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The aim of the study was to determine the species composition of the intestinal parasite fauna of foxes from the Pomerania region, with a particular emphasis on helminth species considered dangerous to humans, and to determine their prevalence and intensity of infection. In total, 165 digestive systems from foxes inhabiting the Pomeranian region were examined. The prevalence of intestinal parasites among the studied foxes was 61.8%. Our findings confirm that foxes in Pomerania carry various parasites, some of which pose a direct threat to human health. As such, constant monitoring of their infestation is essential. Particular attention should be paid to parasite species with potential for transmission to humans, such as Echinococcus multilocularis, Alaria alata and Toxocara canis, whose respective prevalence was found to be 10.9%, 17.6% and 28.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the species composition of the intestinal parasite fauna of foxes from the Pomerania region, with a particular emphasis on helminth species considered dangerous to humans, and to determine their prevalence and intensity of infection. In total, 165 digestive systems from foxes inhabiting the Pomeranian region were examined. The prevalence of intestinal parasites among the studied foxes was 61.8%. Our findings confirm that foxes in Pomerania carry various parasites, some of which pose a direct threat to human health. As such, constant monitoring of their infestation is essential. Particular attention should be paid to parasite species with potential for transmission to humans, such as Echinococcus multilocularis, Alaria alata and Toxocara canis, whose respective prevalence was found to be 10.9%, 17.6% and 28.5%.

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.

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]

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. [Display omitted] • Alaria alata presence in wild boar was locally dependent on the red fox density. • Intensity of Alaria alata could be predicted locally by raccoon dog density. • Wetlands were significantly explaining the occurrence of Alaria alata in voivodeships. • Risk of Alaria alata prevalence in wild boar in Poland increase to the north. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various species of mammals, including humans and wild boars, can serve as paratenic hosts of Alaria alata mesocercariae – Distomum musculorum suis (DMS). Cases of DMS can be reliably detected by the recent introduction of the A. alata mesocercariae migration technique (AMT). The aim of this study is to present current data on the occurrence of DMS in wild boars in north-eastern Poland, and to compare the findings with those obtained in other European countries. A. alata was identified in 98 of 221 (44.3%) tissue samples of wild boar taken from five provinces in north-eastern Poland during the hunting seasons 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 based on AMT analysis. Positive results were found in all studied regions, but the percentage of infected individuals ranged from 26.3% in the Pomorskie province to 65.5% in the Warmińsko-Mazurskie province. The mean number of larvae exceeded seven larvae per 30 g sample for three provinces: Pomorskie, Mazowieckie and Lubelskie. In turn, lower values were found in the Warmińsko-Mazurskie province (3.3 larvae per 30 g), and the lowest in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province (1.8 larvae per 30 g). The occurrence and intensity of A. alata infestation in wild boars was found to depend on the environment in which they live. Neither the sex or the age of the wild boar appeared to influence the occurrence nor the intensity of infestation.

Since 2002, Alaria (A.) alata mesocercariae (AM) have been found during routine Trichinella inspection of wild boars in many European countries. To date, human infection with AM through consumption of undercooked or raw AM infested wild boar meat cannot be excluded. In Germany, data on the parasite's prevalence in wild boars are scarce. To better understand temporal and spatial fluctuations of this parasite, this study investigated the prevalence of AM in wild boars in the German federal state of Brandenburg during three hunting seasons from 2017 to 2020. In total, 28.3% (100/354, 95% CI: 23.3–33.3%) of all wild boars sampled in eight counties of Brandenburg were tested positive for AM by Alaria alata mesocercariae migration technique (AMT). AM were detected in wild boars from seven different counties. Samples from one county (Havelland) tested completely negative for AM (0/16). Prevalences of the seven AM positive counties of Brandenburg ranged from 11.5 (3/26, 95% CI: 2.5–30.1%) in Märkisch-Oderland to 64.1% (25/39, 95% CI: 47.2–78.8%) in Uckermark. An association between sex and A. alata positivity could not be determined. A statistically significant increase in frequency of older AM positive wild boars was observed (p = 0.001). For a nationwide assessment of the prevalence of A. alata in wild boars and the risk for consumers of ingesting viable AM by consumption of raw or undercooked AM infested wild boar meat, further long-term studies in different regions of Germany are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of studying about the spread of alariasis exciter – trematoda Alaria alata in Sumy region (the northeastern region of Ukraine) are represented in the article. Posthumous diagnosis method was used for the research; it is based on the helminthological dissection of the intestine. This method was applied to 151 dogs, 45 foxes and 3 wolves. The determination of revealed helminthes was hold in the laboratory of parasitology in Sumy National Agrarian University and in the department of parasitology in І. І. Shmalhausen Institute of Zoology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. There were no dogs infected by аlaria. Their helminthofauna is represented by the species: Echinococcus granulosus (Batsch, 1786), Taenia hydatigena (Pallas, 1776), Taenia pisiformis (Bloch, 1780), Hydatigera taeniaeformis (Batsch, 1786), Dipylidium caninum (Linnaeus, 1758), Toxocara canis (Werner, 1782), Toxascaris leonina (Linstow, 1902), Uncinaria stenocephala (Railliet, 1884). Among 48 wild predatory animals, 12 were infected by A.alata. The extensiveness of invasion was 25 %. The exciter of аlariasis was registered in 100 % of wolves and 20 % of foxes. The intensity of invasion in wolves was 15 – 67 cases, in foxes from 4 till 30. The results of the helminthic autopsy of carnivores from the northeastern region of Ukraine demonstrate significant spread of alatiasis among wild carnivorous (foxes and wolves) and its absence among domestic animals. The fact which was revealed by us about the lack of alaria among dogs in mentioned region and its rare registered cases in the same animals from other regions, causes the need for more detailed study of the spread of alariasis among domestic predatory in all regions of the country.

The aim of the study was to determinate the prevalence and intensity of infection of raccoon dogs with internal parasites, with a particular emphasis on particular species of helminths known to be dangerous to humans. A total of 96 raccoon dogs were obtained from hunters from September 2018 to October 2021. The digestive tract was taken for examination. The parasitological examination was performed using the dissection methods. The extensity of infection with all internal parasites was 60.3%. The following parasites were found in the tested animals: Echinococcus multilocularis (in 10.42% of animals), Toxocara canis (18.75%), Alaria alata (25.0%), Taenia spp. (19.79%), Uncinaria stenocephala (27.08%), Mesocestoides spp. (54.17%) and Dipylidium caninum (6.25%). The highest mean intensity of infection was demonstrated by A. alata and E. multilocularis then by Mesocestoides spp. This study showed that the raccoon dog from northern Poland is a reservoir host of zoonotic pathogens, such as E. multilocularis, Toxocara canis and Alaria alata. Although the role of the racoon dog as a final host of the life cycle of E. multilocularis is considered of less importance than that of the red fox, this species may increase the risk of echinococcosis in humans, mainly due to its growing population in northern Poland.

Alaria alata is a trematode included among several emerging zoonotic parasites. The mesocercarial larval stage of A. alata named Distomum musculorum suis (DMS) may potentially be infective for humans. In the past, DMS was often observed in wild boar meat during the official Trichinella inspection by artificial digestion before a more specific and effective detection method, the A. alata mesocercariae migration technique (AMT), was introduced. In the present study, the AMT method was used to screen 3589 tissue samples collected from wild boars hunted in Poland during the 2015–2019 period. The survey mainly focused on the southern part of Poland with the majority of samples coming from Małopolskie, Świętokrzyskie, and Dolnoślaskie provinces; samples from ten additional provinces were also included. The total prevalence was 4.2% with mean abundance of 4.7 DMS. Occurrence was dependent upon environmental conditions (i.e., wetland habitats and water reservoirs) rather than on sex of the host or season in which they were hunted. The recovered trematodes were identified as Alaria spp. according to their morphological features. Molecular analysis of 18S rDNA and COI genes confirmed the species identification to be A. alata and documented genetic variability among the isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence of Alaria alata (Goeze, 1782) in fifty-one grass snakes (Natrix natrix) collected in Gostynińsko-Włocławski Landscape Park. Each snake was tested for the presence of A. alata mesocercariae using the AMT and MSM methods. 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA), cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) and 28S ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA) genes were amplified by PCR and sequenced for the purpose of species identification. Fifty grass snakes were infected with helminths. The molecular characterization of trematodes allowed us to identify A. alata in 30 snakes (58.8%), Conodiplostomum spathula (Dubois, 1937) in 16 snakes (31.3%), Strigea falconis (Szidat, 1928) in 12 snakes (23.5%), and Neodiplostomum attenuatum (Linstow, 1906) in 2 snakes (3.9%), while, in 4 snakes (7.8%), the trematodes species could not be identified. Based on the analysis of 18S and COI sequences, Crenosoma vulpis (Dujardin, 1845) was identified in four snakes (7.8%), while nematodes collected from three snakes remained unidentified. The tapeworm sample was identified as Ophiotaenia. The obtained results indicate that grass snakes are an excellent vector of A. alata and may be a potential source of infection for mammals, e.g., wild boars and foxes, which results in an increased risk of alariosis for consumers of raw or undercooked game meat.

Abstract Background The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is widely distributed in the world; in central Europe, it is the most numerous wild species of the family Canidae. It can play the role of a definitive host for many intestinal parasites, including zoonotic helminths. Poland, with its geographical location (central Europe), is an interesting area for parasitological investigations of this species. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the prevalence of intestinal helminths in red foxes in different regions of Poland. Methods Intestines of 473 red foxes from four different regions were examined using the sedimentation and counting technique (SCT). In addition, 344 samples of faeces were examined using flotation. Results Overall, intestinal helminths were found in 98.9% of red foxes. The average prevalence of detected parasites was as follows: Mesocestoides spp. (84.1%); hookworms (67.9%); Alaria alata (61.5%); Toxocara/Toxascaris (49.5%); Taenia spp. (42.5%); Echinococcus multilocularis (25.6%); and Trichuris vulpis (2.3%). The prevalence of the majority of parasite species was similar in each region. Significant differences between regions were observed in the case of E. multilocularis: a low prevalence in the south-western and northern regions (0% and 0.9%, respectively) and a high prevalence in the south-east and northeast (39.3% and 42.7%, respectively). In the case of A. alata, important differences were found between northern (96.5% and 93.7% in northern and northeast regions, respectively) and southern regions (15.2% and 24.7% for south-western and south-east regions, respectively). The percentage of positive samples obtained with coproscopic examination (except for Trichuris) was significantly lower than that obtained with SCT. Analysis of the prevalence estimated in individual regions with the use of both methods (flotation and SCT) showed a high correlation for all parasite species (except for Mesocestoides spp.). The flotation method also allowed us to detect the eggs of the lung nematode Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) (76.2% of positive foxes). Conclusions This study showed a very high percentage of red foxes infected with intestinal helminths in different parts of Poland. Depending on the location, some differences were observed regarding the prevalence of dangerous zoonotic parasites, which should be considered in the assessment of infection risk for humans.

Various species of mammals, including humans and wild boars, can serve as paratenic hosts of Alaria alata mesocercariae – Distomum musculorum suis (DMS). Cases of DMS can be reliably detected by the recent introduction of the A. alata mesocercariae migration technique (AMT). The aim of this study is to present current data on the occurrence of DMS in wild boars in north-eastern Poland, and to compare the findings with those obtained in other European countries. A. alata was identified in 98 of 221 (44.3%) tissue samples of wild boar taken from five provinces in north-eastern Poland during the hunting seasons 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 based on AMT analysis. Positive results were found in all studied regions, but the percentage of infected individuals ranged from 26.3% in the Pomorskie province to 65.5% in the Warmińsko-Mazurskie province. The mean number of larvae exceeded seven larvae per 30 g sample for three provinces: Pomorskie, Mazowieckie and Lubelskie. In turn, lower values were found in the Warmińsko-Mazurskie province (3.3 larvae per 30 g), and the lowest in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province (1.8 larvae per 30 g). The occurrence and intensity of A. alata infestation in wild boars was found to depend on the environment in which they live. Neither the sex or the age of the wild boar appeared to influence the occurrence nor the intensity of infestation. Image 1 • High percentage (44.3) of Alaria alata in samples of wild boars in Poland. • High prevalence of A. alata infestation in wild boars compared to other reports. • Sex does not affect the risk or intensity of infestation by A. alata in wild boars. • Age does not affect the risk or intensity of A. alata infestation in wild boars. • A. alata poses a potential risk for wild boar consumers in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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An archaeoparasitological analysis of the soil samples from Nadym Gorodok site of Western Siberia has been carried out in this study. The archaeological site was dated as the 13 to 18th century, being characterized as permafrost region ensuring good preservation of ancient parasite eggs. Parasite eggs as Opisthorchis felineus, Alaria alata, and Diphyllobothrium sp. were found in the archaeological soil samples, which made clear about the detailed aspects of Nadym Gorodok people's life. We found the Diphyllobothrium sp. eggs throughout the 14 to 18th century specimens, allowing us to presume that raw or undercooked fish might have been commonly used for the foods of Nadym Gorodok inhabitants and their dogs for at least the past 400 years. Our study on Nadym Gorodok specimens also demonstrate that there might have been migratory interactions and strong economic ties between the people and society in Western Siberia, based on archaeoparasitological results of Opisthorchis felineus in Western Siberia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foodborne parasitic diseases represent a major threat to public health. Trichinellosis, caused by the nematode parasite Trichinella spp., is one of the most important foodborne diseases, while alariosis, caused by the trematode parasite Alaria spp., is less common in humans, and rare cases have been reported only in the USA and Canada. Both parasites can infect humans via the consumption of raw or undercooked wild boar meat. In order to investigate the prevalence of these parasites in wild boar meat in Greece, samples from the diaphragm pillars and the region of the mandibular angle from 128 wild boars, hunted in Greece, were collected. The samples were examined by classical parasitological (compression, artificial digestion, and Alaria spp. migration) and by molecular (real-time PCR) methods. For Trichinella spp. an existent real-time PCR detecting all species likely to be present in Greece was applied, while for Alaria spp. a real-time PCR was developed, employing an LNA TaqMan probe targeting the large subunit ribosomal RNA gene. All examined wild boar samples from Greece resulted negative for Trichinella and Alaria species, indicating a low prevalence of infection in the examined population. The novel real-time PCR for Alaria spp. has 81.5% amplification efficiency and is able to detect 0.12 larvae per 50 g of tissue and could be utilized as a complementary to AMT diagnostic tool in surveillance.

Alaria (A.) alata mesocercariae (AM) have increasingly appeared as incidental findings during the mandatory inspection of wild boars for Trichinella in many European countries. An Alaria spp.-specific PCR is available for the identification of AM; however, it is time- and cost-intensive. Therefore, we propose a rapid and cost-efficient MALDI-TOF assay for the identification of AM in wild boar meat that can be applied in routine diagnostics. In this study, a fast and methodologically simple protocol for the protein extraction of AM from different host species in different countries was established, and an AM-specific reference spectra database was created as part of the ongoing development of an existing Trichinella spp. database. A formic acid protein extraction was performed after pooling 10 AM from the same host individual. In total, 61 main spectra profiles (MSPs) from different host individuals were stored in an AM-specific MSP library. The cluster analysis of these 61 MSPs indicated a possible variation within the A. alata species with a tentative association with the geographical origin of the host, but not the host species. This MALDI-TOF assay allows for a fast verification of the AM isolates, which is the next step in the development of a universal database for the identification of several parasites isolated from meat.

Alaria alata flukes are cosmopolitan parasites. In Europe, the definitive hosts are red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), wolves (Canis lupus), and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), as well as animals that belong to the Felidae family. Intermediate hosts, such as snails and frogs, are the sources of infection for definitive hosts. The developmental stages of A. alata mesocercariae may occur in paratenic hosts, including many species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, as well as in wild boars (Sus scrofa), which are important from the zoonotic point of view. Because there are no regulations concerning the detection of A. alata in meat, this fluke is usually detected during official obligatory Trichinella spp. inspections. However, a method dedicated to A. alata detection was developed. The growing popularity of game and organic meat has led to an increased risk of food-associated parasitic infections, including alariosis, which is caused by the mesocercarial stage of A. alata. The aim of this article is to highlight the problem of A. alata as an emerging parasite, especially in the terms of the increasing market for game and organic meats that have been processed with traditional methods, often without proper heat treatment.

The trematode Alaria alata has a complex life cycle in which carnivore mammals may become infected by feeding on mesocercariae-infected, second intermediate hosts or paratenic hosts. Afterwards, young flukes migrate through various organs of the definitive host, including the diaphragm and the lungs, before reaching the small intestine. The aim of the present study was to establish the prevalence and infection intensity of A. alata in carnivore mammals, the host age and related occurrence of different A. alata development stages in particular animals in Latvia. Overall, samples from 992 animals (539 red foxes, 411 raccoon dogs and 42 grey wolves) were examined using sedimentation and counting techniques to observe the presence of A. alata metacercariae and adult trematodes in each particular host. The present study, based on data collected over five hunting seasons (2010/2011-2014/2015), is a comprehensive study on the circulation of A. alata in wild canids in Latvia. A. alata was present in all species examined and the overall prevalence reached 86.2%. A significant positive correlation was observed between the burden of A. alata metacercariae and adult trematodes in raccoon dogs (rs = 0.27, p = 0.001) and red foxes (rs = 0.17, p = 0.0002). A significantly higher (p = 0.003) A. alata metacercariae mean intensity was observed in juvenile raccoon dogs compared to the one observed in adult raccoon dogs and red foxes from both age groups. The presence of both A. alata development stages in a particular animal concurrently and at different intensity levels may indicate primary infection and re-cured infection of the host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The jungle cats (Felis chaus) are native to Asia, and found in Iran. Although north of Iran has a wide distribution of jungle cats, there is not any data about prevalence of parasitic infections in the population of these cats. Methods: From 2012 to 2015, seven specimens of the wild jungle cat (Felis chaus) from north of Iran, Mazandaran Province, northern Iran were collected and examined for their endoparasites and pathological lesions which were caused by the parasites. Results: Parasitological evaluations showed several species of endoparasites in the small intestine of cats including nematode (Toxocara cati), trematode (Alaria alata), and cestode (Mesocestoides lineatus). All of the examined jungle cats were infected to parasitic infections. From the total number of 7 jungle cats T. cati was found in 6 cats, A. alata in 1 cat, and M. lineatus was recovered from 3 cats. Histopathological samples displayed necrosis, vacuolar degeneration, atrophy, destruction of tissue, hyperemia, and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the intestine tissue. Conclusion: This study for the first reported T. cati, A. alata, and M. lineatus and their pathologic effects in the small intestine of jungle cat.

The morphology and differencial diagnosis of cercaria of the trematode Alaria alata Goeze, 1782 found in fresh water bellylegged molluscs Planorbis planorbis (Linné, 1758) in water reservoirs of Volyn District have been presented. Special attention is given to the structure of the front organ, digesting and excreting systems. A comparative characteristics of newly found cercaria A. alata with forms earlier described in fo­reign literature has been done. The difference in thorn, number on the front organ has been determined. The figure of exposed cercaria A. alata is given below. Trematodes A. alata in P. planorbis have been exposed in Ukraine for the first time. The above mentioned trematode species is cha­racterized by tetra life cycle and is widely distributed in Ukraine, threatening peoples health Vulpes vulpes Linnaeus, 1758, Nyctereutes procyonoides Gray, 1834 and Canis familiaris Linnaeus, 1758 are considered to be the hosts of A. alata. The inventory ma­king of trematodes larvae in fresh water belly legged molluscs of the region has not been finished yet. Considering the received data, it seems necessary to further investigate trematodes fauna of fresh water bellylegged molluscs to take preventive measures fighting with dangerous trematodes in people and animals.

Wild boar is a source of human infections with zoonotic pathogens, including food-borne parasites. With the aim of a characterization of the human exposure risk, a survey on wild boars intended for human consumption was planned, selecting three pathogens, Toxoplasma gondii, Alaria alata, and Trichinella spp., as markers of meat infection. Diaphragm muscle samples from 100 wild boars hunted in Piedmont region (Northern Italy) in two hunting seasons (2015-2016) were collected. Concerning T. gondii, a combined approach of antibody detection and molecular techniques with genotyping was performed. For the detection of A. alata and Trichinella spp., the larva migration technique and the magnetic stirrer method were employed, respectively; in addition, molecular confirmation of the morphological identification of the recovered specimen was performed. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were found in meat juice samples (43.3%) and T. gondii DNA (type II) was detected in three animals (7.1%) out of 42 seropositive examined. In none of the sampled wild boars (0%), Trichinella spp. larvae were found, whereas one animal (1%) scored positive to A. alata mesocercariae. The molecular diagnosis proved the morphological identification of the trematode. This is the first finding of A. alata in Italian wild boar population. The present study confirmed the role of wild boars as a source of parasitic zoonotic diseases and thus the risk derived for humans posed by the consumption of game meat. Considering the zoonotic implications, the results underline the importance of monitoring and surveillance of zoonotic parasites in Italian wild boar populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The jungle cats (Felis chaus) are native to Asia, and found in Iran. Although north of Iran has a wide distribution of jungle cats, there is not any data about prevalence of parasitic infections in the population of these cats. Methods: From 2012 to 2015, seven specimens of the wild jungle cat (Felis chaus) from north of Iran, Mazandaran Province, northern Iran were collected and examined for their endoparasites and pathological lesions which were caused by the parasites. Results: Parasitological evaluations showed several species of endoparasites in the small intestine of cats including nematode (Toxocara cati), trematode (Alaria alata), and cestode (Mesocestoides lineatus). All of the examined jungle cats were infected to parasitic infections. From the total number of 7 jungle cats T. cati was found in 6 cats, A. alata in 1 cat, and M. lineatus was recovered from 3 cats. Histopathological samples displayed necrosis, vacuolar degeneration, atrophy, destruction of tissue, hyperemia, and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the intestine tissue. Conclusion: This study for the first reported T. cati, A. alata, and M. lineatus and their pathologic effects in the small intestine of jungle cat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neozoan species raccoon dog ( Nyctereutes procyonoides) and raccoon ( Procyon lotor) are widespread in Europe and potential vectors of many diseases that can threaten human and domestic animal health. Facing a further spread of these species, it is important to know about (i) pathogens imported and/or (ii) pathogens acquired in the new habitat. Thus, we investigated the parasite fauna of wild raccoon dogs and raccoons from Austria, at the edge of their new distribution range. The eight examined raccoons were nearly free of pathogens including Baylisascaris procyonis, and thus assumed to have a low epidemiological impact, so far. Out of ten raccoon dog specimens, we found one from western Austria to be infected with Echinococcus multilocularis and another three from the eastern wetland regions to harbour adults of Alaria alata. Furthermore, we detected Babesia cf. microti in five of eight raccoon dogs all over Austria but none of our samples were tested positive for Trichinella spp. Nevertheless, the raccoon dog seems to be a relevant host, at least for the zoonotic pathogens E. multilocularis and A. alata, and we suggest to further monitor the raccoon dogs parasite fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, frequent detection of trematode Alaria sp. mesocercariae in wild boar muscle samples during official Trichinella inspection has raised concern as a potential risk of human and animal health. In the present study 60 wild boar muscle samples were examined with two methods, Alaria sp. mesocercariae migration technique (AMT) and the official Trichinella inspection method (TIM). The results of the present study shows that AMT had 4.86 (95% CI: 2.22-10.99) times higher odds of testing positive than with TIM. The cause of low proportion of positive mesocercariae observation using TIM is mainly associated with inappropriate mesh size of the sieve used in comparison to Alaria alata mesocercariae size. In addition, a shortening the AMT procedure time for 30 min is sufficient to obtain only qualitative results for A. alata mesocercariae in muscle samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The paper reports for the first time Alaria alata mesocercariae in domestic pigs in Serbia. • This is the only reported case in domestic pigs over the past several decades in Europe. • Increasingly popular free-range pig farming may create a risk to animal and public health of alariosis. • The results should influence the growing awareness of alariosis as a potential human disease. • The results may serve as a reason for reconsideration of the appropriate regulations. Abstract Alaria alata (Diplostomidae, Trematoda), a potentially zoonotic pathogen, is the only Alaria species in Europe. In recent years, increasing reports of mesocercariae of A. alata in wild boars have been recorded in European countries; however there have been no described cases in domestic pigs over the past decades. Out of 272 diaphragm samples from wild boars (Sus scrofa) and domestic pigs (Sus scrofa), from Serbia, included in the present investigations, mesocercariae of A. alata were found in six (3%) samples from wild boars and in two (2.77%) samples from domestic pigs. Due to the lack of sensitivity of artificial digestion with a magnetic stirrer which was applied in the study, the true prevalence is estimated to be considerably higher in the area of investigation. Confirming the infection in domestic pigs and a wide distribution in wild boars in the area of investigation, the present paper should influence the growing awareness of alariosis as a potential human disease. The meat from free-range domestic pigs and game meat as a potential source of alariosis should always be adequately thermally treated before consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trematode Alaria alata is a cosmopolite parasite found in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), the main definitive host in Europe. In contrast only few data are reported in wild boars (Sus scrofa), a paratenic host. The aim of this paper is to describe the importance and distribution of Alaria alata mesocercariae in wild boars, information is given by findings of these larvae during Trichinella mandatory meat inspection on wild boars’ carcasses aimed for human consumption. More than a hundred cases of mesocercariae positive animals are found every year in the East of France. First investigations on the parasite’s resistance to deep-freezing in meat are presented in this work.

Th e paper summarises information on 11 species of trematodes parasitic in 9 species of wild carnivorans of Ukraine. Th e largest number of trematode species (9) was found in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Alaria alata (Diplostomidae) appeared to be the most common trematode parasite in the studied group; it was found in 4 host species from 9 administrative regions and Crimea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last 15 years, the mesocercariae of Alaria alata have frequently been reported in the wild boar during routine Trichinella inspections made compulsory for the trade of venison meat in Europe. If these studies have focused primarily on mesocercariae isolated from meat, few works have been done so far to understand the circulation of the parasite in natural conditions especially in the intermediate hosts. This study focuses on the second intermediate hosts of this parasite assessing the suitability of two amphibian groups-brown frogs and water frogs sensu lato-for mesocercarial infection on an area where A. alata has already been identified in water snails and wild boars. During this study, both groups showed to be suitable for mesocercarial infection, with high prevalence and parasite burdens. Prevalence was higher in the brown frog group (56.9 versus 11.54 % for water frogs) which would indicate that it is a preferential group for infection on the study area, though reasons for this remain to be investigated. No significant difference among prevalences was observed between tadpoles and frogs. This study, the first focusing on A. alata in these amphibians in Europe, provides further information on circulation of this parasite in natura. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The presence of the mesocercarial stage of Alaria alata (Goeze, 1792) in wild boar meat represents a potential risk for human, but little is known about the circulation of mesocercaria in wild boar populations. Routine Trichinella inspection, mandatorily performed in wild boar in France, also allowed detecting mesocercaria. We analyzed the results of this detection in the carcasses of 27,582 wild boars hunted in 2007–2011, in 502 hunting areas of the Rhine valley. Prevalence was globally low (0.6%), but 12% of the hunting areas were affected. These were clustered in lowlands of the Rhine valley, and prevalence strongly decreased with increasing elevation. In the lowlands, prevalence doubled between 2007 and 2011. This time trend and the geographic aggregation of positive wild boars suggest risk management measures based on targeted surveillance, control and prevention. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Raccoon dogs recently invaded Denmark. [•] Raccoon dogs and foxes harboured several helminths, some are zoonotic. [•] A markedly different helminth fauna was evident between the two hosts. [•] A fox was infected with Echinococcus multilocularis, no Trichinella spp. were detected. [•] Wildlife surveillance is a foundation for the protection against communicable parasites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Alaria alata is a potential zoonotic parasite, which is widely distributed in Eurasia. To assess the risk of human infection, it is important to know the spatial distribution pattern of the parasite and factors influencing this pattern. To investigate these relationships, 1612 red fox (Vulpes vulpes) carcasses were randomly collected from the whole Hungarian territory, and the intestines were examined by sedimentation and counting technique. The spatial distribution of the parasite was highly clumped. The topographic positions where the foxes had been shot and the intensity of infections were recorded in geographic information system database. Digitized home ranges of infected and uninfected foxes were analysed on the background of geographic vector data of altitude, land cover types, permanent waters, mean annual temperature, annual precipitation and soil permeability. Multiple regression analysis was performed with environmental parameter values and A. alata scores. Based on the statistical analysis, lack of permanent waters, mean annual temperature, annual precipitation and soil permeability were the major determinants of the spatial distribution of A. alata. It can be explained by the use of biotopes by the intermediate hosts. The lack of permanent waters results in the use of temporary waters by the second intermediate hosts, frogs. The higher temperature, the lower precipitation and the higher soil permeability lead to earlier desiccation of temporary waters, and tadpoles and frogs infected with mesocercariae can be more easily predated by the final hosts (e.g., red foxes). Moreover, temporary waters are more easily contaminated with the faeces of the final hosts containing eggs than permanent waters. Therefore, high infection rate with A. alata can be expected mainly in lowland areas, where the hydrogeography of permanent waters is less complex, the precipitation is lower, the mean temperature and the soil permeability are higher than in highland areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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).