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Dogs are a common feeding hosts for Ixodes ricinus and may act as reservoir hosts for zoonotic tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) and as carriers of infected ticks into human settings. The aim of this work was to evaluate the presence of several selected TBPs of significant public health concern by molecular methods in I. ricinus recovered from dogs living in urban and suburban settings in central Italy. A total of 212 I. ricinus specimens were collected from the coat of domestic dogs. DNA was extracted from each specimen individually and tested for Rickettsia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Babesia spp., and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, using real-time and conventional PCR protocols, followed by sequencing. Sixty-one ticks (28.8%) tested positive for TBPs; 57 samples were infected by one pathogen, while four showed coinfections. Rickettsia spp. was detected in 39 specimens (18.4%), of which 32 were identified as Rickettsia monacensis and seven as Rickettsia helvetica. Twenty-two samples (10.4%) tested positive for A. phagocytophilum; Borrelia lusitaniae and Borrelia afzelii were detected in two specimens and one specimen, respectively. One tick (0.5%) was found to be positive for Babesia venatorum (EU1). Our findings reveal the significant exposure of dogs to TBPs of public health concern and provide data on the role of dogs in the circulation of I. ricinus-borne pathogens in central Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study about the safety and effectiveness of imidacloprid/moxidectin in the management of Capillaria aerophila infection in cats. Topics mentioned include the statistical significance of the difference in mean values of eggs per gram of feces, the description of clinical signs of Capillaria aerophila infection, and the pathogenic role of Capillaria aerophila in the prevalence of a zoonotic potential.

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

In the last decade an increase of the number of red foxes in anthropized habitats across European countries, including Italy, has been observed. This pones implications in terms of disease transmission between wildlife and domestic animals; in fact, there are evidences of the role of foxes as reservoirs and amplifiers of a broad spectrum of parasites infecting pets. The present study evaluated the prevalence of Eucoleus boehmi , an emerging extra-intestinal nematodes of the Capillariinae subfamily, in red foxes. The nasal passages and sinuses of 179 red foxes culled from several areas of northern and central Italy were inspected and the mucosal surfaces were scrapped and examined for adult nematodes and eggs, microscopically and genetically identified. Overall 55 foxes (30.7%) were found to be infected with E. boehmi , i.e. 27 on inspection of the nasal passages and sinuses and 28 on mucosal flush and scraping. The occurrence of E. boehmi was significantly ( p < 0.05) correlated to the sampling location, the age and gender of the animals examined; the higher rates of prevalence were observed in animals culled in Piedmont (43.3%) and in female (60.6%) and adult (38.1%) subjects. A total of 184 adult parasites were recovered, with a mean intensity of infection of 3.34, and a more frequent localization of E. boehmi in the nasal passages rather than in the sinuses. A significant ( p < 0.05) relationship was found between the parasite burden and body condition and age of the animals; the intensity of infection was significantly higher in juveniles (mean: 6.3 specimens) and in animals showing poor fox body condition (mean: 7.8 specimens). These results show that E. boehmi is highly prevalent in the red fox populations of certain areas of Italy. Epidemiological implications are discussed, with a special focus on the role that this wild canid may have in the increasing transmission of nasal eucoleosis to domestic dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gastric nodule was found in a cat examined following a car accident. Cytological examination showed a mixed, mainly eosinophilic, inflammation with reactive fibroblasts and ovoidal elements resembling nematode eggs. The cat was euthanased because of rapid worsening of clinical signs due to secondary injuries, and the gastric nodule was excised for examination. The intramural mass was smooth and spherical, with an intact mucosal surface and a little opening from which several reddish worms were extruding. Histopathological examination confirmed severe reactive fibroplasia and inflammation, surrounding sections of a nematode worm. The latter was then identified with polymerase chain reaction as belonging to the Cylicospirura genus. Cylicospirura species worms should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastric nodules in the cat. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a commercially available rapid enzyme-linked immonosorbent assay, the Snap® 4Dx test, in the detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum antibodies in horses. Two hundred apparently healthy horses (asymptomatic) and 244 animals showing clinical symptoms (symptomatic), were tested for A. phagocytophilum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies using both the Snap® 4Dx kit and an indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT), with the latter serving as a comparative test. Horses belonging to the symptomatic group were also tested for evidence of active infection with A. phagocytophilum by analysis of IFAT IgM titers and PCR assay amplifying a specific fragment of the 16S rRNA gene. The overall agreement between the results obtained using the two tests, as well as the relative performance exhibited by the Snap® 4Dx test in the two groups, was assessed. Forty of the 45 animals (89%) testing positive for IgG antibodies using IFAT were correctly identified using Snap® 4Dx testing. The agreement between the results of the two tests was very high ( k>0.9), with almost identical performances in both symptomatic and asymptomatic animals. Conversely, within the symptomatic group, only 44% (no. 11/25) of Snap® 4Dx positives appeared to be associated with a state of active infection, whereas the remaining 56% (no. 14/25) were related both to not infected animals (no. 1) and to horses whose status of infection needed further evaluations to be confirmed (no. 13/25). This study suggests that the Snap® 4Dx test could represent a valid screening method for use during epidemiological surveys of equine populations. Nevertheless, in-clinic application of the test does not appear to be merited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy and safety of a spot-on formulation containing 10% imidacloprid and 2.5% moxidectin (Advocate®, Bayer Animal Health GmbH, Leverkusen, Germany) were evaluated in a pilot trial for the treatment of canine nasal capillariosis caused by Capillaria boehmi (syn. Eucoleus boehmi). Sixteen dogs copromicroscopically positive for C. boehmi eggs were confirmed, either by rhinoscopy or species-specific PCR-coupled sequencing assays, as being affected by nasal capillariosis. The animals were randomly allocated to two different study groups, i.e. one (Group T) treated with Advocate® and one (Group C) left untreated, in a ratio of 1:1. The animals underwent clinical examination and quantitative copromicroscopy for C. boehmi eggs on Days -6 and -2 (baseline) and Day 28±2 (post-baseline). Animals in Group T received Advocate® on Day 0. On Day 28±2 the efficacy of the treatment (Group T) or the persistence of the infection (Group C) was confirmed by rhinoscopy or, alternatively, by molecular procedures. Seven of the eight dogs in Group T were negative on Day 28±2 (reduction of baseline faecal egg counts by 99.14%), while for one dog a second treatment on Day 28±2 was necessary to clear the infection, as demonstrated on Day 56±2 (reduction of baseline faecal egg counts by 100% in Group T). Seven animals in Group C received a rescue dose of Advocate® on Day 28±2 and scored microscopically and molecularly negative for the parasite on Day 56±2, thus increasing the reduction of post-baseline egg counts to 99.57% after a single administration. These promising results show that Advocate® spot-on is an effective formulation for the treatment of canine nasal capillariosis under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cat lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus affects the domestic cat and other felids all over the world. Feline aelurostrongylosis is of importance in clinical feline medicine and is gaining more and more attention for the present expansion in the geographical range of A. abstrusus. Global warming and changes in phenology of snail intermediate hosts have been incriminated in this spreading. Helix aspersa, a potential vector of A. abstrusus, is endemic in most regions of the world, where it has become recently a pest outside its native Mediterranean range. The present work evaluated key features of larval development of A. abstrusus in H. aspersa at two different temperature conditions. The results showed that A. abstrusus may reach the infective stage in muscular foot and viscera of H. aspersa and that environmental temperatures may influence the biological cycle of the cat lungworm. In particular, the higher the average temperature, the higher the rate of larval development, i.e., about 50 % of larvae of A. abstrusus reached the infective stage between temperatures of 18.8-29.5 °C, while only 17.8 % of larvae completed their development at temperatures of 6.7-22 °C. Biological and epidemiological implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a report on the study conducted to evaluate the efficacy of anticoccidial parasiticides Baycox containing five percent toltrazuril (TOTL) from Bayer HealthCare AG and Vecoxan containing diclazuril (DICL) from Janssen-Cilag Pty. Ltd. on lambs. It informs that the assessment of efficacy was based on total faecal oocyst excretion (OPG) and count reduction with TOTL and DICL compared with control group. It mentions that lambs treated with DICL showed persistent OPG.

Abstract: A dog with chronic muco-purulent nasal discharge, sneezing, reverse sneezing and impaired scenting ability was diagnosed as being affected by nasal eucoleosis based upon rhinoscopic evidence of Eucoleus boehmi in situ, identification of the adult parasites in nasal biopsies, and eggs in the faeces by light and scanning electron microscopy. The dog was successfully treated with a single administration of moxidectin. A second course of moxidectin was required for about 10 weeks after the first treatment, because clinical signs recurred due to a likely re-infection. This second administration, along with measures undertaken to prevent geo- and coprophagic pica, resolved the parasitism, as demonstrated by negative copromicroscopic and rhinoscopic examinations, and prevented reinfestation for the next 4 months. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this represents the first report describing a clinical case of nasal eucoleosis with a demonstration of the adult parasites in situ in a dog from Italy where, until recently, infestation of E. boehmi was only detected by a coprological examination. Veterinarians and parasitologists should be aware of the occurrence of canine infection with E. boehmi. They should include this parasite in the differential diagnoses for animals suffering from upper airway distress and look systematically for it during rhinoscopic and copromicroscopic examinations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A blind, randomised, controlled, multicentric field trial was conducted to assess the influence of a metaphylactic treatment with an oral solution of toltrazuril on some reproductive parameters of Italian Fresian heifers during the first 18-20 months of life. For this goal 40 calves were selected from two dairy farms and randomly divided into two homogeneous groups: MTol, treated with toltrazuril and NegC, left untreated. The calves were clinically and coprologically examined over the entire study period. The body condition scores, the body weights and the age at the first service were recorded and compared between the two groups, in addition to some other reproductive parameters including number of pregnancies, average service per pregnancy, conception rate, conception rate at first service and post first service conception rate. The analysis of the results showed that the metaphylactic treatment with toltrazuril influenced positively the average age of the first service (MTol 461.4 days versus NegC 485.45 days), the overall conception rate (MTol 95 % versus NegC 85 %), the success at first (MTol 60 % versus NegC 45 %) and second (MTol 75 % versus NegC 45 %) services and, consequently, the mean number of services to be carried out for each animal (MTol 1.4 ± 0.6 versus NegC 1.6 ± 0.79). Furthermore, the results confirmed that toltrazuril treatment, applied in accordance with the epidemiological aspects of each farm, is highly efficacious in persistent reduction of oocyst excretions with particular reference to Eimeria zuernii, Eimeria bovis, considered to be mainly responsible for clinical coccidiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Serum samples from 630 milk sheep, in 33 dairy flocks representative of the southern area of the Tuscany region, were tested for the presence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii using an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Questionnaires exploring the management system were completed by the veterinarian in charge of the flocks. Results: At least one seropositive animal was found in 32 of the 33 flocks tested (97.0%; 95% CI: 84.2%, 99.9%). In the positive flocks, median seroprevalence was 29.4% (interquartile range: 15.9%-46.1%). Overall animal-level seroprevalence, adjusted for sampling weights and test sensitivity and specificity, was 33.3% (95% CI: 24.8%, 42.7%). In a multivariable negative binomial regression model the number of seropositive animals in a flock decreased with increasing flock size (for >400 vs. <300 animals: count ratio (CR) = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.95; P = 0.028) and was greater on farms where stray cats had access to animals'water (CR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.26; P = 0.027). Conclusions: Small flock size and access of cats to water are potential risk factors for Toxoplasma infection in sheep in the Grosseto district in Tuscany, Italy. Sheep could be an important source of T. gondii infection in humans, since we estimate that between 25% and 43% of sheep in the district were seropositive. Toxoplasmosis is also likely to be an important cause of abortion in sheep in the district. Control and prophylactic measures must be adopted to improve the rearing system and the implementation of health promoting programmes in a joint effort between sheep farmers, farmers' associations and veterinarians to inform about the means of transmission of the infection and for a better understanding of the disease [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the study which examined the seroprevalence of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii in wild boars (Sus scrofa) in central Italy. It claims that wild and farmed game meat consumption is an emerging risk factor for T. gondii infection in humans. Also cited are the data from the European Food Safety Authority showing that around 50% of wild game is seropositive for T. gondii.