Urbanization and host relatedness shape virome composition in a widespread, generalist carnivore

Molecular Ecology
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

Urban wildlife species have the potential to serve as links in disease transmission between wildlife, humans and domestic animals at the wildland–urban interface (WUI), contributing to both sustained cross-species transmission of pathogens and the emergence of diseases in susceptible populations. However, the relative roles of host and environmental factors in shaping the composition of pathogen communities in urban wildlife is understudied. In this study, we integrated DNA and RNA virome data with host genomic and GPS datasets to investigate factors shaping virome composition in bobcats (Lynx rufus ) at the WUI in the Tucson Mountains, Arizona, USA. Using a hybrid-capture approach for 31 scats and 17 buccal swabs, we identified multiple viruses that could affect carnivore health at the WUI, including canine parvovirus, feline astrovirus, Felis catus papillomaviruses 2 and 3 and Lyon-IARC polyomavirus. Models of virome composition and distribution of viral taxa indicated contributions of host genetic relatedness and factors relating to urbanisation (such as percentages of urban land cover, road and building densities and distances to roads). Genetic associations with virome compositions were particularly influenced by females. While females exhibit significant isolation by distance, partial Mantel tests revealed a significant correlation between beta diversity and host genetic distance in females only. To our knowledge, this study represents the first assessment of factors shaping virome composition in a wild felid. Our finding of known feline and canine pathogens in bobcats underscores the potential of the WUI to facilitate cross-species transmission between wild and domestic animals.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Urbanization and host relatedness shape virome composition in a widespread, generalist carnivore
Series title Molecular Ecology
DOI 10.1111/mec.17681
Volume 34
Issue 6
Publication Date February 23, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Seattle
Description e17681, 17 p.
Country United States
State Arizona
City Tucson
Other Geospatial Tucson Mountains
Additional publication details