Title
Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of a Mortality Event among Central African Great Apes
Author(s)
Cameron, Kenneth N.;Reed, Patricia;Morgan, David B.;Ondzié, Alain I.;Sanz, Crickette M.;Kühl, Hjalmar S.;Olson, Sarah H.;Leroy, Eric;Karesh, William B.;Mundry, Roger
Published
2016
Publisher
PLoS ONE
Abstract
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.
Keywords
Apes;Gorillas;Africa;Simulation and modeling;Habitats;Wildlife;Disease dynamics;Statistical models
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PUB18908