Using a common commensal bacterium in endangered Takahe as a model to explore pathogen dynamics in isolated wildlife populations

摘要: Predicting and preventing outbreaks of infectious disease in endangered wildlife is problematic without an understanding the biotic abiotic factors that influence pathogen transmission genetic variation microorganisms within between these highly modified host communities. We used a common commensal bacterium, Campylobacter spp., Takahe (Porphyrio hochstetteri) populations to develop model with which study dynamics isolated connected through ongoing translocations. are endemic New Zealand, where their total population approximately 230 individuals. were translocated from single remnant wild multiple offshore mainland reserves. Several fragmented subpopulations maintained regular tested 118 8 locations for fecal spp. via culture DNA extraction PCR species assignment. Factors relating connectivity life history explored using multivariate analytical methods determine associations variables bacterial prevalence. The apparent prevalence was 99%, one highest reported avian populations. Variation evident among identified. C. sp. nova 1 (90%) colonized majority tested. Prevalence jejuni (38%) coli (24%) different subpopulations, this difference associated related management, captivity, rearing environment, presence agricultural practices location birds sampled. Modeling results metapopulations suggest anthropogenic management altered environments may have unforeseen effects on microbial exposure, carriage, risk. Translocation could unpredictable consequences including spread novel microbes