Vampire Bats and Wild Boars in Northern Paraná: One Health Perspectives on a Novel Report

Since its introduction to the Americas in the early 20th century, the wild boar ( Sus scrofa ) has affected Brazilian ecosystems and may have contributed to the spread of zoonotic diseases, especially rabies. Its interactions with the common vampire bat ( Desmodus rotundus ) can increase the risk of rabies transmission. These interactions remain poorly documented, particularly in the São Francisco Forest State Park, a conservation unit in the north of Paraná. In this study, we used camera traps to record three interactions between D. rotundus and S. scrofa , revealing a potential new route for zoonotic spread. Urbanization expansion and forest fragmentation further raise the risk of rabies transmission to animals and humans. Our findings highlight the need for policies and strategies to control wild boar populations and monitor vampire bats to protect public and environmental health in the region.