Research overview: interactions between genetic bottlenecks and disease in felids

Population bottlenecks that erode genetic diversity recur throughout felid history and interact powerfully with disease susceptibility. This overview surveys how bottlenecks, from the ancient cheetah event to the recent collapse of the Florida panther, leave populations genetically depleted and potentially more vulnerable to pathogens. It examines the mechanisms linking low diversity, especially at immune loci, to disease vulnerability, the evidence from monomorphic species suffering severe outbreaks, and the conservation strategies, such as genetic rescue, aimed at restoring resilience. The synthesis connects population genetics to disease epidemiology. It aims to help readers understand a central theme of felid conservation medicine: that the genetic legacy of past population crashes shapes present disease risk, making the preservation and restoration of genetic diversity a key defense against the pathogens that threaten endangered cats.