Epidemiology of Toxocara canis in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from urban areas of Bristol

SUMMARYA descriptive epidemiological survey was undertaken of the ascarid nematode Toxocara canis in 521 red foxes (vulpes, vulpes) during the period January 1986 to July 1990. Age–prevalence and age–intensity profiles show that worm are significantly higher in cubs than in subadult or adult foxes and higher in subadult than in adult foxes. variations in worm burdens occur, with the highest prevalences and intensities being found during the spring, when are born, and in the summer months. Prevalences and intensities then decrease during the autumn and winter months both subadult and adult foxes, but, during this period, prevalences are significantly higher in male than in female Variations in worm burdens in the fox population are likely to be related to the reproductive cycle of the fox, with proportion of cubs becoming infected in utero. The role of the fox in the transmission of T. canis in the urban environment is discussed.

Download Full-text

Helminthes intestinaux du Renard commun (Vulpes vulpes L.) dans le Massif central (France)

Canadian Journal of Zoology ◽

10.1139/z88-228 ◽

1988 ◽

Vol 66 (7) ◽

pp. 1562-1569 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

S. Deblock ◽

A. F. Pétavy ◽

B. Gilot

Keyword(s):

Echinococcus Multilocularis ◽

Vulpes Vulpes ◽

Ecological Factors ◽

Toxocara Canis ◽

Epidemiological Survey ◽

Red Foxes ◽

Massif Central ◽

Alveolar Hydatid Disease ◽

First Time ◽

Toxascaris Leonina

In the course of an epidemiological survey of Echinococcus multilocularis (Leuckart, 1863), causative agent of alveolar hydatid disease, the autopsy of 154 red foxes, Vulpes vulpes (L.), captured in the Department of Cantal between November 1984 and February 1985 disclosed 144 cases of intestinal helminthiases. Helminths consisted of cestodes and nematodes; no trematodes were found. Multiple infestations were very frequent. Cestoda recorded consisted of the following species: Mesocestoides litteratus (Batsch, 1786) (40 cases; 26%), Taenia crassiceps (Zeder, 1800) (36 cases, 24%), Echinococcus multilocularis Leuckart, 1863 (23 cases, 14.9%), Taenia polyacantha Leuckart, 1856 (17 cases, 11.4%), Amoebotaenia paradoxa (Rudolphi, 1802) (8 cases, 5.2%), and Taenia pisiformis (Bloch, 1780) (2 cases, 1.3%). The following Nematoda were recovered: Uncinaria stenocephala (Railliet, 1884) (90 cases, 58.4%), Toxocara canis (Werner, 1782) (79 cases, 51.3%), Toxascaris leonina (Linstow, 1902) (39 cases, 25.3%), Trichuris vulpis (Froelich, 1789) (25 cases, 16%), Pterygodermatites affinis (Jaegerskioeld, 1904) (6 cases, 4%), and undetermined Trichostrongylidae (4 cases, 2.7%). Hosts were not examined for Trichinella sp. The cartography of each helminthiase revealed propitious areas of maintenance of the parasite. Echinococcus multilocularis had a very limited distribution compared with other taeniid species with a near-identical life cycle. Unknown ecological factors may have an adverse effect on the free stage (egg) of the cestode. The nematode Pterygodermatites affinis is reported here for the first time in France.

Download Full-text

Helminthofauna of the fox (Vulpes vulpes) and korsak (Vulpes corsac)

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES OF KAZAKHSTAN ◽

10.52301/1684-940x-2021-3-28-35 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

pp. 28-35

Author(s):

I.M. Abirova ◽

N.Zh. Eleugaliyeva ◽

G.K. Zhumagaliyeva ◽

M.G. Gusmanov

Keyword(s):

Vulpes Vulpes ◽

Toxocara Canis ◽

Host Population ◽

Farm Animals ◽

Wild Animals ◽

The West ◽

West Kazakhstan ◽

The One ◽

Epidemiological Significance

For humans and domestic animals, parasites of wild animals can pose a threat to health, and even life. In this regard, it is important to establish the pathways of circulation of pathogens of dangerous helminthiasis, to identify the nature of the focus and the role of wild animals in this process, since these data serve as the basis for the development of anti-parasite measures. The study of parasitic organisms of wild animals is of great importance for science and practice. In natural biocenosis, one of their joints is parasitic species, which, on the one hand, are involved in the regulation of the host population; on the other hand, they prevent the introduction and spread of new species related to the host, i.e. participate in ensuring homeostasis of biocenosis. Parasitizing in various hosts, both definitive and intermediate, helminthes can determine the number and distribution over the territory not only of these hosts, but also of other animal species associated with these hosts by trophic and other connections. The foregoing determines the relevance of the problem of studying the fauna of helminthes of wild animals in the West Kazakhstan region, which is currently under-researched. The species composition of helminthes of the fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the korsak (Vulpes corsac) in the territory of the West-Kazakhstan region region was explored. In most cases, the invasion was recorded in an associative form. Some helminthes cause serious diseases in humans and farm animals. As a result of our research, we identified 6 species of intestinal helminthes in the common fox, two of which (Alveococcus multilocularis, Toxocara canis) have epidemiological significance. In korsak, 3 types of helminthes were identified at the autopsy before the species.

Download Full-text

First report of Angiostrongylus vasorum in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Serbia

Journal of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society ◽

10.12681/jhvms.19616 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 69 (4) ◽

pp. 1265

Author(s):

P. Gavrilović ◽

I. Todorović ◽

I. Pavlović ◽

A. Živulj

Keyword(s):

Vulpes Vulpes ◽

Present Finding ◽

Histopathological Examination ◽

Pulmonary Arteries ◽

Angiostrongylus Vasorum ◽

Red Foxes ◽

Reservoir Species ◽

Gross Lesions ◽

The Right

Angiostrongylosis caused by Angiostrongylus vasorum is an emerging disease in Europe and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is considered as a main reservoir species for this parasite. Since there have been no reports of A. vasorum in red foxes in Serbia at the time of carrying out our investigations, the aim of the investigations was to explore the role of red foxes in South Banat (northern Serbia) as reservoirs for A. vasorum. Legally hunted foxes were autopsied in the Veterinary Specialised Institute “Pančevo”. The heart, lungs and pulmonary artery were examined macroscopically for evidence of gross lesions and for the presence of adult specimens of A. vasorum. Impression smears of the changed lung tissue were examined microscopically for the presence of first stage larvae of A. vasorum and histopathological examination was performed on lung samples. Out of 24 examined foxes hunted in different locations, 13 had lesions manifested in the lungs, which were suspected to be indicative of angiostrongylosis. In the majority of the foxes distal parts of the pulmonary lobes were swollen, firm, and discoloured to dark-red, dark-yellow and darkbrown. The characteristic lesions in distal parts of the pulmonary lobes were completely consistent with the presence of adult parasites in the right heart and pulmonary arteries, and with the presence of the first stage larvae in the impression smears. The present finding contributes to the knowledge of geographic distribution of angiostrongylosis in red foxes in Europe and provides valuable information that should raise awareness in veterinarians to consider this parasitosis in dogs with signs of cardiopulmonary diseases.

Download Full-text

Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Ireland as hosts for parasites of potential zoonotic and veterinary significance

Veterinary Record ◽

10.1136/vr.149.25.759 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 149 (25) ◽

pp. 759-763 ◽

Cited By ~ 47

Author(s):

A. Wolfe ◽

S. Hogan ◽

D. Maguire ◽

C. Fitzpatrick ◽

G. Mulcahy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Vulpes Vulpes ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Toxocara Canis ◽

Red Foxes ◽

Alaria Alata

Intestinal washes, faecal flotations and serological examinations for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum were used to assess the prevalence of parasites in carcases of foxes killed on roads or shot in the Dublin area and surrounding counties. The ascarids Uncinaria stenocephala and Toxocara canis were prevalent, as was the trematode Alaria alata. Taenia species, eggs of Capillaria species and sporocysts of Sarcocystis species were also found. Only one fox out of 70 examined was seropositive for N caninum, whereas 24 of 51 were seropositive for Tgondii.

Download Full-text

Adaptations of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) to urban environments in Sydney, Australia

Journal of Urban Ecology ◽

10.1093/jue/juaa009 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Margarita Gil-Fernández ◽

Robert Harcourt ◽

Thomas Newsome ◽

Alison Towerton ◽

Alexandra Carthey

Keyword(s):

Urban Areas ◽

Vulpes Vulpes ◽

Red Fox ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Urban Environments ◽

Canis Lupus Familiaris ◽

Red Foxes ◽

High Degree ◽

Sydney Australia ◽

Site Types

Abstract With urban encroachment on wild landscapes accelerating globally, there is an urgent need to understand how wildlife is adapting to anthropogenic change. We compared the behaviour of the invasive red fox (Vulpes vulpes) at eight urban and eight peri-urban areas of Sydney, Australia. We observed fox behaviour around a lure and compared fox activity patterns to those of potential prey and to two domestic predators (dogs—Canis lupus familiaris and cats—Felis catus). We assessed the influence of site type, vegetation cover, and distance from habitation on fox behaviour, and compared the temporal activity patterns of urban and peri-urban red foxes. Urban red foxes were marginally more nocturnal than those in peri-urban areas (88% activity overlap). There was greater overlap of red fox activity patterns with introduced mammalian prey in urban areas compared with peri-urban areas (90% urban vs 84% peri-urban). Red fox temporal activity overlapped 78% with cats, but only 20% with dogs, across both site types. The high degree of overlap with cats and introduced mammalian prey is most likely explained by the nocturnal behaviour of these species, while pet dogs are generally kept in yards or indoors at night. The behavioural differences we documented by urban red foxes suggest they may adapt to human modifications and presence, by being more nocturnal and/or more confident in urban areas.

Download Full-text

Population Structure of Harvested Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and Coyotes (Canis latrans) on Prince Edward Island, Canada

The Canadian Field-Naturalist ◽

10.22621/cfn.v126i4.1374 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 126 (4) ◽

pp. 288 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Wendela Wapenaar ◽

Fiep De Bie ◽

David Johnston ◽

Ryan M. O'Handley ◽

Herman W. Barkema

Keyword(s):

Population Dynamics ◽

Wildlife Management ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Vulpes Vulpes ◽

Prince Edward Island ◽

Canis Latrans ◽

Habitat Type ◽

Red Foxes ◽

Wild Canids ◽

Agricultural Areas

An understanding of the population dynamics and habitat of wild Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and Coyotes (Canis latrans) is a prerequisite to wildlife management. This information is also important in assessing the risk these wild canids pose to the public and domestic animals. On Prince Edward Island, information on age, sex, reproductive activity, and habitat use of 271 Red Foxes and 201 Coyotes was collected in the hunting and trapping season of 2004–2005. The estimated age of Red Foxes and Coyotes ranged from 0.5 to 13.5 years. A large proportion of harvested Red Foxes and Coyotes (58% and 48%, respectively) consisted of juveniles. The sex ratio was not significantly different from 1:1 for either species. Average litter size was 5.0 and 5.2 for Red Foxes and Coyotes, respectively. Number of placental scars ranged from 0 to 7 in Red Foxes and from 0 to 11 in Coyotes. Agricultural areas were the main habitat type (52%) of harvested Red Foxes. For harvested Coyotes, forest was the main habitat (44%), followed closely by agricultural areas (43%). Urban areas were a significant part (13%) of the habitat of Red Foxes. These data can be used to monitor population dynamics over time, provide information for wildlife management, and provide information on potential risk areas for disease transmission by wild canids.

Download Full-text

Diet of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in South-west New South Wales, with relevance to lamb predation.

The Rangeland Journal ◽

10.1071/rj9930039 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 39 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

IW Lugton

Keyword(s):

Vulpes Vulpes ◽

Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽

New South ◽

New South Wales ◽

Ovis Aries ◽

Red Foxes ◽

South West ◽

South Wales ◽

Preferred Foods ◽

Autumn And Winter

The diets of 212 foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in the far south-west of New South Wales were determined between 1985 and 1989 and compared with other Australian studies. Mammalian remains, at an overall occurrence of 99.1%, formed the basis of the diet during the autumn and winter months. The most frequently occurring mammals were rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) (34.9%), sheep (Ovis aries) (30.7%) and macropods (Macropus spp.) (20.3%). Insects occurred in 31.1% of stomachs and formed a substantial proportion of the diet. Fresh newborn lamb was identified in only 3.8% of all stomachs, but evidence of lamb consumption was 10 times greater (35.2%) from foxes collected near lambing flocks. Other studies around lambing flocks have also shown a high occurrence of fresh lamb in fox stomachs and there is circumstantial evidence that predation of lambs by foxes can be common. It was concluded that lamb predation is likely to be severe where the fox population density is high, where older foxes predominate, and where alternative preferred foods are scarce. More research is required to confirm these observations.

Download Full-text

Role of dogs in contamination of urban environment with causes of parasitic zoonoses

Veterinarski glasnik ◽

10.2298/vetgl0606377p ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 60 (5-6) ◽

pp. 377-383

Author(s):

Ivan Pavlovic ◽

Zoran Kulisic ◽

Slavisa Djurdjevic ◽

Zorana Misic ◽

Jana Momcilovic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cryptosporidium Parvum ◽

Giardia Lamblia ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Close Contact ◽

Toxocara Canis ◽

Large Numbers ◽

Parasitic Zoonoses ◽

The One ◽

Zoonotic Parasites

Dogs belong to the group of animals that were the first to be domesticated. They live in cohabitation with humans and share their environment much more intimately than any other animal specie. The close contact between strays and pets, on the one side, and the pollution of urban areas with the feces of these animals, on the other, close the chain of infection with parasites, which jeopardizes also human health in the final link of that chain. Dogs are carriers and the true hosts to large numbers of species of zoonotic parasites - Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia lamblia, Echinoccocus granulosus, Dipyllidium caninum, Toxocara canis, Ancylostomidae spp. and others, whose eggs or other developmental forms they eliminate into the environment through feces. The increase in the number of cases of toxocarosis in humans (syndrome of visceral larvae migrans), ancylostomosis (cutanea larvae migrans), hydatidosis, toxoplasmosis, or cryptosporidiosis are the best indicators of these relations. In order to resolve this problem, it is necessary to conduct systematic investigations of their parasitic fauna with the maximum cooperation of the animal owners, compulsory health education of the population in the area of the diseases that are transferred from animals to humans, and, certainly, carrying out the dehelminthization of dogs.

Download Full-text

Recognition of Trace Element Contamination Using Ficus macrophylla Leaves in Urban Environment

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17030881 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 881 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Maria Grazia Alaimo ◽

Daniela Varrica

Keyword(s):

Trace Element ◽

Urban Environment ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Airborne Particulate Matter ◽

Enrichment Factors ◽

Major And Trace Elements ◽

Atmospheric Pollutants ◽

Distribution Maps ◽

Local Pollution

Urban areas are characterized by numerous pollutants emitted by anthropic sources both in the form of solid and gaseous particulates. Biomonitoring is an easy, economical, and accessible approach for the determination of atmospheric pollutants. In this study, we used the leaves of Ficus macrophylla Desf. ex Pers., collected in the city of Palermo (Italy), to determine major and trace elements. Geogenic elements exhibited the highest concentrations, making up 99% of the weight of the analyzed elements (Ca, K, Mg, P, S, Na, Fe, and Al); they range 21,400 (Ca) to 122 µg g−1 (Al). The remaining elements showed median concentrations in the range 47.5–0.05 µg g−1 in the following order of abundance: Sr > Cu > Mn > Zn > Br > Rb > Ba > Pb > Cr > Sb > As > Mo = Sc. Cluster analysis, with Spearman’s coefficient to measure sample similarity, identified five main groups, namely, three clusters related to the geogenic background and marine spray; one cluster linked to elements essential to plants, and a final group attributed to the influence of traffic emissions. Calculated enrichment factors (EF) showed that the enrichments found for P and K were linked to plant metabolism; Na and Mg confirmed the role of sea spray; Cu and Zn underlined the contribution linked to anthropic processes and the role of micronutrients in plants.. As, Cr, and Mo had EF values ranging from 10 and 20, and Sb had EF > 90. From geochemical distribution maps of As, Cr, Mo, and Sb it was observed that metal and metalloid concentrations were higher in urban areas and immediately decreased as one moved away from these areas. Local pollution sources play a great role in trace element concentrations in airborne particulate matter. The present study confirms that Ficus macrophylla leaves are suitable for screening an urban environment to identify concentrations of inorganic chemicals, since they have high tolerance to pollution.

Download Full-text