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The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that affects domestic cats all over the world. Its pathogenic effects generally include anemia, immunosuppression or tumors. Dissemination over populations is linked to cat sociality, because the virus is transmitted by direct contact. Although the domestic cat is its common host, FeLV infection has also been described in some wild felids. In the Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus, some sporadic FeLV infection cases have been reported since 1994, but an outbreak with the involvement of several animals has never been described until now. During spring 2007, an FeLV outbreak hit the Do˜nana (SW Spain) population. The infection rapidly spread throughout the densest subpopulation throughout Do˜nana. Infected animals showed very acute anemic disease, most of them dying in o6 months. To avoid FeLV dissemination, a control program was carried out that included removal of viremic lynxes, vaccination of negative individuals and reduction of the feral cat population. The program was implemented both in Do˜nana and in Sierra Morena populations. In Do˜nana, around 80% of the total lynx population and 90% of the outbreak focus subpopulation were evaluated. Seven out of the 12 infected individuals found died and two reverted to latency; the remaining viremic animals have been kept in captivity. The outbreak appears to have been successfully confined to the subpopulation where the virus appeared and no more cases have been found since August 2007. In the larger Sierra Morena population, 8% of the lynx population was surveyed. Thirtyfour uninfected Iberian lynxes were vaccinated at least once. The FeLV prevalence was found to be 27% in the Do˜nana population and 0% in the Sierra Morena population.

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The distribution range of the largest Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) population of Eastern Sierra Morena was assessed between 1999 and 2006. The past distribution was evaluated using field interviews, the present range was determined by sign searching (scats) in 5x5 km and 1x1 km UTM quadrats, and the annual population size was estimated by camera-trapping. Our results indicate that lynx distribution has been limited to granite areas, and since the middle of the 20th century lynx occupation was detected in only 17 5x5 km UTM quadrats. An important decline in lynx numbers has been registered since the early 1990s, resulting in only 11 UTM 5x5 km occupied quadrats between 2001 and 2002, with two subpopulations separated by a 5 km distance occupying 3 and 8 quadrats each. Considering 1x1 km UTM quadrats, the distribution range increased from 125 km2 in 2002 to 203 km2 in 2006. Also, between 2002 and 2006 the number of female territories increased from 19 to 31. The population size was assessed since 2004, increasing from 84 detected individuals (32 adults) to 135 individuals in 2006 (43 adults). The positive dynamics observed during the study was partially related to the development of a major conservation program. The lynx distribution was correlated with rabbit distribution and abundance, therefore conservation measures must be based on rabbit management in order to recover habitat carrying capacity since the most important Iberian lynx population is still too small

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We carried out an experimental study to determine the serological response against myxoma virus (MV) and rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) in wild rabbits using commercial vaccines. Seroconversion against MV ranged between 72.7% and 97.2% in animals vaccinated by subcutaneous and intradermal route, respectively, whereas between 75.0% and 77.8% of the animals presented antibodies against RHDV after inoculation with subcutaneous and intradermal vaccines, respectively. Regardless of the inoculation route, vaccination against MV resulted in a significant increase of seropositivity 5 days postvaccination (dpv), which did not occur in animals vaccinated against RHDV. Furthermore, seroconversion against MV was significantly higher and faster in intradermally vaccinated rabbits as compared to those inoculated subcutaneously due to either the route of application and/or the type of vaccine used. The results indicated that vaccination significantly increased the prevalence of antibodies against MV and RHDV and suggested that the vaccines currently available induce a safe and effective immune response against both diseases in wild rabbits. Vaccination may be a useful management tool to control both viral diseases in field conditions, particularly in wild rabbits captured for translocations and restocking purposes in which a large number of animals are handled. ß 2011 The Wildlife Society.

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