Pathology of Interdigital Glands in a Wild Japanese Serow (Capricornis crispus) Infected with Parapoxvirus

Abstract

The interdigital glands of a Japanese serow infected with parapoxvirus had severe papular and nodular lesions that completely occupied the sac and duct of the gland. The lesions were characterized by acanthosis with hyperkeratosis. Intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies were detected in the vacuolated prickle cells. By electron microscopy, mature and immature viral particles were present in the cytoplasm. These glands act as scent glands, and lesions in this organ probably affected the ecological adaptation of this individual.