Bioaccumulation of Pathogen Exposure in Top Predators.

Predator–prey interactions present heightened opportunities for pathogen spillover, as predators are at risk of exposure to infectious agents harbored by prey. Epizootics with high morbidity and mortality have been recorded following prey-to-predator spillover events, which have had significant conservation implications for sensitive species. Using felids as a detailed case study, we have documented both virulent and clinically silent infections in apex predators following transfer of microbes from prey. We draw on these examples and others to examine the mechanisms that determine frequency and outcome of predator exposure to prey-based pathogens. We propose that predator–prey dynamics should be more thoroughly considered in empirical research and disease dynamic modeling approaches in order to reveal answers to outstanding questions relating to pathogen bioaccumulation. Advances in pathogen detection technologies have allowed more thorough characterization of infections in free-ranging wildlife. In well-studied predators like Puma concolor , multiple occurrences of spillover following consumption of reservoir hosts as prey have been observed. Outcomes of predator exposures to infectious agents harbored by prey vary, but rarely result in widespread disease. Models of disease transmission have largely considered predator behavior in the context of effects in the prey species, versus consequences to the predator. However, certain prey-transmitted infections can result in high mortality rates, sometimes with significant negative impacts on conservation of vulnerable/threatened species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]