THE SEROLOGIC EPIDEMIOLOGY OF REOVIRUS INFECTION WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE ROTTNEST ISLAND QUOKKA (SETONIX BRACHYURUS)1

Abstract

Investigation of the sera of animals for antibody to the 3 types of reovlrus has confirmed earlier suggestions that reoviruses are widespread. The only mammals in which antibody has not yet been detected are whales (sperm and humpback). Studies on a rare Australian marsupial, Setonix brachyurus, locally known as the quokka, have shown that the incidence of antibody-positive reactors increases with human contact. The quokkas used in this study were captured on the Island of Rottnest, 11 miles off the West Australian coast, near Perth. The evidence supports the concept that, in some instances, animals may become infected following contact with man.