Feline Leukemia Virus and Other Pathogens as Important Threats to the Survival of the Critically Endangered Iberian Lynx
Author Information
Author(s): Meli Marina L., Cattori Valentino, Martínez Fernando, López Guillermo, Vargas Astrid, Simón Miguel A., Zorrilla Irene, Muñoz Alvaro, Palomares Francisco, López-Bao Jose V., Pastor Josep, Tandon Ravi, Willi Barbara, Hofmann-Lehmann Regina, Lutz Hans
Primary Institution: Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence and impact of feline pathogens on the critically endangered Iberian lynx?
Conclusion
The study concluded that feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection is a significant threat to the Iberian lynx, likely originating from domestic cats.
Supporting Evidence
- Evidence of infection by all tested feline pathogens was found in Iberian lynxes, except for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
- Fourteen lynxes were found to be FeLV provirus-positive, with a significant association between FeLV infection and mortality.
- Six of the provirus-positive lynxes died within six months, indicating high virulence of the FeLV strain affecting lynxes.
Takeaway
Iberian lynxes are getting sick from a virus that usually affects domestic cats, and this is making it hard for them to survive.
Methodology
The study analyzed the prevalence of various pathogens in 77 free-ranging Iberian lynxes through serological and PCR testing.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the limited sample size and the focus on specific pathogens.
Limitations
The study was limited to a retrospective analysis and may not capture all infections present in the lynx population.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on free-ranging Iberian lynxes in the Doñana and Sierra Morena areas of Southern Spain.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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