The present study evaluated the limitations of the coprological sedimentation test to assess Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus infestation in 59 wild boars (Sus scrofa) from central Spain. The coprological sedimentation test appeared to be a poor predictor of both prevalence of infestation and the real parasite burden due to the high number of false negative results (prevalence was reduced from 61 to 16 %). Because of the potential increased risk of this zoonosis, it is suggested that alternative techniques be used in wildlife surveillance programmes.

This cross-sectional study characterized the prevalence of enteritis associated with Serpinema microcephalus infections in the intestinal tracts of red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans), river cooters (Pseudemys concinna), false map turtles (Graptemys pseudogeographica), and Chinese stripe-necked turtles (Ocadia sinensis) in Spain. All four species (three American, one Asiatic) were introduced into Spain through the pet trade. S. microcephalus is an Old World nematode that has been found to parasitize both invasive and native turtles. This parasite causes a significant inflammatory reaction in the intestines of exotic turtles that is not usually seen in native species. Parasites were detected in 27/70 turtles examined (38.6%; 95% confidence interval: 27.2–51%). Total worm counts ranged from 5 to 21. The nematodes were always found in the enteric mucosa of the duodenum and jejunum. The lesions in the turtles varied but included catarrhal to ulcerative enteritis and secondary hemorrhage surrounding the parasitized areas.

BACKGROUND:Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica) is a nearly monomorphic mountain ungulate with an unbiased sex-specific overwinter adult survival. Few differences in gastrointestinal parasitism have been reported by coprology as yet. This study aims to assess diversity, prevalence, intensity of infection and aggregation of gastrointestinal nematodes in male and female adult chamois. We expect no differences in the parasite infection rates between sexes.FINDINGS:Gastrointestinal tracts of 28 harvested Pyrenean chamois in the Catalan Pyrenees (autumn 2012 and 2013) were necropsied and sexual differences in the diversity and structure of parasite community, prevalence, intensity of infection, and richness were investigated. We found 25 helminth species belonging to 13 different genera.CONCLUSIONS:Contrary to our expectations, male chamois showed different parasite communities, higher prevalence, intensity of infection and richness than females. Such sexual differences were clear irrespective of age of individuals. Hence, male chamois must cope with a more diverse and abundant parasite community than females, without apparent biological cost. Further research will be required to confirm this hypothesis.

The most widely used technique to assess helminth infection in both domestic and wild mammals is the faecal egg count (FEC). Most efforts to test the reliability of FEC as a proxy for parasite load are in small ruminant studies and limited work has evaluated the use of FEC in pigs. The aim of this study was to explore whether FEC is a reliable indicator of helminth load, and to evaluate the effects of sample storage on FEC accuracy in 59 wild boars. Though FEC was useful for assessing most helminth infections (e.g., Metastrongylus spp., Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis), stomach nematodes were often missed. The accuracy of FEC decreased over time, and thus it is recommended that samples be processed within 5 days of collection.

Faecal nitrogen (FN) - the combination of metabolic nitrogen and residual food nitrogen - has been used as a proxy for diet quality in wild and domestic ruminants for over half a century. However, a common misconception in some of these studies is that FN is a direct proxy for dietary N, in spite of experimental evidence that links FN to general diet digestibility. Additionally, gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) can alter N metabolism and increase FN by various mechanisms. To clarify the role of dietary N, fibre and GIN as a factor in FN excretion, 10 naturally parasitised sheep were fed two different isocaloric diets (LPF: low-protein, low-fibre; HPF: high-protein, high-fibre). One month after these diets began, a single anthelmintic treatment was applied to remove GIN, after which the sheep were kept on the same diet for an additional 2 weeks. Throughout the experiment, individual faecal samples were obtained to estimate both FN and GIN intensity (using faecal egg counts, FEC). In addition, two blood samples were taken before and after deworming to measure serum total protein concentrations (TP) as a proxy for protein absorption. In spite of the difference in dietary protein, FN was higher on an LPF diet, supporting the overall digestibility concept. The influence of GIN on FN was later revealed by the anthelmintic treatment, which led to a decrease of FEC and FN in both dietary groups. Serum total protein showed a slight but non-significant increase in both groups after the anthelmintic treatment. Our study supports not only the concept that FN is a proxy for diet digestibility, and not directly for dietary N, but also that gastrointestinal nematodes limit its use as a proxy for diet quality in ruminants, especially under high parasite loads (e.g., 1000 faecal eggs per gram of faeces). Such limitations should be considered before using FN for wildlife nutrition monitoring. Some recommendations are given to avoid misinterpretations. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Serum samples from 1034 non-carnivorous wildlife from Spain were tested for antibodies to Neospora caninum by competitive screening enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmed by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). High agreement was observed between results in both techniques (kappa value higher than 0.9). Prevalences of N. caninum antibodies positive by both techniques were 11.8% of 237 red deer (Cervus elaphus), 7.7% of 13 barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia), 6.1% of 33 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and 0.3% of 298 wild boar (Sus scrofa). In one of 53 hares (Lepus granatensis), antibodies were found in the ELISA but could not be confirmed by IFAT due to lack of sample. Antibodies to N. caninum were not found in any of 251 wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), 79 fallow deer (Dama dama), 27 mouflon (Ovis ammon), 40 chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) and three Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica). Statistically significant differences were observed between N. caninum seroprevalence in red deer and management of hunting estates (open versus fenced) with higher prevalence in fenced estates, and among sampling sites. Seroprevalence was particularly high in some areas (MO estate in South-Central Spain or some estates of Catalonia, North-East Spain), while no contact with N. caninum was observed in others. Results indicate that in certain areas of Spain, N. caninum is present in wildlife, especially in red deer. These results have important implications in both sylvatic cycles and may influence the prevalence of infection in cattle farms in those areas. To our knowledge, this is the first report of antibodies to N. caninum in wildlife from Spain and the first report of N. caninum antibodies in barbary sheep and wild boar.

Cardiopulmonary nematodes are among the most pathogenic parasites of domestic and wild canids. The aim of this study was to describe the species diversity, prevalence and infection intensity of these parasites in the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. 257 foxes and 74 wolves were necropsied between 2008 and 2014. Four nematode species were identified: Angiostrongylus vasorum, Eucoleus aerophilus, Crenosoma vulpis and Filaroides hirthi. This last species was only found in wolves, being the first time that is cited worldwide in this wild canid. The overall parasite prevalence was significantly higher in foxes (70%) than in wolves (28%). Specifically, prevalences in foxes and wolves were, respectively, 43% and 22% for A. vasorum, 33% and 5% for E. aerophilus, and 30% and 9% for C. vulpis. The prevalence of F. hirthi was 16%. The A. vasorum intensity was significantly higher in foxes than in wolves. Differences between host species in the risk of infection would be associated to diverging feeding behavior, and possibly reflects a parasite-host adaptation related to host's hunting strategies and cardiorespiratory requirements. This study revealed an association between infection and environmental factors, and highlighted a wide variation in the spatial distribution of A. vasorum. Our results indicate that cardiopulmonary parasites are widespread in wild canids in northwest Spain, and further agrees with other studies indicating the expansion of A. vasorum in Europe and, therefore, the urgent need to investigate infection in dogs in sympatric areas.

En este articulo se presenta un brote de giardosis en un criadero de perros Bullmastiff y Bulldog frances. Esta parasitosis constituye una de las mas frecuentes en el perro, especialmente en colectivos donde su erradicacion es muy dificil..

The prevalence of parasitic helminths in the digestive tract of 119 diurnal raptors (Falconiformes), which had died in a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Catalonia, was studied. The birds belonged to 13 species, with 100 of them (84 percent) being kestrels (Falco tinnunculus), buzzards (Buteo buteo), sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus) and goshawks (Accipitergentilis). Ninety-five of the birds (79.8 percent) were infected with helminths. Nematodes were the most frequently found helminth (75.6 percent), followed by trematodes, cestodes and ancanthocephalans. All the buzzards and sparrowhawks and 92 per cent of the goshawks were infected, but only 59 percent of the kestrels were infected.

This report describes a retrospective study based on serological screening, performed on a Neospora-associated abortion episode over a 12-month period in a dairy herd in north-east Spain. During the 1-year study period, the overall abortion rate for the herd was 23.2% (38 abortions of 164 diagnosed pregnancies). The data analysed were those derived from blood samples collected from the whole herd (n = 237) and from diagnosed pregnancies. Antibodies to Neospora caninum were found in 35.4% of the cattle with 44% of seropositive pregnant animals aborting over 1-year period. Based on the odds ratio, the risk of abortion was 12.2 times higher (P < 0.0001) in the Neospora-seropositive animals than in seronegative animals and significantly higher during the second term of gestation (P < 0.01) than during the first and third terms. Abortions were not found to be associated with parity status or season of pregnancy, and the common risk factors associated with pregnancy loss in the geographical area of the study. Age-related differences in N. caninum seroprevalence were not statistically significant, indicating vertical transmission as the main route of infection. Indeed, a high percentage of congenitally infected offspring was observed (90.6%) and the farm had been free of dogs for the last 7 years. Our results suggest that, when a dairy herd shows an increased incidence of abortions due to Neosporosis, maternal serology can be a good indicator of the abortion risk in individual cows, and that the effects of factors normally related to abortion, such as parity and pregnancy season, may be masked.

A survey was carried out in Catalonia, Spain to determine the prevalence of parasitic helminths infesting the digestive tract of nocturnal raptors (Strigiformes). One hundred birds belonging to six owl species were examined. The number of birds examined ranged between three and 30. The overall level of infestation was 65% and the most frequent helminths present were nematodes, followed by trematodes, cestodes and acanthocephalans. Strigiformes showing the highest levels of infestation were little owls (Athene noctua), 86.7% of which were infested. Helminths with the highest prevalence were Synhimantus spp., intestinal capillarids, Brachylaima spp., cestodes and Centrorhynchus aluconis.

Veterinary RecordVolume 153, Issue 19 p. 600-601 Short Communications Myiasis in two Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni ) M. J. Sales, M. J. Sales Centre Veterinari Anima'ls, carrer de Felip II 279, 08016 Barcelona, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorD. Ferrer, D. Ferrer Unitat de Parasitologia, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorJ. Castellà, J. Castellà Unitat de Parasitologia, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorD. Borràs, D. Borràs Citopat Veterinària, carrer Font del Remei 28, 08023 Barcelona, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorM. J. R. Hall, M. J. R. Hall Department of Entomology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BDSearch for more papers by this author M. J. Sales, M. J. Sales Centre Veterinari Anima'ls, carrer de Felip II 279, 08016 Barcelona, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorD. Ferrer, D. Ferrer Unitat de Parasitologia, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorJ. Castellà, J. Castellà Unitat de Parasitologia, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorD. Borràs, D. Borràs Citopat Veterinària, carrer Font del Remei 28, 08023 Barcelona, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorM. J. R. Hall, M. J. R. Hall Department of Entomology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BDSearch for more papers by this author First published: 08 November 2003 https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.153.19.600Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume153, Issue19November 2003Pages 600-601 RelatedInformation

The present study was undertaken to determine if red foxes are natural intermediate and/or definitive host for Neospora caninum and to study the importance of infection of N. caninum in this species in North-eastern Spain. Faecal samples and brain tissues were obtained from 122 foxes from 21 rural areas of Catalonia. Faeces collected were examined for parasite eggs and coccidian oocysts using sucrose flotation. For PCR-based diagnosis of N. caninum in brain tissues, the specific genomic Nc5 region was selected as the target sequence for DNA amplification. To control for PCR failure and facilitate identification of truly negative samples, the competitor pNc5C molecule was added to all negative samples in a second round of PCR reactions. Of the 122 foxes analysed, 13 (10.7%) were positive by PCR for N. caninum. Signal intensities of all positive samples were relatively weak with the exception of one sample from a 3-month male animal, that also showed the highest repeatability. No differences were observed by sex, age or area of sampling analysis. Detection of stages of N. caninum in brain from naturally infected red foxes demonstrated that red foxes are a natural intermediate host for N. caninum. Faecal samples were analysed for the presence of N. caninum oocysts, however, no oocysts compatible with N. caninum were found. A widespread latent infection of red foxes in North-eastern Spain found in the present study indicates that red foxes could have a very important role in the epidemiology of neosporosis in our area.

Piroplasmosis, a tick-borne protozoal disease, is an important disease affecting domestic and wild animals. We performed PCR-based reverse line blot hybridization (RLB) assays on blood samples obtained from 133 cattle exposed to ticks in field conditions in Minorca (Balearic Islands, Spain) in three different seasons. The oligonucleotides used were those for Theileria annulata, T. buffeli, T. taurotragi, T. velifera, Babesia bigemina, B. bovis, B. divergens, and B. major. The RLB technique allowed the simultaneous identification of T. annulata, T. buffeli, B. bigemina, and B. bovis as the piroplasms present in cattle in Minorca. Of the 133 animals, only 4 were not infected by any of the studied parasites. The results indicated endemic piroplasm infection in cattle in Minorca; especially important was the presence of T. annulata. The RLB was highly sensitive and allowed the simultaneous detection and identification of the Theileria and Babesia species in carrier cattle, which cannot be achieved by classical identification methods.

A survey of ticks affecting dairy cattle under extensive management on Menorca island (off the Spanish Mediterranean coast) was performed through 1999–2000 on seven farms. The species collected were Rhipicephalus bursa, R. turanicus, Hyalomma m. marginatum, H. lusitanicum and Boophilus annulatus. The most abundant species were R. bursa and H. m. marginatum, with peaks of 10.7 (in summer) and 7.5 (in spring) ticks/cow, respectively. R. turanicus was scarcely encountered, while B. annulatus and H. lusitanicum were abundant only in a few localities. The mild climate and adequate vegetation on the island provide satisfactory habitat for extended periods of tick activity, as compared with other regions where these ticks have been collected. The competence of the ticks as vectors for pathogens and the difficulty of using acaricide treatments in the region are discussed.

Veterinary RecordVolume 149, Issue 23 p. 716-717 Short Communication First report of Babesia bovisin Spain S. Almeria DVM, PhD, S. Almeria DVM, PhD Veterinary Faculty (Parasitology), University of Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorJ. Castella DVM, PhD, J. Castella DVM, PhD Veterinary Faculty (Parasitology), University of Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorD. Ferrer DVM, PhD, D. Ferrer DVM, PhD Veterinary Faculty (Parasitology), University of Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorO. Sparagano BSc, MSc, PhD, CBiol, MIBiol, O. Sparagano BSc, MSc, PhD, CBiol, MIBiol Department of Agriculture, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, NEI 7RUSearch for more papers by this authorA. Estrada-Peña DVM, PhD, A. Estrada-Peña DVM, PhD Veterinary Faculty (Parasitology), University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainSearch for more papers by this author S. Almeria DVM, PhD, S. Almeria DVM, PhD Veterinary Faculty (Parasitology), University of Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorJ. Castella DVM, PhD, J. Castella DVM, PhD Veterinary Faculty (Parasitology), University of Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorD. Ferrer DVM, PhD, D. Ferrer DVM, PhD Veterinary Faculty (Parasitology), University of Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorO. Sparagano BSc, MSc, PhD, CBiol, MIBiol, O. Sparagano BSc, MSc, PhD, CBiol, MIBiol Department of Agriculture, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, NEI 7RUSearch for more papers by this authorA. Estrada-Peña DVM, PhD, A. Estrada-Peña DVM, PhD Veterinary Faculty (Parasitology), University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainSearch for more papers by this author First published: 08 December 2001 https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.149.23.716Citations: 3Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URLThe site is currently under maintenance and this functionality is not available right now. Please try later. Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume149, Issue23December 2001Pages 716-717 RelatedInformation