Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Infectious diseases in dogs and cats on Isabela Island, Galapagos
By Levy, J K et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2008·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Infectious diseases of dogs and cats on Isabela Island, Galapagos.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
In a study conducted on Isabela Island in the Galapagos, researchers looked at the health of dogs and cats, which are not vaccinated or imported due to strict regulations. They examined 95 dogs and 52 cats during a neutering campaign and found that many had been exposed to various infectious diseases. All dogs tested had antibodies against parvovirus and parainfluenza virus, while a significant number also showed signs of other infections like Dirofilaria immitis, which can cause heartworm disease. In cats, antibodies against panleukopenia virus and Toxoplasma gondii were common, and many had infections from Bartonella species. The study concluded that even though these animals are isolated, they are still at risk for diseases found on the mainland, and measures like parasite prevention and strict movement controls are needed to protect them.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Vaccination and importation of dogs and cats are prohibited in the Galapagos, resulting in a uniquely isolated population. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of infectious diseases of dogs and cats that impact their health, could spill over to native wildlife, or sentinel diseases of concern to humans. HYPOTHESIS: The isolation of dogs and cats in the Galapagos protects them from diseases common in mainland populations. ANIMALS: Ninety-five dogs and 52 cats presented during a neutering campaign. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was performed. Blood was collected for serological and DNA evaluation of a panel of infectious diseases. RESULTS: Antibodies against parvovirus (100%), parainfluenza virus (100%), adenovirus 1/2 (66-67%), and distemper virus (22%) were present in dogs. Dirofilaria immitis was also common in dogs (34%), with lower prevalences of Wolbachia pipiens (22%), Bartonella sp. (13%), Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. (1%), and Mycoplasma haemocanis (1%) observed. Antibodies against panleukopenia virus (67%), Toxoplasma gondii (63%), calicivirus (44%), and herpesvirus 1 (10%) were detected in cats. Feline leukemia virus antigen, feline immunodeficiency virus antibody, or coronavirus antibodies were not detected. Bartonella sp. (44%) infections were common in cats, but only one was infected with M. haemofelis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Despite their relative seclusion from the rest of the world, cats and dogs of Isabela were exposed to many pathogens found in mainland South America. Parasite prophylaxis, neutering, and strict enforcement of animal movement restrictions would control a majority of the diseases. In the absence of vaccination, a reservoir of susceptible animals remains vulnerable to new disease introductions.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18289290/