During 2004-2005 and 2007-2008, 189 foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and 6 badgers (Meles meles) were collected in different areas of Central Northern Italy (Piedmont, Linguria Tuscany) and examined for Angiostrongylus vasorum infection. The prevalence of the infection was significantly different in the areas considered, with the highest values in the district of Imperia (80%, Liguria) and in Montezemolo (70%, southern Piedmont); the prevalence in Tuscany was 7%. One badger collected in the area of Imperia turned out to be infected, representing the First report of the parasite in this species in Italy. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role played by fox populations as reservoirs of infection and the probability of its spreading to domestic dogs.
Angiostrongylus vasorum in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and badgers (Meles meles) from central and northern Italy
MAGI, MARTA;Monni G;MACCHIONI, FABIO
2009-01-01
Abstract
During 2004-2005 and 2007-2008, 189 foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and 6 badgers (Meles meles) were collected in different areas of Central Northern Italy (Piedmont, Linguria Tuscany) and examined for Angiostrongylus vasorum infection. The prevalence of the infection was significantly different in the areas considered, with the highest values in the district of Imperia (80%, Liguria) and in Montezemolo (70%, southern Piedmont); the prevalence in Tuscany was 7%. One badger collected in the area of Imperia turned out to be infected, representing the First report of the parasite in this species in Italy. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role played by fox populations as reservoirs of infection and the probability of its spreading to domestic dogs.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
