Felidae

Nondomestic felids are susceptible to many of the same diseases as their domestic counterparts. Infectious diseases uncommon in domestic cats, such as canine distemper virus, however, can cause episodic mortalities in wild and captive felids. The solitary nature of some species may help limit transmission of infectious diseases; however, expansion of human populations with their domestic animals provides increased opportunities for contact making naïve wild felids especially vulnerable to cross-species infectious disease transmission. The illegal wildlife trade, human-wildlife conflict (e.g., retribution killing), as well as urbanization and fragmentation of habitats, all contribute to mortality and decline of wild populations. Many felid populations may also be vulnerable to the impacts of climate change whether due to direct loss of habitat, changes in habitat suitability, changes in prey base, or climate-induced alterations in infectious disease dynamics. Over 80% of all extant felids have decreasing wild populations; however, intensive multifaceted conservation efforts that include habitat restoration and breeding programs have not only halted declines but resulted in increasing populations of the previously critically endangered Iberian lynx. In addition to understanding disease risks to wild populations, understanding unique disease concerns of ex situ populations will be critical for ensuring healthy viable populations for future reintroduction and rewilding efforts to be successful.