International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 244-253 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmvr 250 population sizes and genetic diversity in wild wolves can help mitigate the effects of genetic drift and inbreeding, which are critical for the long-term survival and health of these populations (Marsden et al., 2015; Pilot et al., 2021). The study of rabies resistance in wild wolves reveals important genetic and epidemiological insights that differentiate them from domestic dogs. Adaptive mechanisms, shaped by natural selection, provide wild wolves with certain advantages in disease resistance. These findings underscore the importance of genetic diversity and proactive disease management in conservation efforts to protect wild canid populations. 7 Applications of Genetic Findings 7.1 Breeding strategies for enhanced disease resistance in dogs Genetic research has revealed that domestication and selective breeding have led to an increased burden of deleterious genetic variants in domestic dogs compared to their wild counterparts, such as gray wolves. This is primarily due to population bottlenecks and intense artificial selection for breed-specific traits, which have reduced the efficiency of natural selection in removing harmful variants (Marsden et al., 2015). To enhance disease resistance in dogs, breeding strategies should focus on maintaining larger population sizes and promoting genetic diversity. Avoiding the overly typological practice of breeding individuals that best fit breed standards can help reduce the accumulation of deleterious variants. Additionally, leveraging resources like iDog, which integrates genomic data and disease traits, can aid in identifying and selecting for genetic markers associated with disease resistance (Tang et al., 2018). 7.2 Contributions to conservation genetics of wild wolves The genetic insights gained from studying domestic dogs can also be applied to the conservation genetics of wild wolves. For instance, understanding the impact of structural variations (SVs) and copy number variations (CNVs) on phenotypic traits and disease susceptibility in dogs can inform conservation strategies for wolves. Research has shown that SVs and CNVs play significant roles in immune response and metabolic processes, which are crucial for the survival of wild populations (Wang et al., 2018; Serres-Armero et al., 2021). By identifying and preserving genetic diversity in wild wolf populations, conservation efforts can mitigate the risks associated with small population sizes and inbreeding, which are known to increase the genetic load of deleterious variants (Marsden et al., 2015; Serres-Armero et al., 2017). 7.3 Insights for zoonotic disease control The genetic relationship between domestic dogs and wild canids, such as wolves, provides valuable insights for zoonotic disease control. Hybridization between domestic dogs and wild canids, including African wolves, has been documented, leading to gene flow and potential disease transmission between species (Mallil et al., 2020). Understanding the genetic basis of disease resistance and susceptibility in both domestic and wild canids can help in developing strategies to control zoonotic diseases. For example, identifying genes associated with immune response and disease resistance in dogs can inform vaccination and disease management programs for both domestic and wild canid populations (Wang et al., 2018; Serres-Armero et al., 2021). Additionally, maintaining genetic diversity and large population sizes in wild canids can reduce the prevalence of disease and the risk of zoonotic transmission (Marsden et al., 2015; Pilot et al., 2021). Genetic research on domestic dogs and wild wolves offers significant applications in breeding strategies, conservation genetics, and zoonotic disease control. By promoting genetic diversity and understanding the genetic basis of disease resistance, we can enhance the health and survival of both domestic and wild canid populations. 8 Challenges and Future Directions 8.1 Knowledge gaps in canid immunogenomics Despite significant advancements in canid genomics, there remain substantial gaps in our understanding of the immunogenomic differences between wild wolves and domestic dogs. Structural variations (SVs) and copy number variations (CNVs) have been identified as key factors influencing disease susceptibility and immune responses in canids. For instance, SVs in dogs are enriched in genes associated with immune systems, suggesting
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