Exposure to selected pathogens in Geoffroy's cats and domestic carnivores from central Argentina

Wild carnivores share a high percentage of parasites and viruses with closely related domestic carnivores. Because of increased overlap and potential contact with domestic species, we conducted a retrospective serosurvey for 11 common carnivore pathogens in 40 Geoffroy's cats (Leopardus geoffroyi) sampled between 2000 and 2008 within or near two protected areas in central Argentina (Lihué Calel National Park, La Pampa, and Campos del Tuyú National Park, Buenos Aires), as well as five domestic cats and 11 domestic dogs from cattle ranches adjacent to Lihué Calel Park. Geoffroy's cats had detectable antibody to canine distemper virus (CDV), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline coronavirus, feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), Toxoplasma gondii, Leptospira interrogans (serovars Ictero/Icter and Ballum), and Dirofilaria immitis. None of the wild cats had antibodies to feline herpesvirus, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus, or rabies virus. Domestic dogs had antibodies to CDV, canine adenovirus, canine herpesvirus, and canine parvovirus. Antibodies to FPV, FCV, FIV, and T. gondii were found in domestic cats.We provide the first data on exposure of free-ranging Geoffroy's cats to pathogens at two sites within the core area of the species distribution range, including the first report of antibodies to CDV in this species. We encourage continued monitoring for diseases in wild and domestic carnivores as well as preventive health care for domestic animals, particularly in park buffer zones where overlap is greatest.Fil: Uhart, Marcela María. ildlife Conservation Society; ArgentinaFil: Rago, María Virginia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Marull, Carolina A.. ildlife Conservation Society; ArgentinaFil: Ferreyra, Hebe del Valle. ildlife Conservation Society; ArgentinaFil: Pereira, Javier Adolfo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”; Argentin

Discovery of an Undescribed Protostrongylid Nematode from the Endangered Pampas Deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus celer) in Argentina

Dorsal-spined protostrongylid nematode larvae (Metastrongyloidea: Protostrongylidae) were recovered from the feces of the endangered pampas deer (Ozotocerus bezoarticus celer) in Campos del Tuyú Wildlife Reserve, Bahia Samborombón, Argentina. Partial DNA sequences from the large subunit ribosomal RNA (LSU rRNA) gene and from the second internal transcribed spacer region (ITS2) were amplified, cloned, sequenced, and compared to those of other nematodes. Nucleotide alignment and phylogenetic analysis of the sequences indicate that this protostrongylid nematode is most closely related to Parelaphostrongylus spp. as inferred from the LSU rRNA sequence analysis. Analysis of the ITS2 spacer indicated that the pampas deer protostrongylid is nested in a clade containing Parelaphostrongylus and Elaphostrongylus spp. These sequences differed considerably from those of other protostrongylid nematodes, and were most similar to those of Parelaphostrongylus spp. and Elaphostrongylus spp. in spite of clear variability from both genera. These results suggest that the protostrongylid from pampas deer is an undescribed nematode that likely belongs in the subfamily Elaphostrongylinae

Causes of mortality in a Geoffroy's cat population-a long-term survey using diverse recording methods

We present quantitative data on the impact of different causes of mortality in a Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) population inhabiting a protected area and adjacent cattle ranches in central Argentina. Between December 2000 and January 2009, we used three methods to collect data on causes of mortality in both the park and the ranches: (1) information obtained from 35 radio-collared Geoffroy's cats monitored from 1 to 19 months; (2) a systematic survey of the areas to find non-collared dead animals; and (3) interviews of qualified informants. Deaths of radio-collared individuals in the park were due to predation by puma (Puma concolor) or starvation, whereas deaths in the ranches were attributed to starvation and predation by domestic dogs. The death of eight emigrant cats was attributed mainly to poaching. Cause of death of 39 non-collared Geoffroy's cats was determined; deaths in the ranches were mainly due to predation by domestic dogs and poaching, whereas deaths in the park were attributed to predation by puma, poaching, and vehicle collision. Grouping all sources of information, human-related mortality accounted for most (62%) of Geoffroy's cat deaths recorded during this study, with poaching and predation by dogs being the main causes of mortality. This study in Geoffroy's cats is the first long-term survey of causes of mortality for a population of a small felid species in South America.Fil: Pereira, Javier Adolfo. Asociación para la Conservación y el Estudio de la Naturaleza; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”; Argentina. Provincia del Neuquén. Subsecretaría de Producción y Recursos Naturales. Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Neuquén; ArgentinaFil: Fracassi, Natalia Gabriela. Asociación para la Conservación y el Estudio de la Naturaleza; ArgentinaFil: Rago, María Virginia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”; Argentina. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados UnidosFil: Ferreyra, Hebe. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados UnidosFil: Marull, Carolina A.. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados UnidosFil: McAloose, Denise. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados UnidosFil: Uhart, Marcela María. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”; Argentina. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados Unido

Make EU trade with Brazil sustainable

Brazil, home to one of the planet's last great forests, is currently in trade negotiations with its second largest trading partner, the European Union (EU). We urge the EU to seize this critical opportunity to ensure that Brazil protects human rights and the environment