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Interference competition, a category of interspecific competition, is a critical aspect of understanding the dynamics of carnivore communities, as it can result in a decline in the health and reduced opportunity for resource acquisition of one or both competing species. Heavy snowfall environments during winter are expected to exacerbate interference competition due to decreased food resources and limited foraging opportunities caused by snow cover. However, knowledge on interference competition in such environments is limited. Using camera traps with baits, we evaluated the interference competition among three sympatric medium-sized carnivores, red foxes, raccoon dogs, and Japanese martens, within a heavy snowfall region of northeastern Japan. As in previous studies, we hypothesized that body weight would serve as a determining factor for superiority in winter snow environments. Diel activity patterns using the visitation time to baits did not reveal any clear differences. Nevertheless, the daytime occurrence frequency of Japanese martens during the snowfall season was higher than that of the other two species, indicating inferiority to the other species. The analysis of time intervals between species visiting baits revealed no clear superiority among the target species. These findings suggest that the interspecific relationships among medium-sized carnivores in winter snowy environments are complex and not easily determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on growth of the Japanese raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides is limited. We collected 237 juvenile raccoon dogs, road-killed and culled for pest control in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan from 2002 to 2019. We measured the skull, mandible, femur lengths, and body weights of all specimens and used the body weights of healthy animals (n = 136). We found that these variables increased rapidly up to September and reached maximum values in October. Evidence of dorsal surface roughness of the neurocranium became obvious in October, and up to 35 % of individuals had rough dorsal surfaces of neurocranium in December. Epiphyseal fusion of femurs appeared in September, and 27 % of specimens having fused femurs was recorded in December. This study firstly described the growth patterns of the Japanese raccoon dogs based on a lot of samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present doctrine that discriminates against non-native species and drives the indiscriminate cleansing of sentient animals from „invasive" species is deeply unscientific and unethical. The doctrine originated as a combination of Aldo Leopold's homegrown ecocentric ethics and C.S. Elton's theory of invasion by animals and plants. Despite repeated criticisms the doctrine is widely espoused by conservationists and the majority of biologists with little or no ethical reflection, leading to a blatant bias in research and interpretation of its results as testified by consistent ignoring any positive, while demonizing the negative, impact of non-native animals with the purpose of instigating their persecution. Species cleansing instigated by conservationists represents biopolitics disguised as science, and as such constitutes an abuse of public thrust and financial resources dedicated to science. Here I expose the bioxenophobic bias in numerous publications on the American minks and Raccoon dogs. The unbiased reading of the current research results shows that the Raccoon dogs found their trophic niche and the minks are in the process (disturbed by repeated escapes from fur farms) of carving out one of their own while controlling the populations of other American immigrants, muskrats and red swamp crayfish (both of which are considered invasive). American minks may possibly contribute to the disappearance of the relic populations of European minks but this is far from proven as the latter are on decline since XVII century. If a population of a neobiotic predator really needs to be reduced then the first rational and responsible move would be to stop the influx of new individuals (by removing their source) and the ongoing killing of its native competitors rather then inciting the populace to persecute wild animals. The striking irrationalism and zeal of conservationists to vilify and persecute non-native animals calls for an explanation. It seems to result from bioxeno-phobia which arises as a combination of biophilia and nativism, and turns conservationists' anger over the devastation of biosphere into instrumental aggression against non-native („alien") species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest roads are networks for forest management and operations closely associated with mammal habitats. Some mammals often select forest roads for movement and foraging; however, the use during winter with snow cover is unknown. This study clarified forest road use by medium-sized mammals in winter snow environments in a hilly area. We set camera traps on forest roads and interior forest sites during winter in a snowy region of northeastern Japan in 2021 and 2022. We calculated the road-use index of four medium-sized mammals, and analyzed relationships between the occurrence frequency and snow conditions and slope angle in each species. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes Linnaeus, 1758) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides (Gray, 1834)) significantly occurred at the gentle slope sites regardless of year, and these species walked along the forest road. Japanese martens (Martes melampus (Wagner, 1840)) tended to walk along forest roads with a gentle slope only in 2022. Although Japanese hares (Lepus brachyurus Temminck, 1844) significantly occurred at the gentle slope sites, they showed no tendency to walk along forest roads. No significant differences were detected in sinking depth in the analyses of each species. Our results show that forest roads with a gentle slope, a low movement cost, created by modifying landforms can alter the behavior of some mammals, even in snowy environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides Gray, 1834) is an invasive mammal widespread in northern, eastern, and central Europe, where it damages biodiversity and carries a wide range of pathogens. Surveys of this species in Lithuania ceased before 2000, so there is a lack of scientific information on its distribution and relative abundance. In 2019–2022, we carried out a nationwide recording of raccoon dogs using camera traps (101 sites, sampling effort of 15,563 trapping days). The species was found at 64 sites (63.4% of the sites surveyed), with an average relative shooting frequency of 4.30 photographs per 100 days. The frequency of raccoon dogs was higher at camera sites where lynx (Lynx lynx Linnaeus, 1758) or wolves (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) were recorded compared to sites where predators were absent (7.95 vs. 3.21 photos/100 days, p < 0.05). The highest raccoon dog activity (69.5% of records) was observed at night and at temperatures between −3 and +5 °C. Below −15 °C, animals were not active, while above 25 °C, there was very little activity. Diurnal activity (36.1% of daytime records in April–June) increased during estrus, gestation, and rearing of pups. We conclude that wide-scale camera trapping is a suitable method for raccoon dog surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The oriental eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida: Thelaziidae) is an emerging parasitic ocular nematode of carnivores and humans. In domestic animals and humans, the infection causes varying degrees of inflammation and lacrimation, and wild carnivores represent an important reservoir. In this study we examined the infection status and molecular characterization of T. callipaeda in two urban carnivores, raccoons Procyon lotor and wild Japanese raccoon dogs Nyctereutes viverrinus, in the Kanto region of Japan. Methods From January 2020 to December 2021, 193 carcasses including 178 raccoons and 15 raccoon dogs were examined for the presence of worms in the eye. The worms from infected animals (one worm per host) were morphologically identified as T. callipaeda. Worms (1–5 worms per host) were subjected to genetic analysis using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene sequences. Results The prevalence of T. callipaeda in raccoons and Japanese raccoon dogs was 20.2% (36/178) and 13.3% (2/15), respectively. The cox1 sequences from 56 worms from 38 animals revealed three haplotypes (h9, h10, and h12). Analysis of multiple worms for five raccoons showed co-infection of two different haplotypes (h9 and h10) in a single host. Comparing our data with published sequences, three sequences obtained from raccoons and raccoon dogs shared the same haplotypes as those reported in humans, dogs, and cats in Japan. Conclusions Our findings show a high prevalence of T. callipaeda in raccoons, suggesting that this invasive carnivore species serves as an important natural reservoir of T. callipaeda in the Kanto region of Japan, an area with the highest human population of the country. Graphical Abstract

Raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and raccoons (Procyon lotor) are invasive alien species originating from East Asia and North America, respectively. They are discussed as vectors and reservoirs for various infectious diseases, including vector-borne and zoonotic pathogens, and are therefore a potential threat to human and domestic animal health, as well as to biodiversity and conservation. In the years 2021 and 2022, 110 raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and 30 raccoons (Procyon lotor) were screened via qPCR for the presence of Leptospira spp., Rickettsia spp. and Borreliella spp. in the German federal state of Schleswig-Holstein as part of a health and risk assessment study. Borreliella spp. were confirmed in one raccoon dog and one raccoon, identified as Borreliella afzelii in the raccoon. Leptospira spp. were found in 21 (19.44%) raccoon dogs and 2 (6.90%) raccoons. In five raccoon dogs, Leptospira spp. were identified as Leptospira borgpetersenii, Leptospira kirschneri and Leptospira interrogans.

The intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is distributed worldwide and infects many species of warm-blooded animals. Most mammals, including humans, can serve as intermediate hosts. This pathogen, with its zoonotic potential, causes toxoplasmosis, a condition that can range from subclinical to fatal in humans. It is therefore important to assess the occurrence of the pathogen, even if only indirectly through the detection of antibodies. Epidemiological data on the seroprevalence in wild animals, including invasive species, are rare in Poland. Therefore, we tested 197 wild raccoons (Procyon lotor) and 89 raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) from Zgorzelec County, southwestern Poland, for the presence of antibodies. Samples were collected between January 2019 and December 2020 and analysed using a commercial indirect modified agglutination test (MAT, cut-off 1:25). The statistical analysis revealed significant differences in seroprevalence between the two predatory species. Of the 197 surveyed raccoons, 96 (48.73%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 41.73–55.73%) tested positive, while 25 of the 89 raccoon dogs (28.09%; 95% CI: 18.70–37.48%) were positive. Regarding risk factors, body weight and sex influenced the presence of T. gondii antibodies in both the species, with a higher likelihood of seropositivity among heavier animals and females, respectively. For raccoon dogs, juveniles were more likely to be seropositive than adults at a given weight. Our results suggest that T. gondii infection is widespread in the regional raccoon and raccoon dog populations, indicating a high level of parasite circulation in the environment.

The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is a typical omnivore possessing wide dietary adaptability and tolerance to rough feeding, which may be attributed to its intestinal microbiota. The study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary alfalfa meal levels on the growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum parameters, and intestinal microbiota of raccoon dogs. Sixty raccoon dogs were randomly divided into four dietary treatments containing 0% (AM0), 5% (AM5), 10% (AM10), and 15% (AM15) alfalfa meal for a 60-day experiment. The results showed that compared to raccoon dogs fed the AM0 diet, those fed the AM5 and AM10 diets had no significant difference in growth performance, while those fed the AM15 diet experienced a significant decrease. Raccoon dogs fed the AM5 diet had no significant effect on the nutrient apparent digestibility. Dietary supplementation with alfalfa meal significantly decreased serum urea levels and increased the antioxidant capacity of raccoon dogs. The intestinal microbiome analysis showed that the richness and diversity of colonic microbiota significantly increased in the AM15 group. With the increase in dietary alfalfa meal levels, the relative abundance of fiber-degrading bacteria in the colon of raccoon dogs, such as Treponema, Phascolarctobacterium, and Christensenellaceae R-7 group, increased. However, the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria, including Anaerobiospirillum, decreased. In conclusion, the inclusion of 5% alfalfa meal in the raccoon dogs’ diet had no effect on growth performance, but it exhibited the potential to improve serum antioxidant capacity and intestinal microbiota. This indicates that raccoon dogs have a certain tolerance to the addition of alfalfa meal in their diet.

Toxocara tanuki is a common large roundworm in raccoon dogs. Experimental infection studies of T. tanuki in mice were conducted to clarify the distribution and infectivity of larvae in tissue. Groups of BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice (n = 5 mice/group) were each inoculated with 1000 embryonated T. tanuki eggs and necropsied at 7, 31, 91, and 182 days post inoculation (dpi). The number of larvae in the central nervous system, heart, lungs, kidneys, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, liver, and carcass was examined. Larvae obtained from the aforementioned mice on different days of the necropsy were orally inoculated into four groups of ICR mice (n = 6 mice/group) that were then necropsied at 21 dpi. Larvae were recovered from all mice. In the BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, most of the larvae (> 88.7%) were recovered from the liver and the remainder from other tissues. The total number of larvae recovered from C57BL/6 mice was significantly higher than that from BALB/c mice, but no difference in the relative larval distribution within the viscera between the two mouse strains was observed. The mean recovery percentage of larvae from ICR mice infected with 182-day-old tissue larvae was 3.3%. Our findings showed that T. tanuki larvae migrated predominantly to the liver of mice and that the larvae maintained their infectivity for at least half a year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution caused by antimicrobial resistance is a global public health concern. To investigate the contribution of nutrias (Myocastor coypus) to the presence of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales in the Ijira River, prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales in their feces was examined using deoxycholate-hydrogen sulfide-lactose agar containing cefotaxime. Additionally, the composition of the fecal microbiota of nutria was examined using DNA metabarcoding analysis of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene and compared with that of Amami rabbit, deer, fox, and raccoon dog. The absence of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales and substantially lower abundance of Enterobacterales was observed in the feces of nutrias than in those of other wild mammals. Our results suggest the low potential of antimicrobialresistant Enterobacterales persistence and dissemination by nutria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most pathogens infect more than one host species, and given infection, the individual-level impact they have varies among host species. Nevertheless, variation in individual-level impacts of infection remains poorly characterised. Using the impactful and host-generalist ectoparasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei (causing sarcoptic mange), we assessed individual-level variation in pathogen impacts by (1) compiling all documented individual-level impacts of S. scabiei across free-living host species, (2) quantifying and ranking S. scabiei impacts among host species, and (3) evaluating factors associated with S. scabiei impacts. We compiled individual-level impacts of S. scabiei infection from 77 host species, spanning 31 different impacts, and totalling 683 individual-level impact descriptions. The most common impacts were those affecting the skin, alopecia (130 descriptions), and hyperkeratosis coverage (106). From these impacts, a standardised metric was generated for each species (average impact score (AIS) with a 0-1 range), as a proxy of pathogen virulence allowing quantitative comparison of S. scabiei impacts among host species while accounting for the variation in the number and types of impacts assessed. The Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes viverrinus) was found to be the most impacted host (AIS 0.899). We applied species inclusion criteria for ranking and found more well-studied species tended to be those impacted more by S. scabiei (26/27 species AIS < 0.5). AIS had relatively weak relationships with predictor variables (methodological, phylogenetic, and geographic). There was a tendency for Diprotodontia, Artiodactyla, and Carnivora to be the most impacted taxa and for research to be focussed in developed regions of the world. This study is the first quantitative assessment of individual-level pathogen impacts of a multihost parasite. The proposed methodology can be applied to other multihost pathogens of public health, animal welfare, and conservation concern and enables further research to address likely causes of variation in pathogen virulence among host species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand and sustain carnivore communities and ecosystems, it is important to determine the mechanisms of coexistence and potential competitive interactions among carnivores. This study examined how carnivores coexist and how climatic environmental shifts affect the potential competitive interactions among medium-sized carnivores. The seasonal trophic niche overlap of red foxes, Japanese martens, and raccoon dogs in the cool-temperate zone in Japan was evaluated, where there are distinct seasonal changes, especially from heavy snowfall. Faecal analysis of red foxes (n = 107), Japanese martens (n = 125), and raccoon dogs (n = 100) from 2019 to 2021 showed that carnivores share the main food items and their annual dietary overlap is relatively high despite the co-occurrence of carnivores. These results have indicated that the carnivores have potentially strong competitive interactions, and various competition avoidance mechanisms besides niche partitioning may facilitate the coexistence of carnivores in Japan. The study also found that the degree of trophic niche overlap varied by season, indicating that shifts in environmental conditions, particularly food abundance and snowfall, may affect potential competitive interactions among carnivore guilds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dirofilaria repens is an expanding vector-borne zoonotic parasite of canines and other carnivores. Sub-clinically infected dogs constitute the most important reservoir of the parasite and the source of infection for its mosquito vectors. However, occurrence of D. repens infection in wild animals may contribute to the transmission of the parasite to humans and may explain the endemicity of filariae in newly invaded regions. The aim of the current study was to determine the occurrence of D. repens in 511 blood and spleen samples from seven species of wild carnivores (wolves, red foxes, Eurasian badgers, raccoons, raccoon dogs, stone martens, and pine martens) from different regions of Poland by means of a PCR protocol targeting the 12S rDNA gene. Dirofilaria repens–positive hosts were identified in seven of fourteen voivodeships in four of the seven regions of Poland: Masovia, Lesser Poland, Pomerania and Warmia-Masuria. The highest prevalence was found in Masovia region (8%), coinciding with the highest previously recorded prevalence in dogs in Central Poland. The DNA of Dirofilaria was detected in 16 samples of three species (total prevalence 3.13%). A low and similar percentage of positive samples (1.9%, 4.2% and 4.8%) was recorded among badgers, red foxes, and wolves, respectively. Dirofilaria repens–positive hosts were identified in seven of fourteen voivodships. Based on detection in different voivodeships, D. repens–positive animals were recorded in four out of the seven regions of Poland: in Masovia, Lesser Poland, Pomerania, and Warmia-Masuria. The highest prevalence of filariae was found in Masovia region (8%), reflecting the highest previously recorded prevalence in dogs (12–50%) in Central Poland. In summary, we conducted the first comprehensive study on the epidemiology of D. repens in seven species of wild hosts in all seven regions of Poland and identified the first case of D. repens infection in Eurasian badgers in Poland and the second in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To establish a system for DNA identification of biological samples of the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), we carried out a study of polymorphism of 39 microsatellite loci and three sex loci specific to various species of the Canidae family. This resulted in the development of the NPlex test system, which includes 14 autosomal STRs and two sex loci. The test system has been validated for use in forensic identification of racoon dogs based on biological traces (such as traces of blood and secretions, fragments of muscle tissue or bones, dermis and hair, etc.) found at crime scenes, as well as for establishing biological relationship of animals of this species. Validation efforts were performed in accordance with the protocol of the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides is an Asian canid species which has been introduced to Europe for fur farming. Local escapes and the animal subsequent dispersal have triggered the establishment of self-sustaining populations, particularly in Eastern European countries, but with several populations in Southern Europe as well. Despite being listed amongst the alien species of European concern (EU Regulation 1143/2014), data on raccoon dog distribution in Southern Europe and in particular in Italy are still scanty. In this work, we reviewed all the available data of raccoon dog in Italy. Only five confirmed occurrences are available, suggesting that in this country the species may still be at the beginning of the establishment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides has a wide global distribution, little is known about its population in Vietnam. The species is considered rare in Vietnam, and few records have been published since 2004, although it is worth noting that all of these records were wildlife trade observations or anecdotal reports. Here, we report raccoon dogs recorded in the illegal wildlife trade via Facebook monitoring from January to December 2020, rescued animals documented in the Nghe An province caught by a hunter in August 2020, and camera trap records of the species detected in Pu Mat National Park in May and July 2021. Our camera trap recordings provide evidence of a southern range extension for this species in Vietnam and represent the first documented occurrence of raccoon dogs captured in situ by camera traps within the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is a representative of Canidae and is closely related to red fox-like canids, although the species exhibits high distinctiveness in the family. These animals were farmed for fur products, but thousands were intentionally released into the wild in western Russia. This newly established alien species in Europe has spread rapidly into many European countries. The aim of the study was to determine the origin of Polish populations by comparing the mitochondrial molecular marker cytochrome b (cytb) sequences of Polish wild and farm individuals with wild raccoon dogs from the western Russia and Asian specimens whose sequences were obtained from GenBank resources. The results of our phylogenetic analysis support the previous suggestions on the existence of two main clades clearly referring to continental and Island populations. Polish individuals were classified into a highly diverse continental group. The relationships between the haplotypes within the clade together with estimated values of genetic diversity parameters indicate that the Polish raccoon dog populations exhibit high genetic similarity to the Russian population. In combination with the history of introduction of the species to Europe, this suggests the most probable assignment of the Polish populations to the subspecies N. procyonoides ussuriensis. Our results indicate the presence of two Japanese haplotypes within the continental group, which is inconsistent with the assumed scenario of post-glacial expansion of raccoon dogs excluding gene flow between continental and Island populations.

Background: The oriental eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida: Thelaziidae) is an emerging parasitic ocular nematode of carnivores and humans. In domestic animals and humans, the infection causes varying degrees of inflammation and lacrimation, and wild carnivores represent an important reservoir. In this study we examined the infection status and molecular characterization of T. callipaeda in two urban carnivores, raccoons Procyon lotor and wild Japanese raccoon dogs Nyctereutes viverrinus, in the Kanto region of Japan. Methods: From January 2020 to December 2021, 193 carcasses including 178 raccoons and 15 raccoon dogs were examined for the presence of worms in the eye. The worms from infected animals (one worm per host) were morphologically identified as T. callipaeda. Worms (1–5 worms per host) were subjected to genetic analysis using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene sequences. Results: The prevalence of T. callipaeda in raccoons and Japanese raccoon dogs was 20.2% (36/178) and 13.3% (2/15), respectively. The cox1 sequences from 56 worms from 38 animals revealed three haplotypes (h9, h10, and h12). Analysis of multiple worms for five raccoons showed co-infection of two different haplotypes (h9 and h10) in a single host. Comparing our data with published sequences, three sequences obtained from raccoons and raccoon dogs shared the same haplotypes as those reported in humans, dogs, and cats in Japan. Conclusions: Our findings show a high prevalence of T. callipaeda in raccoons, suggesting that this invasive carnivore species serves as an important natural reservoir of T. callipaeda in the Kanto region of Japan, an area with the highest human population of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The remains of 12 canid species that date back ca. 4.9 myr have been found at 116 paleontological localities. Among these localities, eight are dated to the Pliocene age, 12 are dated to the Early Pleistocene age, 12 are from the Middle Pleistocene age, while the most numerous group includes 84 sites from the Late Pleistocene–Holocene age. Some, especially older forms such as Eucyon odessanus and Nyctereutes donnezani, have only been found at single sites, while the remains of species from the genus Lycaon, Canis and Vulpes have been recorded at numerous sites from the last 2 myr. Ancient canids such as Eucyon and Nyctereutes had already vanished from Poland in the Earliest Pleistocene, between 2.5 and 2.2 myr ago. Poland's extant canid fauna is characterised by the presence of two new species, which spread into the territory due to a human introduction (Nyctereutes procyonoides) or natural expansion (Canis aureus). Research indicates a strong competition between dogs, especially between Lycaon, Canis and Cuon, with a strong lycaon-limiting effect on the wolf between 2.5 and 0.4 myr ago. After the extinction of Lycaon lycaonoides, Canis lupus evolved rapidly, increasing in number and size, and taking over the niche occupied by Lycaon. In order to reduce competition, the body size of Cuon alpinus gradually reduced, and it became an animal adapted to the forest, highland and mountain environments. Generally, the history of canids in Poland is similar to that known of Eurasia with some noteworthy events, such as the early occurrence of Canis cf. etruscus from Węże 2 (2.9–2.6 myr ago), Lycaon falconeri from Rębielice Królewskie 1A or one of the latest occurrences of L. lycaonoides from Draby 3 (430–370 kyr). Predominantly lowland or upland in the southern part and devoid of significant ecological barriers, Poland is also an important migration corridor in the East–West system. This 500–600 km wide corridor was the Asian gateway to Europe, from where species of an eastern origin penetrated the continent's interior. In colder periods, it was in turn a region through which boreal species or those associated with the mammoth steppe retreated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited resources intensify interspecific competition and constrain the survival and distribution of species. A restricted, spatially isolated, small island can also pronounce this effect, as predicted in the island biogeography. This study compared the summer diets of sympatric carnivores, red foxes, raccoon dogs, Japanese martens, and Japanese weasels on the small island Izushima and evaluated niche partitioning, especially focusing on their insectivory. The results showed that insects were the main summer food source for all four species, with a significant overlap in their diets. However, in-depth investigation on insectivory down to the level of species and genera revealed that the species differences were more pronounced. Raccoon dogs frequently fed on ground-dwelling beetles, and Japanese martens fed on several arboreal beetles, while red foxes were less dependent on insects and more biased toward larger prey such as mammals and birds, and Japanese weasels foraged more on smaller prey, thereby reflecting niche partitioning between these species owing to differences in foraging ecology under the constrains of their body sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】The study was carried out to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of canine distemper virus (CDV) in central regions of China in recent years.【Method】A total of 459 samples of dogs, minks, raccoon dogs and foxes were collected randomly from parts of Henan and Hebei provinces from 2019 to 2020. Then, RTPCR detection, isolation and identification of strains, sequencing of hemagglutinin (H) gene and phylogenetic analysis were performed.【Result】87 CDV positive samples are detected, with a positive rate of 18.96%. The positive rate of CDV in dogs is highest (37.77%) in autumn and highest in minks, raccoon dogs and foxes in July. CDV occurs in animals of different ages, and young animals are more susceptible. A wild strain is isolated and identified from the diseased samples and named HB19-1. Phylogenetic analysis of H gene sequence indicates that HB19-1 belongs to the Asia-1 genotype, and it has the closest nucleotide homology with KJ994343 from GenBank. And its nucleotide and amino acid homologous rates with the vaccine strain Onderstepoort (GeneBank Accession No.: AF378705) are 91.3% and 90.2%, respectively.【Conclusion】A CDV strain HB19-1 is isolated and obtained during the epidemiological investigation of CDV in parts of Henan and Hebei provinces from 2019 to 2020. The phylogenetic analysis indicates that HB19-1 belongs to the Asia-1 genotype and has low homology with the vaccine strain. The research results can provide a basis for the prevention and control of CDV and vaccine selection and application in parts of Henan and Hebei involved in the epidemiological investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite that primarily infects the gastrointestinal epithelium in humans and domestic and wild animals. The majority of studies have been focused on human, livestock, and pet infections. Hence, Cryptosporidium spp. in wildlife, including wild carnivores, remained neglected. There are several studies reporting the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in wild foxes, but these are only a few molecular surveys; no data is available concerning the occurrence of this parasite in raccoon dogs and martens in Europe, and to the best of our knowledge to date, only one study has reported Cryptosporidium from badgers in Spain. Therefore, we used molecular analyses to identify and genotype Cryptosporidium spp. in wild-living mesocarnivores in Poland. A total of 322 individual fecal samples from six carnivore species, i.e., raccoon, raccoon dog, red fox, European badger, pine, and beech martens were collected and then analyzed for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. using the nested PCR method. The appearance of PCR products in the reaction with Cryptosporidium-specific primers against the 18S rRNA and actin genes demonstrated that Cryptosporidium spp. occurred in 23.0% of all examined species of animals. Performed sequence analyses showed the presence of the Cryptosporidium skunk genotype, Cryptosporidium vole genotype II, Cryptosporidium canis dog and fox genotypes, as well as Cryptosporidium erinacei, Cryptosporidium ditrichi, Cryptosporidium suis, and Cryptosporidium alticolis, in these hosts. Molecular data presented here indicate that examined mesocarnivores may be a significant reservoir of specific and non-specific Cryptosporidium species, including those with zoonotic potential. Most studies of carnivores have described the presence of non-specific Cryptosporidium spp. in carnivore hosts, and this is probably the result of the transfer of these parasites from prey species through the digestive tract or the transfer of the parasite from a contaminated environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic infections in wildlife are affected by biological, ecological and anthropogenic factors and they may have important effects on both individuals and populations. In this paper we studied spread of sparganosis - the disease caused by the diphyllobothrid tapeworm from the genus Spirometra, which importance is increasingly growing around the world. We analysed different factors influencing Spirometra erinaceieuropaei infection parameters in two carnivore hosts: raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and European badger (Meles meles). We found no differences in infection probability between studied hosts; however, European badger has significantly higher mean number of plerocercoid larvae than raccoon dog (35.4 and 4.2, respectively). For both host species we found significant differences in S. erinaceieuropaei prevalence between study sites: Bialowieza Forest (BF), Knyszyn Forest (KF) and Augustów Forest (AF). Infection probability was also posit-ively related to the proportion of wet habitats. Sparganosis prevalence decreased with time covered by the study; however, the significance of the temporal changes was confirmed only for raccoon dog. Spirometra erinaceieuropaei infection probability increased with the age of animals with the rate similar for both species, which suggests multiple infections. No sex difference in infection prevalence was found in both species. Our study revealed complex factors, both biological and environmental, involved in parasite transmission, spread and persistence in medium-sized carnivore hosts. Similar prevalence in studied species, may suggest similar probability of infection risk, but higher infection intensity in European badger may be related to much shorter co-evolution of this species with the parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monitoring of medium-sized carnivores is essential because of their role in disease transmission and as predators. We focused on red foxes, badgers, raccoon dogs, and domestic dogs, and considered 9441 ha of field–forest mosaic in Central Poland. We compared current (2011–2018) abundance (i.e., number of natal dens recorded annually) and breeding parameters (assessed with the aid of camera traps) with published past data (1980s–1990s). The red fox population increased after rabies vaccinations were introduced and has increased further in the last few years. The population is now stable, which suggests that other factors, possibly mange, limit the population instead. Contrary to historical data, one-fourth of red fox females now breed outside of forests areas, indicating the high plasticity of the species. The number of natal dens of badgers and recruitment rates have also increased. The mean litter sizes of these two species are positively affected by small rodent availability. The raccoon dog, which is an alien and invasive species, used to be recorded sporadically but now breeds regularly (1.8 breeding cases yearly). Nowadays, free-ranging/feral domestic dogs are not controlled by culling, so they have started to breed in the wild (1.6 cases per year), which is a new occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The raccoon dog was introduced from eastern to western Eurasia, and subsequently spread throughout Europe all the way to the middle part of Finland, potentially assisted by its high genetic diversity. To elucidate the genetic diversity of Finnish raccoon dogs and its association with resistance to pathogens, we genotyped 77 individuals for ten neutral and eight MHC-linked microsatellite loci, and sequenced MHC class II DRB alleles for 20 individuals. We compared the results with the data from a Japanese population, and detected no differences in the microsatellite variation between these two populations. By contrast, diversity at DRB loci was lower in the Finnish population as compared with that in the Japanese population. No spatial genetic structure was found in Finland, but our analyses revealed two sympatric genetic clusters. The analysed genetic markers did not show associations with the frequency of infection by pathogens such as Trichinella spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In winter/spring 2021–2022, high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) that are genetically closely related to each other were detected worldwide. In a public garden in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, a crow die-off by HPAIV infection occurred from March 29 to May 18, 2022. During the event, H5N1 HPAIVs were isolated from an Ezo red fox (Vulpes vulpes schrencki) and a tanuki (Nyctereutes procyonoides albus) found in the same garden. The fox showed viral meningoencephalitis and moderate virus replication in the upper respiratory tract, whereas the tanuki showed viral conjunctivitis and secondary bacterial infection in the eyes accompanied with visceral larva migrans. Viruses isolated from the fox and the tanuki were genetically closely related to those isolated from crows in the same garden. Various α2-3 sialosides were found in the respiratory tracts of these canid mammals, consistent with HPAIV infections in these animals. This study highlighted the importance of monitoring HPAIV infections in wild carnivore mammals to detect the potential virus spreading in nature. • H5N1 HPAIVs were isolated from an Ezo red fox and a tanuki in Hokkaido, Japan. • These viruses were genetically close to the isolates from crows in the same garden. • The fox showed viral meningoencephalitis with virus growth in the upper airway. • The tanuki showed viral conjunctivitis with the secondary bacterial infection. • The fox and the tanuki had various α2-3 sialosides in their respiratory tracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Sarcocystis cruzi is a member of the genus Sarcocystis, infecting bovine animals such as cattle and bison as intermediate hosts, and canids such as dogs and raccoon dogs as definitive hosts. Acute sarcocystosis of S. cruzi causes occasional symptoms in cattle, including weight loss, reduced milk production, abortions, and death, and similar to other Sarcocystis species can potentially cause food poisoning in humans when raw or undercooked infected cattle meat is consumed. Despite these issues, genetic information on S. cruzi is scarce, and there is no specific quantitative method for the detection and quantification of the parasite in infected cattle. In this study, we aimed to develop a method based on high-throughput sequencing of S. cruzi genome and transcriptome that specifically and quantitatively detects the S. cruzi acetyl-CoA synthetase gene (ScACS). Cardiac muscles were collected from slaughterhouses in Saitama Prefecture to obtain sarcocysts from which DNA and RNA were extracted for the high-throughput sequencing. Using the sequences, we developed a specific quantitative PCR assay which could distinguish S. cruzi ACS from that of Toxoplasma gondii by taking advantage of the differences in their exon/intron organizations and validated the assay with the microscopic counting of the S. cruzi bradyzoites. Thus, this assay will be useful for future studies of S. cruzi pathogenesis in cattle and for the surveillance of infected animals, thereby easing public health concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the roadkills of vertebrates in Ishinomaki City, northern Japan, for 1 full year (from April 2020 to March 2021), and attention was paid to (1) locations where the roadkill occurred, (2) the relationship between roadkill frequency and traffic volume, and (3) seasonality of roadkills and relationship with life events of target species. Over the study period, we recorded 1059 roadkill cases (2.9 records/day) from at least twenty-six vertebrates, among which three mammals (raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides, domestic cat Felis catus, and sika deer Cervus nippon) accounted for more than 75% of the total cases. The locations where frequent roadkills occurred were species-specific as follows: suburban areas for raccoon dogs, within urban areas for cats, and forests, especially peninsula areas, for deer. Roadkill frequency (per kilometer) for raccoon dogs and cats showed a positive correlation with traffic volume, indicating that the prevention of animals from crossing roads would be an effective strategy of mitigating roadkills of these animals. Roadkills of raccoon dogs occurred frequently during fall (September–October), a season that corresponds to their dispersal period. Such seasonality was not found for roadkills of cats (probably due to altered life as pets) and deer (attributed to low seasonal changes in home range utilization). We suggest that management strategies can be adopted to mitigate roadkills from the viewpoint of the behavioral characteristics of target mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Sarcoptic mange was detected in five free-ranging raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, during a health assessment study of invasive species, including raccoon dogs, carried out between 2021 and 2022. Four raccoon dogs showed severe lesions, including extensive alopecia with thickening and hyperpigmentation of the skin (lichenification). The fifth animal was less affected, showing only thinning of the hair coat in multiple body locations. Skin scrapings were performed and confirmed the presence of Sarcoptes scabiei. Histopathology of the skin revealed diffuse epidermal hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis, mild eosinophilic dermatitis, and varying amounts of intralesional mites. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Corynebacterium auriscanis were detected in the skin samples of the affected animals, indicating a secondary bacterial infection. The source of sarcoptic mange remains unclear; interspecies transmission via direct or indirect contact seems likely. Raccoon dogs are therefore a potential vector for sarcoptic mange, and their behaviour could contribute to disease spread and persistence.

Platycladus orientalis leaves are rich in flavonoids and polysaccharides, which offer high medicinal and nutritional benefits. This study aimed to investigate the impact of P. orientalis leaf extract (PLE) on the growth performance, fur quality, serum parameters, and intestinal microbiota of raccoon dogs. Sixty healthy male black raccoon dogs, aged 85 (±5) days, were randomly assigned to four groups and fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 g/kg PLE for 125 days (designated as groups P0, P1, P2, and P3, respectively). The results revealed that the raccoon dogs in group P1 exhibited increased average daily gain and underfur length while showing a decreased feed/gain ratio compared to group P0 (p < 0.05). However, the heart index in group P2 was significantly lower than in group P0 (p < 0.05), and the kidney index and serum alanine aminotransferase activities in group P3 were higher than in groups P2 and P0 (p < 0.05), suggesting potential adverse effects at higher PLE dosages. Notably, dietary PLE supplementation led to a reduction in serum glucose concentrations (p < 0.05), which may have implications for glucose regulation. Furthermore, the study explored the impact of dietary supplementation with 0.25 g/kg PLE on the raccoon dogs’ intestinal microbiota using high-throughput sequencing. The results showed significant alterations in the microbial community structure, with a notable decrease in the abundance of Prevotella copri in response to 0.25 g/kg PLE supplementation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing raccoon dogs’ diet with 0.25 g/kg PLE can lead to improved growth performance and a positive influence on the intestinal microbiota. However, caution should be exercised regarding higher dosages, as they may have adverse effects on certain parameters. As a result, PLE holds promise as a potential feed additive for fur animal production.

Abstract In recent decades, populations of the raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonides) have increased and adapted to peri-urban and urban environments in many parts of the world. Their ability to rapidly colonize new territories, high plasticity and behavioral adaptation has enabled these two species to be considered two of the most successful invasive alien species. One of the major threats arising from continually growing and expanding populations is their relevant role in maintaining and transmitting various vector-borne pathogens among wildlife, domestic animals and humans. According to the WHO, over 17% of infectious diseases are vector-borne diseases, including those transmitted by ticks. Every year tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) create new public health challenges. Some of the emerging diseases, such as Lyme borreliosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and rickettsiosis, have been described in recent years as posing important threats to global health. In this review we summarize current molecular and serological data on the occurrence, diversity and prevalence of some of the TBPs, namely Babesia, Theileria, Hepatozoon, Borrelia, Rickettsia, Bartonella, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia, that have been detected in raccoons and raccoon dogs that inhabit their native habitats and introduced areas. We draw attention to the limited data currently available on these invasive carnivores as potential reservoirs of TBPs in different parts of the world. Simultaneously we indicate the need for more research in order to better understand the epidemiology of these TBPs and to assess the future risk originating from wildlife. Graphical Abstract

Alaria alata is an emerging parasite that poses a potential risk for those consuming game, pork, snails and frogs. One paratenic host of A. alata that is known to play an important role in its spread through its feeding habitats is the wild boar. However, no statistical analysis of the influence of aquatic environments and carnivores on the occurrence of A. alata in wild boars has yet been performed. The present study combines a small-scale analysis based on hunting districts in the Mazowieckie province with a large-scale analysis based on data for all provinces in Poland. We applied various modeling approaches, including logistic regression and a generalized linear model in order to determine the presence, intensity and prevalence of A. alata. We used the Alaria mesocercariae migration technique (AMT) to estimate the risk of A. alata among wild boar in a given hunting district or province. The small-scale analysis found that mesopredators (red fox (Vulpes vulpes)) and racoon dog (Nyctereutes procyinoides) were likely to influence A. alata infestation of wild boar; however, the effect was weak, probably as a result of the large home range size of these animals. The large-scale analysis found that wetlands influence the prevalence of A. alata in wild boar, with the estimated risk increasing in the north of the country; this finding is consistent with other studies. Our findings indicate that the occurrence of A. alata in wild boar requires analysis on many levels, and environmental factors play a key role in risk assessment.

The existing methods for determining the species identity of shelter hosts and taking censuses of the natural hosts of the rabies virus (foxes, corsacs, two badger species, raccoon dogs, and wolves) have been improved during a spring–summer inspection of burrows of these predators. The field work was carried out in the years 1976–2011 at 42 census sites with a total area of 3582 km2 in natural foci of rabies within 14 administrative territories of the Russian Federation: Amur, Astrakhan, Bryansk, Volgograd, Voronezh, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Saratov, and Tula oblasts, Altai krai, Transbaikal region, and Khabarovsk krai, and the republics of Tyva and Altai. In total, 111 censuses were conducted and 3920 burrows of these animals were inspected. Burrows built by individuals of the same species could later be used or reconstructed and used by other species. Therefore, it was impossible to compile a dichotomous key to differences in the characters of the actual use of a specific shelter by a certain species in a given year during the research. The exception is the size of side holes of the fox and corsac that were dug by these predators in the first year of their settlement. Clear differences were observed only between the burrows of foxes, corsacs, and wolves in the presence of excrement and food debris near their shelters, in contrast to the unpolluted burrows of badgers and raccoon dogs. Burrows of foxes, corsacs, and wolves could alternately be occupied by different host species in subsequent years. It was possible to identify reliably the carnivorous species that occupied the shelter only in May to early June by the size of excrement of young and adult individuals. Shelters of badgers and raccoon dogs significantly differed only in paw prints and the color of fallen hair during the replacement of one species by the other in a burrow. It is necessary to use a set of key characters for the species identification of shelter hosts in each particular case. During primary censuses, it is extremely laborious to identify and map the territorial distribution of burrows. However, a high-quality registration of burrow hosts in the first year of the study made it possible to reproduce registrations in many subsequent years with low material and time costs. It is recommended to use this corrected methodology both for the real-time counting of the relative and absolute numbers of the main natural distributors of the rabies virus and for analysis of their intra- and interspecific biotic relationships. In the natural foci of rabies, this technique makes it possible to record not only the abundance of predators but also their territorial distribution and concentrations near burrow shelters, which is important during oral vaccinations of predators against rabies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In December 2019, several cases of pneumonia caused by a novel coronavirus, later identified as SARS-CoV-2, were detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Due to its rapid worldwide spread, on 11 March 2020 the World Health Organization declared a pandemic state. Since this new virus is genetically similar to the coronaviruses of bats, SARS-CoV-2 was hypothesized to have a zoonotic origin. Within a year of the appearance of SARS-CoV-2, several cases of infection were also reported in animals, suggesting human-to-animal and animal-to-animal transmission among mammals. Natural infection has been found in companion animals as well as captive animals such as lions, tigers, and gorillas. Among farm animals, so far, minks have been found to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, whereas not all the relevant studies agree on the susceptibility of pigs. Experimental infections have documented the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 of further animal species, including mice, hamsters, cats, dogs, ferrets, raccoon dogs, cattle, and non-human primates. Experimental infections have proven crucial for clarifying the role of animals in transmission and developing models for viral pathogenesis and immunotherapy. On the whole, this review aims to update and critically revise the current information on natural and experimental SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is a representative of Canidae and is closely related to red fox-like canids, although the species exhibits high distinctiveness in the family. These animals were farmed for fur products, but thousands were intentionally released into the wild in western Russia. This newly established alien species in Europe has spread rapidly into many European countries. The aim of the study was to determine the origin of Polish populations by comparing the mitochondrial molecular marker cytochrome b (cytb) sequences of Polish wild and farm individuals with wild raccoon dogs from the western Russia and Asian specimens whose sequences were obtained from GenBank resources. The results of our phylogenetic analysis support the previous suggestions on the existence of two main clades clearly referring to continental and Island populations. Polish individuals were classified into a highly diverse continental group. The relationships between the haplotypes within the clade together with estimated values of genetic diversity parameters indicate that the Polish raccoon dog populations exhibit high genetic similarity to the Russian population. In combination with the history of introduction of the species to Europe, this suggests the most probable assignment of the Polish populations to the subspecies N. procyonoides ussuriensis. Our results indicate the presence of two Japanese haplotypes within the continental group, which is inconsistent with the assumed scenario of post-glacial expansion of raccoon dogs excluding gene flow between continental and Island populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ticks are obligate parasites living part of their life attached on the skin surface of different mammal species. In the last decades, there have been several reports of ticks found dead underneath the skin of foxes, raccoon dogs, golden jackals, domestic dogs, and a human being. The biological reasons behind this phenomenon are still unclear, although most of the reports are in canid species, suggesting that the immunological response of canids might favor it. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of ticks under the skin of different wild carnivore species in Northwestern Italy, where they have never been described before. Out of 63 wild carnivores, 11 foxes were found infested with 51 dead ticks under the skin of the animals. All the preserved ticks collected underneath the skin of the foxes were identified as Ixodes spp., meaning that this tick species might be more frequently involved in the phenomenon, as already suggested by the scientific community. By contrast, no subcutaneous ticks were found in wolves, the other most prevalent wild canid species in Northwestern Italy, supporting the idea that the immune reaction of wolves may not favor the embedment of ticks underneath the skin. Ticks under the skin have been shown in different canid species such as red fox, domestic dog, and raccoon dog. Despite being increasingly reported in Europe in the last decade, the biological mechanisms associated to subcutaneous ticks (SCT), as well as the predisposing factors, are not yet clear. The main goal of this study was to investigate the presence of SCT in wild carnivores in Northwestern Italy. Sixty-three wild carnivores were examined, and SCT were submitted to histological examination or stored in ethanol for morphological and molecular identification. A portion of the cox1 gene and 16S rDNA were amplified, and positive PCR products were sequenced. Fifty-one small brown-coloured nodules of about 2 × 3 mm containing ticks in different decomposition stages were observed in 11 out of 30 foxes. Seven ticks were classified as Ixodes ricinus, while 14 ticks were determined only at the genus level (Ixodes spp.), and in two ticks no morphological key was applicable due to the advanced degradation status. By PCR, the rDNA fragment of six ticks (26.1%, 95% CI: 12.6–46.5%) was amplified, and BLAST analysis revealed a 99–100% nucleotide similarity to I. ricinus. At the histological examination, the inflammatory response varied from a mild to a moderate mixed infiltrate, primarily composed by neutrophils and lymphocytes. The results of this study confirm foxes as the main wild reservoir for SCT. The absence of SCT in other carnivores (badgers and martens) is in accordance with other studies. Ixodes ricinus is the most frequently reported tick species, corroborating the idea that longirostral ticks might be more frequently associated to SC embedment than brevirostral ticks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hebei Province is an important animal husbandry region in China, especially in the fur animal farming industry. Because of poor feeding condition, fur animal farms often suffer cross-species pathogens from the surrounding pig farms. In 2019, a novel porcine circovirus, designated porcine circovirus type 4 (PCV4), was first detected in Hunan province. Therefore, a retrospective epidemiological study on PCV4-infected fur animals was performed in the frozen specimens of pigs and fur animals collected from 2015 to 2020. The results showed that PCV4 has been widely spread among pigs and fur animals in Hebei Province, China. To sum up, this is the first study to detect PCV4 in fur animals. Our findings also provide new evidence for PCV4 cross-species transmission and strengthen the hypothesis that PCV4 cross-species transmission will be a serious threat to the fur animal farming industry. A novel circovirus called porcine circovirus type 4 (PCV4) was recently detected in pigs suffering from severe clinical diseases in Hunan province, China. There are few reports on the origin and evolution of PCV4, although some researchers have conducted epidemiological investigations of PCV4 and found that PCV4 is widespread in pigs. Based on the previous study, we detected PCV2 in farmed foxes and raccoon dogs with reproductive failure. To explore whether the PCV4 genome also exists in fur animals, we detected 137 cases admitted from fur animal farms in Hebei China between 2015 and 2020, which were characterized by inappetence, lethargy, depression, abortion, and sterility. The overall infection rate of PCV4 was 23.36% (32/137), including 20.37% (22/108) for raccoon dogs, 18.75% (3/16) for foxes, and 53.85% (7/13) for minks. Finally, five raccoon dog-origin PCV4 strains and one fox-origin PCV4 strain were sequenced in our study, whose nucleotide identities with other representative PCV4 strains varied from 96.5% to 100%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete genomes of PCV4 strains indicated a close relationship with those of PCV4 strains identified from pigs. To our knowledge, this is the first study to detect PCV4 in fur animals. Interestingly, we also identified PCV4 in a mixed farm (feeding pigs and raccoon dogs at the same time). In summary, our findings extend the understanding of the molecular epidemiology of PCV4 and provide new evidence for its cross-species transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporal niche partitioning may be influenced not only by interspecific competition, but also by weather conditions. Decreased food availability and dietary overlap between species can increase the degree of interspecific competition during winter, thereby promoting temporal niche partitioning. However, multiple species can be simultaneously active under similar weather conditions (high temperature and little snowfall) in winter to reduce energy costs and increase temporal niche overlap. In this study, we aimed to determine the degree of temporal niche partitioning among red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), and Japanese martens (Martes melampus), and its variation with seasonal climate change in terms of interspecific competition and weather conditions. We obtained data on the target species through a camera-trap survey conducted in a heavy snowfall area in northeastern Japan. We analyzed the degree of temporal niche partitioning based on diel activity overlap, co-occurrence rates per night, and behavioral avoidance within 1 or 2 h. We also evaluated the relationship between the presence or absence of activity per night and nightly weather conditions (temperature, precipitation (snowfall), moonlight). We observed a high degree of temporal niche overlap among the three species. In particular, the degree of temporal niche overlap was higher in winter than that in other seasons because the activity of the three species was greatly affected by low temperatures and snowfall in winter. As a winter survival strategy, coping with the weather may be more important than avoiding competition. Our results conflict with the hypothesis predicting temporal niche partitioning in winter, suggesting that weather effects can be an important factor in varying temporal niche partitioning among carnivores. Significance statement: This study revealed that the temporal niche overlap of three carnivores in northeastern Japan was higher in winter than that in other seasons because they were simultaneously active under similar weather conditions (high temperature and little snowfall) in winter to reduce energy costs. This indicates that coping with the weather may be more important than avoiding interspecific competition as a winter survival strategy. Our results conflict with the hypothesis predicting temporal niche partitioning among carnivores in winter due to restricted food resources and dietary overlap. This suggests that the different degrees of weather effects can be an important factor in varying temporal niche partitioning among carnivores. Because extreme changes in weather conditions such as extremely high temperatures, blizzards, and heavy rains, have occurred worldwide in recent years, weather conditions may significantly affect the niche partitioning among carnivores distributed in different environments worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Babesia microti-like parasite is an emerging tick-borne piroplasm that has been detected in a range of hosts worldwide. Babesia vulpes, which is found in dogs and foxes, has been reclassified from B. microti-like parasites. The relationships among these B. microti-like parasites and B. vulpes with respect to host range and geographical origin have not been elucidated. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 27 raccoon dogs in South Korea and used to screen for B. microti-like parasites based on a PCR assay targeting the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia. For comparative purposes, in addition to 18S rRNA sequences from nine raccoon dogs, we also analyzed 18S rRNA sequences from B. microti-like parasites infecting hosts in different geographical regions worldwide obtained from the GenBank database, giving 123 sequences in total. The genetic variation and evolutionary relationships among these sequences were examined based on analyses using DnaSP, MEGA, Arlequine, and BEAST software. Results: Babesia microti-like parasites were identified in nine raccoon dogs and found to be related to B. vulpes obtained from Spanish dogs. Among the 123 sequences from 14 countries and various hosts, we identified 43 haplotypes with high genetic variance. Based on the genetic variance and phylogenetic analyses, we established that the B. microti-like parasites isolated in different geographical regions and from hosts belonging to five orders showed higher among-population variation than within-population variation. Babesia vulpes parasites infecting carnivore hosts, including raccoon dogs, foxes, skunks and dogs, appear to be genetically distinct from B. microti-like parasites infecting hosts belonging to the other orders. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated the genetic variation and evolutionary relationships among 18S rRNA sequences obtained from blood samples collected from various hosts and different geographical regions. Babesia vulpes was identified from raccoon dogs in South Korea. In addition, higher genetic variations were observed among populations of different hosts and geographical origins and, in particular, low connectivity was observed among host populations in the order Carnivora and those in other orders. These results suggest the B. vulpes, a piroplasmid species pathogenic in domestic dogs and wild canines, is genetically and evolutionarily different from B. microti-like parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Adenovirus infection in animals occurs worldwide, and effective protection for pets is achieved through vaccination. Adenovirus vaccination in wild animals is rare, except in the case of rescue, treatment, and return to the wild. This study aimed to investigate the most prevalent canine adenovirus strains in Korean wild raccoon dogs, sequence the entire viral genome, and analyze the genetic characteristics in comparison with the adenovirus strains prevalent worldwide. We isolated one canine adenovirus type 2 (CAdV-2) and sequenced and analyzed its entire gene (CAdV-2/18Ra-54). This strain was found to have a high similarity with the Toronto A26/61 strain, which is widely used in vaccines, suggesting that pet vaccination can cause disease transmission and infection in wild animals. Therefore, further studies on the safety of the vaccine are needed. These studies monitor the epidemiology of CAdV-2 infection and contribute to the understanding of the genetic evolution of CAdV-2 in Korea and the development of new vaccines. Adenovirus has been detected in a wide range of hosts like dogs, foxes, horses, bats, avian animals, and raccoon dogs. Canine adenoviruses with two serotypes host mammals and are members of the mastadenovirus family. Canine adenovirus type 1 (CAdV-1) and canine adenovirus type 2 (CAdV-2) cause infectious canine hepatitis and infectious bronchial disease, respectively. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of CAdV-1 and 2 in wild Nyctereutes procyonoides in Korea in 2017–2020 from 414 tissue samples, including the liver, kidney, lung, and intestine, collected from 105 raccoon dog carcasses. Only CAdV-2 was detected in two raccoon dogs, whereas CAdV-1 was not detected. Tissue samples from raccoon dogs were screened for CAdV-1 and CAdV-2 using conventional PCR. Adenovirus was successfully isolated from PCR positive samples using the Vero cell line, and the full-length gene sequence of the isolated viruses was obtained through 5' and 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The major genes of the isolated CAdV-2/18Ra54 and CAdV-2/18Ra-65 strains showed the closest relationship with that of the CAdV-2 Toronto A26/61 strain isolated from Canada in 1976. There is no large mutation between CAdV-2, which is prevalent worldwide, and CAdV-2, which is prevalent in wild animals in Korea. In addition, it is still spreading and causing infections. The Toronto A26/61 strain, which showed the most similarity to CAdV-2/18Ra-54, was likely transmitted to wild animals through vaccinated companion animals, suggesting that further research is needed on safety measures surrounding animal vaccination. This study provides information on the genetic characteristics and prevalence of canine adenovirus in domestic wild animals and provides a better understanding of canine adenovirus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Vertebrate hosts, especially wild living animals, are pivotal to the circulation and maintenance of Borrelia spp. Mesocarnivores are involved in Lyme disease ecology in sylvatic and suburban ecosystems. In this study, we aimed to examine the relative importance of six medium-sized carnivore species, raccoon, red fox, raccoon dog, European badger, pine marten and stone marten, as hosts of Borrelia spp. and investigated their role in this spirochaete's transmission cycle. We also aimed to trace the reservoir competence of these invasive and native predators and the eco-epidemiology of Borrelia spp. in the context of a dilution effect. In all examined carnivore species, the occurrence of Borrelia was recorded, and the results suggest that raccoons may play a role as reservoir hosts for these spirochaetal bacteria. The role of invasive species seems to be worthy of further analysis with reference to the circulation of vector-borne pathogens as well as in the context of the "dilution effect" hypothesis. Wild living mesocarnivores, both introduced and native species, are able to adapt well to peri-urban environments, facilitating cross-species pathogen transmission with domestic animals, and potentially humans. Individual tissue samples derived from 284 specimens of six carnivore species, i.e., raccoon, raccoon dog, red fox, European badger, pine marten and stone marten, were used for molecular investigations with the nested PCR method. The animals were sampled in the Ruszów Forest District (Poland). We aimed to examine the relative importance of the studied mesocarnivores as hosts of Borrelia spp. and investigated their role in this spirochaete's transmission cycle. We also aimed to trace the reservoir competence of these invasive and native predators and borreliosis eco-epidemiology in the context of a dilution effect. The overall prevalence of Borrelia spp. in the tested carnivores was 8.8%. Almost all of the consensus sequences of the partial flaB gene shared identity with a sequence of specific Borrelia species, i.e., B. afzelii, B. garinii and B. burgdorferi. Our results suggest that raccoons may play a role as reservoir hosts for these spirochaetal bacteria. The role of invasive species seems to be worthy of further analysis with reference to the circulation of vector-borne pathogens as well as in the context of the "dilution effect" hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large carnivores not only supress mesocarnivores via killing and instilling fear, but also facilitate them through carrion provisioning. Hence, mesocarnivores frequently face a trade-off between risk avoidance and food acquisition. Here we used the raccoon dog and red fox in Białowieża Forest, Poland as models for investigating how large carnivores shape mesocarnivore foraging behaviour in an area with widespread large carnivore carrion provisioning. Using a giving up density experiment we quantified mesocarnivore foraging responses to wolf body odour across a landscape-scale gradient in wolf encounter rates. At locations with higher wolf encounter rates, raccoon dogs depleted feeding trays more than at plots with lower wolf encounter rates. Simulating wolf presence by adding wolf body odour caused raccoon dogs to deplete feeding trays more at locations with low wolf encounter rates, but less at locations with high wolf encounter rates. Fox foraging costs did not vary with the application of wolf body odour or wolf encounter rates. The frequency that the mesocarnivores visited experimental foraging patches was unaffected by wolf body odour or landscape level encounter rates. These results provide further evidence that large carnivore suppression can play a subordinate role to facilitation in determining mesocarnivore behaviour. The varying raccoon dog response to wolf odour across the landscape-scale gradient in wolf encounter rates shows how mesocarnivore-large carnivore interactions can be context-dependent. We suggest that rather than testing the effects of single risk cues on prey behaviour, future studies should focus on understanding how context modifies the ecological impacts of large carnivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scavenging is a common feeding behavior that provides ecosystem services by removing potentially infectious waste from the landscape. The importance of facultative scavenging is often overlooked, but likely becomes especially important in ecosystems without obligate scavengers. Here, we investigated the ecological function of vertebrate facultative scavengers in removing ungulate carcasses from Japanese forests that lack obligate scavengers. We found that mammals detected carcasses first more often than birds, and that raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) were the most frequent scavenger to first detect carcasses. However, we found no evidence of there being species that signal the location of carrion to other species via social cues. Instead, higher temperatures promoted earlier detection of the carcasses by scavengers, likely related to increased olfactory signals. The carcasses were completely consumed on average in 7.0 days, reasonably similar to other systems regardless of habitat, indicating that facultative scavengers are providing ecosystem services. Larger carcasses tended to take longer to deplete, but carcasses were consumed faster in warmer temperatures. Our results indicate that facultative scavengers were capable of consuming carrion and contributing ecosystem services in a forest ecosystem that lacks obligate scavengers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theriological studies of the Teniz -- Korgalzhyn region are covered rather sparsely in the literature and are fragmentary, since the Korgalzhyn Reserve mainly has an ornithological direction. The purpose of this article is to study the current state of the species composition of mammals of the Teniz-Korgalzhyn region and make the necessary additions to it. The research work was carried out for the period from 2016-2021. The authors of the article, based on the actual research conducted on the inventory of mammalian species in the reserve, prove the presence of local populations of species not previously noted on the territory of the reserve and include them in the inventory list of the theriofauna of the reserve. The material was collected on the territory of the Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve and in its surroundings. Literary and intradepartmental data were also used. To include a new species in the list of local theriofauna and to distinguish individual visits of animals from the formation of a local population in the study area, 2 criteria were used: frequency and geography of encounters, and breeding of offspring. Of the 4 species new to the region, 2 species are native to Kazakhstan (Siberian roe deer, yellow gopher). Their presence in the region is insignificant and probably does not have a negative impact on the existing ecosystem of the region. The greatest concerns are caused by 2 acclimatizant species, namely the American mink, raccoon dog. Which are recognized as invasive species in Russia and Kazakhstan. The possibilities of the distribution and reproduction of these species in the territory they have developed and the possible impact on the native fauna of the region are also analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a species of diplostomid fluke recovered from 3 carcasses of wild Korean raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis, in Korea. A total of 107 diplostomid flukes were recovered from the small intestines of Korean raccoon dogs, which were obtained from the Gangwon Wildlife Medical Rescue Center. Worms fixed with 10% neutral formalin were subjected to microscopic observation and those fixed in 70% ethanol were used for molecular genomic analysis. The worm was divided into 2 separate parts, forebody and hindbody, with a total length of 3,020-4,090 (3,855) µm and a width of 1,210-1,770 (1,562) µm. The boat-shaped forebody has a pair of characteristic tentacular appendage, 2 suckers, holdfast organ, and vitelline follicles. The oval to cylindrical hindbody has reproductive organs. The ovary was round or elliptical and located in the anterior of the testes. Two large testes were slightly segmented and tandemly arranged, occupying almost half of hindbody. The short uterus contained a relatively small number of unembryonated eggs sized 130-140×85-96 µm. The partial sequence of 18S rRNA of this fluke was consistent with Alaria alata. Based on the morphological and molecular characteristics, the diplostomid flukes recovered from the small intestine of Korean raccoon dogs were identified as A. alata (Digenea: Diplostomidae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection with Trichinella nematodes elicits non-specific and specific immune responses; these depend on the dose of infection, the nematode, and the host species. Few studies have examined the presence of specific antibodies against Trichinella spp. in the meat juice of wild animals. The aims of the study were to determine the prevalence of antibodies against Trichinella spp. in meat juice and to identify the specific proteins reacting with the meat juice from free-living carnivores naturally infected with the parasite. Meat juice samples were taken from foxes, badgers, raccoon dogs, and martens and tested with indirect ELISA. Antibodies against Trichinella spp. were detected in 10% of foxes and 46% of raccoon dogs. The ELISA results were confirmed by immunoblot, which revealed different protein patterns in meat juice from red foxes, raccoon dogs, and badgers. The most frequently observed bands were sent for further analysis by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the detection of Trichinella britovi immunogenic proteins. The results confirm the presence of proteins such as serine protease and heat shock proteins associated with Trichinella infection. These findings provide that meat juice is a useful matrix for proteomic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]