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Donkeys have been used as working animals for transport and farm activities worldwide. Recently, in European countries, there has been an increasing interest in donkeys due to their use as pets, onotherapy or milk production. During 2014–2016, a countrywide survey was conducted to determine prevalence and risk factors of principal helminth infections in 1775 donkeys in 77 Italian farms. A questionnaire on management and parasite control practices was filled out for each farm. Faecal samples were examined using a modified McMaster technique, a centrifugation/flotation method and a sedimentation technique. Pooled coprocultures were performed for differentiation of strongylid eggs. Strongyles were the most common parasites detected (84.9%), followed by Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (6.9%), Oxyuris equi (5.8%), Parascaris spp. (3.6%), Anoplocephala spp. (1.0%), Strongyloides westeri (0.3%). Coprocultures revealed an omnipresence of cyathostomins (100%), followed by Strongylus vulgaris (31.0%), Poteriostomum spp. (25.0%), Triodontophorus spp. (9.0%), Strongylus edentatus (7.0%), Strongylus equinus (5.0%). Logistic regression analysis identified breed, co-pasture with horses, living area, herd size and number of treatments as significantly associated with strongyles. Sex, age, living area and herd size were significantly associated with Parascaris spp. Dictyocaulus arnfieldi was significantly associated with sex, grass, co-pasture with horses, living area and herd size. Strongylus vulgaris was significantly associated with living area and herd size. The mean number of anthelmintic treatments/year was 1.4; most of the donkeys (71.8%) were dewormed using an ivermectin drug. It is important to design parasite programs to specifically address both D. arnfieldi and S. vulgaris in donkeys, and this is especially important if donkeys co-graze with horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatozoon canis is a hemoprotozoan organism that infects domestic and wild carnivores throughout much of Europe. The parasite is mainly transmitted through the ingestion of infected ticks containing mature oocysts. The aims of the present survey were to determine the prevalence of H. canis in hunting dogs living in Southern Italy and to assess potential infection risk factors. DNA extracted from whole blood samples, collected from 1433 apparently healthy dogs living in the Napoli, Avellino, and Salerno provinces of Campania region (Southern Italy), was tested by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay to amplify H. canis. Furthermore, the investigated dog population was also screened by qPCR for the presence of Ehrlichia canis, a major tick-borne pathogen in Southern Italy, in order to assess possible co-infections. Two hundred dogs were H. canis PCR-positive, resulting in an overall prevalence of 14.0% (CI 12.2–15.9). Breed category (P < 0.0001), hair coat length (P = 0.015), and province of residence (P < 0.0001) represented significant risk factors for H. canis infection. The presence of H. canis DNA was also significantly associated with E. canis PCR positivity (P < 0.0001). Hunting dogs in Campania region (Southern Italy) are frequently exposed to H. canis, and the infection is potentially associated with close contact with wildlife. Further studies are needed to assess the pathogenic potential of H. canis, as well as the epidemiological relationships between hunting dogs and wild animal populations sharing the same habitats in Southern Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) – caused by the larval stage (hydatid cyst) of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus– is one of the most widespread zoonoses of veterinary and medical importance. Molecular techniques have allowed the identification of 10 different genotypes (G1–G10) of the parasite. The present paper is an update regarding the E. granulosus genotypes infecting water buffaloes and cattle bred in the Campania region of southern Italy. The molecular study was performed on 30 hydatid cysts (11 from water buffaloes and 19 from cattle). Two different mitochondrial DNA genes, namely the cytochrome c oxidase subunits 1 and the 12S ribosomal DNA (12S rDNA) were used as genetic markers. Three different genotypes of E. granulosus were unequivocally identified, i.e. the G1 (common sheep), G2 (Tasmanian sheep) and G3 (buffalo) genotypes, as well as some G1 and G2 variants. It should be noted that the present study demonstrated for the first time: (i) the presence of the G2 genotype in water buffaloes from a Mediterranean area; and (ii) the fact that the analysed portion of the 12S rDNA gene can not discriminate between the G2 and G3 genotypes of E. granulosus. The finding of the G1, G2 and G3 genotypes in large ruminants from southern Italy is of epidemiological relevance and immediate public health importance because of their recognized infectivity in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out in Southern Italy on 90 Siriana breed goats with naturally occurring infections of gastrointestinal nematodes. Six similar groups of 15 goats were formed, one untreated control group and five groups treated once with ivermectin (I treatment) and once with netobimin (II treatment) at different times. Daily milk volume (mL) was recorded fortnightly for each animal for the whole lactation period. All the treated groups showed a total milk production that was statistically higher than that of the control group, and four of these groups showed at least one fortnightly measurement in which differences from the corresponding values of the control group were statistically significant. The best treatment timing seemed to be October-May, followed by February- June, December-May, and February-May. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of the present paper was to assess the benefit of targeted selective treatments (TSTs) on milk production and faecal worm egg count, in four commercial dairy sheep farms in southern Italy where animals were exposed to natural infection with gastrointestinal (GI) strongyles. On each farm, three similar groups of 20 animals each were formed and randomly assigned to the following treatments: strategic prophylactic treatment (SPT) group, targeted selective treatment group, and control (C) group. The TST schemes used were different between farms with regard to the indicators for treatment (FAMACHA or faecal egg count (FEC) or milk production) and the timing of treatment (periparturient or postparturient). Regarding milk production, on the four study farms the mean daily milk production in the SPT ewes was higher than those of the controls on Farms 1, 2, 3 and 4 by 13.6%, 30.4%, 37.0% and 5.5%, respectively. In the case of Farms 2 and 3 these differences were significant (P <0.05). Average milk production in the TST ewes was higher than that in the control group, by 7.2% in Farm 1; 10.1% in Farm 2; 13.0% in Farm 3; and 1.4% in Farm 4; however, none of these differences were statistically significant. Regarding the effects on FEC, FAMACHA-based TST (Farms 1 and 2) had no positive effects on GI strongyle egg counts. In the FEC-based TST group on Farm 3 both the TST and SPT treatments reduced FEC. In the milk production-based TST group (Farm 4), no conclusion could be drawn regarding strategic efficacy since there was also a decrease in GI strongyle FEC in the control group. The findings of the present study demonstrate that TST can be considered as a potentially useful anthelmintic strategy in southern Italy, but the timing of treatments seems to be more crucial for the strategic and production efficacy than the indicators used for those treatments. From a practical point of view using milk production as a TST indicator appeared to be the most user-friendly approach for farmers; however, further studies will be needed to confirm its validity and acceptability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A cross-sectional coprological survey of liver flukes (Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum) was conducted on 81 bovine farms and 197 ovine farms with animals pasturing in an area (3971 km2) of the southern Italian Apennines. The farms were selected to be uniformly distributed throughout the study area using geographical information system (GIS) software. Between June 1999 and March 2000, faecal samples were collected from 975 cattle and 3940 sheep and examined using a modified McMaster technique. The results were subjected to statistical analysis and point distribution maps (PDMs) were drawn by GIS.Cattle of 9 of the 81 (11.1%) farms were positive for F. hepatica and of 43 (53.1%) for D. dendriticum. Sheep of 8 of the 197 (4.1%) farms were positive for F. hepatica and of 133 (67.5%) for D. dendriticum. Co-infection was found in cattle of 2 (2.5%) farms, and in sheep of 8 (4.1%) farms.The findings of the present survey show that D. dendriticum was the predominant liver fluke found in cattle and sheep with respect to egg count numbers for both farms and animals. In addition, the general trends of the PDMs show that D. dendriticum was widely and homogeneously spread throughout the study area, whereas F. hepatica was present only in a few concentrated zones of the study area that had both positive bovine and positive ovine farms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A survey of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) of the Italian Mediterranean breed was carried out in Campania, a region of southern Italy. In addition, a molecular study was performed on 48 hydatid cysts coming from 48 water buffaloes in order to determine the Echinococcus granulosus strain(s) present in this host. Out of a total of 722 water buffaloes examined for CE, 76 (10.5%) were found infected. The average number of cysts per buffalo was 4.3 (minimum 1, maximum 45). Seventeen buffaloes had hydatid cysts only in the liver (with an average of 5cysts/liver), 34 only in the lungs (with an average of 1.8cysts/lungs), and 25 buffaloes had cysts both in the liver and in the lungs. Fertile cysts were found in 10 (13.2%) out of the 76 positive buffaloes. The sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene of the 48 hydatid cysts produced sequences of 419bp for each sample analysed. For 33 samples, alignment of the obtained sequences with those present in GenBank showed a total homology with the common domestic sheep strain G1; for 15 samples, sequences obtained showed 100% homology with buffalo strain G3. The findings of the present survey represent the first epidemiological and molecular comprehensive studies on CE in water buffalo from an endemic area for E. granulosus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A seroprevalence survey and risk analysis of Neospora caninum and Leishmania infantum was conducted in dogs from an area of the Campania region of southern Italy, in order to investigate the co-infection of these two protozoa.Blood samples were collected from 1058 asymptomatic dogs over a 18 months period. Serum samples were tested for antibodies to N. caninum and to L. infantum using the indirect fluorescent antibody test.Epidemiological data (breed, age, sex, and utilization) were collected and statistically analysed in relation to N. caninum and to L. infantum seropositivity and antibody titres.Out of the 1058 sera samples tested, 68 (6.4%) were found to have antibodies to N. caninum, and 222 (21.0%) to have antibodies to L. infantum. The co-presence of antibodies to N. caninum and to L. infantum was found in 46 (4.3%) dogs. Thus, 67.6% of the dogs positive for N. caninum also had antibodies to L. infantum.The major risk factor for N. caninum seropositivity was the presence of antibodies to L. infantum, and the major risk factor for L. infantum seropositivity was the presence of antibodies to N. caninum. In addition, high N. caninum seroprevalence was closely correlated to Boxer breed, and high L. infantum seroprevalence was correlated to masculine gender and Setter and Pit bull breeds. Low L. infantum seroprevalence was closely correlated to Yorkshire breed.The findings of this survey indicate that in the Campania region of southern Italy the co-presence of antibodies to N. caninum and to L. infantum is very common in dogs, and that infection by one protozoan seems to enhance the susceptibility to the other one. This is probably due to the immunological status of the tested dogs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The overall haemoplasma prevalence in the hunting dogs of southern Italy was 19.9 %. • PCR positive rates were 13.1 % for Mhc and 11.4 % for CMhp. • Co-infection with both Mycoplasma species was found in 4.6 % of dogs. • Tick infestation history and wild mammal hunting were risk factors for haemoplasmas. Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) and " Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum" (CMhp) are the main haemoplasma species known to infect dogs. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of haemoplasma species infections in hunting dogs from southern Italy and assess related risk factors. 1,433 hunting dogs living in Campania region were tested by qPCR assay. The prevalence was 19.9 %; 13.1 % for Mhc and 11.4 % for CMhp ; 4.6 % showed a coinfection with both haemoplasma species. Statistical analysis revealed living in Salerno province (Mhc : OR 3.72; CMhp : OR 2.74), hound (Mhc : OR 5.26; CMhp : OR 8.46) and mixed breed (Mhc : OR 3.38; CMhp : OR 2.80), rural environment (Mhc : OR 12.58; CMhp : OR 10.38), wild mammal hunting (Mhc : OR 8.73; CMhp : OR 8.32), cohabitation with other animals (Mhc : OR 2.82; CMhp : OR 2.78) and large pack size (Mhc : OR 2.96; CMhp : OR 1.61) as risk factors for haemoplasmas. Male gender (OR 1.44) and tick infestation history (OR 1.40) represented risk factors only for Mhc , while adult age (2−7 years - OR 2.01; > 7 years - OR 1.84) and large body size (OR 1.48) were associated only to CMhp. Mhc infection was significantly associated to Babesia vogeli (p < 0.05) and Hepatozoon canis (p < 0.001), while CMhp with H. canis (p < 0.001). This study adds information on haemoplasma species distribution in hunting dogs in southern Italy. Outdoor lifestyle and contact with wild fauna, through greater exposure to tick infestation, or possibly wounds acquired during hunting or fighting, could be factors contributing to haemoplasma infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichinella spp. are cosmopolitan parasites that infect a wide range of hosts, with wildlife being the main reservoir of these zoonotic nematodes, especially red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and wolves (Canis lupus) due to their apex position in the food chain in most European countries. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of Trichinella spp. in these wild canids and their epidemiological role in the Campania region (southern Italy). From 2017 to 2023, the carcasses of red foxes (n = 352) and wolves (n = 41) were collected as part of a health surveillance plan. Muscle samples were analysed individually by artificial digestion and four (1.1%) red foxes and nine (21.9%) wolves tested positive for Trichinella britovi. All Trichinella isolates were identified as T. britovi by multiplex PCR. Statistically significant differences in prevalence were found by province (p-value = 0.05) for red foxes and sampling years (p-value = 0.01) for wolves. The prevalence was lower in red foxes than in wolves, probably due to the longer life expectancy of wolves compared to red foxes and the role of wolves as apex predators compared to red foxes as meso-carnivores. The results obtained confirm the important role that these wild canids play in the circulation of the parasite., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Ixodes inopinatus was described from Spain on the basis of morphology and partial sequencing of 16S ribosomal DNA. However, several studies suggested that morphological differences between I. inopinatus and Ixodes ricinus are minimal and that 16S rDNA lacks the power to distinguish the two species. Furthermore, nuclear and mitochondrial markers indicated evidence of hybridization between I. inopinatus and I. ricinus. In this study, we tested our hypothesis on tick dispersal from North Africa to Southern Europe and determined the prevalence of selected tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in I. inopinatus, I. ricinus, and their hybrids., Methods: Ticks were collected in Italy and Algeria by flagging, identified by sequencing of partial TROSPA and COI genes, and screened for Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., B. miyamotoi, Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma phagocytophilum by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of specific markers., Results: Out of the 380 ticks, in Italy, 92 were I. ricinus, 3 were I. inopinatus, and 136 were hybrids of the two species. All 149 ticks from Algeria were I. inopinatus. Overall, 60% of ticks were positive for at least one TBP. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. was detected in 19.5% of ticks, and it was significantly more prevalent in Ixodes ticks from Algeria than in ticks from Italy. Prevalence of Rickettsia spotted fever group (SFG) was 51.1%, with significantly greater prevalence in ticks from Algeria than in ticks from Italy. Borrelia miyamotoi and A. phagocytophilum were detected in low prevalence (0.9% and 5.2%, respectively) and only in ticks from Italy., Conclusions: This study indicates that I. inopinatus is a dominant species in Algeria, while I. ricinus and hybrids were common in Italy. The higher prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. and Rickettsia SFG in I. inopinatus compared with that in I. ricinus might be due to geographical and ecological differences between these two tick species. The role of I. inopinatus in the epidemiology of TBPs needs further investigation in the Mediterranean Basin., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Although Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus is a neglected acanthocephalan of suids occasionally responsible for severe infections in humans, the spread of wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations in Europe could promote the circulation. Herein, we report the first morphometric, histological and molecular characterization of a severe M. hirudinaceus infection in a boar from continental Italy. The boar's intestine displayed granulomatous enteritis due to 24 helminths (14 females, 10 males), identified as adults of M. hirudinaceus by a combined morphometric/molecular approach. The phylogenetic analysis of the cox1 gene revealed a close relationship of the M. hirudinaceus sequence type found herein with those from Hungary and insular Italy. The high haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity of M. hirudinaceus specimens would suggest its rapid demographic expansion in the Mediterranean basin. More research is needed to assess the presence of M. hirudinaceus in susceptible beetle species and the role of boars in the epidemiology of infection., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The increase of wild boar populations density and their meat consumption across Europe could expose humans to a plethora of foodborne diseases as sarcocystosis, caused by the zoonotic protozoan Sarcocystis suihominis. Humans become infected by eating raw or undercooked pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) containing S. suihominis sarcocysts. Despite this, to date very few data are available on the risk of infection by this parasite to wild boar (Sus scrofa) meat consumers. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the occurrence of Sarcocystis spp. in wild boars from southern Italy, applying both histology and a new multiplex PCR assay targeting the cox1 gene. Between 2019 and 2020, 997 muscle tissues (i.e., n = 269 oesophagus, n = 277 diaphragms, n = 298 hearts, n = 153 tongues) from 311 wild boars were collected and screened by a combined histological and molecular approach. Overall, 251 (80.7%) animals tested were positive for Sarcocystis spp., and S. miescheriana whose definitive hosts are canids, was the only molecularly identified species. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the prevalence of Sarcocystis infection was found according to the wild boar age and muscle tissue. Findings outlined the low zoonotic potential of infection to humans via wild boar meat consumption in Italy and the importance of the application of new molecular methods in distinguishing different Sarcocystis species., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonotic vector-borne disease caused by Leishmania infantum. The infection often remains asymptomatic, though clinical forms may occur in immunosuppressed individuals. Although data on leishmaniasis in humans are available worldwide, the exposure to L. infantum of workers conducting outdoor activities has been scantly investigated, and it is limited to military personnel operating in endemic regions. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of L. infantum in different groups of outdoor workers and the occupational risk factors. The cross-sectional study was performed on 229 workers including forestry guards, farmers, veterinarians, geologists and agronomists from three regions of southern Italy (i.e., Apulia, Basilicata and Campania). All serum samples were screened for L. infantum-specific IgG/IgM by using automated indirect chemiluminescent immunoassays. Overall, 5.7% (13/229) of workers was positive to anti-L. infantum antibodies, with the highest seroprevalence in veterinarians (13.6%). An increased occupational health surveillance for L. infantum infection in outdoor workers is essential to better understand the risk of exposure in specific jobs. Furthermore, guidelines and education along with a One Health collaboration among veterinarians, physicians, parasitologists and occupational health care professionals are crucial for the prevention of this disease., (© 2023 The Authors. Zoonoses and Public Health published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Eucoleus garfiai (syn. Capillaria garfiai) is a nematode infecting lingual tissue of domestic and wild swine. Prevalence data for this parasite are scant and often related to accidental findings, occurring only in Japan and a few European countries. In this study, an epidemiological survey was performed in order to identify E. garfiai in wild boar from the Campania region, southern Italy. A total of 153 wild boar carcasses were inspected over the course of two hunting seasons (2019-2020). Histological examinations were performed on tongue samples fixed and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. The scraping of dorsal tongue tissue was carried out to collect adult worms for parasitological examination. Out of 153 wild boars, 40 (26.1%, 95% CI: 19.8-33.6%) tested positive for helminths and/or eggs in tongue tissues. Parasites were identified morphologically and identification was confirmed by molecular analysis of the 18S rRNA gene, showing a 99% nucleotide match with E. garfiai sequences available in literature. No statistically significant differences were found according to age, sex nor hunting province. Our findings agree with previous histopathological data confirming the low pathogenic impact of this nematode. The present study represents the first report of E. garfiai in wild boar from Italy., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Fasciola hepatica is a trematode infecting ruminants worldwide, occasionally reported in a wide range of animal species, including humans. According to the WHO, fasciolosis is recognized as a re-emerging neglected tropical disease, responsible for endemic and epidemic outbreaks in humans. Although the main hosts of the parasite are represented by cattle, sheep and goats, wildlife may be involved in its circulation. Here we firstly report F. hepatica in a wild boar from Italy (southern area) and characterize it both morphologically and molecularly. The nad1 gene analysis of specimens analyzed, revealed a high genetic similarity with those of humans from Iran and Peru, as well as a close phylogenetic relationship to those in ruminants from Brazil, Ecuador and Egypt. Considering the increase in the wild boar populations in urban and peri-urban areas, a potential role of this ungulate in the circulation of this zoonotic trematode is suggested., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Protoparvovirus is a monophyletic viral genus that includes the species Carnivore protoparvovirus-1 infecting domestic and wild carnivores. In this paper, the results of an epidemiological survey for Carnivore protoparvovirus-1 in wild carnivores in Italy are reported. Overall, 34 (11.4%) out of 297 tested animals were positive for Carnivore protoparvovirus-1, but the frequency of detection was much higher in intestine (54%) than in spleen samples (2.8%), thus suggesting that the intestine is the best sample to collect from wild animals for parvovirus detection. Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) was detected in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) (2.8%, 7/252) and Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) (10%, 1/10), whilst canine parvovirus (CPV) was found in wolves (54.3%, 19/35), Eurasian badgers (60%, 6/10) and one beech marten (Martes foina) (100%, 1/1), with more than one parvovirus type detected in some animals. Protoparvoviral DNA sequences from this study were found to be related to CPV/FPV strains detected in Asia and Europe, displaying some amino acid changes in the main capsid protein VP2 in comparison with other parvovirus strains from wildlife. In particular, the two most common mutations were Ile418Thr and Ala371Gly, which were observed in 6/12 (50%) and 5/12 (41.7%) of the CPV sequences from this study. Continuous surveillance for parvoviruses in wild carnivores and genetic analysis of the detected strains may help obtain new insight into the role of these animals in the evolution and epidemiology of carnivore parvoviruses., (© 2020 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Following the increase in wild boar population recorded in urban and peri-urban areas throughout Europe, the present survey aimed to assess the occurrence of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in wild boars living in southern Italy and in their ticks for evaluating the potential risk of infection for animals and humans. From October to December 2019, a total of 176 ticks collected from 93 wild boars andtheir spleen samples were molecularly screened for selected TBPs. Overall, all the wild boars were infested by ticks (mean intensity, 1.9) with Dermacentor marginatus and Ixodes ricinus being identified in 99.4% and 0.6%, respectively. Out of 93 wild boars, 17 (18.3%) were infested by ticks which scored positive to spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia species. Rickettsia slovaca and Rickettsia raoultii were identified in 16 (9%) and 1 (0.6%) D. marginatus, respectively, whereas a single I. ricinus (0.6%) was infected by R. slovaca. A single wild boar (1.1%) tested positive to R. slovaca. All ticks and wild boars scored negative to Babesia/Theileria spp., Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Candidatus Neoehrlichia spp., Coxiella burnetii and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. Data herein obtained suggest that wild boars are involved in the maintenance of D. marginatus in the environment as in peri-urban areas herein investigated. An integrated management approach is advocated for wild boar population control and in preventing the potential risk of TBPs infection in animals and humans., (© 2020 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Acanthocheilonema reconditum is a filarial parasite transmitted by arthropods (fleas, lice, and ticks) that infect dogs. There is minimal published data available to date on potential haematological and biochemical changes associated with this parasitic infection. Study aims were (i) provide an overview of A. reconditum in Europe, (ii) define A. reconditum prevalence and risk factors in a specific dog population (hunting) from southern Italy, and (iii) assess the frequency of haemato-biochemical abnormalities associated with infection. Blood samples collected from 3020 dogs were tested by a modified Knott's technique to count and identify microfilariae. Eighty-four dogs were infected by A. reconditum (2.78%; 95% CI 2.19-3.37%). Microfilariae ranged from 1 to 212/ml. Based on clinical examination, all but six dogs with non-specific symptoms were healthy. Haematological abnormalities included leucocytosis (n = 15), with eosinophilia (n = 14) and monocytosis (n = 13). Serum biochemical abnormalities included increased total serum proteins (n = 19), albumins (n = 7), total globulins (n = 14), ALT (n = 1), and ALP (n = 1); one dog was hypoalbuminemic, and BUN was mildly increased in 2 dogs. Risk factors included the province origin (Napoli, OR=5.4, 95%CI: 2.1-14.0; Caserta, OR=5.1, 95%CI: 2.5-10.6), hunting wild mammals (OR=2.8, 95% 95%CI: 1.6-4.8), and ectoparasite infestation (OR=1.9, 95%CI: 1.1-3.1). There was a negative correlation between microfilaraemic load and decreased albumin level (-0.37; p=0.021). Our results showed that A. reconditum circulates within the hunting dog population of southern Italy, with seemingly low pathogenic potential.

Bartonellae are emerging vector-borne pathogens infecting humans, domestic mammals and wildlife. Ninety-seven red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 8 European badgers (Meles meles), 6 Eurasian wolves (Canis lupus), 6 European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus), 3 beech martens (Martes foina) and 2 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from Italian Nature Conservatory Parks were investigated for Bartonella infection. Several Bartonella species (9.84%; 95% CI: 4.55-15.12), including zoonotic ones, were molecularly detected among wolves (83.3%; 95% CI: 51-100.00), foxes (4.12%; 95% CI: 0.17-8.08), hedgehogs (33.33%; 95% CI: 0.00-71.05) and a roe deer. Bartonella rochalimae was the most common Bartonella species (i.e. in 4 foxes and 2 wolves) detected. Candidatus B. merieuxii and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii were identified for the first time in wolves. Furthermore, Bartonella schoenbuchensis was identified in a roe deer and a new clone with phylogenetic proximity to B. clarridgeiae was detected in European hedgehogs. Zoonotic and other Bartonella species were significantly more frequent in Eurasian wolves (p < .0001), than in other free-ranging wild mammals, representing a potential reservoir for infection in humans and domestic animals., (© 2021 The Authors. Zoonoses and Public Health published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have been recognised to harbour and transmit a wide range of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) including those of zoonotic concern. To investigate the prevalence and the distribution of TBPs and of Leishmania infantum in foxes (n = 244), spleen samples were collected within the frame of a multi-regional wildlife health surveillance program in Italy. A combined PCR/sequencing approach was performed for the detection of Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Borrelia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp. and L. infantum DNA. Overall, 146 foxes (59.8 %, 95 % CI: 53.6-65.8) tested positive for at least one pathogen with Hepatozoon canis being the most prevalent (i.e., n = 124; 50.8 %, 95 % CI: 44.6-57.0), followed by Babesia vulpes (n = 20; 8.2 %, 95 % CI: 5.4-12.3), different spirochete species from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex (n = 9; 3.7 %, 95 % CI: 1.9-6.9), Ehrlichia canis and L. infantum (n = 7; 2.9 % each, 95 % CI: 1.4-5.8), Anaplasma platys (n = 4; 1.6 %, 95 % CI: 0.6-4.1), Anaplasma phagocytophilum ecotype I and Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. (n = 3; 1.2 % each, 95 % CI: 0.4-3.5). All samples scored negative for Babesia canis and Borrelia miyamotoi. This study revealed the presence of spirochetes from B. burgdorferi s.l. complex, Ca. Neoehrlichia sp., A. platys and A. phagocytophilum ecotype I in red fox population from Italy, underling the necessity to monitoring these carnivores, mainly because they live in contact with dogs and humans. Data on the tick fauna circulating on wildlife species will complement information herein obtained, instrumentally to establish preventive strategies for minimizing the risk of infection for animals and humans., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Taenia hydatigena cysticercosis is a widespread parasitic disease of wild and domestic animals. In Europe, the increase in wild boar population may potentially contribute to the spread of this parasitic infection. To determine the occurrence of cysticerci (metacestodes) in wild boar population from southern Italy, carcasses were inspected during three hunting seasons (2016-2018). Out of 3363 wild boar examined, 229 (6.8%) harboured cysticerci with 188 (82.1%) infected by a single cyst, vs 41 (17.9%) boars having more than one. Most of the positive animals (187; 81.7%) showed cysts on the liver, whereas a multiple localization of cysticerci was reported in 10 (4.4%) wild boar. The total number of cysts retrieved from positive animals was 301 (average 1.3). Molecular analysis revealed the occurrence of a common haplotype (Hap 8) shared between wild boar and domestic animals. Our findings suggest the presence of a T. hydatigena semi-domestic life cycle in which wild boar may play an important role, due to a large number of offal available to hunting dogs, wolves and foxes during hunting seasons. Hunters may be players in the management of wildlife species to control and prevent the circulation of parasitic diseases.

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) or suid herpesvirus 1 (SHV-1) is the causative agent of Aujeszky's disease, a highly contagious viral infection which causes neurological fatal illness in mammals other than suids. Here we report a case of a young wolf (Canis lupus) of around 2 years found dead by a hunter in the province of Avellino, Campania Region. Necropsy showed pathological findings consistent with encephalitis and gastroenteritis. Organs were analysed by microbiological and molecular investigations following standard procedures to ascertain the possible cause of death. Real-time PCR revealed the presence of PRV in the brain and of canine parvovirus 2b in organs like intestine, liver, brain, kidney and pancreas. Death probably occurred very shortly after SHV-1 infection in an animal already weakened by parvovirosis., (© 2020 The Authors. Veterinary Medicine and Science Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Swine brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that affects both domestic pigs ( Sus scrofa ) and wild pigs such as wild boar ( Sus scrofa ). We evaluated the presence of antibodies against Brucella spp. in wild boar hunted in the Campania region, Italy, during the hunting season of 2016-17. Serum samples were collected from 434 wild boars and tested for antibodies against Brucella spp. For detection of antibodies to swine brucellosis, the rose Bengal test (RBT) and a blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed. Of 434 serum samples, 22 (5.1%) tested by RBT and 58 (13.5%) tested using the blocking ELISA were positive for brucella. The seroprevalences of Brucella spp. did not differ between the sexes or age classes, while the prevalence of infected animals was positively correlated with the Avellino province. Our data showed that wild boar in the Campania region are exposed to brucella infection, and that the prevalence of the disease has increased in recent years.

Purpose: Taenia hydatigena cysticercosis, due to Cysticercus tenuicollis, is a parasitic disease infecting domestic and wild animals worldwide causing economic and productive losses. Nonetheless, little attention has been paid to the role of the wild ungulates in the epidemiology of this disease. In the last years, the increasing population of wild boars in Europe has raised the attention of researchers on their role in the spreading of several infections, including those caused by cestodes. Herein, we report the description of a massive infection due to T. hydatigena cysticercosis in a wild boar from southern Italy., Methods: An adult female boar was examined during the hunting season 2018 within the regional project "Piano Emergenza Cinghiali in Campania". A complete necropsy was performed on the boar carcass and all viscera were examined to determine number and location of the cysts. Morphological and molecular analyses of the cysts were performed to confirm the C. tenuicollis identity., Results: The boar examined has revealed an impressive massive infection with 265 cysts. Measurements of the large and small larval hooks showed a mean of length as 200.3 µm and 136.8 µm, respectively. Molecular analysis of Cox1 and ND1 mitochondrial genes confirmed the C. tenuicollis identity., Conclusions: Our findings suggest that wild boar could be involved in the epidemiology of T. hydatigena, due to the significant amount of boar raw offal available to definitive hosts (i.e., hunting dogs, foxes and wolves), during the hunting seasons.

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a widespread protozoan in the phylum Apicomplexa. In Europe, several studies have demonstrated the presence of the parasite in tissues of wild boars (Sus scrofa), but no data exists on the T. gondii load in tissues which in turn may be an useful way to assess the infection risk for the consumer of wild boar meat., Methods: We sampled and tested a total of 472 tissue samples of brain, heart and masseter muscle from 177 wild boars from the Campania region of southern Italy by real-time PCR analyses for detection and quantification of T. gondii. The sensitivity and specificity of the method were calculated by ROC analysis curves., Results: PCR analysis revealed the presence of T. gondii in tissue samples of 78 out of 177 (44%) wild boars. In general, the brain presented the highest PCR prevalence (31%), followed by the heart (28.3%) and the masseter muscle (24.2%), with the highest estimated parasite numbers observed in the brain followed by the heart and masseter muscle. The PCR method showed an excellent discriminating ability for each of the examined tissues. According to the ROC analysis curves, the respective sensitivity and specificity were 99 and 100% for masseter muscle, 98 and 98% for brain and 96 and 98% for heart samples., Conclusions: The high prevalence of infection here detected suggests a widespread distribution of the parasite in the wildlife of the Campania region of southern Italy. The T. gondii burdens detected may potentially represent a source of infection for humans.

The larval stage of the species complex Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) is the cause of a widespread zoonotic disease known as cystic echinococcosis (CE). The disease is highly prevalent in southern Italy and represents a serious public health issue. The main aim of this study was to characterize E. granulosus s.l. genotypes from wild boar on a continental area of Italy (Campania region), using recently developed mtDNA markers of nad2 and nad5 for reliable identification of different genotypes. Here, nad5 (680 bp) allowed for a clear identification of G1 and G3, whereas a combination of nad2 (714 bp) and nad5 (1394 bp in total) did the same for genotype G7 and its haplogroups G7a and G7b. The results of this study revealed for the first time the presence of genotype G7 in continental Italy. While haplogroup G7b was previously shown to be restricted to the islands of Corsica and Sardinia, here we demonstrate that haplogroup G7b is also present on the mainland of Italy. This work has implications in designing future strategies to reduce CE in Italy.

Problems with parasitic infections are common in zoological gardens and circuses. In some animals it can lead to several disorders such as systemic disease, reproductive disorders (abortions and neonatal mortality), and even to death if severe illness is untreated. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of three common parasites in 74 animals from three zoos, and four circuses in Southern Italy. Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Encephalitozoon cuniculi were detected in 51%, 12%, and 20% of animals, respectively. Co-infections of T. gondii and N. caninum were reported in seven animals (9%) and co-infection of T. gondii and E. cuniculi in one animal. T. gondii, N. caninum and E. cuniculi seroprevalence differed in type of diet (P ≤ 0.0001; P ≤ 0.037 and P ≤ 0.004, respectively). T. gondii and E. cuniculi seroprevalence also differed in animal families (P ≤ 0.0001) and according to type of housing (P ≤ 0.003), respectively. Statistical differences were not found in other characteristics (gender, age, country of birth, origin, and contact with cats or dogs). This is the first serological study focusing on protozoan and microsporidian parasites in zoo and circus animals from Southern Italy and the first detection of antibodies to E. cuniculi in camels in Europe., (© 2018 International Society of Protistologists.)

A Flavivirus survey on 183 hunting dogs was conducted in Campania region, Southern Italy. The seroprevalence value of 40.43% (74/183, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] 33.37-47.49) detected in our study using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent serologic assay (cELISA) proves a considerable level of Flavivirus exposition of these animals. Among the 74 cELISA-positive sera, seroneutralization (SN) test showed that 24 sera resulted positive for Usutu virus with an overall prevalence of 13.11% (24/183) (95% CI 8.27-17.95), but none of cELISA-positive samples resulted positive for West Nile virus. Data analysis showed a significant difference of cELISA seropositivity risk factors in case of presence of farm animals in contact with hunting dogs and for dogs living in a rural environment but not for gender, age, management, hunting season, and hunting abroad. A RT-PCR assay was performed to detect the Flavivirus RNA, but none of the blood samples tested positive. This study documents the first report regarding the circulation of Flavivirus in hunting dog in Southern Italy and suggests the dog as an interesting target to monitor Flavivirus circulation.

Intestinal strongyles are the most common endoparasites of horses, and anthelmintic treatments are the main strategy to control these nematodes. However, the development of anthelmintic resistance has led to a decreased efficacy of synthetic drugs, and for this reason, there is a growing interest in alternative control strategies as the use of medicinal plants. The aim of the present study was to determine the in vivo efficacy of garlic (Allium sativum) in horses naturally infected by intestinal strongyles. The field trial was conducted in a horse trotter farm in Southern Italy. Fifteen mares were selected based on fecal egg count >200 eggs per gram and allocated into three groups of five animals: fresh garlic group (FG group), animals received 40 g of fresh crushed garlic once daily for 15 days; dry garlic group (DG group), animals received 40 g of commercial dry garlic flakes food supplement once daily for 15 days; and control group (C group), not treated. Two weeks after the first administration of garlic, fecal egg count reduction test showed failure of garlic to reduce intestinal strongyles egg shedding (-11.7% and -19.4% for FG and DG groups, respectively). Red blood cell count values were in the normal ranges over the entire period of garlic administration. In our study model, the oral administration of garlic formulations has no effect on reducing the egg shedding of intestinal strongyles, and the garlic supplementation over a short period of time is not responsible for hematological changes in horses., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Canine babesiosis is caused by haemoprotozoan organisms of the genus Babesia which are transmitted by the bite of a hard tick. The aim of this survey was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with Babesia species infections in hunting dogs from Southern Italy. Blood samples were collected from 1311 healthy dogs in the Napoli, Avellino and Salerno provinces of the Campania region of Southern Italy. Serological testing was performed using two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), with one designed to detect B. canis and B. vogeli antibodies, and the other designed to detect B. gibsoni antibodies. Blood samples were also tested by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays for amplification of B. canis, B. vogeli and B. gibsoni DNA. The overall seroprevalence for B. canis/B. vogeli was 14.0%, compared to 0.2% for B. gibsoni. B. canis and B. vogeli PCR positive rates were 0.15% and 1.1%, respectively. B. gibsoni DNA was not amplified by qPCR. Male gender (OR 1.85), increased age (OR 1.01), long hair coat (OR 1.61) and living in Salerno province (OR 1.71) represented risk factors for B. canis/B. vogeli seroreactivity. Hunting dogs in Southern Italy are often exposed to B. canis/B. vogeli, however Babesia spp. infection was infrequently detected using qPCR. Further studies are needed to determine the extent to which Babesia spp. cause clinical disease in hunting dogs, and to evaluate the potential epidemiological relationships between hunting dogs and wild animal populations sharing the same area., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Babesia caballi and Theileria equi are tick-borne pathogens causing equine piroplasmosis infecting the Equidae family in which they cause significant sanitary and economic losses. Furthermore, equine piroplasmosis is included in the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) notifiable diseases list with possible movement restrictions for positive horses. Thirty-nine EDTA and whole-blood samples collected during 2013 and 2014 from symptomatic and asymptomatic horses of Central-Southern Italy were included in the present study either because of their strongly positive results in Real Time (RT) PCRs targeting the 18S rRNA gene specific for each piroplasm and/or due to their serological ELISA/18S rRNA RT-PCR discordant results. A nested PCR amplifying the hypervariable V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene of both piroplasms was performed on all samples. T. equi positive samples were also analysed with a PCR targeting the equi merozoite antigen 1-gene (EMA-1). The sequences obtained were thirty for T. equi, 25 of which were for the hypervariable V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene and 13 for the EMA-1 gene, with eight samples positive for both targets, while only six 18S rRNA gene sequences were retrieved for B. caballi. The phylogenetic analysis results are as follows: T. equi sequences of the 18S rRNA gene clustered in three different phylogenetic groups, respectively in the A (15), B (9) and C (1) while those of B. caballi in the A (1), B1 (3) and B2 (2) groups. T. equi sequences for EMA-1 gene clustered in A (11) and in B (2). This analysis confirms that both T. equi and B. caballi sequences present a genetic heterogeneity independently of their geographical location, similar to that reported by other authors. Statistical associations were evaluated between phylogenetic groups of T. equi 18S rRNA gene and each of the following variables, using Fisher's exact test: clinical signs, serological ELISA/18S rRNA RT-PCR discordant results and T. equi EMA-1 negativity. The different groups were found to be statistically related to the presence of signs (less present in group B samples), to ELISA negativity/18S rRNA RT-PCR positivity (more seronegative samples in group B). No statistical analysis was performed for the B. caballi as the number of sequences available was insufficient and for the EMA -1 sequences which almost all grouped in the same cluster. The results here obtained provide additional information about T. equi and B. caballi sequences, which could also be used to verify the performance of serological and molecular diagnostic methods., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Angiostrongylus vasorum (Nematoda: Angiostrongylidae) infection was detected at post-mortem examination in the pulmonary arteries and hearts of 34/102 (33,3%) of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from the Campania Region in southern Italy. Pathological changes consisted of granulomatous interstitial pneumonia caused by larvae and intravascular pulmonary adult nematodes. These changes confirm that angiostrongylosis infection in red foxes has a mainly chronic course, in which the infected host may disperse parasite larvae in the environment over its lifetime. Results suggest that the life cycle of A. vasorum is well established in the red fox in the Campania Region representing a potential infection risk for dogs.

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) has been frequently described in donkeys in subtropical and tropical regions, but published data reflecting large scale surveys are very limited in Europe. The seroprevalence of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi was determined in a donkey population from Campania Region in Southern Italy using a commercial indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), and the risk factors associated with the occurrence of the infection were assessed. Of 203 samples, the overall seroprevalence for EP was 57.1% (116/203), with 35.5% (72/203) for B. caballi and 44.3% (90/203) for T. equi. Co-infection was detected in 46 donkeys (22.6%). The distribution of IFAT antibody titres to B. caballi was: 1:80 (n= 67), 1:160 (n= 2), 1:320 (n= 3); while the distribution of IFAT antibody titres to T. equi was: 1:80 (n= 25), 1:160 (n= 42), 1:320 (n= 12), 1:640 (n= 8), 1:1280 (n= 3). All examined donkeys were asymptomatic, except one adult male (with a titre of 1:640 against T. equi) that showed clinical signs corresponding to the acute stage of EP, reported for the first time in Italy. The unique risk factor associated with a higher B. caballi seroprevalence was the presence of horses in the farms, while risk factors associated with a higher T. equi seroprevalence were poor body condition, presence of ruminants in the farms and milk production. The results indicate a high level of exposure in donkeys living in Southern Italy and suggest that donkeys may be an important reservoir of EP., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 118/240 (49.2%) rectal swabs from commercially farmed hares (Lepus europaeus) in southern Italy. Using multiplex PCR, Campylobacter coli was identified in 118/118 (100%) positive samples, while 17/118 (14.4%) positive samples were also positive for Campylobacter jejuni. Adult hares had a higher prevalence of infection with Campylobacter spp. than juvenile hares., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Toxoplasmosis, an important zoonosis, can be transmitted by eating meat or drinking milk of animals infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Samples were collected from 238 donkeys in the year 2010 in Italy, which included 207 females and 31 males of five breeds and crossbreeds with the average age 9 years (1 month-24 years). Sera were tested for T. gondii antibodies using a latex agglutination test and the indirect fluorescent antibody test; 5 and 8% seropositivity were recorded, respectively. We found significant correlation between the presence of T. gondii antibodies and sex, age, grazing and presence of cats on the farms and their access to donkey feed. This is the first detection of T. gondii antibodies in donkeys in Italy.

In some European countries there is an increasing interest on donkey. Despite there are few data regarding the donkey's parasitic diseases especially those with a protozoal etiology as neosporosis. Samples used in the study were collected from 238 domestic donkeys during year 2010 in Southern Italy from 207 females and 31 males of five breeds (Martina-Franca, Amiata, Sicilian-Grey, Ragusano, Sardinian) and crossbreeds with the average age 9 years (1 month - 24 year). Sera were tested by a competitive-inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for antibodies against Neospora caninum; the sera were marked positive, if more than 30% inhibition was found. Out of a total 238 donkeys, 28 (11.8%) were found positive for Neospora antibodies with 12% in females and 6% in males. Different seroprevalence 15.4%, 16%, 12% and 8.8% were found in age categories <1 year, 1-4 years, 5-9 years and ≥10 years, respectively. The seroprevalence ranged in different breeds from 36% (Sicilian-Grey) to 0% (Sardinian) and in different use from 17% (for breeding) to 0% (for meat production). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated evidence of a significant (P<0.05) association between crossbreed origin of samples and risk of protozoan infection; age of donkeys was also significant risk factor for protozoan infection. No statistical significant difference (P>0.05) was found among genders and use of donkeys and risk of N. caninum infection. This is the first serological survey for Neospora spp. performed in donkeys., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We compared the helminth communities of 5 owl species from Calabria (Italy) and evaluated the effect of phylogenetic and ecological factors on community structure. Two host taxonomic scales were considered, i.e., owl species, and owls vs. birds of prey. The latter scale was dealt with by comparing the data here obtained with that of birds of prey from the same locality and with those published previously on owls and birds of prey from Galicia (Spain). A total of 19 helminth taxa were found in owls from Calabria. Statistical comparison showed only marginal differences between scops owls (Otus scops) and little owls (Athene noctua) and tawny owls (Strix aluco). It would indicate that all owl species are exposed to a common pool of 'owl generalist' helminth taxa, with quantitative differences being determined by differences in diet within a range of prey relatively narrow. In contrast, birds of prey from the same region exhibited strong differences because they feed on different and wider spectra of prey. In Calabria, owls can be separated as a whole from birds of prey with regard to the structure of their helminth communities while in Galicia helminths of owls represent a subset of those of birds of prey. This difference is related to the occurrence in Calabria, but not Galicia, of a pool of 'owl specialist' species. The wide geographical occurrence of these taxa suggest that local conditions may determine fundamental differences in the composition of local communities. Finally, in both Calabria and Galicia, helminth communities from owls were species-poor compared to those from sympatric birds of prey. However, birds of prey appear to share a greater pool of specific helmith taxa derived from cospeciation processes, and a greater potential exchange of parasites between them than with owls because of phylogenetic closeness.

The present paper reports the results of a cross-sectional survey aimed at obtaining up-to-date information on the spatial distribution of different groups and/or species of helminths in water buffaloes from central Italy. Geographical information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis were used to plan the sampling procedures, to display the results as maps and to detect spatial clusters of helminths in the study area. The survey was conducted on 127 water buffalo farms, which were selected in the study area using a grid sampling approach, followed by proportional allocation. Faecal samples (n. = 1,883) collected from the 127 farms were examined using the Flotac dual technique. Gastrointestinal strongyles were the most frequent helminths (33.1%) on the tested farms, followed by the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica (7.1%), the rumen fluke Calicophoron daubneyi (7.1%), the nematode Strongyloides spp. (3.1%), the lancet liver fluke Dicrocoelium dendriticum (2.4%) and the tapeworm Moniezia spp. (2.4%). In order to display the spatial distribution of the various helminths detected on the water buffalo farms (used as epidemiological unit in our study), point maps were drawn within the GIS. In addition, for each helminth, clustering of test-positive farms were investigated based on location determined by exact coordinates. Using spatial scan statistic, spatial clusters were found for the flukes F. hepatica and C. daubneyi and the cestode Moniezia spp.; these findings are consistent with the life cycle of these parasites, which have strong environmental determinants. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that, with the appropriate survey-based data at hand, GIS is a useful tool to study epidemiological patterns of infections in veterinary health, in particular in water buffaloes.

Since it was first developed in South Africa, the FAMACHA system has been successfully tested in different geographic area where Haemonchus contortus is the major gastrointestinal (GI) strongyle species of sheep. The present study, the first on the use of the FAMACHA system in Italy, was aimed at obtaining a complete haematological profile in sheep with GI strongyle infection, in order to evaluate the validity of the FAMACHA system for detecting the severity of anaemia in sheep from southern Italy. Between April and September 2006, 793 blood and faecal samples were collected from 137 adult sheep of different local breeds of the Campania region (southern Italy). Each study animal was monthly subjected to blood collection, GI strongyle fecal egg counts (FEC) and a complete clinical examination, with particular attention to the colour of ocular mucous membranes. The FAMACHA score values (from 1 to 5) were compared to Hematocrit (Hct) and Haemoglobin (Hb) values. Considering the FAMACHA score number "3" as borderline value for anaemia, the eye score values for anaemic animals were considered in the categories of 4 and 5 (Group 4-5) or of 3, 4 and 5 (Group 3-4-5), respectively. Anaemia due to GI strongyle infection was considered when the Hct and/or Hb values were under 27% and 9g/dl, respectively. The correlation between FAMACHA score and both Hb and Hct was significant (P<0.001) and negative; however, the low correlation coefficients indicated a weak negative association between FAMACHA and either Hb and Hct parameters. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive negative value (NPV) and predictive positive value (PPV) of the FAMACHA system were calculated. The highest values of sensitivity were 66% and 60% in the Group 3-4-5 for Hct and Hb, respectively. The highest values of specificity were 98% in the Group 4-5, for Hb and Hct, respectively. In the Group 3-4-5, the specificity was 60% and 62% for Hb and Hct, respectively. The NPV was 92% (Hct) and 84% (Hb) in the Group 3-4-5, while it was 87% (Hct) and 78% (Hb) in the Group 4-5. The PPV, for the others categories considered (Hb, Hct, Group 4-5 and 3-4-5), was always below 54%. In conclusion, in the present study, the FAMACHA system showed a low sensitivity in detecting anemic sheep; these findings indicate that in southern Italy, under our experimental conditions, FAMACHA may represent an additional element that can integrate clinical examinations. It is important that such evaluations are performed in each region before the system is implemented, as there could be local issues that affect the accuracy of the system.

An epidemiological and molecular survey was conducted to investigate the role of cattle in the transmission chain of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in the Campania region of southern Italy. Out of a total of 434 cattle examined for CE, 45 (10.4%) were found infected. A total of 363 cysts were collected from the infected animals: 239 in the liver and 124 in the lungs. The cysts were either sterile (42.7%) or calcified/caseous (57.3%); no fertile cysts were found. Most of the cysts had sizes <3 cm (77.1%) and were unilocular (78.8%). The results of the linear regression model did not show any significant correlation between the age of infected cattle and the number of cysts. The sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene of 40 hydatid cysts produced sequences of 419 bp for each sample analyzed. Alignment of the obtained sequences with those present in GenBank showed 100% identity with the common sheep G1 (n=21 cysts), the Tasmanian sheep G2 (n=2 cysts), and the buffalo G3 (n=17 cysts) strains, which constitute the species Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto. The findings reported in the present study show that CE is widespread in cattle bred in the Campania region of southern Italy. However, the absence of fertile cysts and of the cattle strain (G5, E. ortleppi) suggests that cattle would not have any role in the persistence of this important zoonosis but rather a role as indicators of CE infection in this endemic area.

The aim of the present paper was to continue the study on the presence of parasitic elements in the canine faeces contaminating the urban environment of Naples (southern Italy), focussing on the protozoa Giardia and Cryptosporidium. The total number of sub-areas studied was 143, and the total number of canine faecal samples collected and examined was 415. Each faecal sample was tested for the presence of copro-antigens of Giardia and Cryptosporidium using two commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Giardia antigens were found in 19.6% (28/143) of the sub-areas and in 7.7% (32/415) of the canine faeces collected. Cryptosporidium antigens were found in 4.2% (6/143) of the sub-areas and in 1.7% (7/415) of the canine faeces collected. Co-infection was not found in any sample. The results of the logistic regression models did not show any association between the positivity to Giardia or Cryptosporidium and the independent demographic variables (human population density, male and female population density) taken into consideration. In conclusion, the findings of the present study revealed the presence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in canine faecal samples from the urban environment of Naples; however, the zoonotic potential of these findings was not assessed due to the lack of information on species/genotypes detected.

The aim of the present paper was to assess benefit of strategic anthelmintic treatments on milk production in six commercial dairy sheep farms, located in southern Italy, whose animals were naturally infected with gastrointestinal strongyles. On each farm, two similar groups were formed, one untreated control group and one treated group. In all the treated groups, the strategic anthelmintic schemes were based on: (i) only one treatment with moxidectin in the periparturient period (February, Farm No. 6), or; (ii) two treatments, i.e. the first with moxidectin performed in the periparturient period (February, Farms Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4) or in the postparturient period (April, Farm No. 5), and the second with netobimin at the mid/end of lactation (June, Farms Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5). Faecal egg count reduction (FECR) tests were performed on each farm in order to asses the anthelmintic efficacy of the drugs used. In addition, milk yield measurements for each animal fortnightly in each farm for the lactation period were performed. In terms of FECR, both moxidectin and netobimin were effective in all the 6 studied farms. Regarding milk production, overall in the 6 study farms the mean daily milk productions of the treated groups were higher than those of the control group. However, there were important differences between the 6 farms, i.e. the increase of milk production in the treated groups versus the control groups was as follows: +18.9% (Farm 1), +30.4% (Farm 2), +4.0% (Farm 3), +37.0% (Farm 4), +5.5% (Farm 5) and +40.8% (Farm 6). The results of the study showed that the economic efficacy of an anthelmintic treatment is not a cause-effect issue, but is a multifactorial issue which depends upon the quali-quantitative parasitological status of the animals, the pathogenesis of the species of parasites, the virulence of the strains of parasites, the local epidemiology, the timing of treatment, the breed of animal in terms of genetics and production types, nutrient supply.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stages of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, is known to be one of the most important parasitic infection in livestock worldwide and one of the most widespread zoonoses known. In the present study, we used a geographical information system (GIS) to study the spatial structure of livestock (cattle, water buffaloes and sheep) populations to gain a better understanding of the role of sheep as reservoir for the transmission of CE to cattle and water buffaloes. To this end, a survey on CE in cattle and water buffaloes from the Campania region of southern Italy was conducted and the geo-referenced results linked to the regional farm geo-referenced data within a GIS. The results showed a noteworthy prevalence of CE in cattle and water buffalo farms (overall prevalence = 18.6%). The elaboration of the data with a GIS approach showed a close proximity of the bovine and/or water buffalo CE positive farms with the ovine farms present in the study area, thus giving important information on the significance of sheep and free-ranging canids in the transmission cycles of CE in relation to cattle and water buffaloes. The significantly higher prevalence found in cattle as compared to water buffalo farms (20.0% versus 12.4%) supports the key role of sheep in the CE transmission; indeed, within the 5 km radius buffer zones constructed around the cattle farms positive for CE, a higher number of (potentially infected) sheep farms were found compared to those found within the buffer zones around the water buffalo farms. Furthermore, the average distances between the sheep and cattle farms falling in the same buffer zones were significantly lower than those between the sheep and water buffalo farms. We emphasize that the use of GIS is a novel approach to further our understanding of the epidemiology and control of CE and we encourage other groups to make use of it.

A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 2004-2005 in the Campania region, southern Italy, to study the multivariate geographical distribution of four different sheep helminths, i.e. Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke), Calicophoron (Paramphistomum) daubneyi (rumen fluke), Dicrocoelium dendriticum (lancet fluke), and the gastrointestinal strongyle Haemonchus contortus. A series of multivariate Bayesian hierarchical models based on square root transformation of faecal egg counts were performed. The results were consistent with theoretical knowledge of the biology and epidemiology of the four studied helminths. In particular, the impact of common intermediate hosts (F. hepatica and C. daubneyi share the same intermediate host species) was quantified and evidence of previously unknown ecological components was given. D. dendriticum was correlated to F. hepatica and H. contortus was found not to be spatially associated with the previously mentioned helminths.

Isolates of Dicrocoelium dendriticum (n=150) from sheep and cattle bred in southern Italy and isolates (n=5) of D. hospes from a Bos indicus from Senegal were characterized genetically. The 28S region and the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) plus flanking 5.8S and 28S sequences (ITS-2+) of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced from individual flukes. Regarding the 28S rDNA, sequences of 568 and 581 bp were obtained for D. dendriticum and D. hospes, respectively. No intraspecific variation was observed between the 28S rDNA of all the D. dendriticum specimens studied and the D. dendriticum 28S rDNA sequence present in GenBank. However, intraspecific variation was observed in the 28S rDNA of the D. hospes specimens compared to the sequence present in GenBank. Regarding the ITS2+ rDNA, sequences of 402 and 428 bp were obtained for D. dendriticum and D. hospes, respectively; both sequences were deposited in GenBank. Variations intra- and interpopulation were observed for D. dendriticum, whereas 100% identity was observed in all the ITS2+ sequences of D. hospes. With respect to the interspecific variations, the ITS-2+ of D. dendriticum and D. hospes differed in 33 positions. The findings of the present study showed an ITS2+ sequence variability (8.2-8.5%) between D. dendriticum and D. hospes, thus demonstrating the utility of this sequence to discriminate the two species.

A survey aimed at studying the presence and distribution of fleas on dogs was conducted in an area of southern Italy. Between February 2005 and 2006, dogs were examined for fleas at four private veterinary clinics, with a twice-weekly frequency. Fleas were detected on 246 (17.9%) out of the 1376 tested dogs. A total of 960 fleas were sampled and two species were identified, namely Ctenocephalides felis felis (16.3% of the tested dogs) and Ctenocephalides canis (1.5% of the tested dogs). The results of the logistic regression model showed a significant association between the flea positivity and the following independent variables: housed with other dogs or cats and utilization, i.e. increasing prevalence from pets to guard, hunting, and stray dogs. Clinical symptoms (pruritus, alopecia, and flea allergic dermatitis) were also observed in some of the flea positive dogs. Flea infestation was detected throughout the year, although the prevalence was higher during the period between June and October.

Anthelmintic resistance is widely distributed in small ruminants throughout the world. The extension of resistance seems lower in southern European countries and has not been reported previously in Italy. In the present study, resistance to benzimidazoles, levamisole and ivermectin was evaluated in a multi-breed goat farm of southern Italy. The farm had a history of repeated goat introductions from other flocks and a moderate regimen of anthelmintic treatments using alternatively the three above-mentioned drugs. Resistance of gastrointestinal strongyles was studied on the basis of faecal egg counts, egg hatch assay and necropsies. Resistance to anthelmintics was evidenced for benzimidazoles only, and Trichostrongylus colubriformis was the only resistant strongyle species. Single drug and single species resistance suggest that resistance is on its beginning and that measures for reducing the spread of resistance are of interest and should be promoted.