the genetic discrimination between phylogenetically close taxa can be challenging if their gene pools are not differentiated and there are many shared polymorphisms. The gene flow between wild boar (Sus scrofa) and domestic pig (S. s. domesticus) has never been interrupted from domestication onwards, due to non-stop natural and human-mediated crossbreeding. To date there are no individual genetic markers that are able to distinguish between the two forms, nor even to identify effectively their hybrids. We developed a combined molecular protocol based on multiplex porcine-specific STR-profiling system and new real time pcR-based assays of single polymorphisms in the NR6A1 and MC1R genes to gain high diagnostic power in the differentiation of wild boar, pig and hybrids for forensic purposes. The combined approach correctly assigned individuals to one or the other parental gene pool and identified admixed genotypes. Evidence was found for substantial reduction of false negative results by using multiple marker systems jointly, compared to their use individually. Our protocol is a powerful and costeffective diagnostic tool that can easily be adopted by most forensic laboratories to assist authorities contrast food adulteration, assure veterinary public health and fight against wildlife crimes, like poaching and illegal detention of wild animals.

Deutonymphs of the astigmatan mite Neottialges (Caloenectes) vulturis (Dubinin, 1956) comb. n. (Astigmata: Hypoderatidae) were found during the anatomo-histopathological study of a Eurasian griffon vulture, Gyps fulvus, found dead in Central Italy. After skinning, numerous cystic formations were visible in the subcutaneous tissue of the vulture, each containing a parasitic mite. Microscopically, subcutaneous tissue showed large areas of severe granulomatous inflammation. To our knowledge, this is the first record of this poorly known hypoderatid mite in Europe, about five thousand kilometers west from the type locality in Kirghizstan. The deutonymphal stage of N. (C.) vulturis is redescribed following modern standards of taxonomic description for astigmatan mites. This mite, previously unassigned to a subgenus, is now placed in the subgenus Caloenectes Fain, 1966.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of hidden environmental pollution on some blood parameters of sheep to detect susceptible biomarkers able to reveal slight contamination. Four dairy sheep farms, two with semi-extensive and two with intensive type systems were involved in this study. Two farms in different systems were chosen as properly located in a southern area of Latium (Italy), close to the Sacco River, in which contamination with β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) occurred in the past due to industrial waste. A recent study established the presence of low but detectable residual contamination in these areas. The other two farms were outside the contaminated area. Erythrocyte glutathione transferase (e-GST) and oxidative stress parameters were monitored as well as some immune response and metabolic profile parameters throughout the investigated period of four months. The present study showed a relevant and significant increase in e-GST (+63%) in the extensive farming system of the contaminated area, whereas some immune response biomarkers, i.e., white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and lysozyme resulted within the physiological range. In all farms, oxidative stress and acute phase response parameters were also within the physiological range. Our results suggest that e-GST is a very effective alarm signal to reveal “hidden” persistent contamination by β-HCH, and reasonably, by many other different dangerous pollutants.