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

Abstract

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.

Is the Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in domestic dogs underestimated or misdiagnosed? A comprehensive presentation of four lethal cases

“…Red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) are known as important reservoirs for parasitic diseases, including zoonoses ( 35 ). Experimental infections proved that A. vasorum can be transferred from foxes to dogs.…”

Wildlife parasitology: sample collection and processing, diagnostic constraints, and methodological challenges in terrestrial carnivores

“…Wild carnivores are more commonly investigated for parasites using parasitological necropsy [ 3 ], which involves macroscopic inspection for the detection of visible parasites such as ectoparasites (ticks, fleas, lice, Hippoboscidae) [ 187 , 188 ] or endoparasites (adult helminths) and microscopic techniques for the detection of specific localized parasites (e.g., Trichinella spp. larvae in muscles or Otodectes cynotis mites in the ear canal) [ 189 ] or even complementary techniques like histological examination, serology, or DNA analyses using specific tissue samples [ 190 , 191 ].…”

“…1 ). They may harbor, shed, and transmit zoonotic parasites and parasites that are of veterinary importance for domestic hosts [ 1 – 3 ]. Environmental changes have led to the territorial expansion of some wild animal species, and their urbanization is increasing globally [ 4 – 6 ].…”

De komst van de goudjakhals (Canis aureus) naar Nederland : Een factfinding study

“…Goudjakhalzen kunnen drager zijn van diverse zoönosen (ziekteverwekkers die van mensen op dieren overgaan), de lijst beslaat wereldwijd meer dan 190 soorten (Gherman & Mihalca 2017;Veronesi et al, 2023). Veruit het grootste deel hiervan zijn ziekteverwekkers die ook worden overgebracht door honden en voorkomen (Cunze & Klimpel, 2022).…”