Search Results (255)

As a keystone species in alpine ecosystems, the Tibetan fox (Vulpes ferrilata) plays an important role in maintaining ecological processes on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Understanding its behavioral structure, activity rhythm, and responses to road-related human disturbance is essential for effective conservation and management. This study was conducted in the Tangbei Area of Sanjiangyuan National Park from May to December 2024 using infrared camera trapping. In total, 1166 effective camera-trap days yielded 748 independent photographs, 340 video clips, and 217 valid behavioral records. An ethogram was constructed, and activity patterns and responses to human disturbance were analyzed. The results showed that: (1) Tibetan fox behavior was dominated by locomotion (55.18%), followed by vigilance (23.20%) and scent marking (17.68%). (2) The species exhibited pronounced nocturnality, with an overall daily activity rate of 76.20%. Activity peaked at night (22:00–04:00), reaching 92.63%, while the lowest activity level occurred around midday (12:00), with an activity rate of 44.63%. (3) Roads and human activities significantly altered the behavioral structure of Tibetan foxes. The study indicates that Tibetan foxes adapt to human disturbance through temporal allocation and spatial avoidance, which may affect its social structure and increase energy expenditure. In future conservation practices, focus should be placed on the management of human activities in the region, with enhanced efforts in the construction of ecological corridors, restoration of habitat connectivity, and control of traffic intensity. This study provides scientific evidence to support wildlife conservation and human activity management in alpine protected areas of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. The quantified behavioral baseline and disturbance response patterns also offer reference indicators for conservation veterinary medicine assessment and wild canid welfare monitoring, which can be used to evaluate the health status of Tibetan fox populations under anthropogenic pressure. Full article

Background/Objectives: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are important zoonotic pathogens associated with gastrointestinal infections and hemolytic–uremic syndrome (HUS). Increasing serotype diversity, emergence of hybrid strains, and growing antimicrobial resistance complicate surveillance and treatment. This review summarizes recent data on STEC isolated from major animal reservoirs between 2020 and 2026. Methods: We comparatively analyzed peer-reviewed, open-access studies investigating STEC from cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, wildlife, and related animal products. We extracted and evaluated data on serotypes, virulence genes, hybrid pathotypes, and antimicrobial resistance determinants. Results: High serotype diversity was observed across all reservoirs, with non-O157 STEC frequently predominating over O157:H7. Ruminant isolates commonly carried stx2 and additional virulence determinants associated with severe human disease, confirming cattle and small ruminants as major reservoirs of highly pathogenic STEC. Poultry-associated isolates showed greater variability in virulence profiles but frequently exhibited high rates of multidrug resistance. Hybrid strains combining virulence traits characteristic of multiple E. coli pathotypes were increasingly reported. Livestock-associated STEC commonly carried resistance determinants against β-lactams, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, quinolones, and polymyxins, whereas wildlife isolates generally showed lower rates of resistance. Conclusions: Animal-associated STEC populations demonstrate increasing genomic diversity, pathogenic potential, and antimicrobial resistance. The growing prevalence of non-O157 and hybrid strains highlights the limitations of traditional serotype-focused surveillance and emphasizes the need for integrated One Health monitoring strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) can be influenced by the interconnection of human, animal and environmental compartments, making wildlife-based surveillance an important component of One Health surveillance. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes), due to its synanthropic behaviour and wide distribution, can be a valuable indicator of environmental AMR. Mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes, which encode resistance to a highest-priority critically important antimicrobial (HPCIA), have never been identified in free-ranging foxes. Case presentation: A red fox faecal strain isolated using selective media was PCR-screened for major AMR genes, underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). This led to the identification of the first mcr-1-positive Escherichia coli from a wild red fox. The fox inhabited an area with a small human population but one of the highest cattle densities in Italy and high antimicrobial use (AMU), as established by comparing local livestock density and AMU with surrounding areas. Despite being borderline phenotypically susceptible to colistin, the isolate displayed resistance to other HPCIAs and antimicrobial classes commonly used in livestock. WGS revealed that mcr-1 was chromosomally integrated. Discussion: The study area showed near-zero colistin use in livestock alongside high overall AMU, suggesting that the mcr-1-positive isolate may have evolved through co-selection rather than direct colistin pressure. mcr-1 can persist and circulate in the environment, even where colistin use is minimal, and foxes may represent effective sentinels for tracking such events. Our results emphasise the importance of including wildlife in One Health surveillance frameworks to monitor AMR at the human–animal–environment interface. Full article

Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of public health importance, acting as vectors of numerous pathogens affecting wildlife, domestic animals and humans. Although birds play an important role in tick ecology and dispersal, information on tick infestations of pheasants in Europe remains limited. This study investigated the prevalence, species composition, developmental stage structure and haplotype diversity of ticks infesting pheasants in Croatia using ecological, morphological and molecular approaches. During the hunting seasons, 255 pheasants from continental and Mediterranean regions of Croatia were examined. Ticks were collected from harvested pheasants and road-killed individuals, morphologically identified, and representative specimens were molecularly confirmed. Overall, 213 pheasants were infested, resulting in a prevalence of 83.5%, and a total of 1103 ticks were collected. Six tick species were identified, with Ixodes ricinus dominating the tick community (80.1%). Molecular analyses confirmed the occurrence of several closely related Mediterranean Ixodes species, including Ixodes festai and Ixodes ventalloi. Nymphs predominated (78.2%), highlighting the importance of pheasants as hosts for immature tick stages. Significant geographical differences were observed. Continental localities were dominated by I. ricinus, whereas coastal and island regions showed significantly higher tick species diversity. Mean tick abundance per pheasant was significantly higher in Mediterranean regions. Male pheasants exhibited higher infestation prevalence and intensity than females. The marked regional differences highlight the influence of Croatia’s biogeographical heterogeneity on tick community composition. These findings demonstrate that pheasants serve as important hosts for diverse tick species and likely contribute to the maintenance of local tick populations, thereby providing a valuable baseline for future surveillance of tick-borne pathogens in Croatia. Full article

Cancer is increasingly recognized as an emerging concern in wildlife health and biodiversity conservation in the Anthropocene. Although traditionally viewed as an individual disease associated primarily with aging, wildlife cancer is shaped by complex interactions among environmental changes, species-specific evolutionary adaptations, and ecological processes. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the ecological and evolutionary drivers of wildlife cancer by integrating evidence from comparative oncology, environmental toxicology, wildlife pathology, and conservation biology. We examine how anthropogenic stressors, including pollution, habitat degradation, climate change, and infectious agents, influence cancer susceptibility in wild populations, and summarize intrinsic mechanisms underlying interspecific variation in cancer vulnerability, including Peto’s paradox, enhanced tumor suppression, and adaptive immune surveillance. We further highlight major methodological challenges, including limited surveillance capacity, fragmented datasets, taxonomic biases, and insufficient integration between cancer biology and conservation science. Finally, we discuss emerging interdisciplinary approaches, such as standardized monitoring frameworks, multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence-assisted diagnosis, and One Health-based strategies, to advance wildlife cancer research and management. Collectively, this review positions wildlife cancer as an important ecological and evolutionary phenomenon and provides perspectives for incorporating cancer surveillance into biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health assessment. Full article

Historically, mpox was thought to be a geographically constrained ‘disease of poverty,’ leading to decades of neglect by global health actors. Waning population immunity from the cessation of smallpox vaccination and prolonged scientific neglect created conditions that enabled the monkeypox virus (MPXV) to adapt cryptically. This ultimately contributed to the emergence of unprecedented global public health crises. This review aims to systematically trace the history, epidemiology, genomic evolution, and reservoir ecology of mpox in West Africa from 1970 to 2025. Following PRISMA guidelines, 110 articles met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized to map the virus’s trajectory. For nearly four decades, an “Era of Silence” (1970–2016) masked the silent enzootic circulation of MPXV within West African wildlife, primarily rodents and small mammals. This epidemiological quiescence ended with the 2017 re-emergence in Nigeria, which signaled a fundamental paradigm shift. The disease profile transitioned from sporadic, rural paediatric infections to sustained, urban and secondary transmission among young adult males. This shift was often associated with sexual networks, especially among men who have sex with men, and was characterized by novel clinical presentations, including genital and perianal lesions. Genomic analyses revealed that clade II diverged from clade I approximately 3500 years ago and is uniquely defined by the deletion of virulence factors, such as the complement-binding protein. Importantly, the clade IIb lineage, which triggered the 2022 global outbreak, exhibits accelerated microevolution consistent with APOBEC3-mediated hypermutation. This host-driven mutational signature provides genomic evidence supporting the hypothesis that clade IIb circulated cryptically within human-to-human transmission chains in West Africa as early as 2014. Ecologically, while no definitive reservoir has yet been identified, evidence suggests diverse rodents and an expanding host range. The transformation of mpox from a rare zoonosis to a global threat underscores the severe consequences of delayed intervention, demanding robust, integrated “One Health” surveillance. Full article

Trace elements are persistent environmental contaminants that can bioaccumulate and biomagnify through food webs, making wildlife valuable sentinels of ecosystem health. This study provides the first characterization of trace element concentrations in whole blood from free-ranging Iberian lynxes (Lynx pardinus) and evaluates the biological and environmental factors influencing their variability, including comparisons with captive individuals. A total of 229 blood samples collected in Extremadura (southwestern Spain) between 2018 and 2024 were analyzed for Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Hg, Fe, and Pb. Overall, concentrations were within the ranges reported for other mammalian species, and no clinical evidence of adverse health effects was detected during routine veterinary examinations. Significant correlations were identified among several elements, particularly between Zn and Fe, with moderate associations between Mn and Zn and between Fe and Cu, suggesting common environmental sources and interconnected physiological regulation. Trace element concentrations were significantly influenced by age, sex, geographical area, and sampling period, especially for As and Se, reflecting differences in bioaccumulation, metabolism, and environmental exposure. Principal component analysis revealed a largely shared multielement profile, with no clear separation among populations or biological groups, indicating relatively homogeneous exposure despite moderate spatial and individual variability. These findings provide the first reference values for trace elements in Iberian lynx whole blood, establishing a baseline for biomonitoring, ecotoxicological assessment, and conservation of this threatened felid. Full article

Ectoparasites cause skin lesions, anemia, and mortality in wild animals and act as vectors of zoonotic pathogens. This study reports ectoparasites detected during an opportunistic survey on wild mammals admitted to the Van Yuzuncu Yil University Wildlife Protection and Rehabilitation Center in eastern Türkiye during 2024–2025. Due to the opportunistic nature of sampling, the findings primarily reflect parasite burdens in injured or debilitated individuals and may not be representative of healthy free-ranging populations. Of the 28 animals examined, 20 (71.4%) were infested. A total of 449 ectoparasites were collected: 370 fleas (82.4%), 58 ticks (12.9%), and 21 lice (4.7%). Identified species included four fleas (Paraceras melis, Chaetopsylla globiceps, Pulex irritans, Archaeopsylla erinacei), four ticks (Ixodes kaiseri, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Haemaphysalis parva, Haemaphysalis erinacei), and one louse (Trichodectes melis). This study provides new host–ectoparasite association records for Türkiye: I. kaiseri and R. turanicus on beech marten (Martes foina); I. kaiseri and C. globiceps on Eurasian badger (Meles meles); and P. irritans on Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and brown bear (Ursus arctos). Bipartite network analysis revealed moderate specialization (H2’ = 0.52) and marked variation in host specificity, with T. melis, A. erinacei, and P. melis showing high host specificity (d’ > 0.85), whereas Chaetopsylla globiceps and Pulex irritans acted as generalists (d’ < 0.30). Some identified ectoparasites are known or suspected vectors of zoonotic pathogens. These findings provide baseline data for future research on wildlife health and disease transmission risks in the region. Full article

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious multi-host pathogen that poses a significant threat to both domestic and wild carnivore populations. The increasing overlap between wildlife habitats, peri-urban environments, and domestic animal populations has raised concerns regarding the epidemiological role of wild canids in maintaining and disseminating CDV. This study investigated the occurrence of CDV infection among free-ranging wild canids from western Romania. Brain tissue samples collected from 64 free-ranging wild canids, including 38 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and 26 golden jackals (Canis aureus), were initially screened using a commercial immunochromatographic antigen detection assay. Positive samples were subsequently subjected to molecular confirmation by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). CDV antigen was detected in 16 of the 64 investigated animals (antigen-positive proportion: 25.0%), including 12 red foxes (31.6%) and 4 golden jackals (15.4%). All antigen-positive samples were subsequently confirmed by RT-qPCR, demonstrating the presence of CDV RNA in the screened-positive subset. Since molecular testing was performed only on antigen-positive samples, these proportions should not be interpreted as molecular prevalence estimates. Viral RNA was confirmed in all antigen-positive samples by RT-qPCR, providing molecular evidence of CDV infection in opportunistically sampled wild canids. Although a higher antigen-positive proportion was observed in red foxes, no statistically significant association was identified between host species and CDV positivity (χ² = 2.16, p = 0.142). These findings provide molecular confirmation of CDV infection in opportunistically collected rabies-negative wild canid carcasses from western Romania. Although the study demonstrates the presence of CDV in both investigated species, the sampling strategy does not allow estimation of population-level occurrence or broader epidemiological inference. Continuous molecular surveillance integrating wildlife, domestic animals, and environmental monitoring is warranted to improve understanding of CDV epidemiology and transmission dynamics in southeastern Europe within a One Health framework. Full article

Bats (Chiroptera) account for approximately 25% of all known mammalian species and provide essential ecological services, including insect regulation, pollination, and seed dispersal. Despite their importance, they face significant conservation threats and persistently negative social perceptions. Owing to their innate immunity and tolerance, bats constitute a particularly efficient natural reservoir for a wide variety of potentially zoonotic viruses. Over the past two decades, bat-associated viruses have been central to multiple outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases. From severe acute respiratory syndromes to filoviral hemorrhagic fevers, bats have consistently acted as key reservoirs in pathogen emergence. This has further damaged the public perception of bats as dangerous animals and vectors of serious diseases, in some cases leading to increased persecution of their populations. However, spillover events should not be attributed to bats, but rather to human-driven environmental changes—including deforestation, land-use transformation, agricultural intensification, urban expansion, biodiversity loss, wildlife trade and research biosecurity—that amplify contact among humans, livestock, and wildlife or their potential zoonotic pathogens. Safeguarding bat populations, minimizing direct interactions with wildlife, and preserving intact ecosystems are critical not only for bat conservation but also for reducing zoonotic spillover risk. Furthermore, it is essential to strengthen social communication regarding the importance of bats, in order to counteract their negative reputation and promote greater public understanding of their ecological value. This article reviews health, sociological, and conservation dimensions of the issue, situating them within a broader context to provide an integrated, multidisciplinary understanding. Potential solutions and priority directions for future research are also discussed. Full article

Background: Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, infects diverse animal species and reflects environmental contamination. However, the global seroprevalence of B. pseudomallei in animals remains incompletely characterized. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261306404). PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched for observational studies reporting seroprevalence of B. pseudomallei in animals. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were conducted by animal group, geographic region, diagnostic method, and indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) cut-off value. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Results: Twenty studies involving 78,914 animals were included. The pooled seroprevalence of B. pseudomallei was 11% (95% CI: 6–19%), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 98.1%, p < 0.0001). Wildlife showed the highest prevalence (16%; 95% CI: 10–25%), followed by livestock (11%; 95% CI: 6–19%). Significant geographic variation was observed (p < 0.0001), with higher prevalence reported in North America (18%) and Southeast Asia (10%). Seroprevalence estimates varied according to diagnostic method and IHA cut-off values. Sensitivity analyses yielded similar pooled prevalence estimates after exclusion of small studies, supporting the stability of the overall findings despite persistent heterogeneity. Conclusions: Exposure to B. pseudomallei is widespread among animal populations and influenced by geographic and methodological factors. Standardized diagnostic approaches and expanded animal surveillance are needed to improve understanding of melioidosis epidemiology within a One Health framework. Full article

Camels are increasingly recognized as an important epizootological and epidemiological link in natural plague foci, contributing to the transmission of Yersinia pestis from wildlife to humans. In the Republic of Kazakhstan, where natural plague foci occupy up to 40% of the territory, the rapid growth of camel populations may significantly enhance epidemiological risks. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive assessment of the role of camels in the epizootology and epidemiology of plague based on retrospective data (1907–2003) and contemporary monitoring (2000–2025), including spatial analysis and risk zoning. A total of 64 cases of camel plague and 43 epizootic foci were identified during the historical period. More than 400 human cases, including fatal outcomes, associated with infected camels were documented, with direct contact during slaughter and meat processing accounting for 94.7% of infections. Spatial analysis and epidemiological zoning revealed a heterogeneous risk distribution, with western and southern regions representing the highest-risk areas. Serological investigation (n = 2726) showed 75.6% seropositivity, likely reflecting substantial population immunity largely associated with vaccination. Despite increasing camel population size (from 227.7 to 304.0 thousand heads in 2020–2025), vaccination coverage varied between 32.0% and 51.0%, reflecting risk-based preventive strategies. The absence of recent camel plague cases supports the effectiveness of integrated control measures, including vaccination, surveillance, and the establishment of protective zones. These findings suggest that camels remain an important component of plague transmission systems and should be systematically integrated into surveillance programs within a One Health framework. Full article

Animal infectious diseases impose severe economic burdens on livestock industries, threaten wildlife populations, and compromise food security. Although vaccination remains the cornerstone of disease prevention, conventional vaccine platforms are often constrained by safety, efficacy, or manufacturing scalability. This narrative review provides a comprehensive analysis of the state of the art in herpesvirus-vectored vaccines for veterinary applications, focusing on five well-characterized alphaherpesviruses: Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1), Pseudorabies virus (PRV), Marek’s disease virus (MDV), Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1), and Duck enteritis virus (DEV). The intrinsic characteristics of herpesviruses, including large, stable genomes; the capacity for foreign gene insertion; broad host tropism; and the ability to elicit robust humoral and cellular immunity, are examined, and their performance is compared with that of traditional vaccine platforms. Key advances in vectored vaccine development are highlighted, from proof-of-concept studies to the creation of advanced multivalent constructs. These approaches demonstrate protective efficacy against a range of significant animal pathogens, including foot-and-mouth disease virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, avian influenza virus, infectious bursal disease virus, and West Nile virus. The literature was identified through systematic searches of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science (1990–2026), followed by title/abstract screening and reference chaining. Future directions in vector engineering, mucosal delivery, and synthetic biology approaches are considered. Herpesvirus-vectored vaccines represent a versatile platform for enhancing animal health, supporting sustainable agriculture, and mitigating zoonotic risks. Full article

Populations of European bison (Bison bonasus), Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber), and Eurasian moose (Alces alces) in Poland are currently experiencing significant growth. These species are subject to strict legal protection or specific regulatory frameworks. The purpose of the study is to analyze Polish legislation concerning the protection of selected species and to identify legislative actions that could ensure healthy, sustainable, and well-managed population levels in Poland. The study also explores carefully regulated forms of sustainable use, including the potential consumption of meat from these species. During this research, the methodology of analysis and scientific interpretation of legal acts was used. Case law and relevant socio-economic and environmental factors were also analyzed and highlighted. The results show that the law currently in force and its interpretation may pose challenges to achieving fully effective conservation outcomes. Wildlife protection requires effective, locally adapted population management. Proposals for legal changes that would support diversified and sustainable management approaches, while maintaining a high level of protection, ensuring environmental stability and sustainability, and ensuring the highest standards of public safety, are presented. De lege ferenda postulates indicate that it is essential to balance the legitimate interests of wildlife conservation, public health, and society. Full article

Long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) commonly inhabit human-modified environments across Asia, where close human–macaque interactions have increased interest in understanding soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections at human–wildlife interfaces. Because gastrointestinal helminth infections can affect animal health, understanding STH prevalence may support wildlife health surveillance. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of major STHs in long-tailed macaques across diverse habitat settings in Asia. EMBASE, PubMed, and Scopus were systematically searched for studies published between 2000 and January 2026, with additional records identified through Google Scholar. Random-effects models with Freeman–Tukey double-arcsine transformation were used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates, and subgroup analyses were performed by habitat type, country, and diagnostic method. Thirty-five studies comprising 5505 macaques from seven countries, predominantly in Southeast Asia, were included. Studies involved urban/temple-associated free-ranging, wild/semi-wild, and captive populations. Among free-ranging macaques, pooled prevalence estimates were 19.3% for Strongyloides spp., 12.9% for hookworms, 9.1% for Trichuris spp., and 3.3% for Ascaris spp. In captive macaque populations, pooled prevalence estimates were 3.6% for Strongyloides spp., 2.2% for hookworm, 1.4% for Ascaris spp., and 8.2% for Trichuris spp. Subgroup analyses by habitat type suggested relatively higher prevalence estimates in urban/temple-associated settings than in wild/semi-wild habitats for several STH taxa. However, substantial between-study heterogeneity (I² > 90% in most analyses), publication bias, and possible small-study effects were identified in some analyses, particularly for hookworm prevalence estimates. These findings indicate that STH infections have been documented among long-tailed macaque populations across diverse habitat settings in Asia. Nevertheless, pooled prevalence estimates should be interpreted cautiously because of substantial heterogeneity, diagnostic variability, and possible publication bias. Future standardized surveillance and molecular investigations may support improved understanding of the prevalence and distribution of STH infections at human–wildlife interfaces. Full article