2025/07/23 by Beatriz S. G. Alves, Pedro Monterroso, Alice Bacon +2 · 1 voice
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Medicine · #Animal Disease Management and Epidemiology #Viral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology #Zoonotic diseases and public health
paper · doi:10.1111/mam.70011
openalex publication_date 2025/07/23 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/07
ABSTRACT Background Human‐induced habitat changes can directly influence the prevalence and spread of diseases, as wildlife is increasingly exposed to novel pathogens through interactions with domestic animals. The sub‐family Felinae, encompassing 34 species that live across diverse environments, offers insights into the interplay between habitat, behaviour and infectious diseases. Despite efforts over the past five decades to study viral infections in this taxon, knowledge remains fragmented, highlighting the need for a cohesive understanding to inform conservation strategies. Aims This systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to achieve three specific objectives: (1) to identify knowledge gaps and future research priorities; (2) to evaluate prevalence patterns across the studied viral classes and identify those that are most represented in the meta‐analysis for individual variable assessment; and (3) to identify potential sources of variation in published prevalence estimates, considering three types of independent variables (host‐related, diagnostic‐related and publication‐related). Materials and Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review was conducted. Data was extracted for both descriptive and meta‐analytical evaluation, with a focus on viral prevalence and variable analysis to identify potential sources of heterogeneity. Results Findings reveal a misalignment between research efforts and Felinae species richness, with underrepresentation in high‐diversity regions like Asia, South America and Africa. Viral infections of concern include feline coronavirus, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus, feline panleukopaenia virus, feline leukaemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus and morbilliviruses, particularly canine distemper virus. Discussion Species‐specific findings, such as the high prevalence of feline leukaemia virus in European wildcats, highlight the need for targeted surveillance and the inclusion of both wild and domestic felids, as well as other sympatric species, in any surveillance plans. Conclusion This meta‐analysis and its recommendations aim to guide future research and management, promoting a proactive, evidence‐based approach to disease surveillance that supports the long‐term health and survival of felid species worldwide.