Game and Furbearer Program Summary Report – 2025
Game and Furbearer Program Summary Report – 2025
Eastern North Carolina Canid Genetic Sampling
Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) Investigation
DESCRIPTION: The NCWRC is collaborating with the University of Idaho to better understand the genetic structure and hybridization of canids (coyote, red wolf, domestic dog) in eastern North Carolina.
DESCRIPTION: Outbreaks of CDV among furbearers, in particular gray foxes, can cause significant population declines. As such, NCWRC biologists coordinated with USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services and Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study staff to collect, necropsy, and analyze furbearer samples for CDV and conduct research into the prevalence and trends of CDV in North Carolina.
KEY RESULTS: • CDV was detected in 21% of furbearer species samples collected from the wild. • We documented the first report of CDV in a bobcat and opossum in the United States. • A majority (55%) of the samples collected from ani- mals submitted to us from wildlife rehabilitation facilities tested positive for CDV. • In rabies-negative furbearers collected from NC Public Heath, 49% tested positive for CDV. • CDV detection rates were lowest in the summer months compared to other seasons and highest detections occurred in the Mountain region com- pared to the Coastal Plain and Piedmont. • The study examined if a CDV field test could be developed using samples from 5 furbearer species. • Nasal swabs may be slightly more suitable than eye swabs for CDV surveillance, though both methods showed high agreement with brain tissue results.
KEY RESULTS: Sample collection is ongoing, with a target of 270 coyote samples across a 26-county area on and surrounding the Albemarle Peninsula. • Sampling protocol involves collecting either tongue (or other muscle) or hair follicle samples from live or harvested coyotes. The study will determine the following: 1. A baseline for genetic structure and diversity in coyotes and red wolves in eastern North Carolina. 2. If red wolf genetics have spread through migration or hybridiza- tion beyond the Albemarle Peninsula. 3. If there is a degree of hybridization with dogs, red wolves, and grey wolves that exists in eastern North Carolina coyote populations. 4. If coyote genetics have been altered since the introduction of red wolves using museum specimens.
COLLEEN OLFENBUTTEL/NCWRC
Conservation Genetics Technician Andi Barker works in the NCWRC's lab at the state museum to extract canid DNA from tissue samples. Modern genetics work is an important tool in understanding Carolina’s wildlife species. HEATHER EVANS/NCWRC
Percent of furbearers that tested positive for Canine Distemper Virus based on source of sample. Samples from NC Public Health were rabies-negative furbearers that were submitted due to suspicion of odd behavior.
HOW IS THIS INFORMATION USED FOR REGU- LATIONS AND MANAGEMENT: The results of this study would allow the NCWRC to fill a critical knowl- edge gap concerning canid populations in eastern North Carolina, especially regarding the degree of hybridization that is (or is not) occurring on the land- scape and how management actions have affected said hybridization.
HOW IS THIS INFORMATION USED FOR REGULATIONS AND MANAGEMENT: Determining the prevalence of CDV among furbearer populations, particularly in individuals showing no sign of infection, is important for understanding transmission risks and virus maintenance. This study demonstrated that the NCWRC may be able to better monitor CDV outbreaks in NC through species submitted to NC Public Health for rabies testing, as about half of animals that tested negative for rabies were positive for CDV. We also determined that nasal swabs, rather than a lung or brain sample, may be an easier and reliable tech- nique for conducting CDV surveillance. These results enable the NCWRC to provide information on the management of these species and associated pathogens.
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