Exposure to Feline Viruses in European Wildcats (Felis s. silvestris) in Germany: Spatial Patterns and Environmental Risk Factors.

While viral diseases of domestic cats (Felis catus) can threaten the recovery of the European wildcat (Felis s. silvestris), their epidemiology in wildcat populations remains poorly understood. Here, we analyzed 428 road-killed wildcats from Western and Central Germany for the presence of antibodies/antigens of six feline viruses. The presence of at least one viral antigen or antiviral antibody was detected in 53.3% of the animals. Antibodies against feline parvovirus (FPV) showed the highest seroprevalence (29.2%), while feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigens were detected in 22.2% of the animals. Antibodies to feline coronavirus (FCoV), feline herpesvirus (FHV) and feline calicivirus (FCV) were detected in 10% or fewer of the wildcats. No antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) were detected. FeLV antigens clustered spatially, with prevalence declining from southwest to northeast, consistent with the geographic expansion of the virus antigens. Seroprevalence of FPV and prevalence of FeLV increased with age, suggesting cumulative exposure, while juvenile males were particularly unlikely to be seropositive for FPV. Proximity to built-up areas did not predict seroprevalence for any virus. FeLV and FPV in particular warrant further investigation as potential threats to wildcat recovery in Germany and highlight the need for longitudinal health monitoring alongside existing conservation efforts.