Lost and found: Helminths infecting invasive raccoons introduced to Italy

Romeo, Claudia; Cafiso, Alessandra; Fesce, Elisa; Martínez-Rondán, F.J.; Panzeri, Mattia; Martinoli, Adriano; Cappai, Nadia; Defilippis, Giuliana; Ferrari, Nicola

doi:10.1016/j.parint.2021.102354

Cited by 13 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…Previous investigations on the parasitic fauna of raccoons in Italy did not highlight the presence of B. procyonis in the reproductive population set in Northern Italy [ 18 ], thus our study represents the first report of this parasite from Italy. Besides being the report of an alien species from a new country, this finding is worthy of being reported due to the potential sanitary relevance of this parasite for humans.…”

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confidence: 56%

“…The awareness of the presence in our country of its natural parasite B. procyonis should make the efforts aimed at its eradication even more stringent. The two populations of raccoon in Italy are not geographically contiguous and thus constitute two separate nuclei of different origin [ 18 ] . The Casentino raccoon population was first detected in 2013 [ 13 ], while the Lombardy population dates back to 2004.…”

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confidence: 99%

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First report of the zoonotic nematode Baylisascaris procyonis in non-native raccoons (Procyon lotor) from Italy

et al. 2022

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Baylisascaris procyonis is a nematode parasite of the raccoon (Procyon lotor), and it can be responsible for a severe form of larva migrans in humans. This parasite has been reported from many countries all over the world, after translocation of its natural host outside its native geographic range, North America. In the period between January and August 2021, 21 raccoons were cage-trapped and euthanized in Tuscany (Central Italy), in the context of a plan aimed at eradicating a reproductive population of this non-native species. All the animals were submitted for necroscopic examination. Adult ascariids were found in the small intestine of seven raccoons (prevalence 33.3%). Parasites have been identified as B. procyonis based on both morphometric and molecular approaches. The aim of the present article is to report the first finding of this zoonotic parasite from Italy, highlighting the sanitary risks linked to the introduction of alien vertebrate species in new areas. Graphical Abstract

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confidence: 56%

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confidence: 99%

First report of the zoonotic nematode Baylisascaris procyonis in non-native raccoons (Procyon lotor) from Italy

et al. 2022

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“…One of the major threats arising from the growing and expanding population of raccoons in Europe is related to pathogens that are transmittable to humans and domestic animals [ 200 ]. Raccoons in Europe seem to have an impoverished parasitic fauna compared with those of the North American populations, both in terms of species diversity and abundance of parasites, although they have acquired a few parasite taxa endemic in Europe [ 201 ]. In any case, raccoons represent a potential source of exotic parasite spillover to other wild animals, dogs, and humans.…”

Section: Procionidaementioning

confidence: 99%

“…The first descriptions of S. procyonis in raccoons are from North America [ 214 ], while to date, in Europe the parasite was found in raccoons in Poland [ 215 ] and recently in central Italy, where a parasitological investigation showed a prevalence of 26.9% [ 201 ]. Susceptibility of dogs to S. procyonis has been experimentally demonstrated [ 216 ], as well as that of humans, through a healthy volunteer who developed a short-lived intestinal infection [ 217 ].…”

Section: Procionidaementioning

confidence: 99%

Wild Mesocarnivores as Reservoirs of Endoparasites Causing Important Zoonoses and Emerging Bridging Infections across Europe

2023

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Mesocarnivores are small- or mid-sized carnivore species that display a variety of ecologies and behaviours. In Europe, wild mesocarnivores are represented by the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), the golden jackal (Canis aureus), the European wildcat (Felis silvestris), the Mustelidae of the genera Meles, Martes, Mustela, Lutra, the invasive species of raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and American mink (Neomustela vison). These abundant animals thrive in various habitats and often develop their activity close to human settlements. Thus, they may play an important role in the introduction, maintenance, and transmission of major parasitic zoonoses and promote bridging infections with domestic animals. Against this background, this article reports and discusses some of the most important endoparasites of wild mesocarnivores living in Europe, on the basis of their actual role as reservoirs, spreaders, or sentinels. The data derived from epizootiological studies in different European countries, and the proven or speculated implications of the detected endoparasites in human and domestic animals’ health, are discussed. Through older and recent literature review, the state-of-the-art knowledge on the occurrence and prevalence of the parasites under consideration is presented, showing further, warranted investigations and the need for surveillance and vigilance.

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“…The raccoon ( Procyon lotor ) is a common mesopredator native to most of North and Central America that has been gradually introduced into parts of Europe and Asia [ 1 ]. The ecological impacts of non-native raccoons encompass predation on native fauna, competition with other autochthonous carnivores, and the introduction and spreading of new pathogens [ 2 , 3 ]. The European Union lists the raccoon among the invasive species of European concern (EU Regulation 1143/2014).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Detection of Endoparasites in Non-Native Raccoons from Central Italy

Lombardo

Diano

Brocherel

et al. 2023

Veterinary Sciences

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The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a carnivore native to North and Central America, gradually introduced into Asia and Europe, including Italy. It is an important carrier of multiple endoparasites, both Protozoa and Helminths, some of them being zoonotic. The aim of this study was to investigate the endoparasites of the non-native raccoon population of Central Italy. Sixty-two raccoons were collected by local competent authorities (sixty trapped and euthanized, two found dead) and subjected to necroscopic examination. Carcasses underwent a broad parasitological investigation, including coprological techniques (macroscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, trachea, and heart, Flotac®, Baermann test, and immunofluorescence for Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp.), research on respiratory/urinary capillariosis and artificial digestion for Trichinella spp. larvae, and a histopathological examination of the ileum. Ascarid parasites were further identified at the species level using a next-generation sequencing-based amplicon sequencing approach. The results showed the presence of different Protozoa and Nematodes: Baylisascaris procyonis (26/62; 41.9%), Pearsonema sp. (6/62; 9.6%), Capillariidae (6/62; 9.6%), Eimeria sp. (2/62; 3.2%), Cryptosporidium sp. (2/62; 3.2%), and Ancylostomatidae (2/62; 3.2%). B. procyonis is an emerging helminthic zoonotic agent considered a serious concern for public and animal health, given the possibility of its transmission to paratenic hosts, including humans and pets. The demonstrated role of the raccoon as a multi-parasite carrier should be an incentive to continuing the eradication/control of this alien species, and supports the need to implement related disease surveillance programs.

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Lost and found: Helminths infecting invasive raccoons introduced to Italy

Cited by 13 publications

References 17 publications

First report of the zoonotic nematode Baylisascaris procyonis in non-native raccoons (Procyon lotor) from Italy

First report of the zoonotic nematode Baylisascaris procyonis in non-native raccoons (Procyon lotor) from Italy

Wild Mesocarnivores as Reservoirs of Endoparasites Causing Important Zoonoses and Emerging Bridging Infections across Europe

Detection of Endoparasites in Non-Native Raccoons from Central Italy

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