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The booklet explains how to design and renovate buildings in order to protect the fauna, especially birds. Case scenarios come from the Italian region Emilia-Romagna and refer to reconstruction and renovation works after an earthquake.

Multilocus enzyme electrophoresis is the tool most frequently used to classify Leishmania spp., although it is time consuming and, sometimes, a not enough discriminative method. In the present study a kinetoplast DNA polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to characterize 16 zymodeme MON-1 Leishmania infantum strains: 15 were from dogs housed in public kennels of 7 geographical areas in the Emilia-Romagna region, Northern Italy, 1 was the L. infantum reference strain MHOM/TN/1980/IPT1. Six enzymatic patterns were observed. Kinetoplast DNA RFLP-PCR confirmed to have a good discriminatory power within the same zymodeme and proved to be useful for comparing few strains or discriminating between relapse and reinfection in the same host. We therefore recommend it use for discriminating between relapse and reinfection in the same host rather than supporting large-scale epidemiological studies.

Introduction - Gastro-intestinal nematodes are important helminth parasites in all animal species. However, they must regarded particularly dangerous in domestic ruminant species, also in relation to consequent economic losses. Aim - The present study focused on providing current data, missing since several decades, on gastro-intestinal nematode parasitic infection, prevalence and epidemiology in adult cattle (dairy and brood cows) bred in Italy. Materials and methods - The survey was performed collecting 427 fecal samples from a bovine slaughterhouse in the province of Bologna (Italy). Samples, obtained from single animals processed, were analyzed by qualitative coprological examinations. From the same animals 100 abomasa were randomly selected and examined by necropsy technique to assess the presence of worm burdens. Results - Gastro-intestinal nematode eggs were detected in 31% of individual fecal samples examined. Evaluation of abomasa exhibited a prevalence of 13% of helminthes. Ostertagia, Trichostrongylus and Cooperia were the isolated genera. The fecal output of nematode eggs was significantly related with the livestock category and the stocking density. Discussion - The influence of livestock category on the occurrence of positive coprological results can be attributed to the condition of animal husbandry: brood cows are often pasture raised. The correlation observed between positive samples and herd size, with intermediate class (50-99 animals) associated with higher prevalence, may be explained by a different effectiveness of hygiene management among classes of stocking density. Conclusions - The study results show that endoparasitic infection by nematodes is a problem that must be considered ubiquitous in Italy in adult cattle, with relatively high prevalence rate. Nevertheless, it seems to be still underestimated by technicians in the field.

Poiché molti ectoparassiti sono vettori di numerose e importanti malattie degli animali d’affezione, lo scopo di ESCCAP è di realizzare e diffondere informazioni e un supporto completo per assistere sia i medici veterinari sia i proprietari di animali, al fine di controllare in modo efficace le infestazioni da ectoparassiti e prevenire, nel contempo, la trasmissione delle malattie veicolate dagli stessi. Queste linee guida sono focalizzate sui gruppi più importanti di ectoparassiti come pulci, zecche e pidocchi

A national survey to obtain information of helminth control practices on horses and farm management was carried out in 2014 in Italy. Data were collected using 387 face-to-face questionnaire with questions regarding type and size of farms, use of horses, grazing management, parasite control protocol, interval worming, time of treatments, number of treatments per year, anthelmintic class used, specific treatments (tapeworms and encysted cyathostomins). In tolal, data of 7,616 horses were obtained In Italy, most control protocols were strategic. Sixty eight percent of respondents administered anthelmintics at particular times of the year. With respect to worming intervals, most of them (45%) treated animals at 6 months intervals and 4% wormed horses bi-monthly. Six percent of respondents declared that they left animals untreated. With regard to the time of treatment administration, most reported that dosing was carried out independently from the season, although someone emphasized a greater attention to dosing during autumn and spring months. The mean number of treatments per year was 2.6 (range 1-12). Over half (64%) of respondents indicated that ivermectin and moxidectin or their associations (e.g plus praziquantel) were the most commonly used anthelmintics in the previous 12 months. Treatments against cyathostomin encysted larvae and tapeworms were administered by 11% and 21% of respondents, respectively. Most owners obtained information on parasite control from veterinarians (93%), in addition to specialized journals and internet forums in decreasing order of importance. This is the first national survey investigating parasite control practices and anthelmintic use in horses

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

INTRODUCTION: Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Strongylida, Angiostrongylidae) is regarded as important lungworm specie of domestic felids. Recently also Troglostrongylus spp. (Strongylida, Crenosomatidae), has been described in domestic cats with growing number of cases in Southern Italy (Brianti et al., 2014, Vet. Parasitol, S0304-4017: 00061-2), having an indirect life cycle, which overlaps that of the better known A. abstrusus. Adult worms of both genera have distinct morphology and localization within the lung tissue of the definitive hosts. The presence of these parasites in the airways of the definitive hosts may cause significant respiratory signs. This study describes a mixed infection by these lungworms in a kitten coming from Sardinia (Capo Comino), but resident in the province of Bologna. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The fecal sample of a 3 months old small cat was sent on October 8, 2013 at the Dept. of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy, for routine examinations. Copromicroscopical examination carried out with a floating solution (PS 1300) and by Baerman apparatus, showed the presence of larvae (L1). The kitten was clinically evaluated and subjected to X-ray exams. Larvae found in each microscopic field were morphometrically and morphologically examined individually and identified based on their size and appearance of the tail and the head. DNA was extracted from L1 larvae and then processed by PCR amplyfing ITS2 ribosomal RNA as described by Tamponi et al. (2014 in press). RESULTS: The morphology and the size of the larvae was indicative for mixed infection of A. abstrusus and Troglostrongylus spp.. Clinical examination was normal and chest X-ray showed a diffuse alveolar-interstitial pattern with an increased soft tissue opacity in the right caudal lobe. ITS2 sequences showed a 100% homology those of T. brevior and A. abstrusus. The kitten firstly was treated with Prednisone 2.5 mg for 5 days and Imidacloprid 10%/Moxidectin 1% Spot-on (Traversa et al., 2009, Parasitol. Res., 105: s55-s62). Fecal examination repeated on October 30, 2013 tested still positive while, at x ray the pulmonary framework was improved; the kitten was treated again with the spot-on. After a further period spent in Sardinia, on January 28, 2014 fecal examination revealed again the presence of larvae and a third treatment, increasing the dosage on the spot on was performed. The last control on March 6, 2014 tested negative and the clinical pictures allowed us to be considered the cat healed. CONCLUSIONS: Lungworm parasitic infection of the cat are usually reported as due to A. abstrusus, while there are scarce reports of other lung nematodes; this could be due to the lack of accurate evaluation of morphometrical features of L1 during coprological diagnosis. This case in a cat coming from Sardinia confirms the spreading of these parasites, and in particular of T. brevior in this island as recently reported in other surveys (Tamponi et al. 2014 in press). This genera is usually reported as few pathogen, unlike A. abstrusus. In our case, despite the double infestation, the subject showed no obvious clinical signs, even if the framework of lung was altered and improved following therapy.

In spite of the increasing number of reports of troglostrongylosis in domestic cats in Europe (Brianti et al., 2014, Vet. Parasitol., in press), no data is available on the occurrence of this parasite in wildcats. Indeed, scientific data on the lungworms of this wild felid is scarce (Krone et al., 2008, Eur. J. Wildl. Res., 54:95-100). This study aims to investigate the lungworm species infecting wildcats, in order to assess their impact on the health of this endangered carnivorous and to elucidate their role as potential bridging hosts for this parasite to domestic animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wildcat carcasses were received from two Natural Parks situated in Basilicata and Sicily. Crops were biometrically and molecularly identified at sub-species level (Mattucci et al., 2013, Ecol. Evol., 3:2443-2458) and examined for lungworms. Morphometric data and causes of death were registered for each animal. Epidemiological indexes such as prevalence, mean abundance, mean intensity and aggregation k-index were calculated and statistically analyzed for each parasites species (Bush et al., 1997, J. Parasitol., 48:575-583). RESULTS: A total of 21 wildcats (12 females and 9 males) were examined, being 7 yearlings and 14 adults. Based on both biometrical and molecular analysis 19 were classified as pure Felis silvestris silvestris, whereas the remaining two were hybrids. Fifteen wildcats were found positive for Troglostrongylus brevior and 7 for Eucoleus aerophilus, being 5 (23.8%) animals co-infected by both lungworm species. Epidemiological indexes calculated for T. brevior and E. aerophilus respectively are reported on the follows: prevalence: 71.4% and 33.3%; mean abundance 4.7 and 0.8; mean intensity 6.6 and 2.4; aggregation k-index 0.69 and 0.42. The main cause of death was road casualties (66.6%) followed by illegal hunting (19.1%) and starvation (14.3%). No significant differences were recorded among animal variables neither between regions for both lungworm species. The rate of infection by T. brevior was larger in yearlings (85.7%) than in adults (64.3%), and mature worms were collected from the lungs of two 1-month-old kittens (Figure 1).CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present survey indicate that wildcats may be highly infected with T. brevior and E. aerophilus and might act as spreaders of these parasites to sympatric domestic animals. In spite of the large prevalence for lungworms herein observed, the aggregated distribution pattern recorded for both species suggests that these parasites do not represent a biological threat for the studied population (Lafferty, 2012, Philos. Trans. B., 367:2814-2827). Based on the topography, climatic features and prey spectrum of geographical regions where wildcats were collected, a similar picture might be envisaged in other wildcat populations living across the Mediterranean basin.

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

Il problema della coesistenza animali-uomo in ambito urbano ha da sempre richiesto attività di controllo e gestione degli animali stessi. Oggi questa attività, denominata Igiene urbana veterinaria, poggia su solide basi tecnico-scientifiche e si evolve in sintonia con l’evolversi della società, dei costumi, delle mode, degli atteggiamenti, dei commerci, della globalizzazione. Pertanto dalla stretta cerchia del sapere veterinario si sta aprendo ad altre professionalità, al fine di rendere più sicuro e appagante il rapporto tra gli animali, l’uomo e l’ambiente nelle nostre città. Gli aspetti, positivi e negativi, del rapporto uomo-animale in ambito urbano assumono diverse connotazioni a seconda della tipologia dell’ambiente urbano e della varietà degli animali presenti, diversificandosi anche in relazione ai diversi Paesi nei quali trova applicazione l’IUV. Vengono presi in considerazione i vari problemi sanitari e gestionali, legati agli animali nelle città, con particolare attenzione a quelli di maggior impatto sul cittadino (zoonosi, morsicature, ecc.) e che richiedono un maggior impegno dei Servizi veterinari pubblici (ad es. randagismo canino e vagantismo felino)