Occurrence and diversity of arthropod-transmitted pathogens in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in western Austria, and possible vertical (transplacental) transmission ofHepatozoon canis

Parasitology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 145 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
ADNAN HODŽIĆ ◽  
NAIKE MROWIETZ ◽  
RITA CÉZANNE ◽  
PIA BRUCKSCHWAIGER ◽  
SYLVIA PUNZ ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Blood Feeding ◽  
Hepatozoon Canis ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Wild Canid ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Canid Species ◽  
First Time

SUMMARYRed fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most abundant wild canid species in Austria, and it is a well-known carrier of many pathogens of medical and veterinary concern. The main aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence and diversity of protozoan, bacterial and filarial parasites transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods in a red fox population in western Austria. Blood (n= 351) and spleen (n= 506) samples from foxes were examined by PCR and sequencing and the following pathogens were identified:Babesia canis,Babesiacf.microti(syn.Theileria annae),Hepatozoon canis,Anaplasma phagocytophilum,CandidatusNeoehrlichia sp. andBartonella rochalimae. Blood was shown to be more suitable for detection ofBabesiacf.microti, whilst the spleen tissue was better for detection ofH. canisthan blood. Moreover, extremely low genetic variability ofH. canisand its relatively low prevalence rate observed in this study may suggest that the parasite has only recently been introduced in the sampled area. Furthermore, the data presented here demonstrates, for the first time, the possible vertical transmission ofH. canisfrom an infected vixen to the offspring, and this could explain the very high prevalence in areas considered free of its main tick vector(s).

scholarly journals Rickettsiae in Red Fox (Vulpes Vulpes), Marbled Polecat (Vormela Peregusna) and Their Ticks in Northwestern China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gang Liu ◽  
Shanshan Zhao ◽  
Wenbo Tan ◽  
Sándor Hornok ◽  
Wumei Yuan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Northwestern China ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Autonomous Region ◽  
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region ◽  
Melophagus Ovinus ◽  
Rickettsia Sibirica ◽  
First Time

Abstract BackgroundPreviously, twelve Rickettsia species were found in ticks, fleas, sheep keds (Melophagus ovinus), bats (common pipistrelle: Pipistrellus pipistrellus) and a tick-bitten patient in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR), northwestern China. Here we aimed to molecularly detect rickettsial agents in red fox (Vulpes vulpes), marbled polecat (Vormela peregusna) and their ticks.MethodsDuring 2018-2019, 12 red foxes, 1 marbled polecat and their ticks were sampled in two counties and a city of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (northwestern China). The heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney of these 13 carnivores were dissected, followed by DNA extraction. Hard ticks were identified both morphologically and molecularly. All samples were examined for the presence of rickettsiae by amplifying four genetic markers.ResultsA total of 26 adult ticks and 28 nymphs (38 Ixodes canisuga, nine Ixodes kaiseri, six Haemaphysalis erinacei and one Dermacentor marginatus) were collected from red foxes, and four H. erinacei ticks were removed from a marbled polecat. Analysis of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences indicated that 2-32 nucleotides differed between I. canisuga, I. kaiseri and H. erinacei from northwestern China and Europe. Rickettsia raoultii was detected in three red foxes, Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae in a red fox, Rickettsia sibirica in a red fox and a marbled polecat, and R. raoultii in two tick species (I. canisuga and D. marginatus).ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, I. canisuga and I. kaiseri have not been previously reported from red foxes in China. The DNA of R. sibirica and R. raoultii was detected for the first time in organs of red foxes, and R. sibirica in organs of marbled polecat. This is also the first molecular evidence for the presence of R. raoultii in I. canisuga. Our findings add to the range of tick-borne pathogens in wildlife species and associated ticks in China.

scholarly journals Rickettsiae in red fox (Vulpes vulpes), marbled polecat (Vormela peregusna) and their ticks in northwestern China

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gang Liu ◽  
Shanshan Zhao ◽  
Wenbo Tan ◽  
Sándor Hornok ◽  
Wumei Yuan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Northwestern China ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Wildlife Species ◽  
Melophagus Ovinus ◽  
Rickettsia Sibirica ◽  
First Time ◽  
Lung And Kidney

Abstract Background Previously, twelve Rickettsia species were identified in ticks, fleas, sheep keds (Melophagus ovinus), bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) and a tick-bitten patient in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in northwestern China. Here we aimed to molecularly detect rickettsial agents in red fox (Vulpes vulpes), marbled polecat (Vormela peregusna) and their ticks. Methods During 2018–2019, 12 red foxes, one marbled polecat and their ticks were sampled in two counties and a city of the XUAR. The heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney of these 13 carnivores were dissected, followed by DNA extraction. Hard ticks were identified both morphologically and molecularly. All samples were examined for the presence of rickettsiae by amplifying four genetic markers (17-kDa, gltA, ompA, sca1). Results A total of 26 adult ticks and 28 nymphs (38 Ixodes canisuga, nine Ixodes kaiseri, six Haemaphysalis erinacei and one Dermacentor marginatus) were collected from red foxes, and four Ha. erinacei ticks were removed from the marbled polecat. Analysis of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences indicated that 2–32 nucleotides differed between I. canisuga, I. kaiseri and Ha. erinacei from northwestern China and Europe. Rickettsia raoultii was detected in three red foxes, Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae in a red fox, Rickettsia sibirica in a red fox and a marbled polecat, and R. raoultii in two tick species (I. canisuga and D. marginatus). Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, I. canisuga and I. kaiseri have not been previously reported from red foxes in China. The DNA of R. sibirica and R. raoultii was detected for the first time in the organs of red foxes, and R. sibirica in the organs of a marbled polecat. This is also the first molecular evidence for the presence of R. raoultii in I. canisuga. Our findings expand the range of tick-borne pathogens in wildlife species and associated ticks in China.

scholarly journals Dynamics of Echinococcus multilocularis infection in red fox populations with high and low prevalence of this parasite in Poland (2007–2014)

2015 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 213-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacek Karamon ◽  
Maciej Kochanowski ◽  
Joanna Dąbrowska ◽  
Jacek Sroka ◽  
Mirosław Różycki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Echinococcus Multilocularis ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Current Prevalence ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Stable Degree

Abstract The aim of the study was to estimate the current prevalence of E. multilocularis in selected populations of red foxes in Poland and to evaluate the changes in prevalence of this parasite by comparison with the results obtained in the same area during earlier surveillance. The investigations were performed in the area of four Polish provinces: 2 eastern/south-eastern (Lubelskie and Podkarpackie) and 2 south-western (Śląskie and Opolskie). Five hundred red foxes coming from the investigated areas were examined between 2013 and 2014 to estimate the current situation in selected provinces. Moreover, 550 red foxes from the same areas examined between 2007 and 2013 were used for comparison of differences in E. multilocularis prevalences in time. Intestines were examined with the use of the sedimentation and counting technique. Among 500 foxes examined in the current study, 118 were positive for E. multilocularis. There were differences in prevalence between individual provinces: Podkarpackie Province - 54.6%, Lubelskie Province - 18.9%, Śląskie Province - 11.7%, and Opolskie Province - 3.9%. Statistical analysis demonstrated that in most cases there were no differences in prevalence between the current results and the results from previous studies. Only in Opolskie Province was a statistically significant increase observed between 2010 and 2014. A stable degree of infection in the region with high prevalence of this parasite was demonstrated. However, a significant increase in the region with very low prevalence of E. multilocularis points out the necessity to monitor this infection during the coming years to control the progress of the disease

Variation in fur farm and wild populations of the red fox, Vulpes vulpes (Carnivora: Canidae) — Part I: Morphometry

2016 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 589-597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Zatoń-Dobrowolska ◽  
Magdalena Moska ◽  
Anna Mucha ◽  
Heliodor Wierzbicki ◽  
Piotr Przysiecki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Selective Breeding ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Tail Length ◽  
Morphometric Traits ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Ear Height ◽  
Morphological Differences ◽  
The Right ◽  
Almost All

This paper demonstrates the influence of artificial selection on morphometric traits in the red fox [Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758)]. Measurements and two proportion coefficients were analysed in 132 wild and 199 farm red foxes. The two groups differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) on all but one of the measurements. Eight out of 11 measurements were significantly greater in the farm fox population, while only tail length, ear height, and length of the right hind limb were greater in the population of wild foxes. The opposite trend was observed when analysing variation in the measurements — the farm foxes were characterized by a greater variability only in the case of body weight, body length, and breadth of chest. When analysing the sexual dimorphism index in different sex and population groups, in almost all analysed traits, the greatest differences occurred between farm males and wild females. All of the traits examined in this study are important for survival of wild foxes. However, because importance of some traits was reduced during domestication and selective breeding (farm foxes do not have to fight for survival), the genetic relationship between them may have weakened. Other possible causes of morphological differences between the studied groups of red foxes are discussed as well.

scholarly journals Occurence of Echinococcus multilocularis in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in southern Poland

2008 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Borecka ◽  
J. Gawor ◽  
M. Malczewska ◽  
A. Malczewski
Keyword(s):  
Echinococcus Multilocularis ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Southern Poland ◽  
Regular Screening ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Epidemiological Situation

AbstractThe prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis in 214 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in the southern part of Poland (Małopolskie voivodship) was evaluated post mortem in 2005. Infected foxes were found in 8 districts within 17 examined, with the prevalence from 10.0 % to 63.9 % (a mean 20.1 % in the whole study area). The highest prevalence (41.2 % and 63.9 %) was revealed in two districts, in the south and the east of the province, respectively. The high prevalence of E. multilocularis in red foxes in the region previously recognised as that of low parasite endemicity provides evidence for the need of regular screening of the current epidemiological situation in foxes as well as the monitoring of humans from risk groups for early recognition of possible AE cases.

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

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.

scholarly journals Genetic Structure and Gene Flow in Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Scandinavia: Implications for the Potential Future Spread of Echinococcus multilocularis Tapeworm

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (24) ◽  
pp. 5289
Author(s):  
Mari Hagenlund ◽  
Arne Linløkken ◽  
Kjartan Østbye ◽  
Zea Walton ◽  
Morten Odden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Population Ecology ◽  
Wildlife Management ◽  
Echinococcus Multilocularis ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Emerging Diseases ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Genetic Structuring ◽  
High Level

Knowledge about the dispersal and gene flow patterns in wild animals are important for our understanding of population ecology and the connectedness of populations. It is also important for management relating to disease control and the transmission of new and emerging diseases. Our study aimed to evaluate the genetic structuring among comparative samples of red foxes in a small part of Scandinavia and to estimate the gene flow and potential directionality in the movements of foxes using an optimized set of microsatellite markers. We compared genetic samples of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from two areas in Sweden and two areas in Norway, including red fox samples from areas where the occurrence of the cyclophyllic tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis has been documented, and areas without known occurrence of the parasite. Our results show a high level of gene flow over considerable distances and substantiates migration from areas affected with E. multilocularis into Norway where the parasite is not yet detected. The results allow us to better understand the gene flow and directionality in the movement patterns of red foxes, which is important for wildlife management authorities regarding the spread of E. multilocularis.

Low Prevalence ofEchinococcus multilocularisin Michigan, U.S.A.: A Survey of Coyotes (Canis latrans), Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and Gray Foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), 2009–2012

2015 ◽  
Vol 82 (2) ◽  
pp. 285-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie R. Melotti ◽  
Patrick M. Muzzall ◽  
Daniel J. O’Brien ◽  
Thomas M. Cooley ◽  
Jean I. Tsao
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Canis Latrans ◽  
Urocyon Cinereoargenteus ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Low Prevalence

scholarly journals Spatiotemporal spread of sarcoptic mange in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Switzerland over more than 60 years: lessons learnt from comparative analysis of multiple surveillance tools

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Roberto Rolando Pisano ◽  
Fridolin Zimmermann ◽  
Luca Rossi ◽  
Simon Capt ◽  
Ezgi Akdesir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
19Th Century ◽  
General Health ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Sarcoptes Scabiei ◽  
Health Surveillance ◽  
Sarcoptic Mange ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
First Case ◽  
Combining Data

Abstract Background Sarcoptic mange is a contagious skin disease of wild and domestic mammals caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Reports of sarcoptic mange in wildlife increased worldwide in the second half of the 20th century, especially since the 1990s. The aim of this study was to provide new insights into the epidemiology of mange by (i) documenting the emergence of sarcoptic mange in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the last decades in Switzerland; and (ii) describing its spatiotemporal spread combining data obtained through different surveillance methods. Methods Retrospective analysis of archived material together with prospective data collection delivered a large dataset from the 19th century to 2018. Methods included: (i) a review of historical literature; (ii) screening of necropsy reports from general health surveillance (1958–2018); (iii) screening of data on mange (1968–1992) collected during the sylvatic rabies eradication campaign; (iv) a questionnaire survey (<1980–2017) and (v) evaluation of camera-trap bycatch data (2005–2018). Results Sarcoptic mange in red foxes was reported as early as 1835 in Switzerland. The first case diagnosed in the framework of the general health surveillance was in 1959. Prior to 1980, sarcoptic mange occurred in non-adjacent surveillance districts scattered all over the country. During the period of the rabies epidemic (1970s-early 1990s), the percentage of foxes tested for rabies with sarcoptic mange significantly decreased in subregions with rabies, whereas it remained high in the few rabies-free subregions. Sarcoptic mange re-emerged in the mid-1990s and continuously spread during the 2000–2010s, to finally extend to the whole country in 2017. The yearly prevalence of mange in foxes estimated by camera-trapping ranged from 0.1–12%. Conclusions Sarcoptic mange has likely been endemic in Switzerland as well as in other European countries at least since the mid-19th century. The rabies epidemics seem to have influenced the pattern of spread of mange in several locations, revealing an interesting example of disease interaction in free-ranging wildlife populations. The combination of multiple surveillance tools to study the long-term dynamics of sarcoptic mange in red foxes in Switzerland proved to be a successful strategy, which underlined the usefulness of questionnaire surveys.

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