Habitat degradation and loss of genetic diversity are common threats faced by almost all of today’s wild cats. Big cats, such as tigers and lions, are of great concern and have received considerable conservation attention through policies and international actions. However, knowledge of and conservation actions for small wild cats are lagging considerably behind. The black-footed cat, Felis nigripes, one of the smallest felid species, is experiencing increasing threats with a rapid reduction in population size. However, there is a lack of genetic information to assist in developing effective conservation actions. A de novo assembly of a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome of the black-footed cat was made, and comparative genomics and population genomics analyses were carried out. These analyses revealed that the most significant genetic changes in the evolution of the black-footed cat are the rapid evolution of sensory and metabolic-related genes, reflecting genetic adaptations to its characteristic nocturnal hunting and a high metabolic rate. Genomes of the black-footed cat exhibit a high level of inbreeding, especially for signals of recent inbreeding events, which suggest that they may have experienced severe genetic isolation caused by habitat fragmentation. More importantly, inbreeding associated with two deleterious mutated genes may exacerbate the risk of #amyloidosis, the dominant disease that causes mortality of about 70% of captive individuals. Our research provides comprehensive documentation of the evolutionary history of the black-footed cat and suggests that there is an urgent need to investigate genomic variations of small felids worldwide to support effective conservation actions. https://lnkd.in/e5TZ5Ccr
Martin A. Dueñas’ Post
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🔬 Exciting Research Update on Wildlife Parasitology! We are thrilled to share our latest findings on the impact of parasites on moose populations in southern Quebec, published in our recent study. This research sheds light on the intricate relationships between moose and various parasites, including winter ticks and several species of endoparasites. 🦌 Study Highlights: Analysis of 174 hunted moose across eight regions in fall 2019. Documented diversity, prevalence, and intensity of endoparasites and winter ticks. Investigated potential interactions between different parasite species. Determined that moose body condition remains unaffected by the simultaneous presence of multiple parasites. 🌿 This study is crucial as it provides insights into how environmental changes might influence parasite dynamics and host health. As temperatures shift, understanding these relationships becomes key to predicting and managing wildlife health. 📚 Dive deeper into our findings to explore how these ecological interactions shape the health and survival of moose populations. #WildlifeConservation #Ecology #Parasitology #VeterinaryScience #EnvironmentalChange
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Associate Founder Lyme Switerland (Research, Data Analytics, AI, Information Support), Business Analyst (Business intelligence, Knowledge management / process automation / Compliance / KYX / Financial Crime)
Coinfection of Babesia and Borrelia in the Tick Ixodes ricinus—A Neglected Public Health Issue in Europe? Abstract: Ixodes ricinus nymphs and adults removed fromhumans, andlarvaeandnymphsfrombirds, have been analysed for infection with Babesia species and Borrelia species previously in separately published studies. Here, we use the same data set to explore the coinfection pattern of Babesia and Borrelia species in the ticks. We also provide an overview of the ecology and potential public health importance in Sweden of I. ricinus infected both with zoonotic Babesia and Borrelia species. Among 1952 nymphsandadultticks removed from humans, 3.1% werePCR-positive for Babesia spp. Of these Babesia-positive ticks, 43% were simultaneously Borrelia-positive. Among 1046 immatures of I. ricinus removed from birds, 2.5% were Babesia-positive, of which 38% were coinfected with Borrelia species. This study shows that in I. ricinus infesting humans or birds in Sweden, potentially zoonotic Babesia Citation: Jaenson, T.G.T.; Gray, J.S.; Lindgren, P.-E.; Wilhelmsson, P. Coinfection of Babesia and Borrelia in the Tick Ixodes ricinus—A Neglected Public Health Issue in Europe? Pathogens 2024, 13, 81. https://doi.org/10.3390/ pathogens13010081 Academic Editors: Islay Rodríguez, Pavle Banovi´ c and Snežana Tomanovi´ c Received: 31 October 2023 Revised: 9 January 2024 Accepted: 15 January 2024 Published: 17 January 2024 Copyright: © 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// https://lnkd.in/erk4fQTi 4.0/). protozoa sometimes co-occur with human-pathogenic Borrelia spp. Diagnostic tests for Babesia spp. infection are rarely performed in Europe, and the medical significance of this pathogen in Europe could be underestimated. Keywords: Babesia; Borrelia; babesiosis; coinfection; Ixodes ricinus; Lyme borreliosis; Sweden 1. Introduction 1.1. Aims The main aim of this paper is to discuss the significance of coinfections of Babesia spp. and Borrelia spp. in ticks in Europe. The occurrence and interaction of the relevant pathogens are first reviewed and related to earlier data on zoonotic Babesia species in Europe, their mammal reservoirs and tick vectors, co-occurring microorganisms in ticks, coinfections of ticks with more than one tick-borne pathogen species, and human disease caused by Babesia+Borrelia coinfections. Then, studies in Sweden investigating coinfections of Borrelia spp. and Babesia spp. in ticks removed from humans or birds are presented.
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Graduate student with interest(s) in public health microbiology, microbial pathogenesis, and immunopathology.
Reduced West Nile Virus Transmission Around Communal Roosts of Great-Tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) #journalism #ornithology #herpetology #marinebiology #marinevirology #marinesciences #biomedicalscience #immunoparsitology #nih #nlm #ncbi #wetlandrestorationecology #microbialecology #zoology https://lnkd.in/dafduAaE
Reduced West Nile Virus Transmission Around Communal Roosts of Great-Tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus)
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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👉 Take a look at our latest paper! We conducted the first #phylodynamicanalysis of #Mycobacteriumcaprae genomes using #Bayesianinference. Our study began with an examination of the phylogenomic relationships among all publicly available M. caprae genomes worldwide. We then focused on strains recovered from the Iberian Peninsula to trace their transmission chains across different locations and host species. Phylodynamic analysis of the Iberian SB0157 clade identified goats as the most recent common ancestor, dating back approximately 100 years. Host transition events revealed interspecific transmission driven by mixed farming practices, extensive management, and close proximity to humans. Our findings demonstrate the spread of M. caprae at multiple scales, facilitated by both local and transnational animal trade, underscoring sustained cross-species transmission in Iberia. This study highlights the importance of integrating #genomicepidemiology with molecular ecology to clarify epidemiological links and supports the urgent need for an EU-official eradication program targeting goats to control #tuberculosis in a multi-host scenario. Mónica Vieira Cunha Bernat Pérez de Val https://lnkd.in/dEY6EN3K
Phylogenetic analysis of Mycobacterium caprae highlights past and present epidemiological links at the Iberian Peninsula scale
sciencedirect.com
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Pleased to share that this project from my PhD characterising viral host jumps across all vertebrates is now published in Nature Ecology and Evolution! Many thanks to my amazing supervisors Francois Balloux and Lucy van Dorp from the UCL Genetics Institute. Highlights: 1. We analysed ~60K viral genomes deposited thus far on NCBI Virus that span 32 viral families and are associated with 62 vertebrate host orders. 2. We developed a taxonomy-agnostic approach to define equal units of viral diversity (i.e., OTUs) to bypass the limitations of traditional viral taxonomy. 3. 67% of viral host jumps are from human-to-animal (anthroponotic), suggesting that 𝐰𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦. 4. Host jumps are associated with heightened evolution, likely due to the process of adaptating to a new host environment. 5. The degree of host adaptation when viruses jump into a new host is lower if they can infect a broader range of hosts. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eeY8cZRt
The evolutionary drivers and correlates of viral host jumps - Nature Ecology & Evolution
nature.com
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#editorchoice 👉 Title: #Helminths in Invasive Raccoons (Procyon lotor) from Southwest Germany 👨🎓 by Nico P. Reinhardt et al. 🔗 Link: https://lnkd.in/ggKyaRHW 🎯 Article Views: 1904; Citations: 4 As hosts of numerous zoonotic pathogens, the role of raccoons needs to be considered in the #OneHealth context. Raccoons progressively expand their range as invasive alien species in Europe. This study aimed to investigate the intestinal helminth fauna of raccoons in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, as no such screening had ever been conducted there. In total, we obtained 102 animals from hunters in 2019 and 2020. Intestinal helminths were retrieved using the SSCT (segmented sedimentation and counting technique) and identified morphologically and by PCR-based Sanger sequencing. Fecal samples were assessed using the ELISA PetChekTM IP assay (IDEXX, Germany) and flotation technique. The artificial digestion method was employed for analyzing muscle tissue. We detected species of four #nematode genera (#Baylisascaris procyonis, Toxocara canis, Capillaria spp., and Trichuris spp.), three #cestode genera (Atriotaenia cf. incisa/procyonis, Taenia martis, and Mesocestoides spp.), and three #trematode genera (Isthmiophora hortensis/melis, Plagiorchis muris, and Brachylaima spp.). Echinococcus spp. and Trichinella spp. were not found. The invasive behavior and synanthropic habits of raccoons may increase the infection risk with these helminths in wildlife, domestic and zoo animals, and humans by serving as a connecting link. Therefore, it is crucial to initiate additional studies assessing these risks. #OpenAccess
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Gut microbiota of captive common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus gilli: influence of age, sex, birthplace, and contacts with dolphinarium visitors - Frontiers in Marine Science: Dolphins are aquatic mammals, whose role in microbial ecology is not fully understood. It is critical to study the microbiota of dolphins kept in captivity, as close contact with humans could unpredictably affect both human and animal health. In this study, we investigated the gut microbiota of 15 captive common bottlenose dolphins, and the relationship of microbial diversity and composition with animals’ age, sex, birthplace (dolphinarium or wildlife), and direct contacts with dolphinarium visitors using high-throughput V3-V4 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Based on acquired sequencing data we calculated and compared alpha and beta diversity indexes, as well as conducted differential abundance analysis of identified bacterial taxa to find multivariable associations with dolphins’ age period, sex, birthplace, and type of contact with humans with linear models. There was no association between gut microbiota composition and diversity and dolphins’ age period, sex, and birthplace. However, there were significant differences (q-value ≤ 0.00018) in the relative abundance of Edwardsiella genus in dolphins that were in contact only with dolphinarium staff in comparison to dolphins that apart from dolphinarium staff also had contact with dolphinarium visitors. These results show that dolphins born in wildlife and dolphinariums do not have significant differences in gut microbiota composition and the microbiota of captive dolphins can be affected by their contact with humans.
Gut microbiota of captive common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus gilli: influence of age, sex, birthplace, and contacts with dolphinarium visitors - @FrontMarineSci
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#Genetic #Erosion refers to the gradual loss of genetic #diversity within a #species, #population, or #ecosystem. In the context of #animal genetic resources, it describes the reduction in the variety of genes within a particular species, often due to #human activities or environmental changes. Here are brief descriptions of the top threats to animal genetic resources in #SaudiArabia, focusing on genetic erosion: Indiscriminate Cross-breeding: The uncontrolled or poorly planned cross-breeding of local breeds with exotic breeds can lead to the loss of unique genetic traits in indigenous populations. This reduces genetic diversity and threatens the survival of native breeds. Introduction/Increased Use of Exotic Breeds: The widespread adoption of exotic breeds, often due to their higher productivity, can outcompete and replace local breeds. This process diminishes the genetic pool, leading to the loss of locally adapted genetic resources. Weak Policies or Institutions: Inadequate or poorly implemented policies and institutions fail to protect and conserve animal genetic resources. This can lead to unregulated breeding practices, loss of breeds, and a decline in genetic diversity. Lack of Profitability/Competitiveness: Indigenous breeds often face challenges in profitability and competitiveness compared to high-yielding exotic breeds. This economic pressure can lead to the abandonment of local breeds, further accelerating genetic erosion. Production System Intensification: The shift towards more intensive production systems often favors high-performance breeds over traditional ones. This intensification can result in the displacement of native breeds, reducing the overall genetic diversity. Diseases/Disease Management: Poor disease management and the spread of new or emerging diseases can disproportionately affect certain breeds, particularly those with less genetic resistance. This can lead to the decline or extinction of vulnerable breeds. Loss of Pasture or Production Environment: The degradation or conversion of traditional grazing lands and production environments can force the displacement or extinction of breeds adapted to those specific conditions. This loss of habitat directly threatens the survival of unique genetic resources. Poor Control of Inbreeding: Inadequate management of inbreeding within small populations can lead to the accumulation of deleterious genes, reducing genetic diversity and fitness. Over time, this can weaken populations and increase the risk of extinction. https://arabvetexam.com/ #GenomicsInnovation #AnimalHealthGenomics #PlantScienceResearch #GeneticAdvancements #SustainableGenomics #GenomicsForGood #PrecisionBreeding #BioInnovation #GenomicsInAgriculture #NextGenResearch #GenomeEngineering #AgriGenomics #AnimalGenetics #PlantGenomics #ResearchAndInnovation #arabvetexam #veterinaryscience #veterinary #animalhealth #animal #genomics #purity #disease
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Deesha Jeppu, Tanvi Kadakol, and Nivedita Naveen from the Postgraduate Diploma Cohort of 2024, SIAS, Krea University, presented a poster at the Indian Wildlife Ecology Conference (IWEC) 2024. The conference was held at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru, from 14-16 June, 2024. The title of their poster was Drivers of Diversity Differ Between Specialist and Generalist Avian Malaria Parasites. Poster abstract: Elucidating the mechanisms shaping parasite diversity patterns is critical because parasites encompass about 40% of known species, and play crucial roles in maintaining ecosystem structure and function. In free-living species, patterns of diversity in the Anthropocene are known to be shaped by niche breadth because, as predicted by theory, environmental disturbance is more likely to negatively impact specialist vs. generalist taxa. Like free-living species, parasites too can be categorised as specialists or generalists according to their niche breadth (i.e., host taxonomic diversity). However, unlike free-living species, the effects of niche breadth on parasite diversity patterns remain unclear. In this study, the students use avian haemosporidian parasites as a model system to identify the factors affecting parasite phylogenetic diversity patterns, and test if these patterns differ between specialist (Haemoproteus) and generalist (Plasmodium) parasites. Their results demonstrate that, in keeping with ecological theory, specialist vs. generalist parasites show: (i) higher α diversity and lower evenness, and (ii) higher β diversity due to changes in richness and lower β diversity due to taxon replacement. Their results also suggest that in specialist parasites diversity is primarily shaped by host-related variables, unlike generalists which are impacted by a variety of host- and environment-related factors. Their results have broad implications for understanding the role of parasites as indicators of ecosystem health, as well as the effects of anthropogenic environmental modification on the rise of emerging infectious diseases. View the poster here: https://lnkd.in/gn_JgrGR #Krea #KreaUniversity #SIAS #PosterPresentation #Wildlife #Ecology #IWEC
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Over the last quarter century, a disease-causing fungus has been a major factor in the collapse of amphibian populations. New research published this week in Nature, led by Schmidt Science Fellows 2020 Fellow Anthony Waddle has shown how a relatively simple and inexpensive intervention to help frogs regulate their temperature can fight off the Chytrid fungus. The scientists built mini frog 'saunas' - “In these simple little hotspots, frogs can go and heat up their bodies to a temperature that destroys the infections,” said Dr. Waddle. The research team found the artificial ‘hotspot’ shelters built from readily available materials, such as bricks and PVC greenhouses, can allow frogs to quickly ‘bake off’ infections with the chytrid fungus. When frogs shifted to hotspot shelters, chytrid infections were reduced significantly. With Chytrid having already driven six frog species to extinction in Australia and placing dozens more under threat around the world, this discovery offers a real potential lifeline. Read more and check out the Nature paper - https://lnkd.in/eVvrZcju
Frog ‘Saunas’ a Lifeline for Endangered Species - Schmidt Science Fellows
https://schmidtsciencefellows.org
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