Unexpected Infections in Shepherd Dogs and Wolves in South-western Italian Alps: A New Endemic Area?

Overview

Journal Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl

Date 2018 Sep 4

PMID 30175043

Citations 21

Authors

Alessandro Massolo

Davide Valli

Marion Wassermann

Serena Cavallero

Stefano DAmelio

Alberto Meriggi

Elisa Torretta

Matteo Serafini

Adriano Casulli

Laura Zambon

Chiara Benedetta Boni

Marika Ori

Thomas Romig

Fabio Macchioni

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The European distribution of has been reported to be expanding east and north, whereas its southern limits are deemed stable. During a study on s.l. infections in wolves and dogs in the Italian Maritime Alps, we unexpectedly detected the presence of eggs in four fecal samples from at least two shepherd dogs, and in five wolf fecal samples. This finding, in an area about 130 km south of the southernmost report in the Alps, may suggest a rapid expansion southward. While infections in foxes are currently being investigated, these data seem to indicate the potential for a new endemic area. If this will be confirmed, the implementation of surveillance programs in wild and domestic canids and preventative measures will become a priority.

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