Biodiversity and pathogen dynamics in traditionally managed livestock systems.

Area of Science:

• Ecology and epidemiology
• Wildlife health
• Conservation biology

Background:

• Generalist pathogen dynamics in diverse host communities remain poorly understood.
• Increasing ruminant livestock globally is linked to disease outbreaks, impacting public health and biodiversity.
• Traditionally managed European grasslands offer socio-ecological benefits, including biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between traditional livestock grazing, biodiversity, and pathogen circulation.
• To assess mammal community interactions and pathogen exposure in wild boar (Sus scrofa).

Main Methods:

• Analysis of mammal community biodiversity and interactions across 18 Iberian Peninsula sites.
• Assessment of pathogen exposure and immune indicators in wild boar (Sus scrofa).
• Comparison of sites with and without domestic ruminant grazing.

Main Results:

• Higher wild mammal richness and diversity were observed in areas with domestic ruminants.
• Lower antibody prevalences and co-exposure to multiple pathogens in wild boar were found with grazing livestock.
• Absence of grazing livestock correlated with an amplification effect on pathogen circulation.

Conclusions:

• Traditional ruminant grazing supports greater biodiversity and balanced communities, improving ecosystem health indicators.
• Livestock grazing may influence pathogen transmission by potentially replacing hosts with less susceptible ones.
• Traditionally managed livestock systems can enhance global health by boosting biodiversity and reducing disease risks at the wildlife-livestock-human interface.