Maximizing Nonhuman Primate Fecal Sampling in the Republic of Congo

Olson, Sarah H.; Cameron, Kenneth Neill; Reed, Patricia; Ondzie, Alain; Joly, Damien O.

doi:10.7589/2011-11-341

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…Between 2005 and 2011 we conducted guided reconnaissance walk surveys (recces) [ 9 ] at, or in the vicinity of, locations where great ape carcasses had been found near villages along NR2, east of OKNP. Each survey zone consisted of four segments that radiated 10 km from a central point [ 10 ]. Each segment was comprised of three lines.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of a Mortality Event among Central African Great Apes

et al. 2016

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In 2006–2007 we observed an unusual mortality event among apes in northern Republic of Congo that, although not diagnostically confirmed, we believe to have been a disease outbreak. In 2007–2011 we conducted ape nest surveys in the region, recording 11,835 G. g. gorilla nests (2,262 groups) and 5,548 P. t. troglodytes nests (2,139 groups). We developed a statistical model to determine likely points of origin of the outbreak to help identify variables associated with disease emergence and spread. We modeled disease spread across the study area, using suitable habitat conditions for apes as proxy for local ape densities. Infectious status outputs from that spread model were then used alongside vegetation, temperature, precipitation and human impact factors as explanatory variables in a Generalized Linear Model framework to explain observed 2007–2011 ape nest trends in the region. The best models predicted emergence in the western region of Odzala-Kokoua National Park and north of the last confirmed Ebola virus disease epizootics. Roads were consistently associated with attenuation of modeled virus spread. As disease is amongst the leading threats to great apes, gaining a better understanding of disease transmission dynamics in these species is imperative. Identifying ecological drivers underpinning a disease emergence event and transmission dynamics in apes is critical to creating better predictive models to guide wildlife management, develop potential protective measures for wildlife and to reduce potential zoonotic transmission to humans. The results of our model represent an important step in understanding variables related to great ape disease ecology in Central Africa.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of a Mortality Event among Central African Great Apes

et al. 2016

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“…PREDICT also helped develop a noninvasive method to detect antibodies against Ebola virus in gorilla feces (Reed et al, 2014). In coordination with this effort, the consortium determined optimal sampling strategies for detection of fecal samples from great apes in Central Africa (Olson et al, 2012b). In addition to improving early detection of circulating virus, these methods will aid in identifying immunologically naïve populations of wild apes that are vulnerable to EVD and could benefit from prevention measures (Reed et al, 2014).…”

Section: Optimizing Noninvasive Sampling Techniquesmentioning

confidence: 99%

One Health proof of concept: Bringing a transdisciplinary approach to surveillance for zoonotic viruses at the human-wild animal interface

Kelly

Karesh

Johnson

et al. 2017

Preventive Veterinary Medicine

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As the world continues to react and respond inefficiently to emerging infectious diseases, such as Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome and the Ebola and Zika viruses, a growing transdisciplinary community has called for a more proactive and holistic approach to prevention and preparedness - One Health. Such an approach presents important opportunities to reduce the impact of disease emergence events and also to mitigate future emergence through improved cross-sectoral coordination. In an attempt to provide proof of concept of the utility of the One Health approach, the US Agency for International Development's PREDICT project consortium designed and implemented a targeted, risk-based surveillance strategy based not on humans as sentinels of disease but on detecting viruses early, at their source, where intervention strategies can be implemented before there is opportunity for spillover and spread in people or food animals. Here, we share One Health approaches used by consortium members to illustrate the potential for successful One Health outcomes that can be achieved through collaborative, transdisciplinary partnerships. PREDICT's collaboration with partners around the world on strengthening local capacity to detect hundreds of viruses in wild animals, coupled with a series of cutting-edge virological and analytical activities, have significantly improved our baseline knowledge on the zoonotic pool of viruses and the risk of exposure to people. Further testament to the success of the project's One Health approach and the work of its team of dedicated One Health professionals are the resulting 90 peer-reviewed, scientific publications in under 5 years that improve our understanding of zoonoses and the factors influencing their emergence. The findings are assisting in global health improvements, including surveillance science, diagnostic technologies, understanding of viral evolution, and ecological driver identification. Through its One Health leadership and multi-disciplinary partnerships, PREDICT has forged new networks of professionals from the human, animal, and environmental health sectors to promote global health, improving our understanding of viral disease spillover from wildlife and implementing strategies for preventing and controlling emerging disease threats.

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Non‐invasive genetic censusing and monitoring of primate populations

Arandjelovic

Vigilant

2018

American J Primatol

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Knowing the density or abundance of primate populations is essential for their conservation management and contextualizing socio-demographic and behavioral observations. When direct counts of animals are not possible, genetic analysis of non-invasive samples collected from wildlife populations allows estimates of population size with higher accuracy and precision than is possible using indirect signs. Furthermore, in contrast to traditional indirect survey methods, prolonged or periodic genetic sampling across months or years enables inference of group membership, movement, dynamics, and some kin relationships. Data may also be used to estimate sex ratios, sex differences in dispersal distances, and detect gene flow among locations. Recent advances in capture-recapture models have further improved the precision of population estimates derived from non-invasive samples. Simulations using these methods have shown that the confidence interval of point estimates includes the true population size when assumptions of the models are met, and therefore this range of population size minima and maxima should be emphasized in population monitoring studies. Innovations such as the use of sniffer dogs or anti-poaching patrols for sample collection are important to ensure adequate sampling, and the expected development of efficient and cost-effective genotyping by sequencing methods for DNAs derived from non-invasive samples will automate and speed analyses.

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Maximizing Nonhuman Primate Fecal Sampling in the Republic of Congo

Cited by 5 publications

References 19 publications

Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of a Mortality Event among Central African Great Apes

Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of a Mortality Event among Central African Great Apes

One Health proof of concept: Bringing a transdisciplinary approach to surveillance for zoonotic viruses at the human-wild animal interface

Non‐invasive genetic censusing and monitoring of primate populations

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