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Simple Summary: Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum are major parasitic nematodes affecting the pulmonary arteries of dogs. In Italy, these two parasites have recently changed their distribution patterns and have been detected in areas where their presence was previously unexpected. The present study has updated available data on the distribution and prevalence of D. immitis and A. vasorum in canine populations living in selected regions of Central and Southern Italy. The results indicate that both parasites occur stably in the investigated territories and that increased awareness and surveillance methods are of utmost importance. Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum are major parasitic nematodes of dogs. Many environmental and phenological changes have recently modified their geographic patterns in many countries; thus, this study has updated the distribution of D. immitis and A. vasorum in dog populations of selected regions of Central and Southern Italy. Also, collateral data on other endoparasites affecting the study population have been collected. Blood and fecal samples collected from 2000 dogs were tested using Knott's test and copromicroscopy (i.e., Baermann's and fecal flotation tests), respectively. Binomial logistic regression was performed to evaluate statistically significant associations between positivity for D. immitis and/or A. vasorum and potential risk factors. Overall, 35 (1.7%) and 62 (3.1%) dogs were positive for microfilariae of D. immitis and first stage larvae (L1) of A. vasorum, respectively, while 3 (0.1%) were co-infected by both nematodes. Microfilariae of Dirofilaria repens were found in 148 (7.4%) dogs, while at the flotation, eggs of Ancylostomatidae, Trichuris vulpis, and ascarids were found in the feces of 323 (16.5%), 249 (12.4%), and 172 (8.6%), dogs, respectively. Overall, 217 (10.8%) and 44 (2.2%) dogs were positive for eggs of Capillaria aerophila and Capillaria boehmi. The presence of cardiorespiratory clinical signs or non-specific signs, history of travel, and an age of >4 years old were significantly associated with positivity for D. immitis, while A. vasorum was significantly recorded in dogs with cardiorespiratory signs, or with a history of mollusk ingestion or permanent outdoor housing. These results confirm that D. immitis is enzootic in the investigated regions of Central and Southern Italy, even where it was rare/undetected until recently. Indeed, although some dogs positive for D. immitis had a history of travel in enzootic areas, the majority of them were never moved, indicating that they acquired the parasite in the region where they live. Additionally, A. vasorum is stably enzootic in the study areas, as also are other extraintestinal nematodes (i.e., D. repens and C. aerophila) that are more frequently detected today than in the past. A high level of vigilance and routine parasitological screening are necessary, considering the high prevalence of intestinal parasites in owned dogs that are also co-infected by respiratory parasites. The implementation of chemoprevention against D. immitis in dogs living in the examined area should be encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feline pulmonary capillariosis is a significant disorder due to its distribution and clinical impact. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of two administrations 28 days apart of a topical solution containing esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel (NexGard® Combo) in treating Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) infection in naturally infected cats. Cats were allocated to two groups: G1 cats (n = 23) received two treatments at study days (SDs) 0 and 28 (±2) and were evaluated for 6 weeks, and G2 cats (n = 17) served as a negative control for 6 weeks and were then treated twice on SDs 42 (±2) and 70 (±2), allowing for an additional 6-week assessment of efficacy. Each cat was subjected to McMaster coproscopy at SDs −7/0, 28 (±2) and 42 (±2) for both groups, 70 (±2) and 84 (±2) only for G2. Clinical examination and chest radiographic images were performed at SDs 0, 28 (±2) and 42 (±2) for G1 and G2, 70 (±2) and 84 (±2) only for G2. The comparison of EPG (eggs per gram of feces), clinical (CS), and radiographic scores (RS) at each time-point was used as a criterion. The efficacy based on the EPG reduction was 99.5% (G1) and 100% (G2) after two administrations of NexGard® Combo 2 weeks apart. At SD 0, no significant differences for CS and RS were recorded between G1 and G2, while a significant reduction (p

Aims: Within the One Health paradigm, infectious disease surveillance have been developed for domestic and wild animals, leaving the role of captive non‐domestic populations, especially felids in zoos and circuses, less explored. This study addresses the proximity of these captive animals to urban areas, necessitating focused monitoring for potential zoonotic enteropathogens. The present work aimed to investigate the presence of such zoonotic enteropathogens in faecal samples from captive large felid populations. Methods and Results: A total of 108 faecal samples were collected in three circuses, five zoos and one rescue centre across Italy. Salmonella spp. isolation, serotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were conducted on all samples. Additionally, 60 samples were also examined for gastrointestinal parasites using standard coprological techniques. Giardia spp. detection employed direct immunofluorescent staining and specific PCR, while Toxoplasma gondii was detected using PCR targeting B1 gene. A total of 51 Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica were isolated, with predominant serovariants including Infantis (43.1%), Coeln (11.8%) and Newport (11.8%). The captive felids likely act as asymptomatic carriers of foodborne Salmonella, with notable resistance ampicillin and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole, no resistance to enrofloxacin was noted. Microscopic analysis revealed Toxascaris leonina eggs in 11 faecal samples (18.3%) and Giardia duodenalis cysts in one animal (1.7%). Conclusions: Captive animals in public settings may act as sources of Salmonella infection and enteroparasitosis for both occupational and general exposure. The study emphasizes the role of captive animals in antimicrobial resistance dynamics, highlighting the need for routine pathogen screening in the management practices of zoological structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This article discusses the spread of pathogens, with a focus on parasites, between different areas, environments, and animal species. It uses the COVID-19 pandemic as an example and highlights the impact of parasites on the health of pet animals, wildlife, and humans. The article also mentions the popularity of pet ownership worldwide and the concern over zoonotic diseases. It introduces a Special Issue in the journal "Pathogens" that includes various research articles on the prevalence and impact of parasites in different animal species. These articles provide insights into the presence, diversity, and transmission of parasites in animals such as hares, tamanduas, muskrats, dogs, wild carnivores, and birds of prey. The articles emphasize the need for further research and monitoring to prevent and control the spread of these parasites. [Extracted from the article]

In June 2022, at the XXXII Conference of the Italian Society of Parasitology, the parallels of the main endoparasitic infections of horses and donkeys were discussed. Although these 2 species are genetically different, they can be challenged by a similar range of parasites (i.e. small and large strongyles, and Parascaris spp.). Although equids can demonstrate some level of resilience to parasites, they have quite distinct helminth biodiversity, distribution and intensity among different geographical locations and breeds. Heavily infected donkeys may show fewer clinical signs than horses. Although parasite control is primarily provided to horses, we consider that there may be a risk of drug-resistance parasitic infection through passive infection in donkeys when sharing the same pasture areas. Knowing the possible lack of drug efficacy (<90 or 80%), it is advocated the use of selective treatment for both species based on fecal egg counts. Adult horses should receive treatment when the threshold exceeds 200–500 eggs per gram (EPG) of small strongyles. Moreover, considering that there are no precise indications in donkeys, a value >300 EPG may be a safe recommendation. We have highlighted the main points of the discussion including the dynamics of helminth infections between the 2 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are apicomplexan protozoa of major concern in livestock and T. gondii is also considered one of the major threats and a public health concern. These protozoa have a wide range of intermediate hosts, including birds. The present work aimed to assess the prevalence of these cyst-forming parasites in migratory and sedentary birds of prey. The skeletal muscle and myocardium of 159 birds of prey from Central Italy, belonging to 19 species and recovered across 6 Wildlife Recovery Centers/Care structures along the Italian migratory route, were collected specifically for molecular (PCR) and for histopathological analysis to detect T. gondii and N. caninum. For the molecular analysis, genomic DNA was extracted. The DNA was tested by sequence typing, targeting GRA6, 529 bp repeated element, B1, PK1, BTUB, SAG2, alt.SAG2, and APICO genes for T. gondii and to end-point PCR targeting NC5 gene for N. caninum. Thirty-seven out of the one hundred and fifty-nine analyzed samples tested positive for T. gondii with a prevalence of 23.27% and nine for N. caninum, with a prevalence of 5.66%. Thirty-two sequences were obtained from the thirty-seven isolates of T. gondii. Among these, 26 presented alleles compatible with type I strain in 1 or more loci, 4 with type II strain and 2 consisted of atypical strains. Toxoplasma gondii genetic variability in birds of prey confirms previous findings of wildlife as reservoirs of atypical strains. Results from the histology showed few protozoal tissue cysts in skeletal muscle (n. 4) and hearts (n. 2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasites are considered important regulating factors of hosts' population dynamics, not only in free-ranging wildlife, but also in captive bred animals. To date, only few studies have been carried out to assess the parasitic communities of the European brown hare in Southern Italy, and only one focused on animals in captivity. The aim of the present survey was to assess the composition of the endoparasite community in game hares bred for restocking purposes. For this purpose, 215 fecal pools collected in eight different breeding facilities were examined by qualitative and quantitative coprological techniques. Parasites characterized by a direct life cycle, including six species of coccidia from the genus Eimeria and the nematode Trichostrongylus retorataeformis, proved to be the most prevalent parasites. Further helminthic infestations by Passalurus ambiguous, Strongylosides papillosus, Cittotenia spp. and Dicrocoelium dendriticum were also detected, but with an overall prevalence lower than 20%. The present study contributes to increasing knowledge on the health status of a poorly investigated species, and is useful for optimizing breeding efforts in captivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 (Neogale 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs) represent a challenge for veterinary transfusion medicine, since some can be transmitted by blood transfusion and are of zoonotic concern. Epidemiological data on CVBPs, obtained during 10 years of pre-donor screening (2012–2021) by a veterinary blood bank in central Italy, were used to conduct a retrospective epidemiological longitudinal survey. The results were obtained using the Immunofluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) conducted on sera in order to assess IgG antibodies against Leishmania infantum, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocythophilum, Babesia canis, and Rickettsia conorii; the modified Knott's test and an ELISA kit were used to detect Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. In total, 324 out of the 1260 canine blood donors (25.71%) tested seropositive for at least one pathogen. The highest overall positive rate was detected for L. infantum (12.22%), followed by E. canis (2.30%), A. phagocytophilum (1.19%), D. repens (0.95%), D. immitis (0.32%), and B. canis (0.16%). From 2012 to 2014, a prevalence of 20.12% was recorded for R. conorii. Mixed infections were recorded in 21 dogs. For all the CVBPs investigated, significant differences (p < 0.05) were not observed over the period studied. The results evidenced a non-negligible prevalence of CVBPs in canine donors, which were selected based on strict criteria concerning regular endo- and ectoparasite controls. The results confirmed that the blood bank could be a reliable local epidemiological observatory. The need for implemented screening is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmania infantum is a protozoan causing human zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) and visceral–cutaneous canine leishmaniosis (CanL) in the Mediterranean Basin. L. infantum is able to infect a large number of wild and domestic species, including cats, dogs, and horses. Since the 1990s, clinical cases of equine leishmaniasis (EL), typically characterized by cutaneous forms, have been increasingly diagnosed worldwide. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of clinical forms of EL in CanL-endemic areas in Italy, where exposure of equine populations was ascertained from recent serological surveys. For this purpose, formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded skin biopsies of 47 horses presenting chronic dermatitis compatible with EL were retrospectively selected for the study and subjected to conventional and q-PCR. A singular positivity for L. infantum was found; BLAST analysis of sequence amplicons revealed a 99–100% homology with L. infantum sequences. The histological examination revealed a nodular lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic infiltrate; immunohistochemistry showed rare macrophages containing numerous positive amastigotes. The present retrospective study reports, for the first time, a case of a cutaneous lesion by L. infantum occurring in an Italian horse. Pathological and healthy skin samples should be investigated on a larger scale to provide information on the potential clinical impact of EL in the practice, and to define the role of horses in epidemiological ZVL and CanL scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Serum samples from 630 milk sheep, in 33 dairy flocks representative of the southern area of the Tuscany region, were tested for the presence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii using an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Questionnaires exploring the management system were completed by the veterinarian in charge of the flocks. Results At least one seropositive animal was found in 32 of the 33 flocks tested (97.0%; 95% CI: 84.2%, 99.9%). In the positive flocks, median seroprevalence was 29.4% (interquartile range: 15.9%-46.1%). Overall animal-level seroprevalence, adjusted for sampling weights and test sensitivity and specificity, was 33.3% (95% CI: 24.8%, 42.7%). In a multivariable negative binomial regression model the number of seropositive animals in a flock decreased with increasing flock size (for >400 vs. CR) = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.95; P = 0.028) and was greater on farms where stray cats had access to animals’ water (CR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.26; P = 0.027). Conclusions Small flock size and access of cats to water are potential risk factors for Toxoplasma infection in sheep in the Grosseto district in Tuscany, Italy. Sheep could be an important source of T. gondii infection in humans, since we estimate that between 25% and 43% of sheep in the district were seropositive. Toxoplasmosis is also likely to be an important cause of abortion in sheep in the district. Control and prophylactic measures must be adopted to improve the rearing system and the implementation of health promoting programmes in a joint effort between sheep farmers, farmers’ associations and veterinarians to inform about the means of transmission of the infection and for a better understanding of the disease.

Background: Capillaria aerophila and Capillaria boehmi parasitize the respiratory system of wild and domestic carnivores. Capillaria aerophila inhabits the trachea and bronchi of dogs and cats, while C. boehmi affects the nasal cavities and sinuses of dogs. In dogs the infection may be subclinical or characterized by varying respiratory distress. Methods: The present study evaluated the efficacy of an oral formulation containing milbemycin oxime and afoxolaner (NEXGARD SPECTRA®) in dogs naturally infected with C. aerophila and/or C. boehmi from three enzootic areas of Italy. Dogs were enrolled pending fecal examination and molecular confirmation of respiratory capillarioses. Dogs were allocated in two groups: Group 1 (G1, 25 dogs), treated with a negative control product with no anthelmintic activity (afoxolaner, NEXGARD®), and Group 2 (G2, 26 dogs), treated with NEXGARD SPECTRA®. At the day of treatment administration (Day 0), all dogs were clinically examined. Dogs were again subjected to clinical and fecal examinations at Days 28 (± 4) and 56 (± 2). The primary criterion for treatment efficacy was the reduction of fecal Capillaria egg counts in G2 compared with G1. The regression of/recovery from baseline clinical signs was considered as a further efficacy criterion. Results: Percentage reduction of fecal Capillaria egg counts in the NEXGARD SPECTRA® group compared to the control group was > 97% on Day 28 and 100% on Day 56, respectively (p < 0.05 for both time points). Twelve of the 13 dogs in the NEXGARD SPECTRA® group with respiratory signs prior to treatment were free of clinical signs at the end of the study. Conversely, the six control group dogs with respiratory signs prior to treatment remained symptomatic. Conclusions: Results of the present study showed that NEXGARD SPECTRA® was safe and highly efficacious in the reduction of C. aerophila and C. boehmi eggs after one treatment with a complete reduction of the egg output after the second administration associated with a recovery from respiratory signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several drivers have recently fostered the expansion of Angiostrongylus vasorum throughout Europe, where Vector-Borne Pathogens (VBPs) are also spreading. However, the level of simultaneous risk of infection is still unknown in canine populations. This study evaluated the simultaneous exposure to A. vasorum and major canine VBPs in dogs of Italy. Sera of 294 dogs were subjected to two ELISAs, detecting A. vasorum circulating antigens and antibodies against the parasite, and to the following assays: (i) SNAP®4DX (IDEXX Laboratories Inc.) detecting Dirofilaria immitis antigens, and antibodies vs. Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. and (ii) IFAT for the detection of antibodies vs. Leishmania infantum, Babesia canis and Rickettsia conorii. Twenty-two (7.5%, CI: 4.8–11.1%) and six (2%, CI: 0.7–4.4%) dogs scored positive for circulating A. vasorum antibodies and antigens, respectively. Seventeen dogs (5.8%, CI: 3.4–9.1%) were positive for A. vasorum antibodies + at least one VBP, three (1%, CI: 0.2–3%) for A. vasorum antigen + at least one VBP, while one dog (0.3%, CI: 0.01–1.88%) was positive for A. vasorum antigen + A. vasorum antibodies + B. canis antibodies. These results show that dogs living in different regions of Italy are at risk of simultaneous infections with both A. vasorum and VBPs. Despite the same scenario being likely in other countries of Europe, the current knowledge is scant. Therefore, further studies are warranted to amplify current epizootiological information and to understand whether control programs should be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]