Predator–prey interactions present heightened opportunities for pathogen spillover, as predators are at risk of exposure to infectious agents harbored by prey. Epizootics with high morbidity and mortality have been recorded following prey-to-predator spillover events, which have had significant conservation implications for sensitive species. Using felids as a detailed case study, we have documented both virulent and clinically silent infections in apex predators following transfer of microbes from prey. We draw on these examples and others to examine the mechanisms that determine frequency and outcome of predator exposure to prey-based pathogens. We propose that predator–prey dynamics should be more thoroughly considered in empirical research and disease dynamic modeling approaches in order to reveal answers to outstanding questions relating to pathogen bioaccumulation.

捕食者与猎物的相互作用为病原体的扩散提供了更大的机会，因为捕食者有暴露于猎物所携带的传染原的风险。捕食者到捕食者外溢事件发生后，高发病率和高死亡率的动物流行病已被记录下来，这对敏感物种具有重大的保护意义。使用猫科动物作为详细的案例研究，我们已经记录了微生物从猎物转移后在尖锐掠食者中的剧毒和临床上无声的感染。我们利用这些例子和其他例子来研究确定捕食者暴露于以猎物为基础的病原体的频率和结果的机制。