have identified a new health threat for wildlife in North America. A wild mountain lion in Colorado was found to have a variant of the rustrela virus (RusV), marking the first time this virus has been linked to “staggering disease” in this region. The disease, known for causing severe neurological symptoms, was previously documented mainly in domestic cats in Europe.
In May 2023, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials had to euthanize a young mountain lion after it displayed severe difficulties with its hind legs. Tissue samples from the animal later confirmed the presence of RusV, a virus related to the rubella virus that causes German measles in humans. The identification of RusV as the cause of staggering disease came through a collaborative effort with researchers from the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut in Germany.
Staggering disease is characterized by symptoms such as unsteady movement and difficulties with muscle control. In affected animals, this often results in a staggering gait and a range of other neurological issues, including tremors and behavioral changes. The condition usually leads to euthanasia due to its severe impact on the animal’s well-being.
Currently, scientists do not know how common RusV is among either domestic cats or wildlife in North America. In Europe, the virus has been found in various species, including rodents and even marsupials. Researchers suggest that small rodents could serve as potential reservoirs for the virus, though further studies are needed to confirm this.
Future research will be crucial to understanding the full extent of RusV’s impact and whether it poses a risk to other mammal species in North America. The study underscores the need for continued surveillance and investigation into the virus’s potential to affect different animal populations.
