Intestinal Parasites and Fecal Cortisol Metabolites in Multi-Unowned-Cat Environments: The Impact of Housing Conditions.

Housing conditions were assessed in different unowned multi-cat management models in order to evaluate their impact on the occurrence of intestinal parasites and fecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) levels. Fresh stool fecal samples were collected from rescue shelters, catteries and feline colonies for coprological analyses in order to detect intestinal parasite patency and fecal cortisol metabolites. A questionnaire provided information about the facilities, management and housing conditions of cats, including information about dog exposure, enclosure size, environment enrichment and changes to group composition.

Cardiopulmonary helminths in foxes from the Pyrenees.

The present survey was carried out to investigate the prevalence of cardiopulmonary helminths in red foxes in Pyrenees area and to evaluate the role of foxes in the eco-epidemiology of these nematodes. Hearts and entire respiratory tracts were obtained from 87 foxes from Vall d'Aran region, Pyrenees, Catalonia, north-eastern Spain. The cardiopulmonary tracts were dissected, flushed and examined for nematodes using sedimented flushing water.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in shelter and hunting dogs in Catalonia, Northeastern Spain.

To compare the prevalence of intestinal parasites in shelter and hunting dogs in Catalonia, Northeastern Spain, fresh faecal samples from 81 shelter dogs and 88 hunting dogs were collected and analysed by faecal flotation. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 71.6% in each population.

Evaluation of the presence of Rickettsia slovaca infection in domestic ruminants in Catalonia, Northeastern Spain.

Rickettsia slovaca is the etiological agent of the human disease tick-borne lymphadenopathy (TIBOLA) transmitted by Dermacentor spp. ticks. In our area, Dermacentor marginatus is the most important tick vector; adult ticks feed on mammals, especially ungulates such as wild boars and domestic ruminants.

Rickettsia felis in fleas from Catalonia (Northeast Spain).

Introduction: Rickettsia felis produces a syndrome indistinguishable from murine typhus, which has been described in Spain. R. felis is transmitted to humans by fleas.

Anti-HEV antibodies in domestic animal species and rodents from Spain using a genotype 3-based ELISA.

A truncated ORF2 capsid HEV antigen derived from a genotype 3 strain was developed in insect cells and insect larvae, and compared with the Sar55 antigen and a commercial ELISA. The antigen expressed in insect cells showed a better correlation with Sar55 (kappa value (k)=0.84) than the insect larvae antigen (k=0.

Seroprevalence of antibodies to Neospora caninum in dogs from Spain.

The prevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies was determined in sera of 139 dogs from Catalonia (northeastern Spain) using the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Antibodies in the IFAT were found in 17 of 139 dogs (12.2%) with titers ranging from 1:50 to 1: 1,600.