Infectious diseases surveillance of the Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica victoriae) in Western Spain: health and conservation implications

Abstract

A survey was conducted between 2004 and 2011 to identify potential pathogens present in the main subpopulation of Iberian ibex subspecies Capra pyrenaica victoriae, located in Gredos Mountain range in Western Spain. Samples were collected from 144 animals and subjected to specific procedures to detect the presence of, or evidence of exposure to, viral, bacterial and parasitic agents. A wide diversity of parasites was found, including 17 species of gastrointestinal nematodes and lungworms, nine species of Coccidia and three of Cestoda. Overall, 54% (75/138) of animals were parasitized by ticks (Rhipicephalus bursa, Ixodes ricinus, Haemaphysalis sulcata, and Hyalomma marginatum marginatum). Null detection of Sarcoptes scabiei mites, causal agent of sarcoptic mange, must be highlighted. Serological assays revealed exposure to Babesia ovis (43%, 56/129), Neospora caninum (13%, 14/108), Oestrus spp. (10%, 4/42), Coxiella burnetii (10%, 5/50), Mycobacterium bovis (6%, 3/50), and Toxoplasma gondii (3%, 4/137). We did not detect the presence of antibodies against Chlamydia psittaci, Brucella spp., Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, Visna-Maedi virus and Bluetongue virus. Despite the fact that major pathogens for animal health were not evidenced, the implementation of periodic passive surveillance programs directed to both wildlife and livestock is highly desirable to predict outbreaks that may compromise survival of such wild goat subspecies.