About This Project

Urban wildlife can harbor and transmit many diseases that have the potential to affect humans, domestic pets and other wildlife species. Unfortunately, little is known about the pathogens of wild mammals in and around Los Angeles County. We are conducting a disease survey of five common mammal species that have the potential to carry and spread pathogens that impact the health of humans, domestic pets and other wildlife.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

To gain an understanding of wild mammal population health in the Los Angeles region, we are conducting a pathogen survey of five common mammal species that have the potential to carry zoonoses, or diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Zoonoses are responsible for most emerging infectious diseases. We are focused on Leptospira bacteria that causes the disease leptospirosis, which can be transmitted from wildlife reservoirs to humans or domestic pets. Leptospira is considered the most widespread zoonotic disease in the world, and is potentially increasing in California due to transmission from domestic animals and wildlife. Identifying which wildlife species carry this bacteria is important because it can affect pet and human health.

What is the significance of this project?

This study will provide an initial assessment of pathogens in wild mammals throughout LA County, including Leptospira bacteria. After identifying species and areas with higher levels of exposure (more antibodies), we can target them to test for animals with active infections (using PCR to detect Leptospira DNA), as infected animals can transmit the bacteria to other individuals or species. We will also try to get bacterial genetics from target animals to help us figure out local transmission patterns. Results will inform local wildlife, veterinary and public health agencies about infections and transmission potential in these wild mammal populations.

What are the goals of the project?

We are trying to identify which wildlife populations are affected by zoonotic diseases such as Leptospira bacteria in the Los Angeles region. Funds received will be used to test blood samples for Leptospira antibodies, indicating exposure in local wildlife (coyotes, raccoons, skunks, opossums and squirrels). Wildlife samples are currently being collected through local collaborations with wildlife and animal control agencies. These samples will be assessed for fecal pathogens and population genetics (covered by other funding sources), but we still need additional funding to assess antibodies to Leptospira bacteria. This will help us to target animals for infection testing and figure out which species potentially pose a risk to pets and humans.