title: PREVALENCE OF ANTIBODIES TO SELECTED VIRUSES AND PARASITES IN INTRODUCED AND ENDEMIC CARNIVORES IN WESTERN MADAGASCAR.
abstract: Introduced animals impact endemic populations through predation, competition, and disease transmission. Populations of endemic carnivores in Madagascar are declining, and pathogens transmitted from introduced species may further endanger these unique species. We assessed the exposure of introduced and endemic carnivores to common viral and parasitic pathogens in two national parks of Madagascar (Kirindy Mitea National Park and Ankarafantsika National Park) and their neighboring villages. We also identified variables associated with the presence of antibodies to these pathogens in fosa ( Cryptoprocta ferox ). Introduced and endemic species were exposed to canine parvovirus, canine herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, and Toxoplasma gondii . Domestic dogs ( Canis familiaris ) and cats ( Felis catus ) may be sources of infection for these pathogens. Prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma in captured fosa was >93%, and adults were more likely to be exposed than immature individuals. Our data provide a basis upon which to evaluate and manage risks of pathogen transmission between species.
authors.affiliation: 1   Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 450 Research Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pomerantz
authors.affiliation: 2   Department of Biology, University of Missouri-Saint Louis, One University Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri 63121, USA.|3   Saint Louis Zoo, One Government Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
authors.forename: Fidisoa T
authors.initials: FT
authors.lastname: Rasambainarivo
authors.affiliation: 1   Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 450 Research Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA.|4   Department of Biology, Pfeiffer University, 48380 US Hwy 52, Misenheimer, North Carolina 28103, USA.
authors.forename: Luke
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dollar
authors.affiliation: 5   Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Antananarivo, VG 45 Bis Antsahabe, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar.
authors.forename: Leon Pierrot
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Rahajanirina
authors.affiliation: 5   Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Antananarivo, VG 45 Bis Antsahabe, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar.
authors.forename: Radosoa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Andrianaivoarivelo
authors.affiliation: 2   Department of Biology, University of Missouri-Saint Louis, One University Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri 63121, USA.|3   Saint Louis Zoo, One Government Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.affiliation: 6   Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, 240 Farrier Road, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dubovi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild / Q000469:parasitology*; D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D060435:Carnivory; D002415:Cats; D004285:Dogs; D008270:Madagascar; D010271:Parasites; D015995:Prevalence; D014777:Virus Diseases
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral
keywords: Carnivore; Cryptoprocta ferox; Toxoplasma; conservation medicine; fosa; serosurvey