Research overview: research gaps and priorities in wild felid disease epidemiology

Despite decades of study, major gaps remain in understanding disease in wild felids, particularly for less-studied species and regions. This overview surveys the priorities and unanswered questions in felid disease epidemiology, including the true health impacts of endemic infections like FIV, the disease ecology of poorly known Neotropical and Asian cats, the long-term consequences of chronic diseases such as tuberculosis, and the effects of climate change. It examines the methodological and logistical barriers to filling these gaps and the value of long-term monitoring and integrated approaches. The synthesis connects the state of knowledge to future directions. It aims to help readers appreciate both how much has been learned about felid disease and how much remains uncertain, framing the open questions that will shape the next generation of research on wild cat health.