Aleutian Disease of Mink: A Systemic Immune Complex Vascular Disease of Viral Origin

Abstract

Aleutian disease (AD) of mink is an interesting experiment of nature which serves as a valuable model of immune complex-mediated dis ease (Reviews [8, 9, 25, 29]. The term “Aleutian mink” refers to a natural mutation of ranch-raised mink (Mustela vison) that occurred on a mink ranch in the United States in 1941. Since the dark grey-blue pelt resembled that of the Aleutian fox on the Aleutian Islands, the new mutation was called Aleutian mink. Once the new color phase had been introduced on mink ranches, a new disease called “Aleutian disease” was observed. In principle, all genotypes of mink, including the non-Aleutian Natural Dark mink (AA, homozygous dominant gene for coat color) may develop this disease. However, experimental studies have clearly established a genetic predisposition of the Aleutian genotype, which shows an accelerated progression rate of lesions and in which the mortality is highest. In our experimental studies we use homozygous recessive mink (aa), i.e., Pearl, Sapphire, Silver Blue, and for comparison also Natural Dark. The original Aleutian mink (aa, homozygous recessive for coat color), which has the highest susceptibility, is not available.