Canine distemper virus surveillance and sequencing in invasive feral American mink (Neogale vison) in Poland

Abstract Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a significant pathogen with high mortality rate affecting carnivore species worldwide, including both wild and farmed mink populations. Invasive species have been implicated in the spread of CDV, potentially facilitating viral spillover into new populations and exacerbating conservation challenges, especially among wild carnivores. This study investigates the presence of CDV in wild American mink ( Neogale vison ) populations across Poland. Carcasses of 1,205 mink, collected between 2007 and 2021 were examined, through post-mortem monitoring. Two mink spleen samples from a different year and area were retrospectively confirmed positive for CDV RNA, and subsequent phylogenetic analysis of the partial Hemagglutinin gene identified both sequences as belonging to the Europe lineage. This finding suggests that American mink can be infected with endemic CDV strains, potentially expanding the spectrum of susceptible host species in the region. The results highlight the need for further research into the ecological implications of invasive species in the spread of infectious diseases within vulnerable ecosystems. Integrated wildlife health monitoring and targeted management interventions are essential for understanding and mitigating the risks posed by biological invasions to wildlife health and biodiversity conservation. These findings offer important insights into the potential role of the invasive American mink in CDV transmission in Europe.