A new study has revealed a breakthrough method for detecting and preventing disease in wildlife populations. Researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have developed a novel approach to detect pathogens in wild animals that could help preserve endangered species and protect humans from zoonotic diseases. The method involves monitoring the levels of antibodies in wild animals, which can indicate the presence of a pathogen before it manifests into a full-blown outbreak. This method could be especially useful in areas where traditional sampling methods are difficult or impossible to implement.

The researchers tested their method on a population of endangered African wild dogs in Botswana, and used the antibody levels to detect a gastrointestinal pathogen called canine parvovirus. This virus is highly contagious and can lead to death in wild animals if left untreated. With the help of this new method, the researchers were able to quickly identify the virus and take preventative measures to protect the African wild dogs.

This study demonstrates the power of antibody monitoring as a tool to detect and prevent disease in wildlife populations. This method could be especially useful in remote areas where traditional sampling methods are not feasible. It could help scientists better protect endangered species around the world, as well as humans from zoonotic diseases.

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source: Phys.org