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Spatiotemporal monitoring of selected pathogens in Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica)
Félix Gómez-Guillamón1, José M Díaz-Cao2, Leonor Camacho-Sillero1
1Programa Vigilancia Epidemiológica Fauna Silvestre (PVE), Consejería de Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Desarrollo Sostenible, Junta de Andalucía, Málaga, Spain.
Abstract:
An epidemiological surveillance programme was carried out to assess exposure and spatiotemporal patterns of selected pathogens (Brucella spp., Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), Mycoplasma agalactiae, Pestivirus and bluetongue virus (BTV)) in Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) from Andalusia (southern Spain), the region with the largest population of this species. A total of 602 animals in five distribution areas were sampled during 2010-2012 (P1) and 2013-2015 (P2). The Rose Bengal test (RBT) and complement fixation test (CFT) were used in parallel to detect anti-Brucella spp. antibodies. Commercial ELISAs were used to test for antibodies against the other selected pathogens. Sera positive for BTV and Pestivirus by ELISA were tested by serum neutralization test (SNT) to identify circulating serotypes/genotypes. The overall seroprevalences were as follows: 0.4% for Brucella spp. (2/549; CI 95%: 0.1-1.3) (14/555 positive by RBT; 2/564 by CFT), 0.5% for MAP (3/564; CI 95%: 0.1-1.5), 5.7% for M. agalactiae (30/529; CI 95%: 3.9-8.0), 11.1% for Pestivirus (58/525; CI 95%: 8.5-14.1) and 3.3% for BTV (18/538; CI 95%: 2.0-5.2). Significantly higher seropositivity to both M. agalactiae and BTV was observed in P1 compared with P2. Spatiotemporal clusters of high seroprevalence were also found for M. agalactiae in four of the five sampling areas in 2010, and for BTV in one of five areas in 2012. Specific antibodies against BTV-4, BDV-4 and BVDV-1 were confirmed by SNT. Our results indicate that the Iberian ibex may be considered spillover hosts of Brucella spp. and MAP rather than true reservoirs. The prevalence of antibodies against M. agalactiae and BTV suggests spatiotemporal variation in the circulation of these pathogens, while Pestivirus has a moderately endemic circulation in Iberian ibex populations. Our study highlights the importance of long-term surveillance for a better understanding of the spatiotemporal distribution of shared infectious diseases and providing valuable information to improve control measures at the wildlife-livestock interface.
Insights
This study monitored Iberian ibex for pathogens like Brucella spp., Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), Mycoplasma agalactiae, Pestivirus, and bluetongue virus (BTV). Results show varying pathogen circulation and highlight the need for long-term surveillance in wildlife.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Epidemiology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
- Pathogen Surveillance
Background:
- Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) populations in Andalusia, Spain, are significant for biodiversity and potential disease transmission.
- Assessing pathogen exposure in wildlife is crucial for understanding disease dynamics and implementing effective control strategies, especially at the wildlife-livestock interface.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the exposure and spatiotemporal distribution of Brucella spp., Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), Mycoplasma agalactiae, Pestivirus, and bluetongue virus (BTV) in Iberian ibex.
- To determine the role of Iberian ibex as potential reservoirs or spillover hosts for these selected pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological surveillance of 602 Iberian ibex across five distribution areas in Andalusia from 2010-2015.
- Serological testing using Rose Bengal test (RBT), complement fixation test (CFT), commercial ELISAs, and serum neutralization tests (SNT) for pathogen detection.
- Analysis of spatiotemporal patterns and clusters of high seroprevalence for specific pathogens.
Main Results:
- Overall seroprevalences: Brucella spp. (0.4%), MAP (0.5%), M. agalactiae (5.7%), Pestivirus (11.1%), and BTV (3.3%).
- Significantly higher seropositivity for M. agalactiae and BTV in the earlier period (2010-2012).
- Identified spatiotemporal clusters for M. agalactiae and BTV, with confirmed serotypes/genotypes BTV-4, BDV-4, and BVDV-1.
Conclusions:
- Iberian ibex are likely spillover hosts for Brucella spp. and MAP, not primary reservoirs.
- Evidence of spatiotemporal variation in M. agalactiae and BTV circulation, with moderately endemic Pestivirus.
- Long-term surveillance is vital for understanding shared infectious disease distribution and improving control measures at the wildlife-livestock interface.
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