Free-Ranging Wolves (Canis lupus) are Natural Reservoirs of Intestinal Microeukaryotes of Public Health Significance in Southwestern Europe.

Introduction: Intestinal microeukaryote parasites are major contributors to the burden of diarrhoea in humans and domestic animals, but their epidemiology in wildlife is not fully understood. We investigated the frequency, genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of protists of animal and public health significance in free-ranging grey wolf (Canis lupus) populations in south-western Europe.

Methods: Individually formed faecal samples collected from necropsied wolves or scat trails in Italy (n = 47), Portugal (n = 43) and Spain (n = 225) during the period 2011-2023 were retrospectively analysed using molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) methods.

A Case of Food-Borne Salmonellosis in a Corn Snake () after a Feeder Mouse Meal.

Reptiles are usually asymptomatic carriers of , with the manifestation of typical clinical signs of acute forms in adult and non-immunocompromised animals being considered exceptions. In the present case, an adult male corn snake () was found dead due to septic shock 48 h after consuming a feeder mouse purchased online. The snake's tissue samples and faeces were cultured for bacteria isolation.

Surveillance of Sarcoptic Mange in Iberian Ibexes () and Domestic Goats () in Southern Spain.

Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious skin disease caused by . Sera were collected from 411 Iberian ibexes, comprising 157 individuals with sarcoptic mange skin lesions and 254 clinically healthy animals, in 13 population nuclei across Andalusia (southern Spain) between 2015 and 2021. Skin samples from 88 of the 157 animals with mange-compatible lesions were also obtained.

An Epidemiological Update on Nematode Larvae in Red Mullet () from the Ligurian Sea.

Red mullet () is a commercially relevant fish species, yet epidemiological data on anisakid nematode infestation in are scarce. To fill this gap, we report the occurrence of larvae in red mullet in the Ligurian Sea (western Mediterranean). This survey was performed between 2018 and 2020 on fresh specimens of (n = 838) from two commercial fishing areas (Imperia, n = 190; Savona, n = 648) in the Ligurian Sea.

A real-world evidence study evaluating consumer experience of Supradyn Recharge or Supradyn Magnesium and Potassium during demanding periods.

Background: Challenging periods and/or mild micronutrient deficiencies may result in a lack of energy and general fatigue, frequently occurring in the general population. Supradyn Recharge and Supradyn Magnesium and Potassium (Mg/K) are multimineral/vitamin supplements formulated to ensure adequate daily intake of micronutrients. We conducted an observational study addressing consumption behaviour, reasons for intake, frequency of intake, and consumer experiences, satisfaction and characteristics under real-life conditions.

Sarcoptic mange in Felidae: does Sarcoptes scabiei var. felis exist? A first molecular study.

Domestic and wild felids are considered suitable hosts for the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, and sarcoptic mange is reported in several felid species in the scientific literature. However, the historic classification of Sarcoptes mites into host-specific varieties does not include S. scabiei var.

Wolf Is Back: A Novel Sensitive Sentinel Rejoins the Cycle in the Western Alps.

is a foodborne parasite whose wildlife reservoirs are represented by carnivores and omnivores with predatory and scavenger behavior. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of infection in grey wolves () that recolonized the Western Alps from the end of the past century, and discuss the epidemiological role played by this apex predator in the early phases of its return. During the period 2017-2022, diaphragm samples were obtained from 130 individuals collected in the frame of a wolf mortality survey.

Subcutaneous Ticks in Wild Carnivores: Any Host-Related Differences?

Ticks under the skin have been shown in different canid species such as red fox, domestic dog, and raccoon dog. Despite being increasingly reported in Europe in the last decade, the biological mechanisms associated to subcutaneous ticks (SCT), as well as the predisposing factors, are not yet clear. The main goal of this study was to investigate the presence of SCT in wild carnivores in Northwestern Italy.

Unintentional Recovery of Parasitic Diversity Following Restoration of Red Deer () in North-Western Italy.

Red deer () populations in north-western Italy have been remodeled in recent decades. Multiple translocations and the spontaneous migration from Switzerland and France resulted in the successful redistribution of the red deer after human-driven extirpation during the 18th century. The scarcely diverse parasitic community harbored by these cervids has been enriched with two species-specific taxa, and , suggesting that the recovery of parasitic biodiversity could be included amongst future conservation goals of this intensively managed game.

Ivermectin Plasma Concentration in Iberian Ibex () Following Oral Administration: A Pilot Study.

Sarcoptic mange is considered the main driver of demographic declines occurred in the last decades in Iberian ibex () populations. Mass treatment campaigns by administration of in-feed acaricides are used as a measure to mitigate the impact of mange in the affected populations. However, there are no data on ivermectin (IVM) pharmacokinetics in this wild caprine, and the treatment through medicated feed is not endorsed by evidence on its effectiveness.

A real-world evidence study evaluating Geffer effervescent granules for the symptomatic relief of digestive symptoms.

Objectives: Geffer effervescent granules (active ingredients: metoclopramide, dimethicone, and sodium bicarbonate) is an established over-the-counter medication available in Italy for the symptomatic treatment of hyperacidity (pain and/or heartburn) when accompanied by slowing of gastric transit, nausea, aerophagia, and bloating, all symptoms that can occur in functional dyspepsia and can negatively impact individuals' quality of life. The aim of this observational study was to explore the perceived benefits of, and consumer experience with, Geffer effervescent granules used for the symptomatic treatment of digestive disorders suggestive of functional dyspepsia under real-life conditions in Italy.

Methods: Adults (aged 35-65 years) experiencing symptoms suggestive of functional dyspepsia/indigestion at least once a month and who had used Geffer effervescent granules within the previous 6 months completed an online questionnaire eliciting information on symptom relief (speed of onset and duration) and quality of life.

Hybridization between Alpine Ibex and Domestic Goat in the Alps: A Sporadic and Localized Phenomenon?

The Alpine ibex () is a mountain ungulate living in the European Alps. Although being currently classified as a species of Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN, a potential threat for its long-term conservation is introgression following hybridization with domestic goats (). Hybridization has been documented in Switzerland in captive and free ranging animals, although accurate data to assess the extent of this phenomenon in natural conditions in the Alps are lacking.

Wild carnivores and Thelazia callipaeda zoonotic eyeworms: A focus on wolves.

is a zoonotic parasite causing ocular disease in domestic dogs, cats, several wild carnivores, hares, and humans. This nematode is widely distributed in Europe, where it is transmitted by the drosophilid fly . Since the first report of infection in grey wolves () from southern Italy, other cases of thelaziosis have been recorded in this animal species throughout Europe, raising questions about their role in spreading .

First description of sarcoptic mange in an Iberian hare ().

The Iberian hare () is a popular small game species in the Iberian Peninsula, and it has never been reported to be affected by sarcoptic mange. An adult female Iberian hare with overt skin lesions on forelimbs and ventral thorax, suggestive of sarcoptic mange, was culled in Quart de les Valls municipality in the Valencian Community, Spain, in 2019. Skin scrapings were digested in 10% KOH solutions to confirm the presence of mites.

Correction: Rubiola et al. Risk Factors for Bovine Cysticercosis in North-West Italy: A Multi-Year Case-Control Study. 2021, , 3049.

Error in Institutional Review Board Statement [...

Zoonotic Episodes of Scabies: A Global Overview.

Zoonotic scabies (ZS), also referred to as "pseudoscabies", is considered a self-limiting disease with a short incubation period and transient clinical skin signs. It is commonly thought that mites from animals are unable to successfully reproduce and persist on human skin; however, several ZS case reports have mentioned the persistence of symptoms and occasionally mites for weeks. The aim of this review was to collect and organize the sparse literature explicitly referring to zoonotic transmission, focusing on the source of the outbreak, the circumstances leading to the transmission of the parasite, the diagnosis including the identification of the "strain" involved, and the applied treatments.

Risk Factors for Bovine Cysticercosis in North-West Italy: A Multi-Year Case-Control Study.

is the causative agent of bovine cysticercosis, a zoonotic parasitic disease with a worldwide distribution. Bovine cysticercosis is considered to be an important food safety issue responsible for human taeniasis and a major economic concern since infected carcasses undergo condemnation, freezing and downgrading. The aim of the current investigation was to assess the presence of farm-level risk factors for bovine cysticercosis in an endemic area in North-West Italy.

Case Report: Successful Treatment of Sarcoptic Mange in European Camelids.

Members of the Camelidae family are very adaptable mammals, originating from South America. More recently, they have become popular in Europe as pets or wool production farm animals. Their dermatological problems refer mainly to mange, of which sarcoptic mange represent the most clinically relevant form.

Dermanyssus gallinae in non-avian hosts: A case report in a dog and review of the literature.

Non-avian attacks of the worldwide distributed mite Dermanyssus gallinae are occasionally reported. However, it is widely accepted that their occurrence is underestimated. The present study aims to describe the first Italian case of dermanyssosis in a dog, to molecularly characterize the mites collected from the patient and the animal enclosure, where poultry and dog were confined, and to review the current literature on the non-avian attacks by D.

Dirofilaria immitis in wolves recolonizing northern Italy: are wolves competent hosts?

Background: Wild carnivores such as the grey wolf (Canis lupus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and golden jackal (Canis aureus) are recognized hosts of Dirofilaria immitis. However, few studies have focused on their actual role in the epidemiology of heartworm infection. This study describes the prevalence and distribution of D.

Comment on: "The treatment of sarcoptic mange in wildlife: a systematic review".

This letter comments on the article "The treatment of sarcoptic mange in wildlife: a systematic review" published in Parasites & Vectors 2019, 12:99, and discusses the limitations in the use of endectocides for scabies control in free-ranging wildlife. The ecological impact and drug resistance to ivermectin are also discussed. In our view, scabies control in free-ranging wildlife should be based preferably on population management measures, and whether to apply individual treatments to free-ranging populations should be considered very carefully and avoided where not absolutely warranted.