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Parasitic infections in populations of wild herbivores can affect the individual fitness and population dynamics of their hosts. In this study, the ecology of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites was investigated in an Alpine ibex colony of the Marmolada massif, eastern Alps. Both individual and environmental factors were studied to reveal their relationship with parasite prevalence and burden. In a four-year period, 414 individual faecal samples of ibex were collected on a monthly basis during summer and autumn and were subjected to quali-quantitative examinations for the identification and quantification of oocysts and eggs. Domestic ungulates grazing in the same area were also sampled to investigate the risk of GI parasite transmission. Negative binomial regression models were developed to study the influence of physiological and environmental factors on parasite burdens. The results of the qualitative examination were in agreement with the few data already present in the literature for Alpine ibex, showing high prevalence values for Coccidia and GI strongyles, low values for Cestoda and sporadic presence of whipworms. Higher burdens in kids were found for Coccidia and Cestoda. Analysis of the GI endoparasite community of cattle and sheep suggested a negligible risk of parasite transmission to the Alpine ibex population. The sanitary risk represented by Coccidia and Cestoda in ibex kids and some peculiarities of the endoparasite distribution patterns in the Marmolada ibex population call for future in-depth ecological studies to investigate their influence on the limited growth rate shown by the ibex colony during the last decade.

A 6-year-old female goose (Branta hutchinsii) from a group of ornamental exotic geese was found dead due to severe respiratory failure, followed by emission of haemorrhagic sputum and blood clots from the beak and nostrils, and then collapse. At necropsy, the cause of death was attributed to a total of 76 helminth parasites found in the trachea and lungs, then identified as Cyathostoma bronchialis. The flock was initially treated by feed with flubendazole (1200 g/1000 kg/feed) for 7 consecutive days but, at the reappearance of the respiratory symptoms 10 days after, the animals were given fenbendazole by drinking water (300 mg/L) for 7 consecutive days, but at the reappearance of the respiratory symptoms 10 days after, the animals were given fenbendazole via drinking water (300 mg/L) for 7 consecutive days. Despite these treatments, the respiratory symptoms continued to relapse 10–15 days after the end of drug administration. In the literature, there are no data regarding drugs for the treatment of C. bronchialis infestations in geese, and the use of these drugs in exotic birds occurs as “off-label” use. This case study provides information on C. bronchialis life cycle, which is still poorly studied and poorly documented today. In particular, the case provides useful suggestions for evaluating an appropriate protocol for the treatment of C. bronchialis in geese.

Alien species are species introduced by humans (either intentionally or accidentally) outside its natural past or present distribution. Synonyms of “alien” that are widely used are: exotic, allochthonous, introduced, not native species (NNS) or not indigenous. Otherwise, a species occurring in its original area is defined as autochthonous or native or indigenous. In Italy, Zerunian (2004) reports the presence of 48 autochthonous freshwaters species (with 22 endemisms). Nocita and Zerunian (2007) reports 38 allochthonous species, 13 of them are naturalized. The last check list drafted by Italian Association of Freshwaters Ichthyologist (A.I.I.A.D.) in 2016 reported the presence of 72 allochthonous species. The increase is also due to the implementation of new genetics techniques and biogeographic knowledge. The most common negative effects that an alien species may cause are: 1) predation; 2) competition with autochthonous species; 3) changes of the habitat; 4) hybridization with indigenous species; 5) spreading of new pathogenic agents (parasites, bacteria, viruses, fungi) that may be more virulent to new hosts due to the lack of innate immunity in the autochthonous species. In Italy, the introduction of fish fauna from foreign countries, both for restocking or for aquaculture, has been going on for years. Problems related to international trade are not just an Italian issue. In fact, the presence of globalization and the paucity of rules and controls at frontiers has led to the introduction of alien species in the Member States and their spread throughout the territory. A classic example is the Anguillicolosis, a parasitic disease caused by Anguillicoloides crassus (Nematoda), introduced in Europe through the import of Anguilla japonica from Asia. It causes health problems (inflammation of the swim bladder and secondary bacterial infections) in aquaculture facilities and in eel wild populations. In addition, certain pathogens introduced with the import of live fish may potentially be dangerous for humans (zoonotic agents), such as some etheroxenic parasites present in freshwater fish. Health issues are not only related to the introduction of alien species from other countries, but are also extended to the handling of indigenous species from different geographic district within the national territory. Thus, risks from the introduction of alien species are several: while the ecological risks have been repeatedly defined, and reaffirmed at national and international scientific meetings, the health risks are often marginally considered. The aim of this presentation is to contribute to the assessment of alien freshwaters fish introduced in our territory and related health risks.

Since the Seventies, a reduction of the European brown hare population (Lepus europaeus) has been observed in most European Countries, including Italy. This reduction suddenly accelerated, at least in some italian areas areas, from 2008 and is still continuing. The studied hares come from the eastern hunting-management district of the Province of Bologna (Emilia-Romagna Region) known as ATCBO2. In ATCBO2, both the hares hunted in the hunting areas and the hares captured in the protected areas severely dropped from 2008-09. For example, about six thousands hares were hunted in 2009-10 while about four thousands were hunted in 2015-16; consistently, captured hares were more than 2 thousands in 2008-09 and about seven hundred in 2015-16. However, the same data suggest a reduced speed of hare decline from 2013-14, when the hare population seems to stabilize at low densities. 54 and 61 hares legally hunted in 2013-14 and 2015-16 hunting season, respectively, were examinded for helminth parasites. Sex and full weight was recordered by hunters; age was estimated observing Stroh’s tubercle. No significant difference in the sampled hare population was found between the two hunting seasons: sex-ratio, age-ratio and full weigh was similar in both years. In both hunting seasons, the intestinal nematode Trichostrongylus retortaeformis and the visceral larval form of the tapeworm Taenia pisiformis (cysticercus) were collected; moreover, lesions ascribed to lung nematode infection were observed in 3+3 hares collected in each hunting season. In the second hunting season only, the nematode Trichuris sp. and the filarial nematode Micipsella numidica were also collected from the intestine and the sierosae, respectively. Parasite biodiversity was, therefore, particularly low in both seasons, but improved in the second one. Significant differences between the two hunting seasons were observed for both T. pisiformis and T. retortaeformis. T. pisiformis infection was less frequent in 2015-16 (3.28%) than in 2013-14 (14.81%); on the contrary, T. retortaeformis abundance was significantly higher in the second hunting season. While T. pisiformis abundance appeared to be negatively related with the weight of the hares in the first hunting season, T. retortaeformis abundance was higher in heavier hosts in both seasons. Both parasites are typical of adult hosts: T. retortaeformis was significantly more abundant in adults and T. pisiformis cysticerci were never isolated in animals younger than 7 month. From 2007-08 hunters (and mass-media) reported a sudden increase of hares infected by T.pisiformis cysticerci, seldom or even never found before in the same area. Previous reports about hare parasites showed quite composite helminth communities, with different helmith species parasitising the gastro-intestinal tract of the hares. The results of the present study reveal an atypical parasite situation, with the strong dominance of one gastro-intestinal helminth species only and the appearance of heavy infections due to cysticerci of T. pisiformis. The difference in parasite infections suggest a modification of the host-parasite relationship over time. The hares examined in the first hunting season show a very critical parasite situation, with T. pisiformis possibly affecting host condition and a strongly depauperated intestinal helminth community dominated by T. retortaeformis alone. The reduction of T. pisiformis infection two years later and the appearance of other helminth species suggest improved host-parasite relationship and could indicate that the period of hare population decline is going to end up. It is impossible to know if parasites played any role in promoting hare population decline, but it is very difficult that T. pisiformis alone could have induced such a dramatic host decline. Hosts and parasites appears, rather, to be tied by a common ecological destiny.

Italian hare Lepus corsicanus De Winton, 1898, is a true species living in simpatry with Lepus europaeus in mainland Italy and with Oryctolagus cuniculus in Sicily, where L. europaeus is absent. Up to date, nobody has studied the helminths of this endemic Italian Mammal. Therefore, in order to describe Italian hare gastro-intestinal helminths, gastro-intestinal tract of 29 Italian hares, coming from mainland Italy (#14) and from Sicily (#15) were collected between 1997 and 2009. Twentyfive hares were positive for at least one parasite (86 %). Six parasite species were isolated, 2 cestodes (Cittotaenia pectinata, prevalence 3 %) and Paranoplocephala sp., 3 %) and 4 nematodes (Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, 86 %, Graphidium strigosum, 14 %, Trichuris sp., 10 % and Teladorsagia circumcincta, 7 %). Both Teladorsagia circumcincta circumcincta and Teladorsagia circumcincta trifurcata morphotypes were identified. Comparison with available data regarding L. europaeus and O. cuniculus in Italy is provided. Being not T. circumcincta and Paranoplocephala sp. typical parasites of leporids, a description of the observed specimens is given.

Factors affecting the thermophilic Campylobacter fecal shedding in Italian dairy farming conditions have been investigated in a 12-month longitudinal study performed in a dairy farm authorized to sell raw milk in Italy. Fifty animals were randomly selected from 140 adult and young animals, and fecal sampling was performed six times at two month intervals; additionally at each sampling, three trough water samples and two trough feed samples were collected for both adult and young animals. Samples were analyzed by real-time PCR and cultural examination. Overall 33 samples (9.7%) were positive for thermophilic Campylobacter by real-time PCR: 26 out of 280 (9.2%) fecal samples, six out of 36 water points (16.6%) and one of the 24 feed samples (4.2%). Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from 6 out of 280 samples; no other Campylobacter sp. was isolated. A higher but not significant positivity was observed in fecal samples of younger animals (11.33%% versus 6.92% of adult animals) and a higher and significant positivity was observed in water samples collected from the water troughs of young animals. A distinct temporal dynamic trend was observed during the study period for both cows and calves, with two prevalence peaks between November/December and between May/July. Several factors such as calving, housing practices, herd size, management practices forcing together a higher number of animals, variations in feeding or water source, which were previously reported as cause of temporal variation in different farming conditions, could be excluded as cause of the two seasonal peaks in this study. The factors affecting the seasonality of Campylobacter shedding in the dairy herds remain unclear and warrant further investigation. The results of the present study indicate that special attention should be paid to farm hygiene management in farms authorized to produce and sell raw milk with increased surveillance by the authorities in certain periods of the year.

The objective of this study was to analyse over time the evolution of E. coli O157:H7 faecal shedding in a dairy herd producing raw milk for direct human consumption. The study was performed between October 2012 and September 2013 in an average size Italian dairy farm where animals are housed inside the barn all over the year. The farm housed about 140 animals during the study – 70 cows and 70 calves and heifers. Twenty-six animals were randomly selected from both the cows and young animals group, and faecal sampling was performed rectally six times two months apart in each animal. Eleven animals were culled during the study and a total of 285 faecal samples were collected. At each faecal sampling, three trough water samples and two trough feed samples were also collected for a total of 36 water samples and 24 feed samples. Samples were analysed by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and culture. Overall, 16 (5.6%) faecal samples were positive for E. coli O157 by RT-PCR. Cultural examination found 9 (3.1%) samples positive for E. coli O157; all the isolates were positive for stx1, stx 2 and eae genes. One (4.1%) feed sample was positive for E. coli O157 by RT-PCR; none of the water samples was positive for E. coli O157. The model highlighted a general significant reduction of the number of positive samples observed during the study from the first to the sixth sampling (P=0.000) and a positive relation between the presence of positive samples and average environmental temperature (P=0.003). The results of the study showed that in an Italian dairy farm housing animals all year, faecal shedding of E. coli O157 followed the same temporal trend reported for other types of farming. The enhanced faecal shedding during warmer months may have a significant impact on environmental contamination and the safety of raw milk and its byproducts.

Lo scopo della ricerca è stato quello di valutare, tramite uno studio longitudinale, le modifiche temporali nella eliminazione fecale di E. coli O157:H7 in un allevamento di bovine da latte che commercializza latte crudo per il consumo umano diretto. Lo studio è stato effettuato tra ottobre 2012 e settembre 2013 in una tipica stalle di medie dimensioni. L’allevamento era costituito da circa 140 animali (70 capi adulti e 70 giovani). Ventisei animali di ciascuno dei due gruppi (adulti e giovani) sono stati scelti casualmente e sono stati effettuati da ciascun animale 6 campionamenti di feci a distanza di 2 mesi l’uno dall’altro (in totale 284). A ogni campionamento sono stati effettuati, per ciascun gruppo, 3 campioni di acqua (in totale 36) dagli abbeveratoi e 2 campioni di mangime dalla greppia (in totale 24). I campioni sono stati analizzati tramite real time PCT (RTPCR) ed esame colturale. In totale 16 (5,6%) campioni di feci sono risultati positivi tramite RT-PCR e 9 tramite esame colturale. In tutti gli isolati è stata dimostrata la presenza dei geni stx1, stx 2 e eae. Un campione di mangime è risultato positivo tramite RT-PCR; nessun campione di acqua è risultato positivo. L’elaborazione dei dati ha evidenziato in generale una riduzione del numero di campioni positivi nel corso dello studio e una relazione tra la prevalenza dei campioni positivi e la temperatura media ambientale. I risultati dello studio dimostrano che, in una tipica azionda di bovini da latte Italiana, l’eliminazione fecale di E. coli O157:H7 segue il medesimo andamento osservato in altre situazioni; l’aumento della eliminazione fecale nel periodo estivo ha un impatto significativo sulla contaminazione ambientale e e sulla sicurezza dei prodotti alimentari in particolare il latte venduto e consumato crudo

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the social hierarchy of plain zebra, Equus quagga, and the level of parasitism. For the study 141 fecal samples from the same number of animals were collected within the two major populations of E. quagga of Uganda (Lake Mburo Conservation Area and Kidepo Valley National Park). Quantitative (eggs per gram of faeces) and qualitative parasite assessment were performed with standard methods. The relationship between parasite burden and individual host features was analyzed using Generalised Linear Models. Strongyles, cestodes, Strongyloides sp. and oxiurids where present in the examined samples. Social rank and age class significantly affect all parasites’ abundance with dominant individuals being less parasitized than subordinate individuals, regardless of the parasite groups excluding oxiurids. Sex could not been shown to be related with any of the found parasites. Age was positively related with strongyles and oxiurids abundance and negatively related with cestodes and Strongyloides sp. The main result of the present study was the evidence that social status influences parasite level with dominant zebras shedding less parasite eggs than subordinate ones. Social rank appears, therefore, as an important factor giving rise to parasite aggregation in plain zebras.

Background - Sarcoptic mange is one of the most severe diseases of wild Caprinae populations in Europe, raising concerns about wildlife management and conservation. Since 1995, an epidemic of sarcoptic mange has been affecting the chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra) population of the dolomitic area, in the North Eastern Italian Alps, involving also the sympatric ibex (Capra ibex) populations. The index case was found in the province of Belluno, where the disease is still spreading and where are now present different epidemiological situations: free areas, epidemic areas, endemic areas with sporadic cases, and an endemic area showing a second clinical peak about 15 years from the index case. In the past years, different approaches have been attempted to control scabies and to better understand the dynamics of this disease. Among these, ELISA serological methods have been applied on chamois shot during the regular hunting seasons, mainly in free areas, as an attempt to anticipate the arrival of the clinical disease. Notwithstanding, these attempts showed contradictory results, due to the difficulties in both interpreting serological evidences and defining an epidemic front to compare with. Methods - Starting from raw data of 1168 scabies-affected chamois carcases found from 1995 to 2010, and 2735 shot chamois tested for antibodies to Sarcoptes scabiei on lung extract from 2001 to 2009, we propose an explorative approach in the Belluno province. This approach, implemented by time series analysis and a geographic information system (GIS), explores the scabies epidemic in chamois, its front and the seropositivity distribution in space and time using, instead of the index cases, the centroid of the mountain massifs during their own epidemic peaks and/or the coordinate mean of the clinical mange cases in each year as epidemiological units and geographical benchmarks. Results and discussion - regarding clinical cases, time series analysis confirmed previous studies, showing the main incidence of the disease during late winter/early spring. The scabies front appears to spread in a south-westward direction with a mean estimated speed of 5±3.7 km/year, which is comparable with the results of previous studies in the same area. Considering the serological results in comparison to scabies cases, an interesting and quite regular pattern was observed, as the earliest serological positive case in different massifs anticipates the earliest clinical cases of 5-6 years. The average distance between epidemic front and the first serological positivity is more than 25 Km. These results appear unexpected, and should be confirmed by further analyses to be performed in neighbouring areas, namely Trento and Bolzano provinces. If these result will be confirmed, they would represent a significant step in the knowledge of S. scabiei ecology and potential impact in the alpine chamois populations.

Il lavoro presenta un approccio esplorativo all’epidemiologia della rogna sarcoptica del camoscio, implementato in provincia di Belluno attraverso analisi di serie storiche e un sistema GIS applicati, anche in relazione alle stime di popolazione, su due tipologie di dati: i) animali morti/clinicamente affetti da rogna sarcoptica (1168 ritrovamenti dal 1995 al 2010), ii)animali abbattuti a caccia, clinicamente sani, sottoposti a test ELISA per la ricerca di anticorpi contro Sarcoptes scabiei su estratto polmonare (2735 campioni dal 2001 al 2009). L’unità epidemiologica considerata, superando i confini amministrativi, è stata il “gruppo montuoso”, inteso come area all’interno della quale i contatti intraspecifici sono significativamente maggiori rispetto a quelli tra camosci di gruppi montuosi differenti. L’analisi dei dati storici ha fornito informazioni sul picco di mortalità, confermando come l’impatto della rogna aumenti negli ultimi mesi invernali raggiungendo il massimo nei primi mesi primaverili. Attraverso mappe tematiche, è stato quindi visualizzato l’andamento spaziotemporale della rogna in provincia di Belluno, definendo il fronte epidemico non come singolo/i caso/i in gruppi montuosi precedentemente indenni, ma come il momento in cui l’epidemia, raggiunto il picco di mortalità, è in grado di passare da un gruppo montuoso a un altro o ad altri adiacenti. La velocità media di avanzamento del fronte della malattia è stata stimata in circa 3,5 km/anno. Tale dato è stato corroborato dalla stima della media delle velocità pairwise tra gruppi montuosi, di 5,09±3,68 km/anno. L’analisi dei dati sierologici ha messo in luce una certa costanza di anticipo spaziale e temporale delle sieroconversioni rispetto alla malattia, con i primi casi sieropositivi distanti 25-30 km dal fronte epidemico, e circa 5 anni in anticipo sui primi casi clinici. Questi risultati sono tuttora in corso di valutazione, e saranno esaminati anche alla luce dei dati ottenuti nei confinanti territori di Trento e Bolzano.

Little is known about the normal or pathologic yeast flora in healthy and critically ill neonatal foals. The aims of this study were to evaluate the yeast flora colonizing the mucous membranes of the digestive tract (oropharynx and rectum mucous membranes) of healthy and hospitalized foals and to find out risk factors involved in yeast colonization of foals referred to a neonatal intensive care unit. A total of 240 swabs were collected from 21 healthy (group A) and 39 sick (group B) foals. In 14 of the 60 foals, yeast was isolated in at least one sample (23.3%): 3 of the 21 foals (14.3%) were positive in group A and 11 of 39 foals (28.2%) were positive in group B. The yeasts were isolated from rectal swabs obtained from none in healthy foals, whereas 5 of the 39 sick foals were positive; however, this difference was not statistically significant. No significant difference was also detected regarding oropharyngeal swabs between healthy (3/21) and sick (10/39) foals. The risk factors significantly associated with the isolation of yeasts from rectal swabs were female sex, treatment with oral antibiotics, and stressful diagnostic–therapeutic procedures. The only risk factor significantly associated with the isolation of yeast from oropharyngeal swabs was the treatment with antacids and gastroprotectants. The results show that fungi present in the gastrointestinal tract of neonatal foals were mainly environmental yeasts and suggested the absence of a stable fungal colonization. Candida was the genus frequently isolated in hospitalized foals, just as it is isolated in critically ill human neonates.

AIM – Strongylidae, which includes the most common parasites of equids, have been historically difficult to identify. Molecular methods, whose use is taking place in recent years, have the disadvantage of being expensive and have been developed only for the most prevalent strongylid species. That is why, more extensive studies of the strongylids by classical morphological methods are still necessary. The aim of this study is to update the knowledge about the species of nematode parasites affecting Italian donkeys and give a critical review about identification keys for larvae (Euzeby J, 1981, Diagnostic experimental des Helminthoses animales, Information Technique des Services Veterinaires, Ministère de l’Agricolture, Paris, F) and adults (Lichtenfels JR et al, 2008, Vet Parasitol, 156: 4-161) of Strongylidae. MATERIALS AND METHODS – Between November 2009 and April 2010, the intestine of ten donkeys was collected from a slaughterhouse. All animals, five male foals and five adult females, belonged to an organic farm and never had anthelmintic treatments. Following a proven technique for parasites’ isolation in Equidae (Bu Y et al, 2009, Acta Parasitol, 54: 263-268; Matthee S et al, 2000, J of Parasitol, 86:756-762), after dilution in water, 10% of the whole intestinal content was collected by each intestinal tract and repeatedly washed before parasite isolation. Adult parasites were identified following Lichtenfels’ keys. If available, a faecal specimen was collected from rectum for coprocolture (seven animals); 100 larvae were identified for each faecal specimen following Euzeby’s keys. RESULTS – Adult parasites: 21 species of Strongylidae were identified (Strongylus vulgaris, Strongylus edentatus (first report in Italian donkeys: frId), Triodontophorus serratus, Triodontophorus brevicauda (frId), Triodontophorus minor (frId), Cyathostomum alveatum, Cyathostomum catinatum, Cyathostomum tetracanthum, Coronacyclus coronatus, Coronocyclus labratus, Cylicocyclus adersi (frId), Cylicocyclus asini (frId), Cylicocyclus auriculatus, Cylicocyclus leptostomum, Cylicocyclus nassatus, Cylicocyclus radiatus, Cylicostephanus calicatus, Cylicostephanus goldi, Cylicostephanus longibursatus, Cylicostephanus minutus, Cylicodontophorus bicoronatus). Critical points verified in Lichtenfels’ keys and descriptions were the following:  the key for the identification on the genus Cyathostomum report that the insertion point of the internal leaf crown is at about ¼ - ½ of buccal capsule depth; actually it is not true for C. alveatum, as clearly appears from the figures and description of this species;  the dorsal gutter of C. asini is described as short, little, button-like. It is clearly a mistake as, consistently with other descriptions of this species (Matthee S et al, 2002, Syst Parasitol, 51: 29-35) and with the photos and pictures of Lichtenfels himself, the dorsal gutter is long and well developed;  the photos of C. radiatus are not consistent with its descriptions;  C. calicatus and C. minutus are very difficult to distinguish as the only morphological difference regards the number of external leaf crown elements (12-18 vs. 8). Larvae: 3 types of strongylid larvae were observed. According to Euzeby’s descriptions they were Cyathostomum spp. sensu lato, Oesophagodontus spp. and Strongylus vulgaris. However the following critical points, verified comparing larval identification with adult parasites isolated in the same host, were observed:  larval length of Strongylus vulgaris was constantly less than the length reported; it is remarkably critical given that the larval length is the starting dichotomous character for identification in Euzeby’s keys;  larvae with 16 intestinal cells couldn’t be Oesophagodontus spp. larvae, as suggested by Euzeby, as there were no adult specimens in the corresponding faecal samples; they probably belong to the species Triodontophorus serratus (isolated...

One of the key feature of the ecology of host-parasite relationship is macroparasite aggregation within host population, with most individuals harbouring low numbers of parasites and few individuals playing host to many. The actual effect of parasites in host population dynamic is related to the degree of aggregation but also the category of hosts in which parasites aggregate is important. If parasites aggregate in mating animals the impact on the host’s reproductive number should be higher. Equus quagga lives in multi-level societies. Females live in closed groups, called harems, with their offspring and a single male. A dominant female in harems is recognizable, such as a dominant stallion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between the social hierarchy of E. quagga and the level of parasitism. Individual faecal samples from 141 zebras were collected within the two major populations of E.quagga of Uganda (Lake Mburo Conservation Area and Kidepo Valley National Park). Quantitative (eggs per gram of faeces) parasite assessment were performed with standard methods. The relationship between parasite burden and individual host features was analyzed using Generalised Linear Models. The main result of the present study was the evidence that social status influences parasite level with dominant zebras shedding less parasite eggs than subordinate ones. Social rank appears, therefore, as an important factor giving rise to parasite aggregation in zebras.

Introduzione. Mentre l’uso dei modelli matematici per i parassiti degli animali selvatici si è ormai consolidato negli ultimi trent’anni, pochi modelli sono disponibili in letteratura per i domestici e nessuno per i parassiti degli equidi, malgrado la loro importanza. Tra questi parassiti, i piccoli strongili, comprendenti oltre 50 specie, sono considerati attualmente, dopo il declino di Strongylus vulgaris, il gruppo di strongili più patogeno negli equidi. Il ciclo di questi parassiti prevede una fase ambientale di schiusa delle uova eliminate con le feci e di sviluppo delle larve fino al terzo stadio infettante (L3). L’ingestione delle L3 dà inizio alla fase endogena del ciclo che si svolge dapprima nello spessore delle mucosa intestinale per poi concludersi con lo sviluppo di parassiti adulti maturi nel lume. Le L3 di piccoli strongili, in uno stadio precoce di sviluppo mucosale, hanno la capacità di entrare in uno stato di arresto metabolico (ipobiosi) la cui durata sembrerebbe regolata dai parassiti adulti attraverso un meccanismo densità-dipendente di feedback negativo. Scopo del lavoro sono stati l’elaborazione di un modello per i piccoli strongili, la modellizzazione ed analisi delle conseguenze dell’ipobiosi, regolata o meno da feedback negativo, e la simulazione di diversi mezzi per il controllo e l’eradicazione dei parassiti. Metodi. E’ stato sviluppato un modello deterministico a popolazione ospite costante. Per simulare la dinamica di popolazione dei piccoli strongili sono stati rivisitati i modelli classici per macroparassiti a ciclo diretto introdotti nel 1978 da Anderson e May che permettono di descrivere la dinamica dei parassiti adulti e delle larve ambientali, con l’introduzione di un’equazione anche per le larve ipobiotiche. Sono stati confrontati modelli in cui la durata dell’ipobiosi era fissa con altri in cui questa era regolata con feedback negativo dal numero di adulti. La mortalità dell’ospite dovuta al parassita è stata trascurata mentre è stata mantenuta la distribuzione Binomiale Negativa dei parassiti nella popolazione ospite ed è stata introdotta una mortalità dei parassiti densità-dipendente. I parametri sono stati impostati sulla base dei dati disponibili in letteratura o stimati sulla base di dati sperimentali raccolti in un allevamento biologico di asini in provincia di Reggio Emilia (Stancampiano et al., questo volume) finalizzato allo studio della dinamica temporale dei piccoli strongili a partire da dati coprologici (numero di uova per grammo di feci: UPGcyath). In aggiunta, sono stati effettuati esami necroscopici e copromicroscopici su asini macellati provenienti dallo stesso allevamento al fine di stimare la relazione esistente tra il numero di adulti e le loro UPG tramite modelli di regressione. La dinamica temporale osservata sperimentalmente ha reso possibile la stima del coefficiente di trasmssione sulla base dell’adattamento dell’output del modello alla dinamica stessa. Il valore dei diversi parametri è stato inoltre aggiustato tramite analisi di sensibilità. Sui modelli così concepiti sono stati simulati trattamenti adulticidi o larvicidi periodici. Per la stima del modello di regressione è stato utilizzato STATA 9.1; per la costruzione del modello matematico è stato usato il programma ModelMaker 4. Risultati. ...

Clenbuterol is a beta2-agonist licensed in Europe solely as a muscle relaxant in pregnant cattle, usually during calf delivery, and for tocolysis and treatment of respiratory diseases in horses. Different use in animals is considered illegal because this growth promoter can endanger human health. The aim of this work was to monitor the presence of clenbuterol in a not official and inedible matrix (where there is strong evidence of its potential accumulation), as ocular bulb, collected in 2007-2009 from turkeys at public slaughterhouses in Central-Northern Italy. The 280 collected samples were analysed with a new and effective method of extraction and purification based on HPLC analysis with UV-DAD detection. The average extraction recoveries were 80.60 ± 1.57%. All the samples were below the quantification limit (0.010 μg/mL). At 95% confidence level the percentage of positive turkeys breeding-farms was below 14%. This allows extending positive evaluations on the safety of edible tissues of Italian turkey.

Lo studio dei macroparassiti in ospiti domestici raramente viene affrontato da un punto di vista epidemiologico quantitativo. In letteratura non sono disponibili lavori che affrontino la dinamica di infezione da piccoli strongili negli equidi, malgrado l’importanza e la diffusione di questi parassiti. Per forza di infezione si intende la velocità di acquisizione di nuove infezioni. Bisogna sottolineare che nel caso dei macroparassiti si possono intendere per nuove infezioni le acquisizioni di nuovi parassiti da parte di ospiti anche già infetti; ciò differenzia il concetto da quello usato per i microparassiti, per i quali la forza di infezione sostanzialmente coincide con l’incidenza. Scopo del lavoro è la stima della forza di infezione per piccoli strongili nell’asino; tale stima è stata possibile grazie all’uso di dati coprologici quantitativi raccolti sul campo da animali vivi. Il campionamento è stato effettuato per classi di età, con lo scopo specifico di studiare la dinamica temporale delle infezioni da strongili. Per ciascun campione sono stati eseguiti esami coprologici quantitativi per la stima del numero di uova di strongili per grammo di feci (UPG) e coprocolture per la schiusa delle uova e lo sviluppo delle larve fino al terzo stadio (L3), momento in cui è possibile la discriminazione tra piccoli e grossi strongili. La percentuale di L3 di piccoli strongili è stata utilizzata per calcolare il numero di uova di piccoli strongili per grammo di feci (UPGcyath). Allo scopo di studiare la dinamica delle infezioni, l’età degli asini è stata utilizzata come proxy del tempo. La relazione tra tempo e UPGcyath è stata individuata adattando ai dati diverse funzioni, lineari o meno, tramite modelli di regressione OLS. Tra queste è stata scelta la funzione che, adattandosi meglio ai dati, potesse spiegare la relazione tra età degli animali e numero di uova di piccoli strongili. La derivata di tale funzione rappresenta la forza di infezione. Per l’analisi statistica è stato utilizzato STATA 9.1. Per lo studio della funzione stimata ed il calcolo della derivata è stato usato il programma Derive 6.

A 13-month-old male Yorkshire terrier from Modena (Northern Italy) was submitted to physical examination because of coughing, diarrhea and progressive weight loss, which worsened in the last week of life. Depression and dyspnea were noted on clinical examination. Radiolography of the thorax indicated interstitial involvement of the diaphragmatic lobe of the right lung and ultrasound of the abdomen showed a diffuse thickening of the small intestine wall. Blood chemistry was indicative of pan-hypoproteinaemia and low folate and fecal examination revealed numerous Strongyloides stercoralis rhabditiform and vital larvae. The subject died after two days and the anatomo-histopathological and parasitological exams confirmed the morphological features of adult S. stercoralis (a well-known agent of zoonosis). This is the first reported case of Strongyloides in Italy in the dog. Un cane Yorkshire terrier maschio di 13 mesi proveniente da Modena, veniva condotto in visita per un complesso di sintomi (tosse, diarrea e graduale perdita di peso) aggravatisi nell’ultima settimana. L’esame clinico rilevava depressione del sensorio, dispnea ed ispessimento della parete delle anse intestinali. Gli esami radiologici (torace) ed ecografici (addome) evidenziavano la presenza di un’interstiziopatia del lobo diaframmatico destro e di un ispessimento diffuso della parete del piccolo intestino. L’esame ematobiochimico indicava esclusivamente panipoproteinemia e calo dei folati. L’esame coprologico rilevava la presenza di numerose larve rabditiformi vitali, riferibili a Strongyloides stercoralis. La morte sopraggiungeva dopo due giorni non consentendo l’attuazione di una terapia specifica. L’esame anatoistopatologico e parassitologico, evidenziando le caratteristiche morfologiche dei parassiti adulti, hanno permesso la conferma della diagnosi e l’identificazione di S. stercoralis, importante agente di zoonosi. Si tratta del primo caso di strongiloidosi segnalato in Italia nel cane.

The influence of host and parasite-related factors on the strongyle infection in 50 horses coming from 6 European countries and slaughtered in Italy for meat production was investigated using a multivariable modelling approach. The study was carried out by examining adult helminths, faecal eggs (identified by culture to the third larval stage) and mucosal larval stages of Cyathostominae. A modified Transmural Illumination technique (TMI) has been performed and Cyathostominae empty mucosal cysts were also evaluated in order to obtain further indications about small strongyles dynamic. All species found in this study were previously reported in European horses. Major differences were detected comparing Hungarian (#24) and Italian (#13) horses. Sex was confirmed as uninfluential, while relations with host age were only partially consistent with the development of acquired resistance. The analysis of both mucosal Cyathostominae larvae (more in Italy) and of the percentage of empty cysts (higher in Hungary) along with lower large strongyle abundance in Hungary allowed to hypothesise a wider use of anthelmintic treatments in Hungarian horses compared to Italian ones. The results regarding adult Cyathostominae (no significant differences nor regarding age or origin) suggested the important role of ecological interactions between larval and adult stages in regulating small strongyle populations.

Aim of the work. The aim of this work was to develop a method for calculating the temporal dynamics parameters of gastrointestinal strongyles infection in a donkey population. In particular the force of infection, defined as the changement rate of the number of parasites, was estimated on the basis of quantitative coprological results. Materials and methods. The research was conducted in an organic farm of donkeys in Salvarano di Quattro Castella (Reggio-Emilia) which is the largest donkeys farm in Europe housing a population of about 600 individuals. This population can be considered just like a free-living population primarily because of the animals are never treated with antihelminthic and because it is essentially an outdoor and closed-cycle farming. During the month of July 2009, 66 individual samples of faeces were collected from animals identified by microchip. A stratified sampling by age was performed in order to study the temporal dynamics of intestinal strongyles infection. Each specimen was examined using quali-quantitative coprological analysis and individual coprocoltures were performed for the strongyle eggs development up to the third larval stage (L3). The number of L3 belonging to different genera or species was compared to the number of strongyle EPG so as to estimate the number of L3/g both for small strongyles (Cyathostominae) and Strongylus vulgaris. In order to assess the progress of infections over time, the age of the donkeys was used as a proxy of the time of infection itself; therefore, the OLS regression model (linear or not) that best fits the observed data, so as to explain the relationship between the age of the donkeys and the quantity of larvae of parasites, was chosen. For the statistical analysis the software STATA 9.1 was used. For the study of the estimated functions and in particular for the calculation of the derivatives, the software Derive 6 was used. Results. The dynamic of the infection over time (age of animals), both for small strongyles and S. vulgaris, fitted a logistic growth curve, whose study made it possible to estimate the force of infection of parasites and the maximum L3/g density reachable (carrying capacity K). The force of infection for small strongyles gets to a peak, equal to 3.3 L3/g month, at 5.3 months. The force of infection then decreases and becomes zero in 47 months, therefore the L3s remain stable after this time. In the case of S. vulgaris the force of infection was approximately equal to 0.22 L3/g month during the whole temporal range. The carrying capacity of the population of S. vulgaris is never reached, continuing to grow during the whole lifetime of the host. Conclusions. This work has allowed to develop a method to calculate the force of infection and therefore to study the temporal dynamic of the major parasites of the donkey. It represents an important basis for models building, estimation of R0 and the realization of parasite control based on ecological data. Furthermore, the difference between the dynamic of small and large strongyles infections has been highlighted, showing that while the population of small strongyles attains its maximum level, the population of S. vulgaris never reaches its carrying potential. We want to point up that the true dynamic paramethers usually refers to the adult parasite population; nevertheless the force of infection estimated from coprological data represents a valid indicator of parasite dynamic, obtainable also in living animals and with a quite simple method.

Aim of the work. This paper presents a method to evaluate if competition is involved in determining the spatial niche of intestinal parasites. Materials and methods. This method has been applied to the study of large intestinal helminths of 50 slaughtered horses. The whole study has recently been published (Stancampiano et al, 2010 Vet Parasitol doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.01.031). Results. Here we present the results regarding the relationship between two similar species, Strongylus vulgaris and Strongylus edentatus, found throughout the large intestine, but more abundant in the caecum and ventral colon respectively, according to the typical species composition of each intestinal region. The role of ecological interactions on the spatial niche occupation, in particular the interspecific competition, is considered to be absent because of the absence of negative pairwise correlations between helminth species. In our opinion, the absence of these correlations does not demonstrate that competition is not occurring. Therefore, after a preliminary Spearman’s test highligting positive pairwise correlations only, two negative binomial regressions were performed with S. vulgaris as dependent variable, in the caecum and ventral colon respectively, demostrating that the presence of S. vulgaris in a particular site is influenced by the presence of S. edentatus. Conclusions. This kind of negative relations has never been highlighted before because the positive relation between the overall abundances of the two species, due to similar epidemiological frameworks, usually hides the ecological phenomenon of spatial competition avoiding its disclosure. This aspect was controlled in the model by the peculiar inclusion of the total number of S. vulgaris itself as independent variable.

Anticoagulant poisoning is a common rodent control method in urban areas, but rodents may exhibit versatile feeding behavioural habits in varying environmental conditions. This study has been conducted to determine those environmental factors that could directly influence bait consumption and which therefore may affect an urban rodent control plan carried out with chemical methods. In the city of Bologna (Italy), 2500 bait stations have been monitored in various urban biotopes and the bait consumption studied in relation to several environmental factors, using both bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results reveal that the rodent patch distribution triggers the avoidance of baits placed outside of their home-range, hence the importance on bait placement. The logistic regression model confirms that vegetation, water and harbourage supplies were important variables in determining bait consumption, probably because they may spatially and temporarily facilitate the agoraphobic rodent movement, ensuring undisturbed bait consumption. The role of predators (dogs and cats) and food competitors (synanthropic birds) remains insignificant. However, bait eating invertebrates may really consume part of the bait. For a proper rodent control plan the first real need is to minimize the alternative food sources, which may compete with baits. Weather conditions in which rodents could possibly pass unnoticed (fog and rainfall) may encourage bait consumption, vice versa with a cold climate. The considered environmental factors have satisfactorily explained bait consumption, highlighting the importance of human influence. The study of environmental factors may be useful in categorizing several site-specific conditions where rodent control efforts should be targeted, enhancing any intervention by matching the correct and specific strategy.

Between December 2005 and November 2006, a survey on coccidiosis of wild and captive mouflons living in the Orecchiella Natural Reserve (Tuscany, Italy) was performed on faecal samples collected approximately every two months. A total of 96 samples were collected, 55 of which from wild mouflons and 41 from captive mouflons. On these faecal samples qualitative and quantitative parasitological analyses were performed; moreover, faecal cultures were made in order to identify the involved Eimeria species. Significantly higher prevalence (%) and mean intensity (mean OPG +/- SD) of coccidian infection resulted for captive mouflons (73.17% and 814.6 +/- 1297.2 OPG) comparing to wild mouflons (36.73% and 112.7 +/- 268.7 OPG). Eimeria parva, E ovinoidalis, E. bakuensis, E. ahasata, E. intricata, E. crandallis, E. granulosa, E. faurei and an Eimeria species very similar to the descriptions previously reported for E. arloingi and E. yakimoffmatschoulsky, were isolated.

Aim of the work. Due to the lack of data about donkey parasites, the aim of this work was to aquire direct informations about parasites of donkey, in order to highlight peculiar epidemiological patterns and possible differences with the horse. In addition, the availability of a large group of untreated equids made it possible to highlight parasitological features seldom investigated in horses. Materials and methods. The research was performed in the organic donkey farm Montebaducco, in Salvarano di Quattro Castella (Reggio Emilia) which, housing a population of about 600 individuals, is the largest in Europe. It is an outdoor and closed-cycle farm, where the animals have never underwent antihelminthic treatments. The factory main activity is the milk production. In July 2009, 72 faecal samples from microchip-identified donkeys were collected and data about animals were obtained. Each specimen was examined using quali-quantitative coprological analysis and individual coprocoltures were performed to obtain the strongyle eggs development up to the third larval stage (L3). The percentage of L3s belonging to different genera or species was used to estimate the number of eggs belonging to the different genera or species identified after coproculture. The relationship between parasitological results and sex (male and female), age (0-6 months, 6-24 months, 2-5 years, 5-10 years, more than 10 years), breeding category (foals with mare, mare with foals, pregnant mares, lactating mares, others), stable (five different farm areas) has been analyzed using the Pearson’s 2 and the Kruskal-Wallis test for prevalence and quantitative data respectively, while the Spearman's rank correlation test was used to evaluate the correlation between quantitative variables. Significance was set at p

The authors firstly provide a brief hystory of ecology and ecological approach to parasitology, with special reference to the italian situation where in 1992, the scientific italian society for wildlife diseases (SIEF: Società Italiana di Ecopatologia della Fauna) was founded. Thereafter, a review of papers published by italian authors regarding parasitology in wild mammals and birds is given, with special emphasys to the year and type of publication and to the use of an ecological approach. The authors conclude that, despite ecopathology was created in Italy by parasitologists, the role of ecology in the study of parasites still remain restricted to a limited number of research groups and host species and hope that in future an ecological approach, providing both an alternative point of view and additional instruments for the study of parasites, will be viewed as an opportunity without limiting it to a restricted group of host such as wildlife.

Introduzione. L’antica disputa sui parassiti del suino è ancora aperta (Poglayen et al,2006 - ISTISAN). Essi persistono a tutt’oggi negli ambienti di allevamento industriale a dispetto della diffusione di metodologie zootecniche sempre più “spinte” e dell’impiego massivo di antiparassitari a spettro sempre più ampio, continuando a gravare anche se con modalità differenti rispetto al passato, sull’economia aziendale, sulla salute ed il benessere degli animali. Gli approcci gestionali al problema, che hanno caratterizzato l’allevamento suino negli ultimi decenni, hanno visto il più delle volte applicare protocolli chemioprofilattici standardizzati, troppo spesso disgiunti dalle realtà epidemiologiche delle singole aziende e contraddistinti dall’impiego irrazionale delle molecole. E’ pertanto emersa la necessità di un’indagine epidemiologica approfondita e di un approccio al problema più moderno e razionale basato sulla individuazione dei fattori di rischio per i parassiti gastrointestinali e sull’effettiva efficacia dei trattamenti. Questa necessità si è rivelata ancor più urgente dalle scarse e poco aggiornate informazioni sulle condizioni zootecniche e sanitarie degli allevamenti suini. E’ stata scelta l’Emilia Romagna in quanto tipica rappresentante di una regione ad alta concentrazione suinicola. Metodi. Nell’arco del 2007 è stato condotto nella regione uno studio trasversale utilizzando un campione randomizzato di 54 aziende di tipo industriale. In ciascuna azienda è stato effettuato un campionamento di tipo stratificato, prelevando 75 campioni fecali individuali fra tutte le categorie presenti, da sottoporre ad esame copromicroscopico qualitativo. Per ciascuna delle strutture è stata compilata, con la collaborazione degli allevatori, una scheda di raccolta dati riportante informazioni sulla tipologia di allevamento e sulle modalità di gestione. I dati sono stati sottoposti, previa indagine statistica esplorativa, all’analisi multivariata con la costruzione di un modello di regressione logistica al fine di individuare fattori protettivi e di rischio. Risultati. I fattori gestionali principalmente legati alla presenza di parassiti sono connessi alle caratteristiche strutturali delle aziende, alle modalità di pulizia e ai trattamenti antiparassitari; questi ultimi, contrariamente alla convinzione più diffusa, sono associati, a parità degli altri fattori, a prevalenze parassitarie più elevate. Conclusioni. Per il controllo dei parassiti nell’allevamento intensivo suino è necessaria la messa in atto di adeguate misure igieniche e manageriali. L’uso tradizionale a scopo profilattico di trattamenti antiparassitari in quanto tali, non è consigliabile essendo legato paradossalmente alle situazioni igieniche più critiche. L’analisi multifattoriale di realtà complesse risulta essere indispensabile per far emergere pattern epidemiologici fondati e fornire indicazioni sanitarie concrete. Cofinanziamento PRIN 2005

A cross-sectional study was performed on pigs of the Emilia Romagna region (Italy). Sampling was stratified by farms (#54), with 75 samples selected within each randomly selected farm. In two farms only, 80 samples were collected. Qualitative coprological examinations were performed on individual faecal samples, and results entered in a working sheet together with data about animals (in particular categories) and indicators of farm management. Due to the great number of variables potentially confounding one-another and of possible interactions, in order to evaluate the risk of being parasitized the use of multivariate logistic regressions was preferred. The number of variables was reduced and/or summary variables created before analysis, in order to avoid variables with missing values and because too many information had been collected in relation to the number of observation (Noordhuizen JPTM et al, 1997, Application of quantitative methods in veterinary epidemiology, Wageningen Pers, The Netherlands. Dohoo I et al, 2003, Veterinary epidemiologic research, AVC Inc, Canada).

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) due to Echinococcus granulosus is still the main parasitic zoonoses, typical of the Mediterranean basin. Old and recent updating of the Italian situation shows different prevalence levels that led to divide the territory in sporadic (north) endemic (center) and hyper endemic (south and islands From a sociological, but also operative, point of view the key of lecture of our results highlights the CE diffusion with high prevalence levels everywhere sheep are bred independently of the socio-economic development of the area and the number of sheep raised. Indeed lung prevalences calculated for different areas ranged from 27,2 % (abroad) to almost 40 % in center and Sardinia but this difference disappears as national areas only were considered.