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Over recent decades, the interest in wildlife has remarkably increased amongst veterinarians and the mouflon and its related parasitic diseases were amongst the investigated topics. In Italy, the mouflon is widespread in the Alps, central-north Apennines, and Sardinia. Population size was estimated at about 20,000 heads in 2010. However, mouflons are currently on the decrease in the Alps due to wolf predation and high hunting pressure to prevent competition with native Caprines. Veterinary parasitologists largely contributed to the understanding of pathogens and their ecological roles amongst native and introduced mouflons into Italy. Their work, including “grey” literature, was collected on a floppy disk for the first time in the 1990s. A second update appeared in the first decade of the new century. Along these lines, we also revisited and collected data concerning the last 20 years, thus creating a website (http:// www.parasitepub.altervista.org) which can be consulted virtually and universally. To create our database, we searched and classified the publications retrieved from annals of academic departments, journals, conference proceedings, university libraries and on-line data banks. Our database aims to be as up-to-date as possible and as updatable as possible. Contributions were classified according to four interpretative levels. Our search is based on the retrieval of 47 papers from 1970 to 2015. The studied mouflons originated mainly from Northern Italy (57%), followed by Central Italy (28%) and Sardinia (15%). Among parasite groups, nematodes were the most frequently studied (44% of papers) followed by arthropods (15%), protozoa (12%), trematodes and cestodes (11%), dermatophytes (7%). The analysis of ecopathological levels revealed the predominance of the first (56%) followed by the second (23%), the third (18%) and the fourth (3%). The newly created website is intended as an easy-to-use bibliographic tool to support investigation on parasites and parasitic diseases in free-ranging wildlife in Italy.

Between December 2005 and November 2006, a survey on coccidiosis of wild and captive mouflons living in the Orecchiella Natural Reserve (Tuscany, Italy) was performed on faecal samples collected approximately every two months. A total of 96 samples were collected, 55 of which from wild mouflons and 41 from captive mouflons. On these faecal samples qualitative and quantitative parasitological analyses were performed; moreover, faecal cultures were made in order to identify the involved Eimeria species. Significantly higher prevalence (%) and mean intensity (mean OPG +/- SD) of coccidian infection resulted for captive mouflons (73.17% and 814.6 +/- 1297.2 OPG) comparing to wild mouflons (36.73% and 112.7 +/- 268.7 OPG). Eimeria parva, E ovinoidalis, E. bakuensis, E. ahasata, E. intricata, E. crandallis, E. granulosa, E. faurei and an Eimeria species very similar to the descriptions previously reported for E. arloingi and E. yakimoffmatschoulsky, were isolated.

In recent years leishmaniasis has become a serious Public Health problem in Italy. The coexistence of infected dogs, vectors and humans, makes urban areas suitable environment for the spread of this zoonotic disease. With the purpose to improve the current system for the control of leishmaniasis in urban areas, the authors report their experiences carrying out a Health Information System (HIS) for the surveillance of the disease in the city of Messina. The HIS project is built on a dataset containing geographical data on urban environment, census tracts at parish level and data of human and canine leishmaniasis cases reported in the last years. The HIS allows the spatial representation of the disease occurrence and can be used as a novel epidemiological tool to perform area-based surveillance.

The paper presents a selected review of the epidemiological analyses performed in recent years (1984-1988) in the Institute of Malattie Infettive, Profilassi e Polizia Veterinaria of the University of Bologna on animal parasitoses, with special reference to the evaluation of some risk factors of bovine, swine and canine helminthoses, and to the validity of the coprological test for some parasites of the red fox.

Spirocerca lupi (Rudolphi 1809) is a cosmopolitan nematode of dogs and wild carnivores. In the past it has been reported in Italy, mainly in southern regions and in Sicily, where the parasite was observed in foxes in 2005. The parasite typically produces nodular masses in the oesophagus and thoracic aorta. During the 2003-2004 hunting season, the authors investigated a total of 55 foxes (Vulpes vulpes) hunted or killed by car accidents in the provinces of Palermo and Agrigento. All the foxes were subjected to necropsy and 6 (9.16%) had S. lupi nodules located exclusively in the gastric wall. The nature of the nodules was determined by opening them and detecting the nematodes inside, which were identified as S. lupi. Some of the nodules were characterized anatomopathologically and histopathologically. The formation of the parasitic nodule in the stomach only suggests a deviation from the route commonly followed by the nematode to reach the oesophagus, the elective anatomical site for completion of its lifecycle. This survey gives a contribution to the epidemiology of this parasite which is severely outdated in Italy and highlights some distinctive features of the life cycle and parasite migration.

Investigations were carried out to update data on epidemiology and molecular characterization of Echinococcus granulosus in livestock in Italy, in the framework of a national research project during the years 2003-2006. Animals (sheep 2398; cattle 49,485; buffalos 722; pigs 484; horses 294) were sampled in various regions, namely Lombardy (sheep and cattle), Emilia-Romagna (cattle), Campania (buffalos), Abruzzo (sheep and cattle), Sicily and Sardinia (sheep, cattle, pigs, horses). Liver, lung and spleen of slaughtered animals were examined between January 2003 and December 2006 and the number and fertility of hydatid cysts were evaluated. Protoscoleces and/or germinal layers were collected from individual cysts and DNA was extracted from some samples. PCR methods were used for the identification of the main strain clusters for each sample (G1; G5; G6/G7). Fragments of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and NADH dehydrogenase I were sequenced. Fertility and strain typing were not performed on Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna samples for technical reasons. The range of regional prevalences, the strains of E. granulosus identified were the following: sheep 0.3 % - 75.3%, G1; cattle 0.1 % - 67.1%, G1 and G3; buffalos 10%; G1 and G3; pigs 0% - 9.4%, G1 and G7; horses 0% - 2.8%, G4. The results of the surveys confirm the historical trend of cystic echinococcosis in southern and insular Italy. Highest prevalences in sheep and cattle were recorded in Sardinia and Sicily, respectively. G1 strain results highly spread in sheep and also affects sympatrically cattle, buffalo and pigs. Variants of the sheep strain cluster like G3 were also recorded in buffalo and cattle. The presence of G4 and G7, which were isolated in horses and pigs from Sardinia, respectively, should be pointed out. In February 2007, G4 strain has been identified also in a horse from Tuscany, a region of Central Italy (reported in this Congress).

The genus Micipsella comprises three species of filariae to date identified in lagomorphs only, whereas the other genera belonging to the subfamily Splendidofilariinae are described as parasites of birds, reptiles and mammals. In the present study seven specimens of Micipsella numidica (Seurat, 1917), collected from the hare Lepus europaeus in Italy, were characterized genetically by molecular amplification of the mitochondrial genes (12S rDNA; cox1) and the 5S rDNA gene spacer region. Phylogenetic trees inferred using available sequences from filariae and those identified in this study evidenced a close relationship between M. numidica and Splendidofilariinae of other mammals and reptiles (Rumenfilaria andersoni and Madathamugadia hiepei). The present findings, apart from adding new data about the hosts in Italy, support the taxonomic position of M. numidica and highlight the substantial biological and molecular differences existing between Splendidofilariinae and other Onchocercidae. The study also contributes to our knowledge of the molecular/genetic diagnosis of filarial parasites of veterinary and medical concern in any vertebrate or invertebrate host.

The significance of zoonoses varies depending on many socio-economic factors and on the specific situation that prevails in a specific area. The role of the media often determines the importance given to a disease. In resource-rich countries, a zoonosis may be perceived as being important due to inaccurate information that has been circulated by mass media on the risk of infection for animals and humans and on the possible use of the agent for terrorist actions. Images of sick or dead people and animals, drastic methods of control and others, can contribute to an overestimation of the significance of a disease. Information can be lacking or absent in regard to socio-economic factors that clarify occurrence and also on geographic distribution. Therefore, the sensitivity of people can be influenced rapidly and negative socio-economic consequences can occur. These zoonoses can be named 'media-oriented (emphasised) zoonoses'. On the contrary, some zoonoses are scarcely considered for several reasons, for instance: occurrence in poverty-stricken areas and populations, risks of infection for people not considered important enough to deserve medical care, little interest from the media, decision-makers and health services, lack of information and official reports. These zoonoses can be named 'neglected zoonoses'. Some examples of zoonoses included in the above categories are described.

Between March 2003 and February 2007, the livers and the lungs of 2,231 horses from various Italian regions were examined for cystic echinococcosis presence at the time of slaughter. Hydatid cysts were found in six horses, namely four from Sardinia, one from Sicily, and one from Tuscany. The location, number, morphology, and fertility of the cysts found were determined. DNA was extracted from the germinal layers and protoscoleces of the fertile cysts and polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were performed in order to strain type DNA isolates for reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and 12S partial genes. The PCR products were then purified and sequenced in forward and reverse. Hydatid materials obtained from positive animals were identified as Echinococcus granulosus s.s. (old G1, sheep strain) and Echinococcus equinus (old G4, horse strain) for ND1, CO1, and 12S partial genes. This allowed us to record the presence of the E. equinus in Italy for the first time with molecular tools and also to report new data on the epidemiological situation of this parasite in Italy.

The increasing reports of Troglostrongylus brevior lungworm in domestic cats from Italy and Spain raised questions on its factual distribution and on the role wildcats play as reservoirs of these parasites. Carcasses of 21 wildcats were collected in natural parks of southern Italy (i.e., Catania, Sicily n = 5 and Matera, Basilicata n = 16) and biometrically and genetically identified as Felis silvestris silvestris, but two as hybrids. Troglostrongylus brevior and Eucoleus aerophilus lungworms were found in 15 (71.4%) and 7 (33.3%) individuals, respectively, being five (23.8%) co-infected by the two species. Both lungworms showed an aggregated distribution in the host population, assessed by k-index (i.e., 0.69 for T. brevior and 0.42 for E. aerophilus). Although no statistical significant difference was recorded among age, gender and geographical location of wildcats, a larger rate of infection by T. brevior was assessed in yearlings (85.7%) than adults (64.3%). This is the first epidemiological study reporting T. brevior infection in the European wildcat and discusses the potential threat this may represent for the conservation of this endangered species of felids. In addition, given the large frequency of lungworm infection herein recorded, the role of wildcats as reservoir hosts of these parasites to domestic cats is discussed. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Alaria alata is a digenean trematode of the family Diplostomatidae, which has been reported in wild red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from several European countries (Loos-Frank et al., 1982, Z Parasitenkd., 67:99-113.; Möhl et al., 2009, Parasitol Res, 105:1-15). Although the presence of A. alata in Italy has been already reported in the past (Molin, 1854, Prodromus Faunae Helminthologicae Venetae), recent descriptions of the parasite are lacking. This report aims to update Alaria alata infection in red foxes (V. vulpes) from Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy. According to literature, prevalence values of A. alata in the fox populations examined ranges from 0.1 % (Loos-Frank et al., 1982, l.c.) to 94.8 % (Bružinskaité-Schmidhalter et al., 2012, Parasitology, 139:120-7). We didn’t find any reports of this parasite from Italy in several wide parasitological surveys (Soldati et al., 1976, Riv Parassitol, 37:329-332; Poglayen et al., 1985, Parassitologia, 27:303-11; Capelli et al., 2003, J. Mt. Ecol., 7:199-205; Di Cerbo et al., 2008, Acta Parasitologica, 53:302-311) except for a report of Alaria sp. in a red fox (Alborali et al., 2012, Collana Fond. In. Zooprof. Brescia, 91:566) and in a dog (Ferroglio et al., 2012, Mappe Parassitol., 18:160). Its complex life cycle requires a freshwater snail as first intermediate host and an amphibian as second intermediate host (Möhl et al., 2009, l.c.). Reptiles, rodents, wildboars and other vertebrates can act as paratenic hosts after feeding on infected amphibians (Wolfe et al., 2001, Vet Rec. 149:759-763). Definitive hosts, usually members of the family Canidae, become infected after ingesting mesocercariae contained in amphibians or paratenic hosts. A. alata is also a potential zoonotic agent. Humans can acquire infection after eating undercooked frog legs or raw game meat containing mesocercariae (Murphy et al., 2012, Parasitol Res., 111:283-290). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 2013 and March 2014, we analyzed 28 red foxes and one wolf (Canis lupus) collected from hunters or found dead in the Province of Modena and Bologna (Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy). The stomach and the gut were removed during necropsy and parasites were collected using SCT (Sedimentation and Counting Technique) according to standard protocols. RESULTS: Only two foxes (7.1 %) out of 28 were found positive for Alaria alata (Fig.1). Both of them lived in a lowland territory, rich in humid areas and channels, a suitable environment for the life cycle development of A. alata. We found other specimens of Alaria alata in the duodena of wild red foxes from the Province of Forlì during a survey for Echinococcus granulosus. Only two (2.5%) out of 80 foxes were infected. Morphological analysis of the parasites from the four foxes confirmed our presumptive identification showing measures agreeing with the description reported by Mohl et al. (2009).CONCLUSIONS: The sporadic presence of A. alata in our Region might be explained by the illegal importation of game animals from Eastern Europe. Further studies on a higher number of specimens are necessary to exclude the presence of other Alaria species in Italian territory, as the importation of bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus), suitable host for Alaria spp., from extra-European countries and their diffusion into the wild, could lead to a the diffusion of exotic parasites.

Leishmaniasis, due to Leishmania infantum, is a protozoan vector-borne disease and a serious public health trouble. The parasite causes the visceral and cutaneous leishmaniases in humans and a systemic, chronic disease (Can L) in the dog, considered the main reservoir of the infection. Can L is endemic in the whole Mediterranean Basin. In Italy, classical endemic areas are the central and southern peninsular regions, mainly along the Tyrrenian coasts and the islands. Since the mid-1980s a progressive diffusion of the infection has been observed both in the old foci and towards previously free northern ones. In the Emilia Romagna region, in the past, an important outbreak of Visceral Leismaniasis occurred in a hilly area to the south of Bologna, without evidence of a canine reservoir. During the last 10 years, new outbreaks of Can L and the re-emergence of the old focus have been reported. A moderate risk for human disease exists, as more and more cases of Visceral disease are occurring. As a consequence of this epidemiological situation the Emilia Romagna Region has promoted a regional surveillance program with the aim to: build risk maps of the disease based on entomological data, on active surveillance in public kennels and in the surroundings of human cases and on passive monitoring with the help of vet practitioners. The encouraging results of this complex activity will be reported and discussed

Background In 2008, after the first West Nile virus (WNV) detection in the Emilia-Romagna region, a surveillance system, including mosquito- and bird-based surveillance, was established to evaluate the virus presence. Surveillance was improved in following years by extending the monitoring to larger areas and increasing the numbers of mosquitoes and birds tested. Methodology/Principal Findings A network of mosquito traps, evenly distributed and regularly activated, was set up within the surveyed area. A total of 438,558 mosquitoes, grouped in 3,111 pools and 1,276 birds (1,130 actively sampled and 146 from passive surveillance), were tested by biomolecular analysis. The survey detected WNV in 3 Culex pipiens pools while Usutu virus (USUV) was found in 89 Cx. pipiens pools and in 2 Aedes albopictus pools. Two birds were WNV-positive and 12 were USUV-positive. Furthermore, 30 human cases of acute meningoencephalitis, possibly caused by WNV or USUV, were evaluated for both viruses and 1,053 blood bags were tested for WNV, without any positive result. Conclusions/Significance Despite not finding symptomatic human WNV infections during 2010, the persistence of the virus, probably due to overwintering, was confirmed through viral circulation in mosquitoes and birds, as well as for USUV. In 2010, circulation of the two viruses was lower and more delayed than in 2009, but this decrease was not explained by the relative abundance of Cx. pipiens mosquito, which was greater in 2010. The USUV detection in mosquito species confirms the role of Cx. pipiens as the main vector and the possible involvement of Ae. albopictus in the virus cycle. The effects of meteorological conditions on the presence of USUV-positive mosquito pools were considered finding an association with drought conditions and a wide temperature range. The output produced by the surveillance system demonstrated its usefulness and reliability in terms of planning public health policies.

THe aim of this study was to incvestigte on cystic Echinococcosis (CE in cattle in order to itegrate and update the available epidemiological informatios giving a further contribution to the control of this serious health problem. In 2009 were slaughtered 3697 cattle and the prevalence for CE was 7.8%; in 2010 CE was found in 146 out of 1664 (8.85) butchered animals. the Mt-DNA sequencing revealed that the strain of E. granulosus in the examined samples was G1 (sheep strain (E. granulosus granulosus s.s.)

An epidemiological survey on canine leishmaniasis (CanL) was performed during a 3-year period (2007–2009) in a public kennel of the Bologna province. The presence of the disease was shown in the canine population for the first time in 2007 by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The parasite circulation was confirmed also by direct diagnostic tools, as PCR, cytology and cultural method, performed on different bioptic materials. The parasite was isolated and identified as Leishmania infantum zymodeme MON 1. The serological monitoring was performed also in 2008 and 2009 on animals that previously showed negative or uncertain results. The incidence values calculated by significant seroconversions in IFAT titre ≥1/160, ranged between 4.9% and 6.6%, indicating a stable focus of leishmaniasis. The entomological survey, performed by sticky and CO 2 -baited traps in 2008, showed the presence of the vector Phlebotomus perfiliewi . This study allowed us to identify a stable focus of CanL in an area that was not considered eco-compatible with the presence of the vector and infection. Our results confirm the northward spread of CanL towards areas not previously affected by autochthonous foci.

The Culicidae family comprises mosquitoes which are involved in the transmission of pathogenic agents among the most dangerous for humans. In particular the sanitary importance of the tiger mosquito is essentially related to its role of potential vector for numerous exotic human pathologies (Dengue, yellow fever) as well as some pathologies characteristic of the Mediterranean basin (West Nile and Dirofiliaria). Because of this we have been charged by the Municipality of Bologna, with a specific convention, to monitor and verify the disinfestation activities as part of a campaign against the tiger mosquito. Quality controls on disinfestations and marking of gutters in public areas as well as inspection of schools premises have been performed. Furthermore, following the 2007 epidemic outbreak of Chikungunya (217 confirmed cases; the first autochthonous CHIKV outbreak in Europe) and the more recent epidemic West Nile Disease in Emilia Romagna, a surveillance plan has been set up which involves the capture of adult insects by BG-SENTINEL traps. These traps have been chosen for this survey because of their innovative insects attraction system, consisting of chemical substances which resemble the human bodies ones. These traps, used for the first time in the area of the City of Bologna, have proven to capture very efficiently different mosquitoes in the territory among which the tiger mosquito, usually difficult to capture with the other traditional systems. Currently 8 monitoring stations are active, evenly distributed in the city of Bologna, but others will be placed in the future. Due to the fragility of the used materials and the need of electric power for the functioning, fenced green areas around communal libraries, schools and retirement houses have been favored to host the monitoring stations. The preliminary results show some differences among the traps, which are due to the micro-environmental characteristics of the chosen sites. In particular: total number of captured mosquitoes; variety of captured species; relationship among the different species. All the traps have captured mainly Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens, with significant differences between traps, but the captures of other species were poorly represented (Culex hortensis, Culiseta longiareolata, Ochlerotatus caspius and Anopheles maculipennis). The traps that have captured a significant percentage of one or both of the examined species allow to observe their different seasonal patterns.

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) due to Echinococcus granulosus is still the main parasitic zoonoses, typical of the Mediterranean basin. Old and recent updating of the Italian situation shows different prevalence levels that led to divide the territory in sporadic (north) endemic (center) and hyper endemic (south and islands From a sociological, but also operative, point of view the key of lecture of our results highlights the CE diffusion with high prevalence levels everywhere sheep are bred independently of the socio-economic development of the area and the number of sheep raised. Indeed lung prevalences calculated for different areas ranged from 27,2 % (abroad) to almost 40 % in center and Sardinia but this difference disappears as national areas only were considered.

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) due to Echinococcus granulosus is still the main parasitic zoonoses, typical of the Mediterranean basin (Eckert et al, 2001). recent updating of the italian situation (Garippa, 2006) shows different prevalence level that led to divide the territory in sporadic (north) endemic (center) and hyperendemic (south and islands). With the aim to have more epidemiological information on sporadic and endemic areas this paper reports the results of passive monitoring of CE arising from the analysis of the slaughter data of a small abattoir in Tuscany. For the better definition of the circulating strains, the collection of some specimens in order to perform biomolecular analysis completed the work. The results highlight the CE diffusion with high prevalence levels everywere sheep are bred, independently of the socioeconomic developementof the area and the number of sheep raised. G1 and G3 strains were identified.

Recent updating of Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) due to Echinococcus granulosus in Italy shows different prevalence levels with sporadic (north) endemic (center) and hyper endemic (south and islands) areas. The analysis of 2004–2006) passive monitoring of CE from slaughter data allowed to check 1271 stocks of adult sheep (464 farms), 1209 of national origin and 62 from abroad. The total number of inspected sheep was 16.999, 88% of national origin. Specimens of germinal layer from six farms were collected, DNA of 11 viable cysts was extracted and PCR applied for the strain typing. Results were confirmed by sequencing COI and NADH mithocondrial genes. Data about livers and lungs were collected independently but there was a positive correlation between the number of positive livers and lungs in stocks (r =0.82, P0.1). The G1-G2-G3 Cluster was identified with nested PCR, while sequencing lead us to identify 9 samples belonging to G1 (sheep) strain and 2 to G3 (buffalo) strains. The results highlight the high prevalence of CE everywhere sheep are bred independently from the socio-economic development and the number of sheep raised

The significance of the different zoonoses varies according to many socio-economic factors and situations in the involved areas. Often, the role of media is prevailing to determine this “weight”. In rich countries, a zoonosis may be perceived as important, in some cases terrifying, owing to improper information by mass-media on the risk of infection for animals and man and on the possible use of its agent for terroristic actions. Therefore, the sensitivity of people may be rapidly influenced and negative socio-economic consequences may occur. These zoonoses may be named emphatized zoonoses. On the contrary, some zoonoses are scarcely considered, owing to several reasons, for instance: occurrence in poor areas and populations; scarce interest by media, decision makers and health services; lack of information and official reports. These zoonoses may be named neglected zoonoses. In Italy, some zoonoses may be included in the above mentioned two categories. Among the diseases whose importance was noticed mainly trough the media, we put BSE and Avian Flu. BSE, with a very low prevalence in cattle, produced an enormous cost for controlling animals and the crash of the bovine meat market . Avian Flu due to H5N1 was isolated during 2006 only in some wild birds and never in man or in domestic poultry. The information by media, pressing and alarmist, produced the same damage of the disease, causing the dramatic crash of the poultry market. Moreover, anthrax lost its identity as animal disease, becoming a virtual bioterroristic problem. The recurrent emphasis by media on ticks and tick-borne diseases during the summer, tended to overestimate the importance of the Mediterranean spotted fever and Lyme disease. On the contrary, some zoonoses are neglected in spite of the high occurrence in animals and man and their socio-economic significance. Cystic echinococcosis, endemic in southern and insular Italy and with a high prevalence in limited other zones, belongs to this category. Brucellosis, virtually eradicated in northern Italy, is still present in southern regions and is neglected. A low interest is given also to the occupational zoonoses. Mass-media have an important role in health information and education of the public. Inadequate or incorrect information may cause negative consequences to physical, psychological and social welfare of the people.

In this paper we propose the use of GIS technologies to realize a Health Information System (HIS) for the surveillance of leishmaniasis in urban areas. As an example, we report our experiences and results carrying out an HIS for the surveillance of leishmaniasis in the city of Messina (Italy). The study area was represented by the city of Messina (38.1-N, 15.5-E) in northern Sicily. Cases were registered on digital spreadsheets and were added to the HIS by the use of the geo-code address function. Leishmaniasis both human and dog cases, were represented as HIS as points as well as or a choroplethic map showing the number of cases per quarter. Frequencies of cases/quarter were normalized for the resident quarter population (human or dog) as well as for the quarter surface. Dog cases density for the study area was calculated by the Kernel function and expressed as cases/km2. To evaluate the number of infected dogs that could act as a source of disease for the people hosted in the more at risk buildings, buffer zones, paste on sand flies feeding range, were drawn around the building polygons and infected dogs within the buffer area were selected and counted. The HIS approach can provide several types of surveillance activities and analysis, such as: a) total number and the exact geographic position of the reported cases of disease in the city; b) calculated density and occurrence of cases at different levels (i.e. quarters or zip codes); c) analysis of the relationship between human and dog cases and between disease occurrence and economic or social indicators; d) calculation of the number of infected dogs that could be a source of disease for humans in the neighbourhood of more sensitive sites such as hospitals, nursery schools, hospices and others; e) identification of high-risk areas for target control actions on both hosts and vectors

Seven hundreds and thirty one sera from apparently healthy light horses were tested against Chlamydophila pneumoniae, by a microimmuno-fluorescence (MIF) test. To verify cross-reactions with other species of chlamvdiae, all sera with an antibody titre > or = 32 to C. pneumoniae were tested against both C. psittaci and C. abortus. Antibodies to C. pneumoniae were detected in 194 out of 731 (26.5%) samples tested, with antibody titres ranging from 32 to 1024. No antibody titre > or = 32 was detected in sera to C. abortus. Only few sera with a high antibody titre to C. pneumoniae reacted weakly with C. psittaci at the dilution of 1:32.

Owing to the recent emergency of urban faecal pollution it is important to point out new strategies in order to fight the problem starting with the knowledge of past experiences. A punctual chronography of the different approach (telluric, coprological--zoonotic and phenomenological) was attempted to furnish a scientific base for future, modern approach.

Emissione stagionale di uova di parassiti gastrointestinali in cinghiali (Sus scrofa) e in mufloni (Ovis ammon) di un’area mediterranea (Italia centrale). E' stata studiata l'emissione stagionale di uova (o oocisti) di parassiti nelle feci di ungulati selvatici in una zona mediterranea protetta, il Parco dei Monti Livornesi (Livorno, Toscana, Italia Centrale). Per un anno sono stati raccolti mensilmente campioni di feci di Cinghiale (Sus scrofa) e di Muflone (Ovis ammon). Gli andamenti osservati di emissione di uova sono stati analizzati tenendo conto delle variazioni di temperatura e piovosità stagionali, del ciclo biologico e della strategia di sopravvivenza dei parassiti, e delle condizioni sanitarie dell'ospite. E’ risultato che in una zona mediterranea come quella considerata i picchi di emissione di uova appaiono in mesi differenti in relazione alla biologia e alle strategie di sopravvivenza dei diversi parassiti. Seasonal egg (or oocyst) output of gastro-intestinal parasites of wild ungulates was studied in a Mediterranean protected area, the Monti Livornesi Park (Livorno, Tuscany region, Central Italy). Samples of faeces of wild boars (Sus scrofa) and mouflons (Ovis ammon) were collected monthly for one year. The observed trends of egg output were analysed taking into account seasonal variations of temperature and rainfall, life-cycle and survival strategy of parasites, and health condition of hosts. In our Mediterranean study area, the peaks of egg output appear in different months according to different biology and survival strategies of parasites.