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Monoxenous parasites may easily infect animals in captivity, and nematodes belonging to the genus Trichuris are commonly reported in zoological gardens worldwide. Infections in captive animals should be accurately monitored and the characterization of pathogens is highly advisable, as a tool to infer possible routes of intra- and interspecific transmission pathways and to assess the related zoonotic potential. Whipworms are usually identified on the basis of few morphological features of adults males and eggs and by an host-affiliation criterion. Given the strong morphological convergence of adaptive traits and the possible occurrence of hybridization and/or cross-infections events, the use of molecular methods is of great utility. Here, we analysed two partial mitochondrial loci, the cytochrome c oxidase I and the cytochrome b regions, in Trichuris spp. infecting four animal species hosted in the Bioparco Zoological Garden of Rome. Results from molecular systematics, compared to previous data, suggested that the five Trichuris taxa recovered were well separated, showing a significant degree of host affiliation (herbivorous, primates/swine and rodents/canids). The screw horn antelopes and the camels were infected with two variants of Trichuris ovis; Trichuris sp. similar to those observed in rodents from South America was infecting the Patagonian maras. Moreover, Trichuris from the ring-tailed lemur showed a great similarity to Trichuris infecting the Japanese macaque previously analysed from the same zoological garden, and clustering together with Trichuris trichiura, posing a potential zoonotic threat for visitors and workers.

The European distribution of Echinococcus multilocularis has been reported to be expanding east and north, whereas its southern limits are deemed stable. During a study on Echinococcus granulosus s.l. infections in wolves and dogs in the Italian Maritime Alps, we unexpectedly detected the presence of E. multilocularis eggs in four fecal samples from at least two shepherd dogs, and in five wolf fecal samples. This finding, in an area about 130 km south of the southernmost E. multilocularis report in the Alps, may suggest a rapid expansion southward. While infections in foxes are currently being investigated, these data seem to indicate the potential for a new E. multilocularis endemic area. If this will be confirmed, the implementation of surveillance programs in wild and domestic canids and preventative measures will become a priority., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • We detected Em infections in wolves and shepherd dogs 130 km south of the southern-most case reported so far in the European Union. • Em infections in wolves and dogs in this area may indicate a range expansion and the establishment of a new endemic area. • This area is along an ecological corridor connecting the Alps to the Apennines, with the potential for further expansion. • It is priority to implement surveillance on the local fox population, and inform practitioners of the increased risk.

© 2019 Elsevier Ltd This study analyses the growing social trends of sustainability reporting practices in non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Taking a preliminary step toward NGO funding, we consider the current lack of information disclosure in existing reporting practices, which are diverse and unsustainable. We investigate key organisational information in order to discover any potential links between funding sources and disclosure practices. In Italy, today there is an on-going effort to encourage public engagement in civil society. A percentage-tax law allows taxpayers to dedicate ‘cinque per mille’ (one-half percent)of their income to NGOs, which is then deducted from their tax obligation (Hereafter, ‘5 per thousand’). Our primary research objective is to understand if there is a link between the ‘5 per thousand’ donations that NGOs receive for providing social impact, and their reporting practices. Therefore, we critically analyse if and how sustainable reporting practices are achieved within the top 100 most funded NGOs that receive the ‘5 per thousand’ donation. We examine public data from official government records published by the Italian Revenue Agency. The findings suggest that sustainability reporting offers a number of financial and social advantages, including social impact that builds trust towards the idea of civil society and its funders.