Suzán AG, Galindo MF, Ceballos GG

Language: English/Spanish
References: 0
Page: 223-230
PDF size: 70.81 Kb.

ABSTRACT

As in other parts of the world, it is possible that in Mexico, diseases affecting wildlife are an important cause of biodiversity loss. To better understand the dynamics of diseases in areas where a great variety of species converge, it is necessary to know which are the ecological factors that favour the transmission of infectious agents, and which are their implications to conservation. Habitat fragmentation is one of the most severe environmental problems as it generates changes in the physical and biological environment that favour the extinction of species as well as the occurrence of disease, affecting biological diversity. The incidence of diseases influences on the behaviour of individuals in different populations affecting ecological and evolutionary processes that regulate biodiversity. As a result of environmental destruction, some management procedures have been implemented in order to maintain, recover, recuperate and increase endangered populations. So far, few wildlife management programmes have taken into account the study of diseases, increasing the risks for animal and public health problems. The success of these programmes depends on the knowledge of the epidemiological profile of the populations being managed. In this sense, it is necessary that veterinary medicine professionals broaden up their field of action on these types of programmes in Mexico, so that they can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in this country, not only important itself alone but for the world as well.