Sociospatial structure explains marked variation in brucellosis seroprevalence in an Alpine ibex population

摘要: In a context of (re)emerging infectious diseases with wildlife reservoirs, understanding how animal ecology shapes epidemiology is key issue, particularly in wild ungulates that share pathogens domestic herbivores and have similar food requirements. For the first time Europe, brucellosis (Brucella melitensis), virulent zoonosis, persisted an Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) population was transmitted to cattle humans. To better understand disease dynamics, we investigated relationships between spatial brucellosis. Combining home range overlap 37 GPS-collared individuals visual observations 148 visually-marked monitored during 2013–2016 period, showed females were spatially segregated at least 4 units all year round, whereas males more prone move female units, particular rutting period. addition age, structure largely contributed variation seroprevalence whole population. These results suggest non-sexual routes are most likely pathways intraspecific transmission, crucial information for management. Accounting hence decisive improving our ability this health challenge involving reservoir.