First report of Troglotrema acutum (Digenea, Troglotrematidae) in the Eurasian badger Meles meles in the Iberian Peninsula and presumptive lesions caused in the host.

ABSTRACT

A total of 109 badger Meles meles skulls from Catalonia (north-eastern Iberian Peninsula) were studied for helminths. The tremadode Troglotrema acutum is reported here for the first time in the Eurasian badger in the Iberian Peninsula and southern Europe. Three methodologies were used to detect this trematode an examination for surface lesions, axial computed tomography and fresh skull dissection. The damage caused in the affected skulls is described, along with details regarding the use of computed tomography to detect hyperostosis, leakage in the sinus structure and bone surface erosion in the affected skulls.