Search Results (165)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat, with wild birds increasingly recognized as potential reservoirs of resistant pathogens and as sentinels of environmental AMR. This study investigated the occurrence and AMR profiles of Gram-negative bacteria isolated from wild birds that died at the Wildlife Rescue Center in Vanzago, Lombardy, in 2024. Cloacal swabs were collected from 112 birds representing various ecological categories. A total of 157 Gram-negative bacteria were isolated and identified, including clinically relevant genera and species, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed resistance to first-line and critically important antimicrobials, including those exclusively authorized for human use. Notably, a phenotype compatible with Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) production was detected in four out of ten (40%) K. pneumoniae isolates. In addition, 20 out of the 157 (12.7%) isolated bacteria phenotypically exhibited a resistance profile indicative of AmpC beta-lactamase (AmpC) production, including Enterobacter spp. and P. aeruginosa. Resistance patterns were particularly interesting in birds with carnivorous, scavenging, or migratory-associated behaviors. These findings highlight the role of wild birds in the ecology and dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) and highlight the need for wildlife-based AMR monitoring programs as part of a One Health approach. Full article

Canine morbillivirus (CDV), the cause of canine distemper, is a pathogen affecting many hosts. While modified live virus (MLV) vaccines are crucial for controlling the disease in dogs, cases of vaccine-related infections have been found in both domestic and wild animals. Specifically, the America-1 and Rockborn-like vaccine genotypes are concerning due to their spread and ability to transmit between different species. This study conducted a review and analysis of molecular detections of these strains in various carnivores (domestic, captive, synanthropic, and wild species). This study used a conceptual model considering host ecology and the domestic–wild interface to evaluate plausible transmission connections over time using Linear Directional Mean (LDM) and Weighted Mean Centre (WMC) methods. Statistical analyses examined the relationship between how likely a strain is to spread and factors like host type and vaccination status. The findings showed that the America-1 genotype spread in a more organised way, with domestic dogs being the main source and recipient, bridging different environments. Synanthropic mesocarnivores also played this same role, with less intensity. America-1 was most concentrated in the North Atlantic and Western Europe. In contrast, the Rockborn-like strain showed a more unpredictable and restricted spread, residual circulation from past use rather than ongoing spread. Species involved in vaccine-related infections often share characteristics like generalist behaviour, social living, and a preference for areas where domestic animals and wildlife interact. We did not find a general link between a host vaccination status and the likelihood of the strain spreading. The study emphasised the ongoing risk of vaccine-derived strains moving from domestic and synanthropic animals to vulnerable wild species, supporting the need for improved vaccination approaches. Mapping these plausible transmission routes can serve as a basis for targeted surveillance, not only of vaccine-derived strains, but of any other circulating genotype. Full article

Amdoparvoviruses, encompassing the well-characterized Aleutian mink disease viruses (AMDV) as well as less investigated viruses infecting both captive and wild animals, are important carnivoran viruses that are significant pathogens in the mink farming industry. We investigated the molecular epidemiology of amdoparvoviruses among Danish wildlife. Spleen samples from 118 animals of seven carnivoran species were screened with a pan-amdoparvovirus PCR, and the identified viruses were molecularly characterized. In one of five European badgers (Meles meles), we identified an AMDV-3 strain whose ancestors were likely of farmed mink origin. This virus was last reported on a mink farm in 2002, demonstrating how farm-derived viruses have established themselves among wildlife. We also discovered and fully characterized a novel virus found in five of 81 (6.2%) foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and one of five badgers (20.0%), which we named fox and badger amdoparvovirus 1 (FBAV-1). FBAV-1 fulfills the criteria for classification as a novel species and phylogenetically is positioned as an intermediate between the North American and Eurasian amdoparvoviral clades. This study provides baseline data and expands our understanding of amdoparvoviral ecology. Further studies including more animals across diverse geographic areas are warranted to clarify amdoparvovirus epidemiology, spread, cross-species transmission, epidemic potential, and evolutionary paths. Full article

We examined three decades of changes in the mammal fauna of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in the context of climate variability, land use transformation, and anthropogenic pressures. We compiled distributional, abundance, and status data from publications, atlases, official game statistics, and long-term monitoring programs, and we evaluated trends using compound annual growth rates or temporal indices. Our review identified losses such as regional extinctions of garden dormice and European mink, declines in small insectivores (e.g., pond bats and shrews) and herbivores (e.g., Microtus voles), and the contraction of boreal specialists (e.g., Siberian flying squirrels). However, we also identified gains, including increases in ungulate numbers (e.g., roe deer, red deer, fallow deer, moose, and wild boars before African swine fewer outbreak) and the recovery of large carnivores (e.g., wolves and lynxes). Invasions by non-native species (e.g., American mink, raccoon dog, and raccoon) and episodic disturbances, such as African swine fever and the “anthropause” caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, have further reshaped community composition. The drivers encompass climatic warming, post-socialist forest succession, intensified hunting management, and rewilding policies, with dispersal capacity mediating the responses of species. Our results underscore the dual legacy of historical land use and contemporary climate forcing in structuring the fauna dynamics of Baltic mammal communities in the face of declining specialists and invasive taxa. Full article

Lungworms in carnivorous domestic animals are infestations that are relatively uncommon. However, in felines, especially wild ones, they are not at all rare. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of respiratory parasite infections (lung nematodes) in domestic cats based on necropsy and cytological examinations and to highlight the cytological examination of respiratory material as a practical and straightforward diagnostic method. For the presence of lung parasites, necropsy material (cadavers of cats) and samples submitted for cytological examinations from 2005 to 2022 were analyzed. In total, 730 cat samples from southern and southwestern Poland were examined—420 autopsied and 310 cats whose samples were examined cytologically. The material was collected using the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and submitted for cytological examination. Out of 420 cat autopsies, larvae and eggs of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus were found in 4 individuals (0.95%). In cytological material obtained from BAL, out of 310 samples analyzed, larvae and eggs of A. abstrusus and Capillaria aerophila were found in only 2 cases (0.64%). Respiratory parasitic infections in cats can pose a serious health risk, especially with high intensity, in young animals. Considering that such cases present a diagnostic challenge, it is advisable to encourage cat owners to limit their pets’ contact with intermediate and paratenic hosts and use anthelmintics to combat lung parasites. Full article

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the health and physiology of tigers (Panthera tigris), influencing digestion, immune function, and overall well-being. While numerous studies have characterized the gut microbiota of domestic carnivores and some wild felids, comparative analyses across different tiger subspecies under varying environmental contexts remain limited. In this exploratory study, we investigated the gut microbiome diversity and composition of 15 captive tigers, including both Siberian (P. tigris altaica) and Bengal (P. tigris tigris) subspecies, housed in two different regions in Korea. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal samples, we analyzed microbial diversity across multiple taxonomic levels. Preliminary analyses revealed significant differences in microbial composition between geographic locations, whereas sex-based differences appeared minimal. Alpha and beta diversity metrics demonstrated substantial inter-individual variability, likely influenced by regional and environmental factors. Given the small sample size and the confounding between subspecies and housing location, the findings should be regarded as preliminary and not generalized beyond this specific cohort. Nevertheless, these insights highlight the potential utility of gut microbiome profiling for health monitoring and management in captive-tiger populations. Future research incorporating larger, more diverse cohorts will be essential to validate these trends and clarify the roles of diet, health status, and enrichment in shaping the gut microbiota. Full article

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious pathogen and causes a fatal systemic disease in domestic dogs and wild carnivores worldwide. Despite CDV infections being monitored globally, studies on CDV in Vietnam seem to be limited. This study, therefore, investigated the epidemiological, clinical, and molecular characteristics of CDV in the Mekong Delta (MD) region of Vietnam. A total of 6687 ocular/nasal swabs were collected from CDV-suspected dogs across seven cities/provinces. CDV infection was detected in 6.19% (414 dogs) of suspected dogs using a commercially available rapid kit, with infection associated with age, roaming status, and vaccination status. Hematological and blood biochemical analysis of CDV-infected dogs revealed anemia, leukopenia, neutrophilia, thrombocytopenia, a slight increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, and a significant increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. Molecular characterization of partial hemagglutinin (H) and fusion (F) genes exhibited high nucleotide and amino acid homology with the Asia-1 genotype. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the field sequences were clustered into the Asia-1 genotype together with the neighboring countries. These findings provide important insights into the current epidemiological, clinical, and molecular features of CDV circulating in Vietnam. Full article

Canine circovirus (CanineCV) is an emerging virus of interest in both domestic and wild carnivores that is scarcely reported in southeastern Europe. This study examined the presence, genetic diversity, and evolutionary characteristics of CanineCV in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and golden jackals (Canis aureus) from northwestern Serbia, a region marked by expanding mesopredator populations overlapping with human habitats. Out of 98 sampled animals, circoviral DNA was detected in 31.6%. Jackals were mostly positive for CanineCV genotype 4, while genotype 5, associated with wild carnivores, was dominant in foxes. Mixed genotype 4/genotype 5 infections were only found in jackals. Phylogenetic and haplotype analyses indicated that most jackal-derived CanineCV strains clustered along sequences from Europe, Africa, and the Americas, while genotype 5 sequences grouped separately from other genotype representatives. A recombinant strain was identified as a divergent lineage, and several sequences showed evidence of recombination between Rep and Cap genes. Despite Cap protein amino acid differences, purifying selection dominated, suggesting functional constraints on viral evolution. The results indicate that jackals may act as recombination hotspots and bridging hosts between viral lineages. This study provides insight into the molecular epidemiology of CanineCV in the Balkans, highlighting the importance of ongoing surveillance. Full article

Bluetongue virus (BTV), traditionally considered a pathogen of ruminants, has recently been documented in dogs, challenging conventional understanding of its epidemiology. This narrative review synthesizes emerging evidence regarding BTV infections in domestic and wild carnivores, examining transmission dynamics, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic challenges. Carnivores can become infected through vector transmission and oral ingestion of infected material. While some infected carnivores remain subclinical, others develop severe clinical manifestations including hemorrhagic syndromes. BTV infection in carnivores is likely underdiagnosed due to limited awareness, nonspecific clinical signs, and absence of established diagnostic protocols for non-ruminant species. The potential role of carnivores in BTV epidemiology remains largely unexplored, raising questions about their function as reservoirs or dead-end hosts. Additionally, carnivores may contribute to alternative transmission pathways and overwintering mechanisms that impact disease ecology. Current biosecurity frameworks and surveillance systems, primarily focused on ruminants, require expansion to incorporate carnivores in viral maintenance and transmission. This review identifies significant knowledge gaps regarding BTV in carnivores and proposes future research directions, including serological surveys, transmission studies, and investigation of viral tropism in carnivore tissues. A comprehensive One Health approach integrating diverse host species, vector ecology, human interference, and environmental factors is crucial for effective BTV control and impact mitigation on human, animals, and environment. Full article

Infections with zoonotic pathogens have received increasing attention in recent years, as reflected in the literature of both veterinary and human medicine. Cryptosporidium and Giardia are recognised as the principal causes of waterborne outbreaks worldwide, but there is still limited data on the role of wild carnivores, such as red foxes and wolves, as reservoir hosts and in disseminating these pathogens in the environment. The aim of the current project was to analyse the prevalence and abundance of Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections in foxes from seven voivodeships and in wolves from the Warmia-Masuria Voivodeship in Poland and to conduct a phylogenetic analysis of the detected parasites. For the detection of both parasites, we used the commercial immunofluorescent assay MeriFluor Cryptosporidium/Giardia. For Cryptosporidium detection we also applied modified Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) staining of faecal smears and, following PCR amplification, sequenced the 18S rDNA locus. For Giardia detection, we sequenced the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) gene. In total, 117 and 69 faecal samples obtained from red foxes and wolves, respectively, were screened for the presence of Cryptoporidium/Giardia. In red foxes, prevalence was 38.5% and 15.4% for Cryptosporidium spp. and G. intestinalis, respectively. In wolves, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was 14.5%, and only one sample was Giardia-positive. Cryptosporidium canis, Cryptosporidium sp. vole genotype, C. baileyi and Cryptosporidium sp. were identified in red foxes, while C. canis and Cryptosporidium sp. were detected in wolves. Our results indicate that red foxes and grey wolves act as reservoir hosts of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. intestinalis in natural areas in Poland. Full article

Microsporidiosis is a zoonotic disease that derives from disparate sources. Most of the microsporidial agents are host-specific but some are capable of interspecies transmission, causing disease in various animals including humans. Human microsporidiosis may be caused by 17 species, with Encephalitozoon cuniculi, E. intestinalis and E. hellem mostly being responsible for human infections worldwide. Wildlife and migratory waterfowl can serve as reservoirs of these human-infectious agents and play a significant role in disseminating these pathogens into the environment. The aim of the study was to detect E. cuniculi, E. intestinalis and E. hellem in wild, migratory greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons) and other Anatidae members in feacal samples obtained in north-western Poland, using a molecular method. We collected 189 fecal droppings from Anatidae species (75 samples from greater white-fronted geese and 114 from other Anser spp.) during autumn migration. New species specific primers for PCR amplification were used to amplify a fragment of the small subunit ribosomal (SSU) rRNA of E. cuniculi, E. intestinalis and E. hellem. All fecal droppings were negative for E. intestinalis and E. hellem whereas E cuniculi was detected in 6 of 189 fecal samples (3.2%; 95% CI: 1.3–6.3%). In total, 1 of 75 tested fecal samples of greater white-fronted geese was positive (1.3%; 95% CI: 0.08–5.7%) while 5 of 114 (4.4%; 95% CI: 1.6–9.1%) tested fecal samples without exact species affiliation (only Anser sp.) were also positive. The phylogenetic analysis placed the sequences obtained from the birds’ droppings in the clade E. cuniculi from various rodents, wild carnivores and humans. Our results provide the first description of the occurrence and genotyping of the microsporidian E. cuniculi in greater white-fronted geese and in other members of the Anserinae Subfamily. Our findings support the results of other authors that E. cuniculi may originate from diverse sources, including common waterfowl. Our results are important in a One Health context, as wild migrating waterfowl may disseminate this zoonotic agent in remote regions through their migratory behaviour. These species should be considered significant sources of zoonotic pathogens, potentially hazardous to domestic and farmed animals as well as humans. Full article

Spotted hyenas live in fission–fusion social societies, requiring them to adopt a flexible multimodal communication system across variable spatial scales. However, researchers have extensively studied acoustic and olfactory signals for conspecific communication compared to visual signals, especially in wild populations. Here, we reviewed 46 articles on the Web of Science on social communication in wild and captive spotted hyena populations to synthesize our collective knowledge of the extent to which spotted hyenas utilize sensory cues to communicate and how flexible they are between captive and wild populations. Across all articles, 54% focused on acoustic communication (n = 25), 33% on olfaction (n = 15), leaving only 13% on vision (n = 6). Most of this research studied wild populations (82%; n = 38), leaving an intriguing gap in our knowledge of captive populations and their potential for developing behavioral innovations due to their robust social cognition (i.e., modifying behavioral form and/or function observed in wild populations to better accommodate the captive performer’s environment and social needs). Improving our understanding of innovation development in this species has possible benefits for studying behavioral evolution and improving captive welfare (e.g., identifying normal vs. stereotypic behavior) in this social carnivore. Full article

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is the causative agent of a widespread infectious disease affecting both domestic and wild carnivores. Owing to its ability to cross species barriers and its high fatality rate in unvaccinated animals, CDV poses a significant conservation threat to endangered wildlife worldwide. To date, two distinct CDV lineages have been reported in Colombia, with cases documented separately in domestic dogs and wild peri-urban carnivores. This study aimed to detect and characterize the concurrent circulation of CDV in naturally infected domestic dogs and crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) from the same area in Colombia. Through molecular and phylogenetic analyses, we identified the South America/North America-4 lineage infecting both populations simultaneously. Our findings revealed high genetic variability, multiple virus reintroductions, and a close relationship with CDV strains previously detected in the United States. These results confirm the simultaneous circulation of CDV in the domestic and wildlife interface and underscore the urgent need for an integrated approach to CDV prevention and control involving both domestic and wildlife health interventions. Full article

The study of carnivores’ diets is an important conservation tool, which can minimize conflicts with different stakeholders and provide proper substantiations for management measures. The main aim of this study was to understand the diet of a small, isolated pack named Mogadouro Sul, present in the Northeast of Trás-os-Montes (Portugal). Scat analysis was the method used to determine what wolves consumed. The specific origin of all collected fecal samples (n = 78) was confirmed by molecular analysis. The results, expressed in frequency of occurrence (FO) showed that domestic animals were the most frequent food category in the wolf’s diet (78.3% FO), with a special incidence in goats (40.6% FO), although wild ungulates (roe deer and wild boar) also accounted for 21.7% FO of the diet. The study pack presented a diet diversity (H′) of 0.65 and a food niche breadth (B′) of 0.55. Food availability did not appear to be a limiting factor, and the wolf’s presence in the study area could be explained by changes in land use and increased infrastructure. This trophic behavior may threaten the conservation of this pack due to the persecution it may face. Full article

Human–wildlife conflict poses significant ecological and socio-economic challenges, particularly in rural communities where agriculture and livestock rearing form the backbone of livelihoods. Despite the growing importance of this issue, District Lakki Marwat remains an unexplored area of northwest Pakistan. This study aims to fill this gap by systematically assessing the status, economic impacts, and community perceptions of five wildlife species: wild boar (Sus scrofa), grey wolf (Canis lupus), golden jackal (Canis aureus), striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Using semi-structured surveys with 117 respondents, we analyzed species prevalence, perceived danger levels, crop damage patterns, and predation impacts on livestock and poultry. The findings revealed that wild boars were identified as the primary contributors to agricultural damage, with total annual crop losses surpassing the economic impacts attributed to the studied carnivores. On average, each surveyed household experienced an annual loss of PKR 4510.38. For the 39% of households reporting crop damage, the annual loss per reported household was PKR 11,727, which was higher than the average annual loss across all households, underscoring the severity of the impact on those specifically affected by the wild boar-related crop damage. Notably, community attitudes were most negative toward wild boars, a pattern driven by the economic burden of crop losses, challenging the conventional focus on carnivores as the primary conflict species. A Pearson’s $X^2$ test confirmed strong associations between species and perceived danger levels, while regression analysis demonstrated an association between crop damage and negative attitudes. Traditional deterrents like thorn fences were found ineffective against wild boars. More advanced methods, including game-proof fencing, trenches, bio-fencing, crop rotation, audio and visual deterrents, taste and order repellents, and watchtowers combined with group vigilance, are recommended to reduce crop damage. Integrating these approaches with community-based education, habitat management, and government-supported compensation schemes can mitigate wild boar impacts. This study contributes new insights into multi-species HWC dynamics, demonstrating that community perceptions are primarily shaped by the economic impact of a species, regardless of whether it is a carnivore or an omnivore. The attitudes of local communities are driven by the financial losses incurred, rather than the species' behavior or ecological role. This study underscores the need for collaborative efforts to reduce human–wildlife conflict, foster coexistence, and ensure ecological balance in vulnerable rural areas. Full article