animals Review Host Genetic Diversity and Infectious Diseases. Focus on Wild Boar, Red Deer and Tuberculosis Javier Pérez-González 1,*, Juan Carranza 2, Remigio Martínez 3 and José Manuel Benítez-Medina 3 1 Biology and Ethology Unit, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain 2 Wildlife Research Unit (UIRCP), University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain;
[email protected] 3 Infectious Pathology Unit, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain;
[email protected] (R.M.);
[email protected] (J.M.B.-M.) * Correspondence:
[email protected]; Tel.: +34-927-251-371 Simple Summary: Genetic diversity in wildlife is a matter of growing concern in contexts related to disease transmission and human health. Tuberculosis is a zoonotic disease with relevant consequences and can present high prevalence in wild boar and red deer populations. Here, we review studies on the genetic diversity of ungulates, wild boar, and red deer, and assess to what extent these studies consider its importance in the spread of disease. The relationship between host genetic diversity and the probability of disease spread is illustrated in Spanish populations of wild boar and red deer. Abstract: Host genetic diversity tends to limit disease spread in nature and buffers populations against epidemics. Genetic diversity in wildlife is expected to receive increasing attention in contexts related to disease transmission and human health. Ungulates such as wild boar (Sus scrofa) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) are important zoonotic hosts that can be precursors to disease emergence and spread in humans. Tuberculosis is a zoonotic disease with relevant consequences and can present high prevalence in wild boar and red deer populations.