Brucella sp antibodies in polar bears from Svalbard and the Barents Sea

A prevalence of 5.4% of anti-Brucella sp. antibodies was found in plasma sa mples from 297 polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from Svalbard and the Barents Sea. Plasma was tested by the classical brucellosis tests Slow Agglutinatio n of Wright (SAW), EDTA modified SAW and Rose Bengal test, as well as by an indirect Protein A ELISA. Only samples classified as positive in all tests were regarded as containing anti-Brucella sp. antibodies. A significant we st to east increase in the proportion of bears with anti-Brucella sp. antib odies was found, with 3.6% (n = 253) at Svalbard (Spitsbergen, Nordaustland et, Edgeoya, Barentsoya and Hopen), and 15.9% (n = 44) in the central Baren ts Sea. Anti-Brucella sp. antibodies were previously found in ringed seals (Phoca hispida) and harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) from the same geographi cal areas. The ringed seal is an important prey species for the Svalbard po lar bear population, and may thus be a source of brucellosis for the bears. There are no indications of reproductive disorders caused by Brucella sp. or other infectious agents in our study polar bear population. Potential im pacts of Brucella, sp. exposure on individuals or the population are unknow n.