Concept Paper
Version 1
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Predation-Driven Spillover: Pathogen Bioaccumulation in Top Predators
Version 1
: Received: 9 December 2020 / Approved: 10 December 2020 / Online: 10 December 2020 (17:50:01 CET)
How to cite: Malmberg, J.; White, L.; Vandewoude, S. Predation-Driven Spillover: Pathogen Bioaccumulation in Top Predators. Preprints 2020, 2020120270. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202012.0270.v1 Malmberg, J.; White, L.; Vandewoude, S. Predation-Driven Spillover: Pathogen Bioaccumulation in Top Predators. Preprints 2020, 2020120270. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202012.0270.v1
Abstract
Predator-prey interactions present heightened opportunities for pathogen spillover, as predators are exposed to novel parasites through consumption of prey harboring potentially infectious agents. Epizootics with high morbidity and mortality have been recorded following prey-to-predator spillover events with significant conservation implications, particularly for sensitive species. However, relatively few virulent infections following prey consumption are reported, given the very large number of exposures that presumably occur. Further, many transmitted agents are infectious but clinically silent and thus go unrecognized. Mechanisms that determine outcome of predator exposure to prey-based pathogens therefore represent an important, understudied component of disease dynamics that should be considered in modeling approaches and empirical research to better understand disease risk and emergence, particularly in vulnerable or threatened species.
Keywords
predation; spillover; transmission; disease ecology; cross-species transmission; pathogens; contact behavior; zoonotic disease
Subject
Biology and Life Sciences, Anatomy and Physiology
Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
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