#Wittels- Posted October 24, 2021 Posted October 24, 2021 Preventing domestic cats from roaming free is key to preventing disease outbreaks in wild animals. In most of the world, domestic cats are treated as a danger to wildlife. The most iconic case is that of Australia: after arriving on the continent in 1788 aboard English ships, feral cats have multiplied and today they are one of the main threats to native species. It is estimated that more than a million reptiles per day are killed by cats in Australia, while a study ensures that feral cats are linked to the extinction of 25 species of mammals and the risk of disappearance of at least 124 other Australian species. However, the danger that cats pose to native species is not limited to hunting small mammals, birds and reptiles: new research published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B analyzed a group of 45,000 cases of toxoplasmosis among wild mammals. of 238 different species, with the aim of finding the key factors that influence the prevalence of the parasite. According to New Scientist, the team found a high prevalence of toxoplasmosis associated with an increase in temperature, increased rainfall, and especially an unsuspected factor: living near urban areas. Although more studies are needed to fully understand the problem, scientists directly linked urban areas with the presence of the main host of toxoplasmosis: domestic cats. What is toxoplasmosis and how is it transmitted? Toxoplasmosis is caused by a common parasite that can be found in contaminated food and water; however, domestic and wild cats are its main reservoir. Toxoplasma gondii is present in the feces of an infected cat and can be spread by coming into contact with their feces. In humans, it is a benign disease and it is estimated that between 30 and 50% of the po[CENSORED]tion have this parasite; However, it is a disease that rarely requires treatment and in most cases goes unnoticed, as the immune system fights it efficiently. However, in pregnant women or people with a weakened immune system, toxoplasmosis can cause symptoms similar to the complaint and in rare cases, serious, life-threatening complications. The study adds to other research looking at the harmful effects on wildlife of domestic cats roaming free in cities and rural areas. In the case of toxoplasmosis, the team considers responsible management of cats essential to avoid the spread of the parasite and, above all, to minimize the risk of an outbreak of this and other diseases in wild animals. Link: https://www.ngenespanol.com/animales/los-gatos-domesticos-tambien-transmiten-parasitos-a-los-animales-salvajes/
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