IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Terio, K.A. | |
| Diseases of captive and free-ranging non-domestic felids | |
| 2009 Book Chapter | |
Disease, infectious or non-infectious, when present at low levels, paradoxically can help keep populations healthy. With a few exceptions, disease has not been a significant factor in felid population viability. However, habitat fragmentation and increased interaction with domestic animals may alter previously stable disease patterns. Many mortalities in wild populations of felids are associated with trauma (conspecific or human-induced); or a failure to thrive, common in juveniles and aged animals as well as in animals forced to the periphery of suitable habitats. Infectious agents have heightened significance in geographically isolated populations, populations in contact with domestic animals, animals living in marginal habitats and in genetically impoverished populations. Infectious diseases in free-ranging populations typically only affect small numbers of individuals, but in a few instances have had effects at the population level. In contrast, degenerative and age-related diseases are more common than infectious disease in captive populations. This is generally owing to preventative medicine programmes. However, infectious disease can cripple a captive breeding programme not only by causing disease in genetically valuable animals but also by limiting movements and breeding of "positive" or exposed animals. Captivity, even short-term holding, can also impact an animal's basic physiological homeostasis and the effects of stress, if not mitigated, can have profound impacts on overall health. Disease monitoring should be a vital component of any _in situ _or_ ex situ_ conservation programme. Ideally monitoring programmes should include comprehensive post-mortem evaluation of available carcasses such that the true risks associated with disease exposure can be ascertained. As habitats and climates change, the risks of disease to previously stable populations of felids may change and these monitoring programmes will be critical to identifying the problem so that useful management solutions can be implemented. |
|
 |
PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here |
(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |