em>Angiostrongylus vasorum /em> in red foxes ( em>Vulpes vulpes /em>) and badgers ( em>Meles meles /em>) from Central and Northern Italy

Abstract During 2004-2005 and 2007-2008, 189 foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) and 6 badgers ( Meles meles ) were collected in different areas of Central Northern Italy (Piedmont, Liguria and Tuscany) and examined for Angiostrongylus vasorum infection. The prevalence of the infection was significantly differe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Hystrix 2010-06, Vol.20 (2)
Main Authors: Marta Magi, Lisa Guardone, Matteo Dell'omodarme, Maria Prati, Walter Mignone, Beatrice Torracca, Gianfranca Monni, Fabio Macchioni
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Angiostrongylus vasorum
badger
helminths
Italy
red fox
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Summary:Abstract During 2004-2005 and 2007-2008, 189 foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) and 6 badgers ( Meles meles ) were collected in different areas of Central Northern Italy (Piedmont, Liguria and Tuscany) and examined for Angiostrongylus vasorum infection. The prevalence of the infection was significantly different in the areas considered, with the highest values in the district of Imperia (80%, Liguria) and in Montezemolo (70%, southern Piedmont); the prevalence in Tuscany was 7%. One badger collected in the area of Imperia turned out to be infected, representing the first report of the parasite in this species in Italy. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role played by fox populations as reservoirs of infection and the probability of its spreading to domestic dogs. Riassunto Angiostrongylus vasorum nella volpe ( Vulpes vulpes ) e nel tasso ( Meles meles ) in Italia centro-settentrionale. Nel 2004-2005 e 2007-2008, 189 volpi ( Vulpes vulpes ) e 6 tassi ( Meles meles ) provenienti da differenti aree dell'Italia settentrionale e centrale (Piemonte, Liguria Toscana), sono stati esaminati per la ricerca di Angiostrongylus vasorum . La prevalenza del nematode è risultata significativamente diversa nelle varie zone, con valori elevati nelle zone di Imperia (80%) e di Montezemolo (70%, provincia di Cuneo); la prevalenza in Toscana è risultata del 7%. Un tasso proveniente dall'area di Imperia è risultato positivo per A. vasorum; questa è la prima segnalazione del parassita in tale specie in Italia. Ulteriori studi sono necessari per valutare il potenziale della volpe come serbatoio e la possibilità di diffusione della parassitosi ai cani domestici. doi:10.4404/hystrix-20.2-4442
ISSN:0394-1914
1825-5272
DOI:10.4404/hystrix-20.2-4442