Transmission of Aleutian disease from mink with inapparent infections
An, S.H.; Ingram, D.G.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 39(2): 309-313
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 204235 Document Number: 126793
Inapparent or nonprogressive Aleutian disease virus infection was considered a subclinical but persistent viral infection in which infected mink did not develop tissue lesions, hypergammaglobulinemia, or high antibody titers. Transmission of Aleutian disease virus from mink with this type of infection was measured. Mink with inapparent Aleutian disease appeared healthy and had normal .gamma.-globulin values, but were capable of transmitting the disease by direct and indirect horizontal contact. The risk of direct or indirect horizontal transmission from mink with inapparent infection was less than from mink with progressive Aleutian disease. Infection also was directly transmitted from the dam to the kits, but again the risk of infection from dams with inapparent infection was less than from dams with progressive Aleutian disease. Mink infected from their dams before weaning developed the disease more slowly than mink which became infected after weaning.