Serological Evidence of Coronavirus Infection in Feral Raccoons in Hokkaido, Japan

Abstract

Coronavirus infections in raccoons in Hokkaido, Japan, were identified by serological analysis of 379 serum samples. In the virus neutralization tests, the antibody for transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), a group I coronavirus, was detected in 11 (3%) serum samples, which were further tested for canine coronavirus (CCoV), and 5 sera showed positive results. The antibody for bovine coronavirus (BCoV), a group II coronavirus, was not detected in any of the serum samples. These results indicate an infection of group I coronaviruses in the feral raccoons in Hokkaido, Japan.