Cat–wildlife interactions and zoonotic disease risk: a call for more and better community science data • Nipah Virus Research Library

Authors: Tamara SZENTIVANYI, Malik OEDIN, Ricardo ROCHA

Year: 2023

Journal: Mammal Review

DOI: 10.1111/mam.12332

Summary#

The paper discusses the potential of community science and social media to expand understanding of pet-wildlife interactions, using bat–cat data from iNaturalist as a case in point.

Key Findings#

Cats preying on bats were more prevalent in Europe and North America
Evidence of cat–bat interactions was found across geographic regions
Lack of surveillance on cats and other pets as bridging hosts for zoonotic spillover events is concerning

Methodology#

Study Type: Observational/Data Analysis
Geographic Focus: Different geographic regions

Topics#

Ecology, Zoonosis, Community Science

Relevance#

Understanding pet-wildlife interactions can help predict past and future disease outbreaks, impacting human health and pet safety

Source#

[Download PDF](/pdfs/zoonotic-ecology/Mammal Review - 2023 - Szentivanyi - Cat wildlife interactions and zoonotic disease risk a call for more and better.pdf)