Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.9
2.7
Journals
Animals
Special Issues
Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Wildlife Disease Ecology
share announcement

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Wildlife Disease Ecology

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Wildlife".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 6139

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Camilla Smoglica

E-Mail
Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
Interests: epidemiology; microbiology; molecular biology; antimicrobial resistance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Laura Grassi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
Interests: tick-borne diseases; zoonosis; wildlife epidemiology
Dr. Selene Rubiola

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
Interests: foodborne parasites; foodborne pathogens; antimicrobial resistance; game meat
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Giulia Graziosi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Bologna, Italy
Interests: avian pathogens; wild birds; wild-domestic bird interface; epidemiology; virology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nowadays, we face serious challenges increasingly related to climate change, habitat loss, changes in land use and a continuous evolution of the interface between wildlife and anthropic environment. These aspects, together with health challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and emerging pathogens, draw attention to new aspects of the ecology of diseases in wildlife populations.

In this context, the application of multidisciplinary studies is necessary and increasingly required, aiming to provide new information from a One Health perspective.

For this reason, we feel the need to create this space to give a voice to those working in the wildlife-related fields and who, through their commitment and work, have generated new useful data on infectious diseases (bacteriology, virology, parasitology) of wildlife and game meat safety. Given the growing interest on these topics to tackle the new challenges of our time, in this Special Issue, we welcome both original research papers and reviews focusing on wildlife infectious diseases, disease ecology at the wildlife–domestic animal/human interface and food safety issues related to game meat.

Dr. Camilla Smoglica
Dr. Laura Grassi
Dr. Selene Rubiola
Dr. Giulia Graziosi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • disease ecology
  • bacteriology
  • virology
  • parasitology
  • food safety
  • epidemiology
  • prevention
  • control
  • zoonoses
  • cross-species transmission
  • wildlife
  • wild–domestic animal interface
  • One Health

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

20 pages, 25566 KiB  
Article
Reassortants of the Highly Pathogenic Influenza Virus A/H5N1 Causing Mass Swan Mortality in Kazakhstan from 2023 to 2024
by Kulyaisan T. Sultankulova, Takhmina U. Argimbayeva, Nurdos A. Aubakir, Arailym Bopi, Zamira D. Omarova, Aibarys M. Melisbek, Kobey Karamendin, Aidyn Kydyrmanov, Olga V. Chervyakova, Aslan A. Kerimbayev, Yerbol D. Burashev, Yermukhanmet T. Kasymbekov and Mukhit B. Orynbayev
Animals 2024, 14(22), 3211; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14223211 - 8 Nov 2024
Viewed by 530
Abstract
In the winter of 2023/2024, the mass death of swans was observed on Lake Karakol on the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea. From 21 December 2023 to 25 January 2024, 1132 swan corpses (Cygnus olor, Cygnus cygnus) were collected [...] Read more.
In the winter of 2023/2024, the mass death of swans was observed on Lake Karakol on the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea. From 21 December 2023 to 25 January 2024, 1132 swan corpses (Cygnus olor, Cygnus cygnus) were collected and disposed of on the coast by veterinary services and ecologists. Biological samples were collected from 18 birds for analysis at different dates of the epizootic. It was found that the influenza outbreak was associated with a high concentration of migrating birds at Lake Karakol as a result of a sharp cold snap in the northern regions. At different dates of the epizootic, three avian influenza A/H5N1 viruses of clade 2.3.4.4.b were isolated from dead birds and identified as highly pathogenic viruses (HPAIs) based on the amino acid sequence of the hemagglutinin multi-base proteolytic cleavage site (PLREKRRRKR/G). A phylogenetic analysis showed that the viruses isolated from the swans had reassortations in the PB2, PB1, and NP genes between highly pathogenic (HP) and low-pathogenic (LP) avian influenza viruses. Avian influenza viruses A/Cygnus cygnus/Karakol lake/01/2024(H5N1) and A/Mute swan/Karakol lake/02/2024(H5N1) isolated on 10 January 2024 received PB2, PB1, and NP from LPAIV, while A/Mute swan/Mangystau/9809/2023(H5N1) isolated on 26 December 2023 received PB1 and NP from LPAIV, indicating that the H5N1 viruses in this study are new reassortants. All viruses showed amino acid substitutions in the PB2, PB1, NP, and NS1 segments, which are critical for enhanced virulence or adaptation in mammals. An analysis of the genomes of the isolated viruses showed that bird deaths during different periods of the epizootic were caused by different reassortant viruses. Kazakhstan is located at the crossroads of several migratory routes of migratory birds, and the possible participation of wild birds in the introduction of various pathogens into the regions of Kazakhstan requires further study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Wildlife Disease Ecology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1165 KiB  
Article
The Genetic Identification of Numerous Apicomplexan Sarcocystis Species in Intestines of Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
by Tautvilė Šukytė, Evelina Juozaitytė-Ngugu, Saulius Švažas, Dalius Butkauskas and Petras Prakas
Animals 2024, 14(16), 2391; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14162391 - 18 Aug 2024
Viewed by 882
Abstract
The common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) was previously shown to transmit two Sarcocystis species (S. glareoli and S. microti) forming cysts in the brains of rodents. Due to a lack of research, the richness of Sarcocystis species spread by these [...] Read more.
The common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) was previously shown to transmit two Sarcocystis species (S. glareoli and S. microti) forming cysts in the brains of rodents. Due to a lack of research, the richness of Sarcocystis species spread by these birds of prey is expected to be much higher. A total of 30 samples of the small intestine of the Common Buzzard were collected in Lithuania and subjected to Sarcocystis species identification based on nested PCR of 28S rRNA and ITS1, following the sequencing of amplified DNA fragments. Six known Sarcocystis spp., S. cornixi, S. glareoli, S. halieti, S. kutkienae, S. turdusi, and S. wobeseri, along with three genetically distinct species (Sarcocystis sp. Rod3, Sarcocystis sp. Rod4, and Sarcocystis sp. Rod5), were identified. Phylogenetically, these three potentially new species clustered with Sarcocystis spp. characterised by a rodents-birds life cycle. Sarcocystis spp. employing rodents and birds as their intermediate hosts were detected in 66.7% and 50.0% of samples, respectively. These findings are consistent with the diet preferences of Common Buzzards. Notably, co-infections with two or more species were observed in a half of the samples. Altogether, the obtained results indicate that the Common Buzzard could serve as definitive host of various Sarcocystis species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Wildlife Disease Ecology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 2493 KiB  
Communication
Exposure of Urban European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) to Toxoplasma gondii in Highly Populated Areas of Northeast Spain
by Alejandra Escudero, Maria Puig Ribas, Elena Obón, Sonia Almería, Xavier Fernández Aguilar, Hojjat Gholipour, Oscar Cabezón and Rafael Molina-López
Animals 2024, 14(11), 1596; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14111596 - 28 May 2024
Viewed by 1022
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a generalist zoonotic parasite that involves a wide range of warm-blooded animals as intermediate hosts and felines as definitive hosts. Recent studies have proved significant positive associations between human population density and T. gondii seroprevalence in wildlife. However, there is [...] Read more.
Toxoplasma gondii is a generalist zoonotic parasite that involves a wide range of warm-blooded animals as intermediate hosts and felines as definitive hosts. Recent studies have proved significant positive associations between human population density and T. gondii seroprevalence in wildlife. However, there is limited data regarding T. gondii wildlife in urban areas, where the highest human density occurs. The present study aimed to analyse the T. gondii exposure in urban hedgehogs from the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, NE Spain. One hundred eighteen hedgehogs were analysed for the presence of antibodies (modified agglutination test; n = 55) and parasite DNA (qPCR; heart = 34; brain = 60). Antibodies were detected in 69.09% of hedgehogs. T. gondii DNA was not detected in any of the analysed samples. The present study reports a high T. gondii seroprevalence in urban hedgehogs in areas surrounding Barcelona, the most densely human-populated area of NE Spain, reinforcing the association between human population density and environmental T. gondii oocysts. The lack of detection by molecular techniques warrants more studies. In the last few decades, the distribution and abundance of European hedgehogs have declined, including their urban populations. Further research is needed to investigate the impact of T. gondii on hedgehog populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Wildlife Disease Ecology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 2308 KiB  
Article
Genetic Diversity of Avian Influenza Viruses Detected in Waterbirds in Northeast Italy Using Two Different Sampling Strategies
by Giulia Graziosi, Caterina Lupini, Federica Gobbo, Bianca Zecchin, Giulia Quaglia, Sara Pedrazzoli, Gabriele Lizzi, Geremia Dosa, Gabriella Martini, Calogero Terregino and Elena Catelli
Animals 2024, 14(7), 1018; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14071018 - 27 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1773
Abstract
Avian influenza viruses (AIVs), which circulate endemically in wild aquatic birds, pose a significant threat to poultry and raise concerns for their zoonotic potential. From August 2021 to April 2022, a multi-site cross-sectional study involving active AIV epidemiological monitoring was conducted in wetlands [...] Read more.
Avian influenza viruses (AIVs), which circulate endemically in wild aquatic birds, pose a significant threat to poultry and raise concerns for their zoonotic potential. From August 2021 to April 2022, a multi-site cross-sectional study involving active AIV epidemiological monitoring was conducted in wetlands of the Emilia-Romagna region, northern Italy, adjacent to densely populated poultry areas. A total of 129 cloacal swab samples (CSs) and 407 avian faecal droppings samples (FDs) were collected, with 7 CSs (5.4%) and 4 FDs (1%) testing positive for the AIV matrix gene through rRT-PCR. A COI-barcoding protocol was applied to recognize the species of origin of AIV-positive FDs. Multiple low-pathogenic AIV subtypes were identified, and five of these were isolated, including an H5N3, an H1N1, and three H9N2 in wild ducks. Following whole-genome sequencing, phylogenetic analyses of the hereby obtained strains showed close genetic relationships with AIVs detected in countries along the Black Sea/Mediterranean migratory flyway. Notably, none of the analyzed gene segments were genetically related to HPAI H5N1 viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b isolated from Italian poultry during the concurrent 2021–2022 epidemic. Overall, the detected AIV genetic diversity emphasizes the necessity for ongoing monitoring in wild hosts using diverse sampling strategies and whole-genome sequencing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Wildlife Disease Ecology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

13 pages, 2133 KiB  
Review
The Role of Hunters in Wildlife Health Research and Monitoring: Their Contribution as Citizen Scientists in Italy
by Stefania Zanet, Francesco Benatti, Manuela Poncina, Carlotta Pasetto, Mario Chiari, Michele Sorrenti and Ezio Ferroglio
Animals 2024, 14(15), 2204; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14152204 - 29 Jul 2024
Viewed by 904
Abstract
In Italy, there are hundreds of research, monitoring, and surveillance activities targeting emerging and re-emerging pathogens. These activities heavily rely on hunters for sample collection and early identification of morbidity/mortality events. The objective of this review is to describe and quantify the contribution [...] Read more.
In Italy, there are hundreds of research, monitoring, and surveillance activities targeting emerging and re-emerging pathogens. These activities heavily rely on hunters for sample collection and early identification of morbidity/mortality events. The objective of this review is to describe and quantify the contribution of hunters in the context of disease research, monitoring, and surveillance in wild populations. A literature review and descriptive summary statistics were performed following PRISMA-2020 guidelines; articles were obtained from major scientific databases, abstracts from national and international conferences, proceedings, graduate-level theses from online library repositories, and direct contact with academic experts. The contribution of hunters in terms of sample collection for health-related activities on wildlife amounts to 400,000 sampled animals. Wild boars were involved in 158 surveillance systems/research studies, followed by red deer (71), foxes (63), and roe deer (59). The pathogens under surveillance were mainly zoonotic (Salmonella spp.), emerging (Hepatitis E virus), and/or vector-borne (West Nile virus). The temporal distribution of scientific papers followed a positive trend that reflects the growing interest in wildlife from different sectors. These results highlight how wildlife health-related efforts are a paradigm of the concept of One Health, in which the role of hunters is crucial to ensure sample availability, and it constitutes the base of much current wildlife health research, monitoring, and surveillance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Wildlife Disease Ecology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop