HEALTH ASSESSMENT OF GOLDEN-MANTLED HOWLER MONKEYS (ALOUATTA PALLIATA PALLIATA) IN DRY FOREST FROM THE NORTH PACIFIC...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Primatology
• One Health

Background:

• Golden-mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata palliata) are ideal sentinel species for One Health modeling due to their wide range and interaction with humans.
• Susceptibility to zoonotic diseases makes them important indicators of environmental health.

Purpose of the Study:

• Establish baseline health assessments for free-ranging golden-mantled howler monkeys in Marino Las Baulas National Park, Costa Rica.
• Provide foundational data for future One Health research and conservation efforts.

Main Methods:

• Seven free-ranging howler monkeys were anesthetized for physical exams and biological sample collection (blood, feces).
• Hematology, blood gas analysis, fecal endoparasite evaluation, and PCR testing for vector-borne diseases were performed.
• Fecal samples were collected rectally or post-defecation.

Main Results:

• All monkeys appeared in good overall health, but 57% had dental disease (crown fractures).
• 90% of fecal samples revealed intestinal parasites; one tested positive for Giardia spp.
• Hematology showed monocytosis and eosinophilia; Trypanosoma spp. were observed in one blood smear.
• One monkey was positive for Plasmodium spp., another for Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Antibodies for West Nile virus were found in 71% of individuals.

Conclusions:

• This study presents the first published health assessments for howler monkeys in this specific region.
• Findings highlight the prevalence of endoparasites and dental issues, informing conservation and One Health strategies.
• The health status of this sentinel species provides valuable insights into the ecosystem's health.