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Opportunity to Participate in Serosurvey of Non-Domestic Felids Vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2

ZAHP is sharing information on a scientific study looking at response to a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine used in non-domestic felids. This opportunity is a chance for this community to acquire some baseline data regarding antibody response to vaccination. This information will ultimately help inform important vaccine decisions that will be made by veterinarians and owners/operators. Read on to learn more or see the contact information for Dr. Ellen Bronson, provided below. 

 

The Felid Taxon Advisory Group (Felid TAG) is recruiting participants for a study on non-domestic felids that are going to be vaccinated with one of the new SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. There are currently several companies developing vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 for use in animals, more specifically American mink.  There is currently no information about the type of immune response that will be elicited in other species. The Felid TAG is aiming to follow non-domestic felids at various time points after the vaccine administration through voluntary or opportunistic blood draws. Ideally, six samples of 0.5 to 1 ml of serum would be obtained for eventual evaluation at Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Center for viral serum neutralization assays.  These assays have been validated with serum from SARS-CoV-2-infected tigers. The requested samples are as follows:

 

  1. Sample 1:  Collected within the 14 days prior to first vaccination. 
  2. Sample 2:  Collected 2 to 3 weeks after first vaccination.
  3. Sample 3:  Collected 2 to 3 weeks after the second vaccination.
  4. Sample 4:  Collected 3 months after the first vaccination.
  5. Sample 5:  Collected 6 months after the first vaccination.
  6. Sample 6:  Collected 12 months after the first vaccination.

 

The samples are to be from voluntary or opportunistic blood draws.  Any institution can decide to remove an animal from the study at any time, and as many samples as can be collected will be accepted. The samples will be collected and shipped to the Maryland Zoo for storage prior to batches being sent to Cornell University. There is no charge for the sample analysis, but shipment to Maryland Zoo will be covered by the sending institution. If you have questions, please contact Dr. Ellen Bronson at [email protected] or 443-552-3389.