High overlap of zoonotic helminths between wild mammalian predators and rural dogs – an emerging One Health concern?

Abstract

The concept of One Health emphasizes the interdependence of human, animal and environmental health and is of growing significance, in part owing to the problems related to emerging infectious diseases of wildlife origin. Wild mammalian predators are a potential risk factor for transmission of zoonotic pathogens to domesticated animals and humans. This is especially relevant in rural areas, where transmission of zoonotic pathogens can occur particularly efficiently when free-ranging dogs are present. The main aim of this study was to determine helminth infections among wild mammalian predators and evaluate the overlap between helminth faunas of wild mammals and dogs. Scat samples of predators were collected in coastal areas of Western Estonia and genetic methodology applied for the correct identification of predator species from their scat. Parasitic helminths of mammalian predators in the scat samples were analysed and compared with dog data from a previous study. High helminth prevalence (~90%) was found in dominant predator species in the area, namely the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and golden jackal (Canis aureus). Moreover, the helminth fauna of both wild species, including potentially zoonotic helminths, overlapped largely with that of rural dogs in the same area. The results, together with the ones from earlier parasitological studies among humans in Estonia, emphasize the potential risk of pathogen transmission from wild mammalian predators to dogs and from dogs to humans, making parasitic diseases of wildlife a One Health concern.

Zoonotic parasites associated with predation by dogs and cats

“…genera Spirura , Physaloptera , Gnathostoma, Diplopylidium or Joyeuxiella ) use small animals, such as rodents, reptiles and birds, as intermediate or paratenic hosts and dogs and cats as definitive hosts. While most of these parasites are specific for their animal hosts, other are of zoonotic concern (Table 1 ) [ 62 , 86 , 87 ]. Recent extrinsic factors (e.g.…”

Biodiversity data supports research on human infectious diseases: Global trends, challenges, and opportunities

“…In this context, pathogen occurrences detected in domestic animals fall into a grey area of biodiversity repositories scope. Furthermore, domestic animals are widely distributed and participate in several zoonotic diseases, such as cattle in Rift Valley fever [41], and domestic dogs in multiple helminthiases [42], and their contact with humans and wild animals may facilitate pathogen transmission. In this study, we excluded domestic animal occurrences, following the general scope of GBIF and other biodiversity repositories, mainly focused on natural and wild-based records [43].…”

A walk on the wild side: A review of the epidemiology of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati in wild hosts

“…The high consumption of small rodents coupled with birds, and in some instances even invertebrates, is likely to increase their exposure to parasites ( Gherman and Mihalca, 2017 ) particularly Toxocara and could explain the prevalences observed in some of the studies listed in Table 4 . In a recent paper that explored the helminth parasites of golden jackals in Estonia (a new mammal species in that location), Tull et al (2022) emphasised the potential significance of jackals as vectors of zoonotic helminths. A potential hazard to public health was identified since the habitats of the red fox and golden jackal overlap to some extent with that of free-ranging dogs, and with humans who interact with infected dogs.…”

“…2003 ) and stone marten (also known as beech marten) ( Martes foina ) ( Olmedo et al, 2018 ; Figueiredo et al, 2018 ) have been described as harbouring Toxocara spp. eggs whereas the Egyptian mongoose ( Herpestes ichneumon ) ( Radwan et al, 2009 ) and the American mink ( Neovision vison) ( Tull et al, 2022 ) were described as harbouring T . canis worms or eggs.…”

“…It should be noted that there is some debate in the literature about the status of American mink and pine martens as definitive hosts of Toxocara spp. In a recent paper by Tull et al (2022) the eggs of T . canis were detected in American mink and in contrast to the observations of Borecka et al (2013) in pine martens.…”