Comparison of Direct and Indirect Detection of in Ovine Using Real-Time PCR, Serological and Histological Techniques.

is a zoonotic pathogen and the ingestion of tissue cysts by consumption of lamb or mutton has been identified as a possible cause of infection in humans. Many serological surveys in sheep have been performed, showing relevant serological rates; however, while the detection of antibodies indicates an exposure to , this does not necessarily imply the presence of tissue cysts in edible tissue. The current study aims to provide further understanding on the occurrence of in sheep muscles and the strength of correlation between serological positivity and presence of the parasite in sheep.

in sheep: Serological occurrence at slaughterhouse level in Italy and environmental risk factors.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease affecting a wide range of species, including humans, and can be responsible for important clinical manifestations such as abortion and neurological signs. Sheep show a remarkable susceptibility to its causative agent, , and zoonotic transmission may occur in case of consumption of undercooked meat obtained from infected animals. seroprevalence in sheep can significantly vary on a geographical basis, as shown by numerous surveys conducted worldwide.

Endoparasite Infections of the European Hedgehog () in Central Italy.

The European hedgehog is a synanthropic mammal, widely distributed in Europe. This species usually inhabits the edges of deciduous or mixed woods, but it is also very common in private gardens and public parks. Despite its popularity and frequency of contacts both with humans and with wild and domestic animals, few studies have examined the endoparasitic fauna of the hedgehog in Italy.

Pathology of Urinary Bladder in spp. Infected Wildlife from Central Italy.

The genus , in the nematode family , includes several species that parasitize the urinary bladders of wild and domestic carnivores. The infection has been reported worldwide from several wildlife species, including canids, mustelids, and felids, but the pathological aspects have seldom been investigated. In order to assess the presence and severity of the lesions in -infected wildlife, we performed a parasitological and pathological examination of urinary bladders from 72 animals, belonging to the families (red fox , = 28, and wolf , = 29) and (beech marten , = 3; pine marten , = 2; and European badger , = 10).