Journal Articles

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/7915

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    Upscaling effects on infectious disease emergence risk emphasize the need for local planning in primary prevention within biodiversity hotspots
    (Springer Nature Limited, 2025-10-27) Muylaert RL; Wilkinson DA; Dwiyanti EI; Hayman DTS
    Zoonotic risk assessments are increasingly vital in the wake of recent epidemics. The microbial diversity of parasitic organisms correlates with host species richness, with regions of high biodiversity facing elevated risks of emerging zoonotic infections. While habitat loss and fragmentation reduce species diversity, anthropogenic encroachment, particularly in forested areas, amplifies human exposure to novel pathogens. This study integrates host habitat, biodiversity, human encroachment, and population at risk to estimate novel disease emergence and epidemic risk at multiple spatial scales. Using Java, Indonesia, as a case study, we demonstrate that degrading spatial resolution leads to information loss, with optimal resolutions typically below 2000 m, ideally around 500 m when native-resolution processing is unfeasible. Gravity models of epidemic spread highlight Jakarta and West Java as high-risk areas, with varying contributions from surrounding regions. Our spatial analysis underscores the influence of population centers on forest management and agroforestry practices. These findings offer valuable insights for guiding pandemic prevention research and improving pathogen- and driver-based risk monitoring strategies.
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    Gut microbiota of the threatened takahē: biogeographic patterns and conservation implications
    (BioMed Central Ltd, 2022-12) West AG; DeLaunay A; Marsh P; Perry EK; Jolly M; Gartrell BD; Pas A; Digby A; Taylor MW
    BACKGROUND: The Aotearoa New Zealand takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri), once thought to be extinct, is a nationally threatened flightless rail under intensive conservation management. While there has been previous research into disease-related microbes in takahē, little is known about the microbes present in the gastrointestinal tract. Given the importance of gut-associated microbes to herbivore nutrition and immunity, knowledge of these communities is likely to be of considerable conservation value. Here we examined the gut microbiotas of 57 takahē at eight separate locations across Aotearoa New Zealand. RESULTS: Faecal samples, taken as a proxy for the hindgut bacterial community, were subjected to 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing using Illumina MiSeq. Phylogenetic analysis of > 2200 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) revealed nine main bacterial phyla (Acidobacteriota, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, Campilobacterota, Firmicutes, Fusobacteriota, Planctomycetota, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobiota) that accounted for the majority of sequence reads. Location was a significant effect (p value < 0.001, 9999 permutations) that accounted for 32% of the observed microbiota variation. One ASV, classified as Lactobacillus aviarius, was present in all samples at an average relative abundance of 17% (SD = 23.20). There was strong evidence (p = 0.002) for a difference in the abundance of the genus Lactobacillus between locations. A common commensal bacterium previously described in takahē, Campylobacter spp., was also detected in most faecal samples. CONCLUSIONS: Location plays a pivotal role in the observed variation among takahē gut bacterial communities and is potentially due to factors such as supplemental feeding and medical treatment experienced by birds housed in captivity at one of the eight sampled sites. These data present a first glimpse of the previously unexplored takahē gut microbiota and provide a baseline for future microbiological studies and conservation efforts.
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    Marine mammal conservation: over the horizon
    (Inter-Research, 2021-03-25) Nelms SE; Alfaro-Shigueto J; Arnould JPY; Avila IC; Nash SB; Campbell E; Carter MID; Collins T; Currey RJC; Domit C; Franco-Trecu V; Fuentes MMPB; Gilman E; Harcourt RG; Hines EM; Hoelze AR; Hooker SK; Johnston DW; Kelkar N; Kiszka JJ; Laidre KL; Mangel JC; Marsh H; Maxwe SM; Onoufriou AB; Palacios DM; Pierce GJ; Ponnampalam LS; Porter LJ; Russell DJF; Stockin KA; Sutaria D; Wambiji N; Weir CR; Wilson B; Godley BJ; McMahon C
    Marine mammals can play important ecological roles in aquatic ecosystems, and their presence can be key to community structure and function. Consequently, marine mammals are often considered indicators of ecosystem health and flagship species. Yet, historical population declines caused by exploitation, and additional current threats, such as climate change, fisheries bycatch, pollution and maritime development, continue to impact many marine mammal species, and at least 25% are classified as threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable) on the IUCN Red List. Conversely, some species have experienced population increases/recoveries in recent decades, reflecting management interventions, and are heralded as conservation successes. To continue these successes and reverse the downward trajectories of at-risk species, it is necessary to evaluate the threats faced by marine mammals and the conservation mechanisms available to address them. Additionally, there is a need to identify evidence-based priorities of both research and conservation needs across a range of settings and taxa. To that effect we: (1) outline the key threats to marine mammals and their impacts, identify the associated knowledge gaps and recommend actions needed; (2) discuss the merits and downfalls of established and emerging conservation mechanisms; (3) outline the application of research and monitoring techniques; and (4) highlight particular taxa/populations that are in urgent need of focus.
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    A novel gyrovirus is abundant in yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) chicks with a fatal respiratory disease.
    (2023-02) Wierenga JR; Morgan KJ; Hunter S; Taylor HS; Argilla LS; Webster T; Dubrulle J; Jorge F; Bostina M; Burga L; Holmes EC; McInnes K; Geoghegan JL
    Yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes), or hoiho in te reo Māori, are predicted to become extinct on mainland Aotearoa New Zealand in the next few decades, with infectious disease a significant contributor to their decline. A recent disease phenomenon termed respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) causing lung pathology has been identified in very young chicks. To date, no causative pathogens for RDS have been identified. In 2020 and 2021, the number of chick deaths from suspected RDS increased four- and five-fold, respectively, causing mass mortality with an estimated mortality rate of >90%. We aimed to identify possible pathogens responsible for RDS disease impacting these critically endangered yellow-eyed penguins. Total RNA was extracted from tissue samples collected during post-mortem of 43 dead chicks and subject to metatranscriptomic sequencing and histological examination. From these data we identified a novel and highly abundant gyrovirus (Anelloviridae) in 80% of tissue samples. This virus was most closely related to Gyrovirus 8 discovered in a diseased seabird, while other members of the genus Gyrovirus include Chicken anaemia virus, which causes severe disease in juvenile chickens. No other exogenous viral transcripts were identified in these tissues. Due to the high relative abundance of viral reads and its high prevalence in diseased animals, it is likely that this novel gyrovirus is associated with RDS in yellow-eyed penguin chicks.