Canine vector-borne parasites in the Galapagos

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Wildlife Disease Ecology
• Galapagos Conservation Biology

Background:

• Galapagos Islands harbor unique endemic species vulnerable to novel pathogens.
• Invasive arthropods, often hosted by domestic animals, can transmit diseases between domestic and wild populations.
• Canine vector-borne parasites pose a potential threat to Galapagos' endemic mammals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the distribution and prevalence of canine vector-borne parasites in the Galapagos.
• To assess the risk of pathogen spillover from domestic dogs to endemic wildlife.
• To identify key parasites circulating in the Galapagos dog population.

Main Methods:

• Blood samples were collected from 1221 dogs across four Galapagos Islands (2021-2022).
• Modified Knott's test and various PCR techniques (conventional, nested, multiplex) were employed.
• Sequencing was performed for pathogen identification and confirmation.

Main Results:

• Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) was found in 2% of dogs across all sampled islands.
• Babesia vogeli (3%) and Hepatozoon canis (0.2%) were detected for the first time in the Galapagos using molecular methods.
• Heartworm DNA was specifically identified in dogs from San Cristóbal (3.3%) and Isabela (2.4%) Islands.

Conclusions:

• Galapagos dogs harbor diverse pathogens, some with zoonotic potential.
• Pathogen spillover to endangered endemic carnivores, like sea lions, is a significant concern.
• Long-term surveillance, control strategies, and public awareness are crucial for mitigating disease impact.