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Atero N, Córdova-Bührle F, Salgado-Caxito M, Benavides JA, Fernández M, Diethelm-Varela B, Ramos R, Sapiente Aguirre C, Trujillo F, Dürr S, Mardones FO. An assessment of the owned canine and feline demographics in Chile: registration, sterilization, and unsupervised roaming indicators. Prev Vet Med 2024; 226:106185. [PMID: 38507889 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The global rise in companion animal populations, particularly dogs and cats, is driven by emotional and social benefits for owners, and their population management is becoming critically important to avoid a plethora of adverse effects on themselves, humans, and wildlife. We estimated the size and density of the owned canine and feline population in Chile and evaluated the status of microchipping, registration, sterilization rates, and the proportion of owned animals that roam unsupervised. A cross-sectional household survey in 36 districts was conducted and standard inferential statistics was employed to analyze differences between cats and dogs, sexes within each species, and between rural and urban areas. Additionally, two negative binomial models with mixed effects were developed to predict the number of dogs and cats per households. Two methods were used to compare population size estimates at the country level, multiplying: (1) the estimated mean number of companion animals per household by the estimated number of households at the country level, and (2) the estimated human:dog and human:cat ratios by the total human population. The study involved 6333 respondents, of which 76% (74% urban; 83% rural) owned companion animals (dogs and/or cats). Individuals in rural multi-person households increase the probability of owning dogs and/or cats. Additionally, women exhibit a greater inclination towards cat and dog ownership compared to men, while those over 30 years old demonstrate lower rates of companion animal ownership in contrast to the 18-30 age group for both species. The overall human:dog and human:cat ratios estimated were 2.7:1, and 6.2:1, respectively. The estimated total number of owned dogs and cats in Chile ranged from 9.6 to 10.7 million, depending on the methodological approach, while national median density of companion animals was 12 dogs per km2 (ranging from 0.02 to 7232) and 5 cats per km2 (ranging from 0.01 to 3242). This nationwide study showed one of the highest percentages of households with companion animals in Latin America and relatively low registration and sterilization rates, highlighting the need to strength long-term public policies to control populations of companion animals and promote responsibility in pet ownership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolhole Atero
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisca Córdova-Bührle
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Dirección de Transferencia y Desarrollo, Vicerrectoría de Investigación, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Julio A Benavides
- UMR MIVEGEC, IRD, CNRS, Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Centro de Investigación para la Sustentabilidad y Doctorado en Medicina de la Conservación, Facultad Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Miriam Fernández
- Estación Costera de Investigaciones Marinas (ECIM), Las Cruces, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Núcleo Milenio para la Ecología y la Conservación de los Ecosistemas de Arrecifes Mesofóticos Templados (NUTME), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Bernardo O'Higgins 340, Santiago, Chile
| | - Benjamín Diethelm-Varela
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820244, Chile
| | - Romina Ramos
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia Sapiente Aguirre
- Programa Nacional de Tenencia Responsable de Animales de Compañía (PTRAC), Subsecretaría de Desarrollo Regional y Administrativo (SUBDERE), Ministerio del Interior y Seguridad Pública de Chile; Departamento de Planificación y Gestión, de la División de Administración y Finanzas, Subsecretaría de Desarrollo Regional y Administrativo (SUBDERE), Ministerio del Interior y Seguridad Pública de Chile, Chile
| | - Florencia Trujillo
- Programa Nacional de Tenencia Responsable de Animales de Compañía (PTRAC), Subsecretaría de Desarrollo Regional y Administrativo (SUBDERE), Ministerio del Interior y Seguridad Pública de Chile
| | - Salome Dürr
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fernando O Mardones
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología Pediátrica, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820244, Chile.
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Castillo B, Muñoz-Quezada MT, Sapiente-Aguirre C. Demographics and tenure of the Chilean urban dog population. A mathematical model. Prev Vet Med 2024; 225:106141. [PMID: 38359471 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irresponsible dog ownership in urban areas is a public health concern with significant implications for human, animal, and environmental welfare. Factors such as abandonment, variations in adoption, insufficient supervision, emerging identification initiatives, and collective feeding impact the growth of stray dog populations and the transmission of diseases. Developing a modeling tool to understand the dynamics of canine population growth and the effect of human behavior on this phenomenon is essential. METHODS An ordinary differential equation model was developed to depict the growth dynamics and movements of urban dog populations, distinguishing between those with owners (restricted and semi-restricted) and those without (stray and community dogs). Two equilibrium states of the system were analyzed: with and without the presence of individually owned dogs. An increase rate for the population of individually owned dogs was calculated, and a local sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the impact of parameters on the reduction of this population. Additionally, two global sensitivity analysis methods were used to evaluate the simultaneous influence of the parameters. RESULTS Findings indicate that system equilibrium depends on various dog categories. Although total eradication of stray and community dogs is unlikely, equilibrium levels are directly related to subpopulation growth rates, responsible ownership practices, and adoption and abandonment rates. The growth rates of the population of dogs without individual owners have a direct and proportional influence on their regulation, while adoption rates have an inverse and proportional effect. The study, through global sensitivity analysis, identifies key parameters for each dog subpopulation. For restricted dogs, environmental carrying capacity is the most variable factor; for semi-restricted dogs, awareness of responsible ownership is crucial. The abandonment of restricted dogs significantly impacts stray dog dynamics, while the transition from stray to community status is an important variable factor for community dogs. CONCLUSION Addressing the situation of unowned dogs requires a collective effort to reduce risks associated with the spread of zoonotic diseases, environmental pollution, and biodiversity loss, thus contributing to public health and environmental conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamín Castillo
- Centro de investigación de Estudios Avanzados del Maule, Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.
| | | | - Claudia Sapiente-Aguirre
- Programa Nacional de Tenencia Responsable de Animales de Compañía (PTRAC), Subsecretaría de Desarrollo Regional y Administrativo (SUBDERE), Ministerio del Interior y Seguridad Pública de Chile, Chile
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Millán J, Cevidanes A, Di Cataldo S, Hernández C, Peñaloza-Madrid D, Sallabery-Pincheira N, Terio K, Casais R. Epizootiology and Pathology of Sarcoptic Mange in Two Species of Fox (Lycalopex spp.) in Human-Dominated Landscapes of Central Chile. J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:421-433. [PMID: 38294760 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Sarcoptic mange caused by Sarcoptes scabiei can have catastrophic consequences for wildlife. We inspected 122 Andean foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus), collected by active (n=66) or passive (n=56) surveillance, and 28 South American gray foxes (Lycalopex griseus; all from passive surveillance) for mange in Chile (2015-19). In Andean foxes, gross lesions of mange were diagnosed in 24% of passively and 9% of actively collected foxes, although observed prevalences might be underestimated. Seroprevalence was 37 and 18%, respectively, indicating that some individuals recovered from infection or were developing the disease. No differences were found between age and sex groups. Comparing data from passive surveillance, occurrence of gross lesions was lower in gray foxes (5%). Body condition was significantly better in Andean foxes without lesions than in diseased foxes, which had significantly lower albumin concentrations than healthy individuals. Among the 12 foxes with gross lesions, four, six and two individuals were categorized as having type I, type II, and type III lesions, respectively, based on clinical severity. Histologic severity correlated with gross lesions and included irregular epidermal hyperplasia with hyperkeratosis, which was marked in type II and III infections. Conventional PCR targeting of the cox1 gene fragment revealed four nucleotide sequence types, showing 99-100% identity among them and between 99% and 100% identity with previously published sequences of S. scabiei. A significant association between the occurrence of mange in foxes and distance to the nearest house was found. We speculate that diseased foxes tended to approach human settlements, perhaps in search of food. Visual inspection of 211 rural dogs from the study area did not reveal gross mange lesions in any animal. Sarcoptic mange is enzootic in the Andean fox in the study area and should be considered in the management of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Millán
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Fundación ARAID, Avda. de Ranillas, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Aitor Cevidanes
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER, Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, P812, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Sophia Di Cataldo
- Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Claudia Hernández
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Diego Peñaloza-Madrid
- Parque Safari Chile, Ruta H-30, Km 5, Camino A Doñihue S/N, Rancagua, O'Higgins 2820000, Chile
| | - Nicole Sallabery-Pincheira
- Unidad de Rehabilitación de Fauna Silvestre, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Karen Terio
- Zoological Pathology Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Brookfield, Illinois 60513, USA
| | - Rosa Casais
- Center for Animal Biotechnology, Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario, 33394 Deva, Asturias, Spain
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Salgado-Caxito M, Benavides JA, Atero N, Córdova-Bürhle F, Ramos R, Fernandez M, Sapiente-Aguirre C, Mardones FO. Preventive healthcare among dogs and cats in Chile is positively associated with emotional owner-companion animal bond and socioeconomic factors. Prev Vet Med 2023; 213:105882. [PMID: 36867925 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Global companion animal population has been increasing as well as the number of dogs and cats being considered as a family member. However, it is unclear whether this close relationship could be associated with higher preventive healthcare in companion animals. Using data from 7,048 questionnaires of dogs and 3,271 of cats from the First National Study on Responsible Companion Animal Ownership, we estimated the proportion of preventive healthcare in companion animals of Chile. We also conducted a general linear mixed-effect regression model to identify socioeconomic factors and indicators of the emotional owners-companion animal bond that could influence owners' practices related to vaccination, parasite control, and veterinary visits. Based on the owner's answers, Chile has a satisfactory overall rates of parasite control (71%) and annual veterinary visits (65%) but a low vaccination coverage of both dogs (39%) and cats (25%). 'Purebred', 'live in urban areas', 'acquired by monetary compensation', and 'dog species' were associated with a higher probability of preventive healthcare in companion animals. Conversely, this probability was lower among senior animals compared to adults, males, and those owned by the Silent Generation or Baby Boomers (i.e., owners born before 1964). 'Sleeping inside', 'acquired for an emotional reason' (e.g., companionship), and 'considered a family member' were positively associated with at least one of assessed preventive measures. Our findings suggest that emotional owner-companion animal bonds could positively impact the frequency and quality of preventive healthcare in dogs and cats. However, owners who totally disagreed that a companion animal is a "family member" were also associated with a higher likelihood of vaccination uptake and veterinary visits for their animals. This highlights that owner's compliance with veterinary preventive healthcare is multifactorial. Chile has a high prevalence of infectious diseases circulating among dogs and cats and increasingly close contacts between owners and companion animals due to emotional bonds. Thus, our study calls for One Health approaches to reduce the risks of cross-species disease transmission. Specifically, increasing vaccination coverage of companion animals in Chile is the most urgent preventive measure needed, especially among cats, males, and older animals. Expand preventive healthcare among dogs and cats will promote public and animal health, including local wildlife that is susceptible to infectious diseases circulating in companion animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marília Salgado-Caxito
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Julio A Benavides
- MIVEGEC, IRD, CNRS, Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Centro de Investigación para la Sustentabilidad y Doctorado en Medicina de la Conservación, Facultad Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicolhole Atero
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisca Córdova-Bürhle
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Romina Ramos
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Miriam Fernandez
- Estación Costera de Investigaciones Marinas (ECIM) de Las Cruces y Millennium Nucleus for the Ecology and Conservation of Temperate Mesophotic Reef Ecosystem (NUTME), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia Sapiente-Aguirre
- Programa Nacional de Tenencia Responsable de Animales de Compañía (PTRAC), Subsecretaría de Desarrollo Regional y Administrativo (SUBDERE), Ministerio del Interior y Seguridad Pública de Chile, Chile
| | - Fernando O Mardones
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820244, Chile.
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Sophia DC, Aitor C, Claudia UC, Javier C, Delia G, Valeria G, Ezequiel HH, Maria Stefania L, Constanza N, Irene S, Nicole SP, Juliana V, Gerardo AJ, Domenico V, Domenico O, Javier M. Large-scale survey for canine vector-borne parasites in free-ranging dogs and foxes from six diverse bioclimatic regions of Chile. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 30:100721. [PMID: 35431077 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Chile is a large country with a marked range of climate conditions that make it an ideal scenario for the study of vector-borne parasites (VBPs); however, knowledge about their distribution is limited to a few confined areas of this country. The presence of Hepatozoon spp., piroplasmids, Leishmania spp. and filarioids was investigated through molecular and serological methods in blood and serum samples of 764 free-ranging rural dogs, 154 Andean foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus), and 91 South American grey foxes (Lycalopex griseus) from six bioclimatic regions across Chile. Hepatozoon spp. DNA was exclusively detected in foxes (43% prevalence), including sequences closely related to Hepatozoon felis (24.1%; only Andean foxes), Hepatozoon americanum (16.2%; only grey foxes), and Hepatozoon canis (1.25%; in one grey fox). Risk factor assessment identified a higher probability of Hepatozoon infection in juvenile foxes. DNA of piroplasmids was detected in 0.7% of dogs (Babesia vogeli) but in no fox, whilst antibodies against Babesia sp. were detected in 24% of the dogs and 25% of the foxes, suggesting a wider circulation of canine piroplasmids than previously believed. A positive association between the presence of antibodies against Babesia and high Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato burden was observed in dogs. Leishmania spp. DNA and antibodies were detected in 0.8% and 4.4% of the dogs, respectively. Acanthocheilonema reconditum was the only blood nematode detected (1.5% of the dogs and no fox). Differences in prevalence among bioregions were observed for some of the VBPs. These results expand our knowledge about the occurrence of vector-borne parasites in Chile, some of which are firstly reported herein. This information will facilitate the diagnosis of vector-borne diseases in domestic dogs and improve the control measures for both domestic and wild canids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Cataldo Sophia
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Cevidanes Aitor
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile; Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, P812, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Ulloa-Contreras Claudia
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cabello Javier
- Centro de Conservación de la Biodiversidad Chiloé-Silvestre, Ancud, Chiloé, Chile
| | - Gambino Delia
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia, e Theileria, Istituto zooprofilattico sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, Palermo, Sicilia, Italy
| | - Gargano Valeria
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia, e Theileria, Istituto zooprofilattico sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, Palermo, Sicilia, Italy
| | | | | | - Napolitano Constanza
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Los Lagos, Av. Fuchslocher 1305, Osorno, Chile; Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Santiago, Chile; Cape Horn International Center (CHIC), Puerto Williams, Chile
| | - Sacristán Irene
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile; Universidad Europea de Madrid, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine, C/Tajo s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sallaberry-Pincheira Nicole
- Unidad de Rehabilitación de Fauna Silvestre, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Vianna Juliana
- Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, Chile
| | - Acosta-Jamett Gerardo
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Casilla 567, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Vicari Domenico
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia, e Theileria, Istituto zooprofilattico sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, Palermo, Sicilia, Italy
| | - Otranto Domenico
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Millán Javier
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; Fundación ARAID, Avda. de Ranillas, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
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Di Cataldo S, Cevidanes A, Ulloa-Contreras C, Hidalgo-Hermoso E, Gargano V, Cabello J, Sacristán I, Napolitano C, Gambino D, Vicari D, Millán J. A serosurvey for spotted fever group Rickettsia and Coxiella burnetii antibodies in rural dogs and foxes, Chile. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 83:101769. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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A Review and Analysis of the National Dog Population Management Program in Chile. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030228. [PMID: 35158553 PMCID: PMC8833616 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Free-roaming dogs are a worldwide problem, with Chile having some of the highest human-to-dog ratios in the world. In 2017, Law 21.020 was promulgated and the federal government developed a national responsible pet ownership program. The objectives of this article are to describe and discuss the dog-related components of the program, to design a tool for determining human-to-dog ratios in Chile, and to make recommendations to managers to improve the program outcomes. The overarching goal of the program was to mitigate the conflict between humans and dogs, but many of the interventions were animal-focused and the indicators did not consider the perception of the Chilean public. Using human density data and known dog populations, we found that as the human density increased, there were fewer dogs per person. Veterinary services and sterilizations were the mainstay of the program and were offered for free to citizens. Education was offered to all ages through public events, as well as municipality and organization activities. The identification of dogs was obligatory for dog owners. Enforcement was not included in the program. The recommendations are to conduct preintervention baseline data collections and to tailor interventions and indicators appropriately; to use dog population size estimates determined at the local level rather than a country-wide estimate; to replace free veterinary services with low-cost sterilization campaigns; to create sustainable plans for education; and to create enforcement teams in communities.
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Gálvez N, Meniconi P, Infante J, Bonacic C. Response of mesocarnivores to anthropogenic landscape intensification: activity patterns and guild temporal interactions. J Mammal 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyab074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Carnivores face important anthropogenic threats in agricultural areas from habitat loss and fragmentation, disturbance by domestic free-roaming dogs and cats, and direct hunting by humans. Anthropogenic disturbances are shifting the activity patterns of wild animals, likely modifying species interactions. We estimated changes in the activity patterns of the mesocarnivore guild of agricultural landscapes of the La Araucanía region in southern Chile in response to land-use intensification, comparing intra- and interspecific activity patterns at low and high levels of forest cover, fragmentation, and land ownership subdivision. Our focal species comprise the güiña or kod-kod (Leopardus guigna), two fox species (Lycalopex culpaeus and L. griseus), a skunk (Conepatus chinga), and one native mustelid (Galictis cuja), in addition to free-roaming dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and cats (Felis catus) and their main mammalian prey species (i.e., Rodentia and Lagomorpha). In 23,373 trap nights, we totaled 21,729 independent records of our focal species. Our results show tendencies toward nocturnality at high land-use intensification, with potential impacts on species fitness. Nocturnal mesocarnivores decreased their diurnal/crepuscular activity, while cathemeral activity shifted to nocturnal activity at high land-use intensification, but only when in sympatry with a competitor. High land-use intensification decreased the activity overlap between native and domestic mesocarnivores but increased the overlap between native mesocarnivores. High intensification also reduced overlap with prey species. Notably, foxes displayed peaks of activity opposing those of dogs, and plasticity in activity pattern when in sympatry with dogs, such as strategies to avoid encounters. We stress the need to suppress the free-roaming and unsupervised activity of dogs to mitigate impacts of high land-use intensification on mesocarnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Gálvez
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Wildlife ecology and Coexistence Laboratory, Villarrica campus, Centre for Research in Local Development (CEDEL-UC), O’Higgins 501, Villarrica, Chile
| | - Paola Meniconi
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Fauna Australis Wildlife Laboratory, Department of Ecosystems and Environment, School of Agronomy and Forestry, Avenida Vicuña Mackenna 4860, 7820436 Santiago, Chile
| | - José Infante
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Wildlife ecology and Coexistence Laboratory, Villarrica campus, Centre for Research in Local Development (CEDEL-UC), O’Higgins 501, Villarrica, Chile
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Fauna Australis Wildlife Laboratory, Department of Ecosystems and Environment, School of Agronomy and Forestry, Avenida Vicuña Mackenna 4860, 7820436 Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristian Bonacic
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Fauna Australis Wildlife Laboratory, Department of Ecosystems and Environment, School of Agronomy and Forestry, Avenida Vicuña Mackenna 4860, 7820436 Santiago, Chile
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S DC, A C, C UC, E HH, V G, I S, N SP, D PM, D GA, C N, J V, G AJ, D V, J M. Mapping the distribution and risk factors of Anaplasmataceae in wild and domestic canines in Chile and their association with Rhipicephalus sanguineus species complex lineages. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101752. [PMID: 34134063 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis are members of the Anaplasmataceae family that cause disease in dogs and are mainly transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus species group ticks. We performed a cross-sectional study on these pathogens across six bioclimatic regions of Chile, including 719 free-ranging rural dogs, 132 Andean foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus), and 82 South American gray foxes (Lycalopex griseus). Dog and fox blood samples were first screened for DNA of Anaplasmataceae followed by two Ehrlichia-specific protocols. Antibodies against Anaplasma sp. and E. canis were assessed by immunofluorescence in dogs. Ectoparasites were collected and identified, with the determination of the lineages of the Rhipicephalus sanguineus species group by molecular and phylogenetic analyses. Finally, potential risk factors for infection were investigated across the different bioclimatic regions and host species. All DNA amplicons obtained from the screening protocol corresponded to Anaplasma platys. The occurrence of both A. platys DNA and antibodies was confirmed in all six bioclimatic regions, except for regions at high altitude and/or without either R. sanguineus species group lineage present. Dogs infested with R. sanguineus ticks were significantly more prone to be infected and exposed to Anaplasma spp. Prevalence of DNA was significantly higher in juvenile (19%) than in adult dogs (9%), whereas the opposite was found for seroprevalence (19% versus 35%, respectively). Overall prevalence of A. platys DNA was higher in dogs (11%) than in foxes (4%), probably owing to markedly lower tick infestations in the foxes. Ehrlichia canis DNA was not detected in any sample, and antibodies against this pathogen were detected only in four dogs, in areas with both R. sanguineus lineages present. Free-ranging dogs in Chile could be favoring the maintenance of A. platys in all areas suitable for its tick vector. Although apparently infrequent, spillovers from dogs to foxes may be taking place and should be considered in management plans in Chile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Cataldo S
- Conservation Medicine, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Cevidanes A
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile; Department of Animal Health. NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development. Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA). Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, P812, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Ulloa-Contreras C
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Hidalgo-Hermoso E
- Conservation and Research Department, Parque Zoológico Buin Zoo, Panamericana Sur Km 32, Buin, Chile
| | - Gargano V
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia, e Theileria, Istituto zooprofilattico sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, Palermo, Sicilia, Italy
| | - Sacristán I
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sallaberry-Pincheira N
- Unidad de Rehabilitación de Fauna Silvestre, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Peñaloza-Madrid D
- Parque Safari Chile, Ruta H-30, Km 5, Camino A Doñihue S/N, Rancagua, O'Higgins, Chile
| | - González-Acuña D
- Departamento de Ciencias Pecuarias, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, 71 Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Napolitano C
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Los Lagos, Av. Fuchslocher 1305, Osorno, Chile; Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Santiago, Chile
| | - Vianna J
- Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, Chile
| | - Acosta-Jamett G
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria y Programa de Investigación Aplicada en Fauna Silvestre, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Casilla 567, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Vicari D
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia, e Theileria, Istituto zooprofilattico sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, Palermo, Sicilia, Italy
| | - Millán J
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; Fundación ARAID, Avda. de Ranillas, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
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Di Cataldo S, Cevidanes A, Ulloa-Contreras C, Sacristán I, Peñaloza-Madrid D, Vianna J, González-Acuña D, Sallaberry-Pincheira N, Cabello J, Napolitano C, Hidalgo-Hermoso E, Acosta-Jamett G, Millán J. Widespread Infection with Hemotropic Mycoplasmas in Free-Ranging Dogs and Wild Foxes Across Six Bioclimatic Regions of Chile. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9050919. [PMID: 33923361 PMCID: PMC8145368 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9050919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood samples of 626 rural dogs, 140 Andean foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus), and 83 South American grey foxes (L. griseus) from six bioregions of Chile spanning 3000 km were screened for Mycoplasma DNA by conventional PCR and sequencing. Risk factors of infection were inferred using Generalized Linear Mixed Models and genetic structure by network analyses. Overall, Mycoplasma haemocanis/Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhc/Mhf) and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (CMhp) observed prevalence was 23.8% and 12.8% in dogs, 20.1% and 7.2% in Andean foxes, and 26.5% and 8.4% in grey foxes, respectively. Both hemoplasmas were confirmed in all the bioregions, with higher prevalence in those where ticks from the Rhipicephalus sanguineus species group were absent. Candidatus M. haematominutum and a Mycoplasma sp. previously found in South American carnivores were detected in one fox each. Although the most prevalent Mhc/Mhf and CMhp sequence types were shared between dogs and foxes, network analysis revealed genetic structure of Mhc/Mhf between hosts in some regions. Male sex was associated with a higher risk of Mhc/Mhf and CMhp infection in dogs, and adult age with CMhp infection, suggesting that direct transmission is relevant. No risk factor was identified in foxes. Our study provides novel information about canine hemoplasmas with relevance in distribution, transmission routes, and cross-species transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Di Cataldo
- PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago 8320000, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-946-943-947
| | - Aitor Cevidanes
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago 8320000, Chile; or (I.S.); (J.M.)
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia P812, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Claudia Ulloa-Contreras
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago 8320000, Chile;
| | - Irene Sacristán
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago 8320000, Chile; or (I.S.); (J.M.)
| | - Diego Peñaloza-Madrid
- Parque Safari Chile, Ruta H-30, Km 5, Camino A Doñihue S/N, Rancagua, O’Higgins 2820000, Chile;
| | - Juliana Vianna
- Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 8320000, Chile;
| | - Daniel González-Acuña
- Departamento de Ciencias Pecuarias, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad de Concepción, Víctor Lamas 1290, Chillán 4070386, Chile;
| | - Nicole Sallaberry-Pincheira
- Unidad de Rehabilitación de Fauna Silvestre, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago 8320000, Chile;
| | - Javier Cabello
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad San Sebastián, Puerto Montt 5480000, Chile;
| | - Constanza Napolitano
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Los Lagos, Av. Fuchslocher 1305, Osorno 5290000, Chile or
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Santiago 7750000, Chile
| | - Ezequiel Hidalgo-Hermoso
- Conservation and Research Department, Parque Zoológico Buin Zoo, Panamericana Sur Km 32, Buin 9500000, Chile;
| | - Gerardo Acosta-Jamett
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria y Programa de Investigación Aplicada en Fauna Silvestre, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Casilla 567, Valdivia 5091000, Chile;
| | - Javier Millán
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago 8320000, Chile; or (I.S.); (J.M.)
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Fundación ARAID, Avda. de Ranillas, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
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Moreira Marrero L, Botto Nuñez G, Malta L, Delfraro A, Frabasile S. Ecological and Conservation Significance of Herpesvirus Infection in Neotropical Bats. ECOHEALTH 2021; 18:123-133. [PMID: 34184171 PMCID: PMC8238035 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-021-01530-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Bats are the second most diverse order of mammals and key species for ecosystem functioning, providing a wide range of ecosystem services, from pest control to seed dispersal. Chiropterans are known for hosting a large diversity of viruses, in some cases with little or no effect to their health. Here, we report on the results of a screening for DNA (Herpesviridae) and RNA viruses (Rhabdovirus and Pneumovirus), finding a high prevalence and wide diversity of both Beta- and Gamma-Herpesvirus in insectivorous and hematophagous bats of the southern cone of South America. Our findings suggest that bats in the southern neotropics harbor a high diversity of herpesviruses and, at least in some cases, the viral community in the bat species is more strongly associated with ecological traits of the hosts, rather than their taxonomy. The presence of a separate clade into the Gammaherpesvirinae subfamily in the common vampire bat suggests the independent circulation of herpesviruses in hematophagous and insectivorous bats and highlights the properness of these viruses to track vampire bats' population structure for rabies studies. Hence, we suggest that as other pathogens viruses may be used to track the population dynamics of their hosts, including movement and demographics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Moreira Marrero
- Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La República, Iguá 4225, 11400, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Programa Para La Conservación de Los Murciélagos de Uruguay, Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Germán Botto Nuñez
- Programa Para La Conservación de Los Murciélagos de Uruguay, Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Métodos Cuantitativos, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, USA
| | - Lucía Malta
- Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La República, Iguá 4225, 11400, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adriana Delfraro
- Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La República, Iguá 4225, 11400, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Sandra Frabasile
- Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La República, Iguá 4225, 11400, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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Widespread Presence of Domestic Dogs on Sandy Beaches of Southern Chile. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010161. [PMID: 33445632 PMCID: PMC7827244 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs on sandy beaches are a threat to shorebirds. Managing this problem requires understanding the factors that influence the abundance of dogs in these ecosystems. We aimed to determine the proportion of beaches used by dogs and the effects of human presence on dog abundance on sandy beaches of southern Chile. We conducted dog counts and recorded the presence of tracks on 14 beaches. We used zero-inflated generalized linear mixed models to determine if the number of people, number of households, and other covariates were associated with dog abundance. We detected dog tracks on all the beaches, and dog sightings on most of them. Dogs were frequently not supervised (45%) and only 13% of them were leashed. The number of people on the beach and the number of houses near the beach were positively associated with the number of dogs on beaches. Finally, when dogs co-occurred with whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus), the probability of dog harassment was high (59%). Our work reveals that human presence determines the abundance of dogs on sandy beaches. Therefore, our study suggests that any strategy aiming at reducing dog harassment of shorebirds requires changes in those human behaviors that favor the presence of free-ranging dogs at beaches.
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Astorga F, Poo-Muñoz DA, Organ J, Medina-Vogel G. Why Let the Dogs Out? Exploring Variables Associated with Dog Confinement and General Characteristics of the Free-ranging Owned-Dog Population in a Peri-urban Area. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2020; 25:311-325. [PMID: 32985259 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2020.1820334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Free-ranging dogs (FRDs), are a problem in several countries, with impacts on humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, although increasing evidence suggests that most FRDs are owned. Therefore, understanding dog ownership on a fine scale is critical. The main objectives of this study were to explore dog management in rural localities from central Chile focusing on modeling owner-related variables associated with dog confinement and characterize confined and FRDs populations. Interviews (170) were carried out in Paine municipality, reporting a human:dog ratio of 1.5:1, and dogs in most households (85.9%, 146/170). Thirty-seven percent (54/146) of those households did not confine their dog(s) to some degree, and 41% (196/472) of surveyed dogs were FRD. Based on multivariable logistic regression models, non-confinement was decreased by (i) negative opinion of owners toward roaming behavior of their dogs, (ii) negative opinion toward FRDs, among others. Dog confinement increased along with owners' concerns about the impacts of their dogs on others. Owned-FRDs tended to have poorer general care than confined dogs. Our findings represent a contribution to the understanding of the human dimensions behind FRDs and provide critical quantitative elements to consider when planning effective control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Astorga
- Núcleo de Investigaciones Aplicadas en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Universidad de las Américas, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - John Organ
- U.S. Geological Survey, Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units, Reston, VA, USA
| | - Gonzalo Medina-Vogel
- Centro de Investigación para la Sustentabilidad, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
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Di Cataldo S, Ulloa-Contreras C, Cevidanes A, Hernández C, Millán J. Babesia vogeli in dogs in Chile. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:2296-2299. [PMID: 32367669 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We report the presence of Babesia vogeli in dogs in Chile. During two surveillance campaigns separated by a year, sixty-three blood samples from free-ranging rural dogs in Coquimbo, Chile, were analysed through conventional PCR screening of the 18S rRNA for Babesia species. Sequencing confirmed the presence of Babesia vogeli in 6.3% of the tested animals, with positive cases in both years. All the sequences showed 100% nucleotide sequence identity among them and 99.8% with other previously published sequences from dogs. No clinical signs or haematological abnormalities other than thrombocytopenia were found in the parasitized individuals. This is the first report of a canine piroplasmid in Chile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Di Cataldo
- Programa de Doctorado en Medicina de la Conservación, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Aitor Cevidanes
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia Hernández
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico Veterinario, HCV, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Andrés Bello, Lo Pinto, Chile
| | - Javier Millán
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Fundación ARAID, Zaragoza, Spain
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Evidence of Pathogenic Leptospira Infection in a Free-ranging Andean Fox ( Lycalopex culpaeus) from Central Chile. J Wildl Dis 2019. [PMID: 30856050 DOI: 10.7589/2018-09-237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We found evidence of infection and shedding of Leptospira serovars Ballum and Canicola in the Andean fox (Lycalopex culpaeus) in Chile. We used PCR to demonstrate the presence of Leptospira DNA and microagglutination tests to identify serovars.
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Millán J, Travaini A, Cevidanes A, Sacristán I, Rodríguez A. Assessing the natural circulation of canine vector-borne pathogens in foxes, ticks and fleas in protected areas of Argentine Patagonia with negligible dog participation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2018; 8:63-70. [PMID: 30622893 PMCID: PMC6319024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We collected blood and/or ectoparasites from 49 South American grey foxes (Lycalopex griseus) and two Andean foxes (L. culpaeus) caught in two National Parks of southern Argentine Patagonia (Bosques Petrificados, BPNP; and Monte León, MLNP) where dogs are nearly absent (density < 0.01 dog/km2). Common ectoparasites were the flea Pulex irritans (88% prevalence) and the tick Amblyomma tigrinum (29%). Conventional PCR and sequencing of 49 blood samples, 299 fleas analysed in 78 pools, and 21 ticks revealed the presence of DNA of the following canine vector-borne pathogens: in grey foxes, Rickettsia sp. (3%), hemoplasmas (8%), including Mycoplasma haemocanis, and Hepatozoon sp. (50%); in P. irritans, Bartonella spp. (72% of flea pools from 76% of foxes), mostly B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii but also B. rochalimae, Anaplasmataceae (Wolbachia sp.; 60% and 54%), and M. haemocanis/haemofelis (29% and 18%); and in A. tigrinum, Hepatozoon sp. (33% of ticks in 4 of 7 foxes). No piroplasmid DNA was detected in any sample. Andean foxes were negative for all tested pathogens. Two different Hepatozoon haplotypes were detected: the most prevalent was phylogenetically associated with H. felis, and the other with H. americanum and related sequences. Amblyomma tigrinum and Hepatozoon sp. were more abundant and/or prevalent in BPNP than in colder MLNP, 300 km southwards, perhaps located close to the limit for tick suitability. Bartonella v. berkhoffii was also significantly more prevalent in fleas of foxes in BPNP than in MLNP. This study provides novel information about natural host-pathogen associations in wildlife, markedly extends the distribution area in South America of arthropods and vector-borne pathogens of veterinary and public health interest, and contributes preliminary evidence about the potential role of A. tigrinum and P. irritans as vectors, respectively, for potentially new species of Hepatozoon from Lycalopex spp. and for M. haemocanis that should be further investigated. Foxes and their ticks and fleas analysed in two remote areas of Argentine Patagonia. Hepatozoon (50%), hemoplasmas (8%), Rickettsia (3%) DNA detected in foxes. Two Hepatozoon haplotypes: one related with H. felis, the other with H. americanum. Role of Amblyomma tigrinum as Hepatozoon vector is proposed. Bartonella and hemoplasma DNA detected in P. irritans from 76% and 18% of foxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Millán
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
- Corresponding author.
| | - Alejandro Travaini
- Centro de Investigaciones Puerto Deseado, Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral, CONICET, Avda. Prefectura Naval s/n, 9050, Puerto Deseado, Santa Cruz, Argentina
| | - Aitor Cevidanes
- PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Irene Sacristán
- PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandro Rodríguez
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
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Abstract
Rabies is a zoonotic disease of great impact to public health. According to the World Health Organization, the country of Chile is currently declared free from human rabies transmitted by dogs. An epidemiological characterization and description was conducted using rabies data from 2003 to 2013 held by the National Program for Prevention and Control of Rabies from the Ministry of Health, consisting of bats samples reported as suspect and samples taken by active surveillance (bats brain tissue). Spatial autocorrelation analysis was performed using Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) statistics, particularly Moran's I index, for the detection of spatial clusters. Temporal descriptive analysis was also carried out. Nine hundred and twenty-seven positive cases were reported, presenting an average of 84 cases per year, mainly originated from passive surveillance (98.5%), whilst only 1.5% of cases were reported by active surveillance. Global positivity for the study period was 7.02% and 0.1% in passive and active surveillance respectively. Most of the cases were reported in the central zone of Chile (88.1%), followed by south zone (9.1%) and north zone (2.8%). At a regional level, Metropolitana (40.6%), Valparaíso (19.1%) and Maule (11.8%) regions reported the majority of the cases. Tadarida brasiliensis (92%) presented the majority of the cases reported, with viral variant 4 (82%) being most commonly diagnosed. Only two cases were detected in companion animals. The central zone presented a positive spatial autocorrelation (Moran's I index=0.1537, 95% CI=0.1141-0.1933; p-value=0.02); north and south zones returned non-significant results (Moran's I index=0.0517 and -0.0117, 95% CI=-0.0358-0.1392 and -0.0780-0.0546, and p-values=0.21 and 0.34 respectively). The number of rabies cases decreased between May and August (late fall and winter) and tended to increase during the hot season (December to March), confirmed with the evidence from Autocorrelation analysis and the Ljun-Box test (X2=234.85 and p-value<0.0001). Knowledge of animal rabies epidemiologic behaviour becomes relevant when designing prevention and control measures and surveillance programs. This is especially important considering the high impact to Public Health of this disease and that wildlife rabies in bats remains endemic in Chile.
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Villatoro FJ, Sepúlveda MA, Stowhas P, Silva-Rodríguez EA. Urban dogs in rural areas: Human-mediated movement defines dog populations in southern Chile. Prev Vet Med 2016; 135:59-66. [PMID: 27931930 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Management strategies for dog populations and their diseases include reproductive control, euthanasia and vaccination, among others. However, the effectiveness of these strategies can be severely affected by human-mediated dog movement. If immigration is important, then the location of origin of dogs imported by humans will be fundamental to define the spatial scales over which population management and research should apply. In this context, the main objective of our study was to determine the spatial extent of dog demographic processes in rural areas and the proportion of dogs that could be labeled as immigrants at multiple spatial scales. To address our objective we conducted surveys in households located in a rural landscape in southern Chile. Interviews allowed us to obtain information on the demographic characteristics of dogs in these rural settings, human influence on dog mortality and births, the localities of origin of dogs living in rural areas, and the spatial extent of human-mediated dog movement. We found that most rural dogs (64.1%) were either urban dogs that had been brought to rural areas (40.0%), or adopted dogs that had been previously abandoned in rural roads (24.1%). Some dogs were brought from areas located as far as ∼700km away from the study area. Human-mediated movement of dogs, especially from urban areas, seems to play a fundamental role in the population dynamics of dogs in rural areas. Consequently, local scale efforts to manage dog populations or their diseases are unlikely to succeed if implemented in isolation, simply because dogs can be brought from surrounding urban areas or even distant locations. We suggest that efforts to manage or study dog populations and related diseases should be implemented using a multi-scale approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico J Villatoro
- Programa de Doctorado en Medicina de la Conservación, Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Maximiliano A Sepúlveda
- Departamento de Planificación y Desarrollo, Gerencia de Áreas Silvestres Protegidas del Estado, Corporación Nacional Forestal, Paseo Bulnes 285, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paulina Stowhas
- Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 550N Park, Box 47, Madison, Wisconsin 53706 USA, USA
| | - Eduardo A Silva-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile.
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Poo-Muñoz DA, Elizondo-Patrone C, Escobar LE, Astorga F, Bermúdez SE, Martínez-Valdebenito C, Abarca K, Medina-Vogel G. Fleas and Ticks in Carnivores From a Domestic-Wildlife Interface: Implications for Public Health and Wildlife. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 53:1433-1443. [PMID: 27539151 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Fleas and ticks are parasites of wild and domestic mammals, and can be vectors of several pathogens. In rural areas, domestic carnivores such as the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris L.), may act as a "bridge" between natural areas and human settlements where ectoparasites can be used as a metric of such link. The aim of this study was to identify fleas, ticks, and Rickettsia spp., collected from domestic and wild carnivores in a natural reserve and surrounding human settlements in Central Chile, using morphological keys and molecular analysis. We surveyed 170 households from which 107 dogs and eight cats were sampled. From the natural reserve, we sampled two chilla foxes (Pseudalopex griseus Gray), two lesser grison (Galictis cuja Molina), three kodkods (Leopardus guigna Molina), and four dogs. From dogs, we collected Ctenocephalides felis Bouché, Ctenocephalides canis Curtis, Pulex irritans L., and Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. Latreille; C. felis was the most frequent ectoparasite. Cats were infested only by C. felis and Rh. sanguineus s.l. From wild carnivores, we obtained C. canis and P. irritans, the latter being most frequent. Molecular analysis of P. irritans detected 10 haplotypes and two main clades, which tended to separate fleas from wild and domestic hosts. Molecular analysis of ompA and ompB genes confirmed the presence of Rickettsia felis in fleas collected from owned dogs and cats, which could represent a potential risk factor of R. felis transmission in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela A Poo-Muñoz
- Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, Av. República 252, Santiago, Chile (; ; ; )
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Santo Tomás Sede Temuco, Manuel Rodríguez 060, Temuco, Chile
| | - Claudia Elizondo-Patrone
- Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, Av. República 252, Santiago, Chile (; ; ; )
- Genética de la Conservación-Departamento de Biodiversidad y Genética -IIBCE- MEC, Av. Italia 3318, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Luis E Escobar
- Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Francisca Astorga
- Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, Av. República 252, Santiago, Chile (; ; ; )
| | - Sergio E Bermúdez
- Departamento de Investigación en Entomología Médica, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panamá
| | - Constanza Martínez-Valdebenito
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile (; )
| | - Katia Abarca
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile (; )
| | - Gonzalo Medina-Vogel
- Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, Av. República 252, Santiago, Chile (; ; ; )
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Escobar LE, Craft ME. Advances and Limitations of Disease Biogeography Using Ecological Niche Modeling. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1174. [PMID: 27547199 PMCID: PMC4974947 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mapping disease transmission risk is crucial in public and animal health for evidence based decision-making. Ecology and epidemiology are highly related disciplines that may contribute to improvements in mapping disease, which can be used to answer health related questions. Ecological niche modeling is increasingly used for understanding the biogeography of diseases in plants, animals, and humans. However, epidemiological applications of niche modeling approaches for disease mapping can fail to generate robust study designs, producing incomplete or incorrect inferences. This manuscript is an overview of the history and conceptual bases behind ecological niche modeling, specifically as applied to epidemiology and public health; it does not pretend to be an exhaustive and detailed description of ecological niche modeling literature and methods. Instead, this review includes selected state-of-the-science approaches and tools, providing a short guide to designing studies incorporating information on the type and quality of the input data (i.e., occurrences and environmental variables), identification and justification of the extent of the study area, and encourages users to explore and test diverse algorithms for more informed conclusions. We provide a friendly introduction to the field of disease biogeography presenting an updated guide for researchers looking to use ecological niche modeling for disease mapping. We anticipate that ecological niche modeling will soon be a critical tool for epidemiologists aiming to map disease transmission risk, forecast disease distribution under climate change scenarios, and identify landscape factors triggering outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis E Escobar
- Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. PaulMN, USA; Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, University of Minnesota, St. PaulMN, USA
| | - Meggan E Craft
- Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul MN, USA
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Acosta-Jamett G. Increased dog population and potential for bat-borne rabies spillover in Chile in response to "Dog management, abundance and potential for bat-borne rabies spillover in Chile" by Astorga et al. [Prev. Vet. Med. 118: 397-405]. Prev Vet Med 2015; 120:246-247. [PMID: 25921263 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Acosta-Jamett
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria y Programa de Investigación Aplicada en Fauna Silvestre, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Casilla 567, Valdivia, Chile.
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Astorga F, Poo-Muñoz DA, Escobar LE, Medina-Vogel G. In response to: "Increased dog population and potential for bat-borne rabies spillover in Chile in response to "Dog management, abundance and potential for bat-borne rabies spillover in Chile" by Astorga et al. [Prev. Vet. Med. 118:397-405]" by Acosta-Jammet, G. Prev Vet Med 2015; 120:248-249. [PMID: 25921250 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Astorga
- Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniela A Poo-Muñoz
- Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Emilio Escobar
- Center for Global Health and Translational Science, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Gonzalo Medina-Vogel
- Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile.
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