CAT POPULATION-STRUCTURE AND CIRCULATION OF FELINE VIRUSES

The spatial structure of host populations can influence parasite trans missibility by determining contact opportunities between hosts. Within spatially heterogeneous host populations, parasite circulation is cha racterized by general persistence and, sometimes, local extinction of infection. Our interest focused here on epidemiological patterns of vi ruses affecting domestic cars (Felis catus). This host-parasite system was chosen because there is a good understanding of both host populat ions and parasite characteristics. We undertook a long-term epidemiolo gical survey of five viruses (Feline Herpesvirus FHV, Feline Calicivir us FCV, Feline Parvovirus FPV, Feline Leukemia Virus FeLV and Feline I mmunodeficiency Virus FIV) within five natural populations of cats dif fering in their spatial structure. In the most spatially homogeneous p opulations, temporal variability in prevalence differed according to t he virus considered. In contrast, in highly clustered urban population s, all viruses exhibited either higher values or higher variability in prevalence. This suggests that the potential impact of pathogens oh h ost populations depends on parasite's intrinsic characteristics and on the spatial structure of its host population. The implications for co nservation management are discussed.