[Zoonoses in endemic, free-ranging mammals]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Public Health
• Wildlife Ecology

Context:

• Zoonoses, diseases transmissible between animals and humans, are a significant public health concern.
• Human-wildlife interactions increase exposure risks through direct/indirect contact.
• A holistic approach considering ecosystems, animals, and humans is vital for zoonoses control.

Purpose:

• To identify and report zoonotic pathogens harbored by wild mammals in Germany.
• To update knowledge on the prevalence of specific viral, bacterial, and parasitic zoonotic agents in German wildlife.

Summary:

• Viral agents like bornaviruses, lyssaviruses, hepatitis E virus genotype 3, and Puumala orthohantavirus are found in German wildlife.
• Bacterial zoonotic agents include Brucella suis Biovar 2, Francisella tularensis, Leptospira interrogans, Mycobacterium caprae, and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.
• Parasitic zoonotic agents commonly found in wildlife are Alaria alata, Baylisascaris procyonis, Echinococcus multilocularis, Sacoptes scabei, and Trichinella spp.

Impact:

• Identifies specific zoonotic risks (Risk Groups 2 and 3) in endemic wildlife species like canines, rodents, and bats.
• Highlights the need for heightened awareness and protective measures among animal caretakers, hunters, veterinarians, and health professionals.
• Informs public health strategies and wildlife management practices to mitigate zoonotic disease transmission.