A concurrent chorioptic mange and dermatophytosis outbreak occurred in a goat flock in northwestern Italy. Sanitation of the flock was obtained following pour-on eprinomectin application at a dose of 1 mg/kg; enilconazole was used for environmental disinfection against dermatophyte spores.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRed 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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe Convention on Biological Diversity classifies "Invasive Alien Species" as those whose introduction and spread represents a threat for biodiversity. Introduction of alien pathogens, including parasites, is one of the main consequences of the introduction of invasive alien species. The objective of this work was to assess the parasite community composition in native lagomorphs and ) in sympatric and non-sympatric conditions with an alien lagomorph (), and to evaluate the phenotypic traits of exotic parasites in such conditions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe 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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: 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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction of alien species is a well-known threat to biodiversity. Where newly introduced, alien species may pose a risk for the local ecological community by competing for resources or by introducing pathogens. is an American lagomorph introduced into Europe in the second half of 20th century, for hunting.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDuring a health survey in the Province of Alessandria (NW Italy) 267 free ranging red-legged partridge (; 137 males and 130 females) were captured in 2009 (n = 101), 2010 (n = 130) and 2011 (n = 36). After biometric data and blood samples collection, animals were released on site. Blood samples were used for the preparation of blood smears.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: Obeliscoides cuniculi is a common parasite in American lagomorphs, while it has never been reported in the European rabbit. The exotic parasite has been introduced in Italy by the eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), an invasive alien lagomorph introduced to Europe for hunting purpose. Considering that S.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: A parasite community is usually well adapted and specific to the host species they co-evolved with. Although exotic pathogens infecting autochthonous species have been documented, the infection of an alien species with native parasites is rare in lagomorphs. is a nematode parasite infecting the small intestine of domestic and wild lagomorphs in Europe.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPopulation density and distribution of the four native European wild Caprines (, , , ) have increased in recent decades. The improved conservation status of this valuable wildlife, while a welcome event in general terms, is at the same time a matter of concern since, intuitively, frequent and tighter contacts with sympatric livestock imply a greater risk of cross-transmission of emerging and re-emerging pathogens, and offer unexpected opportunities for pathogens to spread, persist and evolve. This article recalls the transmissible diseases that are perceived in Europe to be of major significance from a conservation perspective, namely brucellosis (BRC) by , infectious kerato-conjunctivitis (IKC) by , pestivirosis (PV) by the border disease virus strain 4 and mange by .
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn female mammals, reproduction requires high energy expenditure because of gestation and lactation, possibly leading to a fitness cost. Several studies, however, failed to find the expected negative correlation between current and future reproductive success, likely because of individual heterogeneity in reproductive potential. We compared reproductive performance and costs of reproduction for 40 female Alpine ibex in one established population with 29 females translocated from the same population to a new colony.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObeliscoides cuniculi is a New World nematode parasite of the Trichostrongilidae family infecting the gastric tract of different domestic and wild Lagomorph species. This parasite is reported for the first time from a European brown hare (Lepus europaeus). The nematodes isolated from the gastro-intestinal tract were identified using the primary characteristics used to differentiate the species of this genus as adults morphology (length and thickness) and other characteristics of spicules, cervical papillae, cuticular ridges and striations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBirds belonging to 59 species (n = 1,206) were live captured in Piemonte, northwestern Italy, in 2001. Ixodes ricinus (L.) larvae were collected from 59 birds belonging to nine species, and nymphs were recovered on 79 birds belonging to 10 species.
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