The smallpox virus croissants (formerly Parapoxvirus croissants ( scientifically Squirrelpox virus ), formerly Squirrel Parapoxvirus SPPV or Squirrel poxvirus SQPV) is in some species of squirrel (Sciuridae) occurring virus of the family poxvirus . Its genome consists of a linear, double-stranded DNA about 158 kb in length. It has been grouped under the Parapoxvirus genus , although some differences in the genome may warrant a new genus of its own.
The SPPV is held responsible for the sharp decline in the animal populations of the European red squirrel ( Sciurus vulgaris ) in Scotland . The virus causes dangerous generalized disease in this species, while it causes chronic persistent infection, but not disease, in non-native but human-introduced gray squirrels ( Sciurus carolinensis ). The SPPV was very likely introduced into the native squirrel population through this North American gray squirrel. The virus is transmitted by droplet infection and manifests itself in an erythematous , weeping dermatitis with isolated, ulcerating and bloody skin lesions; these can also affect the eyes. This stage, which lasts for several weeks, is characterized by low food intake and considerable weight loss. Death can occur as a result of sepsis or a considerable weakening due to lack of food in the natural environment, this particularly affects the important time before hibernation.
In order to contain the further spread of SPPV in the European squirrel population, culling of non-native gray squirrels has been carried out in Scotland since 2007 .
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RM Buller et al .: Genus Parapoxvirus . In: CM Fauquet, MA Mayo et al .: Eighth Report of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses . London, San Diego 2005, p. 123 f ISBN 0-12-249951-4
IK Damon: Poxviruses . In: David M. Knipe, Peter M. Howley (eds.-in-chief): Fields' Virology . 5th edition, 2 volumes Philadelphia 2007, Volume 2, p. 2961 ISBN 0-7817-6060-7
CJ McInnes et al. : Genomic characterization of a novel poxvirus contributing to the decline of the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) in the UK . J. Gen. Virol. (2006) 87 (Pt 8): pp. 2115-2125 PMID 16847106
↑ K. Thomas et al. : A novel poxvirus lethal to red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) . J. Gen. Virol. (2003) 84 (Pt 12): pp. 3337-3341 PMID 14645914
↑ AW Sainsbury et al .: Gray squirrels have high seroprevalence to a parapoxvirus associated with deaths in red squirrels . Anim. Conserv. (2000) 3, pp. 229-233
↑ DM Tompkins et al. : Parapoxvirus causes a deleterious disease in red squirrels associated with UK population declines. Proc. Biol. Sci. (2002) 269 (1490): pp. 529-533 PMID 11886647 , PMC 1690913 (free full text)
