Giardia in Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla Beringei Beringei), Forest Buffalo (Syncerus Caffer), and Domestic Cattle in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

A study in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, identified Giardia prevalence in mountain gorillas (9%), forest buffalo (2%), and domestic cattle (6%), with the first report of Giardia in forest buffalo. Molecular analysis revealed zoonotic genotype assemblage B in gorillas and assemblage E in cattle, suggesting potential human-gorilla transmission pathways. Spatial clustering of positive samples indicated localized hotspots for pathogen presence. While no evidence of transmission between forest buffalo and gorillas was found, the study underscores the need to further evaluate human roles in pathogen dynamics within this UNESCO-listed ecosystem.

Hogan, J. N., Miller, W. A., Cranfield, M. R., Ramer, J., Hassell, J., Noheri, J. B., Conrad, P. A., & Gilardi, K. V. K. (2014). GIARDIA IN MOUNTAIN GORILLAS (GORILLA BERINGEI BERINGEI), FOREST BUFFALO (SYNCERUS CAFFER), AND DOMESTIC CATTLE IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, RWANDA. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 50(1), 21–30. https://doi.org/10.7589/2012-09-229