Illegal Wildlife Trade gives insights into suspected Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) Occurrence in Puma concolor

Abstract

Illegal wildlife trade rises as a severe threat to biodiversity, disrupting ecosystems and driving species decline worldwide. This study describes the occurrence of Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) in a juvenile Puma concolor rescued from illegal trade in Colombia. Out of a histopathological and macroscopic detections revealed various abnormalities consistent with FPV infection, shedding light on the impact of viral diseases in wild felids. This case underscores the potential role of wild cats as reservoirs or vectors for FPV transmission and highlights the heightened disease risk associated with illegal wildlife trade. Early detection of pathogens in wild populations is crucial for implementing timely interventions and preventing disease outbreaks. Comprehensive diagnostics and management strategies tailored to wildlife species are essential for safeguarding biodiversity and mitigating zoonotic disease transmission.

Keywords

• Conservation biology
• Cougar
• Wildlife disease
• Zoonotic transmission