The effect of protected areas on pathogen exposure in endangered African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) populations.

ABSTRACT: Infectious diseases impact African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), but the nature and magnitude of this threat likely varies among populations according to different factors, such as the presence and prevalence of pathogens and land-use characteristics. We systematically evaluated these factors to assist development of locally appropriate strategies to mitigate disease risk. Wild dogs from 16 sites representing five unconnected populations were examined for rabies virus, canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus, canine coronavirus, and Babesia spp. exposure. Analyses revealed widespread exposure to viral pathogens, but Babesia was never detected. Exposure to CDV was associated with unprotected and protected-unfenced areas where wild dogs likely have a high probabilit

SUBMITTER: Prager KC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7092939 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature