The low survival rate of European hare leverets in arable farmland: evidence from the predation experiment.

The low survival rate of leverets may significantly contribute to steep population declines and slow recovery of European hares (Lepus europaeus). However, the leveret survival rate in farmlands with different landscape structures is poorly understood, and the existing evidence comes mainly from Western Europe. In this study, we explored the survival of leveret hare dummies along linear semi-natural habitats in homogeneous Central European arable farmland during the main part of the European hare reproduction period (March-April) in 2019 and 2020. The survival rate of hare leverets during the 14-day period was only 22.2%, and all predation events were recorded during the first six days of the experiment. Mammalian predators were responsible for 53.1% of predation events, avian predators for 40.8%, and agricultural operations for 6.1%. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was the dominant predator in our study area and was the primary cause of leveret dummy mortality (32.7%), but it also had the highest use-intensity and visit frequency of all of the study plots. Predation by avian predators was associated with patches of lower vegetation height and cover (such as plowed fields) and during daylight hours, whereas the opposite was true for mammalian predators. We propose that improving the habitat quality of arable landscapes by increasing the proportion and quality of extensively used non-farmed habitats (e.g., set-asides, wildflower areas, extensive meadows, fallow land, and semi-natural habitats on arable land) providing cover and shelter for leverets could be an effective management measure for reducing predation risk on leverets.

Zoonotic bacterial and parasitic intestinal pathogens in foxes, raccoons and other predators from eastern Germany.

In this study, we investigated faecal specimens from legally hunted and road-killed red foxes, raccoons, raccoon dogs, badgers and martens in Germany for parasites and selected zoonotic bacteria. We found that Baylisascaris procyonis, a zoonotic parasite of raccoons, had spread to northeastern Germany, an area previously presumed to be free of this parasite. We detected various pathogenic bacterial species from the genera Listeria, Clostridium (including baratii), Yersinia and Salmonella, which were analysed using whole-genome sequencing. One isolate of Yersinia enterocolitica contained a virulence plasmid. The Salmonella Cholerasuis isolate encoded an aminoglycoside resistance gene and a parC point mutation, conferring resistance to ciprofloxacin. We also found tetracycline resistance genes in Paeniclostridium sordellii and Clostridium baratii. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the isolates were polyclonal, indicating the absence of specific wildlife-adapted clones. Predators, which scavenge from various sources including human settlements, acquire and spread zoonotic pathogens. Therefore, their role should not be overlooked in the One Health context.

Gastrointestinal parasites of dogs and foxes in the Zanjan province of Iran: With an emphasis on Echinococcus species.

Canids harbor many zoonotic parasites and play an important role in the spread of parasites in the human environment. Estimation of parasitic infection among canids as definitive hosts may help competent authorities design efficient control programs. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs and foxes with an emphasis on Echinococcus spp. A total of 500 fecal samples of dogs and 30 fecal samples of foxes were studied in the summer, autumn, and winter of 2021 in the Zanjan province using the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique, followed by multiplex PCR. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection was estimated to be 19.05%. The prevalence was 24.8%, 10.2%, and 26.7% in stray, shelter dogs and foxes, respectively. No parasites were found among pet and guard dog samples. PCR results on Taenidae eggs showed that 2.4% of samples were positive for Echinococcus granulosus and none contained E. multilocularis. Noteworthy is that E. granulosus was identified only in stray dog samples. The higher prevalence of E. granulosus infection in stray dogs in this province emphasizes the importance of monitoring the food sources consumed by these animals.

Effect of skull morphology on fox snow diving.

Certain fox species plunge-dive into snow to catch prey (e.g., rodents), a hunting mechanism called mousing. Red and arctic foxes can dive into snow at speeds ranging between 2 and 4 m/s. Such mousing behavior is facilitated by a slim, narrow facial structure. Here, we investigate how foxes dive into snow efficiently by studying the role of skull morphology on impact forces it experiences. In this study, we reproduce the mousing behavior in the lab using three-dimensional (3D) printed fox skulls dropped into fresh snow to quantify the dynamic force of impact. Impact force into snow is modeled using hydrodynamic added mass during the initial impact phase. This approach is based on two key facts: the added mass effect in granular media at high Reynolds numbers and the characteristics of snow as a granular medium. Our results show that the curvature of the snout plays a critical role in determining the impact force, with an inverse relationship. A sharper skull leads to a lower average impact force, which allows foxes to dive head-first into the snow with minimal tissue damage.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a Zoo-Kept Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes).

Many different animal species are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, including a few Canidae (domestic dog and raccoon dog). So far, only experimental evidence is available concerning SARS-CoV-2 infections in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). This is the first report of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in a sample from a red fox. The RT-qPCR-positive fox was zoo-kept together with another fox and two bears in the Swiss Canton of Zurich. Combined material from a conjunctival and nasal swab collected for canine distemper virus diagnostics tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA with Ct values of 36.9 (E gene assay) and 35.7 (RdRp gene assay). The sample was analysed for SARS-CoV-2 within a research project testing residual routine diagnostic samples from different animal species submitted between spring 2020 and December 2022 to improve knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 infections within different animal species and investigate their potential role in a One Health context. Within this project, 246 samples from 153 different animals from Swiss zoos and other wild animal species all tested SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR and/or serologically negative so far, except for the reported fox. The source of SARS-CoV-2 in the fox is unknown. The fox disappeared within the naturally structured enclosure, and the cadaver was not found. No further control measures were undertaken.

Mesocarnivores vary in their spatiotemporal avoidance strategies at communications hubs of an apex carnivore.

Mesocarnivores face interspecific competition and risk intraguild predation when sharing resources with apex carnivores. Within a landscape, carnivores across trophic levels may use the same communication hubs, which provide a mix of risks (injury/death) and rewards (gaining information) for subordinate species. We predicted that mesocarnivores would employ different strategies to avoid apex carnivores at shared communication hubs, depending on their trophic position. To test our prediction, we examined how different subordinate carnivore species in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California, USA, manage spatial overlap with pumas (Puma concolor), both at communication hubs and across a landscape-level camera trap array. We estimated species-specific occurrence, visitation rates, temporal overlap, and Avoidance-Attraction Ratios from camera traps and tested for differences between the two types of sites. We found that mesocarnivores generally avoided pumas at communication hubs, and this became more pronounced when pumas scent-marked during their most recent visit. Coyotes (Canis latrans), the pumas' closest subordinate competitor in our system, exhibited the strongest avoidance at communication hubs. Gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) avoided pumas the least, which may suggest possible benefits from pumas suppressing coyotes. Overall, mesocarnivores exhibited various spatiotemporal avoidance strategies at communication hubs rather than outright avoidance, likely because they benefit from information gained while 'eavesdropping' on puma activity. Variability in avoidance strategies may be due to differential predation risks, as apex carnivores often interact more aggressively with their closest competitors. Combined, our results show how apex carnivores trigger complex species interactions across the entire carnivore guild and how trophic position determines behavioral responses and subsequent space use of subordinate mesocarnivores across the landscape.

Economic valuation of a mesocarnivore's impact management.

Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have interacted with humans during their common history. We used a contingent valuation method to assess the economic value of the management of this mesocarnivore's negative impacts. We carried out face-to-face interviews with 746 Greek residents, using a multiple-bounded discrete choice approach to estimate willingness to pay (WTP) for red fox management under three impact situations: attack domestic animals, reduce game, carry disease. About 51.9%, 33.0%, and 81.1% of the respondents stated a mean WTP of €34.1, €44.9, and €72.1 for each situation, respectively. The total annual amounts of €18.7 million, €15.7 million, and €61.7 million could be collected from the target population for red fox management when they attack domestic animals, reduce game, and carry disease, respectively. Attitudes and likeability toward foxes were negatively associated while knowledge about foxes and fear of them were positively associated with WTP. The younger, richer, less educated, rural, farmers, hunters, and pet owners were generally more willing to pay for red fox management across situations. Females were more willing to pay for managing predation on domestic animals, while males were more willing to pay for managing predation on game. Our findings showed that the Greek residents highly value the management of red foxes in all impact situations and would be valuable for further advising the management process.

Nutritional ecology of a prototypical generalist predator, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes).

Generalist species, which exploit a wide range of food resources, are expected to be able to combine available resources as to attain their specific macronutrient ratio (percentage of caloric intake of protein, lipids and carbohydrates). Among mammalian predators, the red fox Vulpes vulpes is a widespread, opportunistic forager: its diet has been largely studied, outlining wide variation according to geographic and climatic factors. We aimed to check if, throughout the species' European range, diets vary widely in macronutrient composition or foxes can combine complementary foods to gain the same nutrient intake. First, we assessed fox's intake target in the framework of nutritional geometry. Secondly, we aimed to highlight the effects of unbalanced diets on fox density, which was assumed as a proxy for Darwinian fitness, as assessed in five areas of the western Italian Alps. Unexpectedly, the target macronutrient ratio of the fox (52.4% protein-, 38.7% lipid- and 8.9% carbohydrate energy) was consistent with that of hypercarnivores, such as wolves and felids, except for carbohydrate intakes in urban and rural habitats. The inverse relation between density and the deviation of observed macronutrient ratios from the intake target suggests that fox capability of surviving in a wide range of habitats may not be exempt from fitness costs and that nutrient availability should be regarded among the biotic factors affecting animal abundance and distribution.

LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES INFECTION IN FREE-RANGING RED FOXES (VULPES VULPES) AND EURASIAN LYNX (LYNX LYNX) IN SWITZERLAND.

Listeria monocytogenes is an ubiquitous environmental saprophytic bacterium causing listeriosis in domestic animals, humans, and occasionally wildlife. In animals, this foodborne zoonotic disease mainly occurs in ruminants and it is rare in carnivores. Seven red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and one Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) were diagnosed with listeriosis between 2010 and 2021 at the Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health, Bern, Switzerland. Necropsy and histopathology revealed meningitis (six of seven red foxes), hepatitis (six of seven red foxes), pneumonia (five of seven red foxes), splenitis (two of seven red foxes) and splenomegaly (the Eurasian lynx, two of seven red foxes). Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from either lung, spleen, liver, or kidney of all animals. Serotyping detected L. monocytogenes serotype 1/2a in five red foxes and the Eurasian lynx and serotype 4b in two red foxes. Six red foxes were positive for canine distemper virus (CDV) by polymerase chain reaction, whereas the Eurasian lynx and one red fox were negative. One red fox that was positive for CDV and listeriosis was also diagnosed with salmonellosis. The identified L. monocytogenes serotypes are among the three most frequently isolated serotypes (1/2a, 1/2b, and 4b) from food or the food production environment and those that cause most listeriosis cases in humans and animals. Coinfection with CDV in six red foxes questions the role of CDV as potential predisposing factor for septicemic listeriosis. The detection of listeriosis in the regionally endangered Eurasian lynx and in carnivores highly abundant in urban settings, such as red foxes, reinforces the importance of wildlife health surveillance in a One Health context and adds the Eurasian lynx to the list of carnivores susceptible to the disease. Further investigations are required to assess the prevalence and epidemiology of L. monocytogenes in free-ranging carnivores and its interaction with CDV.

First record of Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782) in the pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus, Fischer, 1814) (Carnivora: Canidae).

Dioctophyme renale (Goeze 1782) has not previously been reported in the pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) (Fisher 1814), the most abundant canid of southern South America. A wild adult pampas fox female was found dead due to unknown causes in Santa Fe province, Argentina. Post-mortem examination revealed three red worms measuring 10, 11 and 15 cm long, each with an approximate width of 5 mm. All of them were found free in the abdominal cavity. The worms were all male and were identified through morphological examination and molecular analysis as D. renale. No worm was found in the kidneys. This study reports the first case of dioctophymatosis in the pampas fox in Argentina, increasing the range of wild aberrant host species infected by the giant kidney worm in the Neotropical region.

Acanthocephala Species of Mammals in Türkiye and A New Species Record from Foxes.

Acanthocephaliasis is a zoonotic parasitic infection of vertebrates. The phylum Acanthocephala contains nearly 1500 acanthocephalan species. The Archiacanthocephala class is observed in terrestrial habitats and usually has a large, spineless trunk. Acanthocephalans are parasitic worms that use insects as intermediate hosts in their two-host life cycles. Insects, millipedes, and crustaceans in terrestrial areas serve as intermediate hosts and birds and mammals as definitive hosts. Acanthocephalans collected from the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) found dead on the road to Sarikamis-Kars in 1995 and stored in formaldehyde were kept in Ondokuz Mays University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Parasitology Laboratory Museum until 2023 after our parasitological study found an infected red fox with Pachysentis sp. This study provides the anatomy of the acanthocephalans and the laboratory practice necessary for a good and reliable diagnosis. This study reports a new species, Pachysentis sp., of acanthocephalan (thorny-headed worm) found in red foxes for Türkiye. On the basis of relevant articles, we have created a key to Acanthocephala species occurring in mammals.

Molecular characterization and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in humans and domestic animals in Heilongjiang Province, China.

BACKGROUND: Cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are significant parasitic diseases shared between humans and domestic animals. Due to the close contact between humans and domestic animals in rural areas, it is important to consider the potential transmission of zoonotic parasites from infected domestic animals to humans. This investigation aimed to determine the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in domestic animals and villagers. METHODS: A total of 116 fecal samples from villagers and 686 fecal samples from domestic animals in Heilongjiang Province, China, were analyzed for two parasites using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting various genetic loci and DNA sequence analysis of the PCR products. RESULTS: By sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in humans was 0.9% (1/116), with one species of C. parvum (n = 1) detected; among domestic animals, the prevalence was 2.6% (18/686), with five species identified: C. suis (n = 7) and C. scrofarum (n = 7) in pigs, C. meleagridis (n = 1) in chickens, C. andersoni (n = 1) in cattle, and C. canis (n = 2) in foxes. C. parvum and C. canis were further subtyped as IIdA19G1 and XXa4 on the basis of gp60 gene. Regarding G. duodenalis, based on the SSU rRNA, bg, gdh, and tpi genes, the prevalence in domestic animals was 5.1% (31/608), with three assemblages identified: A (n = 1) in pigs, D (n = 1) in foxes, and E (n = 27) in geese, cattle, pigs, ducks, and sheep, along with mixed infection of A + E (n = 1) in one pig and B + E (n = 1) in one sheep. No G. duodenalis was detected in humans (0/116). CONCLUSIONS: The present results show that no overlap of subtypes between animals and villagers was found in Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis, indicating a minor role of domestic animals in infecting humans in this population. However, the presence of zoonotic protozoa in domestic animals highlights the need for special attention to high-risk individuals during close contact with domestic animals.

Influence of environmental factors on the occurrence of gastrointestinal and cardiopulmonary nematodes in the red fox in the semi-arid Mediterranean areas of the Iberian Peninsula.

Human-induced ecosystem fragmentation is one of the drivers causing wildlife migration from their natural habitats to urban areas, among other reasons. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most abundant wild canid in the semi-arid Mediterranean areas of the Iberian Peninsula. Water scarcity may result in areas shared by synanthropic fox populations and domestic animals becoming hotspots for parasite transmission. This study describes the gastrointestinal and cardiopulmonary nematode species affecting fox populations in these semi-arid areas and the influence of environmental variables on parasite abundance. A total of 167 foxes collected from 2015 to 2021 in the Region of Murcia (SE Spain) were analysed. Parasite abundance and spatial distribution were evaluated using environmental variables and host characteristics with a Generalised Linear Model and the Moran index. Eleven species (seven from the gastrointestinal tract and four from the cardiopulmonary tract) were described. The influence of biotic and abiotic variables was studied for Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma vulpis, Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. Temperature, humidity and areas of forest or agricultural land influenced the abundance of these parasites, providing optimal conditions for free-living stages of the direct life cycle nematodes and intermediate hosts. Absolute abundance distribution maps showed defined locations for C. vulpis, T. canis and T. leonina. The results for U. stenocephala, T. canis and T. leonina were particularly important as their higher abundance levels were found close to anthropized areas, which need to be carefully evaluated to prevent transmission of these nematodes between domestic and wild canids and human health.

New insights from an eight-year study on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in an urban terrestrial ecosystem.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were analysed in a high number of terrestrial samples of soil, earthworm, bird eggs and liver from red fox and brown rat in an urban area in Norway from 2013 to 2020. PFOS and the long chain PFCAs were the most dominating compounds in all samples, proving their ubiquitous distribution. Other less studied compounds such as 6:2 FTS were first and foremost detected in earthworm. 8:2 FTS was found in many samples of fieldfare egg, sparrowhawk egg and earthworm, where the eggs had highest concentrations. Highest concentrations for both 6:2 FTS and 8:2 FTS were detected at present and former industry areas. FOSA was detected in many samples of the species with highest concentrations in red fox liver and brown rat liver of 3.3 and 5.5 ng/g ww. PFAS concentrations from the urban area were significantly higher than from background areas indicating that some of the species can be suitable as markers for PFAS emissions in an urban environment. Fieldfare eggs had surprisingly high concentrations of PFOS and PFCA concentrations from areas known to be or have been influenced by industry. Biota-soil-accumulation factor and magnification calculations indicate accumulation and magnification potential for several PFAS. Earthworm and fieldfare egg had average concentrations above the Canadian and European thresholds in diet for avian wildlife and predators. For earthworms, 18 % of the samples exceeded the European threshold (33 ng/g ww) of PFOS in prey for predators, and for fieldfare eggs, 35 % of the samples were above the same threshold. None of the soil samples exceeded a proposed PNEC of PFOS for soil living organisms of 373 ng/g dw.

Diversity of Trichinella species in carnivores from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

BACKGROUND: In Bosnia and Herzegovina, domestic and wild carnivores represent a significant driver for the transmission and ecology of zoonotic pathogens, especially those of parasitic aetiology. Nevertheless, there is no systematic research of Trichinella species in animals that have been conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, even though trichinellosis is considered the most important parasitic zoonosis. The available results of the few studies carried out in Bosnia and Herzegovina are mainly related to the confirmation of parasitic larvae in the musculature of domestic pigs and wild boars or data related to trichinellosis in humans. The objective of our study was to present the findings of a comprehensive investigation into the species composition of Trichinella among 11 carnivorous species within the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as follows: red fox (Vulpes vulpes), grey wolf (Canis lupus), brown bear (Ursus arctos), wildcat (Felis silvestris), pine marten (Martes martes), European badger (Meles meles), weasel (Mustela nivalis), European polecat (Mustela putorius), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), but also dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and cat (Felis catus). RESULTS: In the period 2013-2023, carnivore musculature samples (n = 629), each consisting of 10 g of muscle tissue, were taken post-mortem and individually examined using the artificial digestion method. In the positive samples (n = 128), molecular genotyping and identification of parasitic larvae of Trichinella spp. were performed using a PCR-based technique up to the species/genotype level. Positive samples were used for basic PCR detection of the genus Trichinella (rrnS rt-PCR technique) and genotyping (rrnl-EVS rt-PCR technique). The Trichinella infection was documented for the first time in Bosnia and Herzegovina among red foxes, grey wolves, brown bears, dogs, badgers and Eurasian lynx, with a frequency rate of 20.3%. Additionally, the presence of T. britovi infection was newly confirmed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking the initial documented cases. Furthermore, both T. britovi and T. pseudospiralis infections were observed in the wildcat population, whereas T. britovi and T. spiralis infections were detected in pine martens. Consistent with previous research, our findings align particularly regarding carnivores, with data from other countries such as Germany, Finland, Romania, Poland and Spain, where T. britovi exhibits a wider distribution (62.5-100%) compared to T. spiralis (0.0-37.5%). T. britovi is more common among sylvatic carnivores (89.0%), while T. spiralis prevails in wild boars (62.0%), domestic swine (82.0%) and rodents (75.0%). CONCLUSION: The results of our study represent the first molecular identification of species of the genus Trichinella in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, our findings underscore the necessity for targeted epidemiological studies to thoroughly assess trichinellosis prevalence across diverse animal populations. Considering the relatively high frequency of trichinellosis infection in investigated animal species and its public health implications, there is an evident need for establishing an effective trichinellosis surveillance system in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Immune response after oral immunization of goats and foxes with an NDV vectored rabies vaccine candidate.

Vaccination of the reservoir species is a key component in the global fight against rabies. For wildlife reservoir species and hard to reach spillover species (e. g. ruminant farm animals), oral vaccination is the only solution. In search for a novel potent and safe oral rabies vaccine, we generated a recombinant vector virus based on lentogenic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strain Clone 30 that expresses the glycoprotein G of rabies virus (RABV) vaccine strain SAD L16 (rNDV_GRABV). Transgene expression and virus replication was verified in avian and mammalian cells. To test immunogenicity and viral shedding, in a proof-of-concept study six goats and foxes, representing herbivore and carnivore species susceptible to rabies, each received a single dose of rNDV_GRABV (108.5 TCID50/animal) by direct oral application. For comparison, three animals received the similar dose of the empty viral vector (rNDV). All animals remained clinically inconspicuous during the trial. Viral RNA could be isolated from oral and nasal swabs until four (goats) or seven days (foxes) post vaccination, while infectious NDV could not be re-isolated. After four weeks, three out of six rNDV_GRABV vaccinated foxes developed RABV binding and virus neutralizing antibodies. Five out of six rNDV_GRABV vaccinated goats displayed RABV G specific antibodies either detected by ELISA or RFFIT. Additionally, NDV and RABV specific T cell activity was demonstrated in some of the vaccinated animals by detecting antigen specific interferon γ secretion in lymphocytes isolated from pharyngeal lymph nodes. In conclusion, the NDV vectored rabies vaccine rNDV_GRABV was safe and immunogenic after a single oral application in goats and foxes, and highlight the potential of NDV as vector for oral vaccines in mammals.

Exposure assessment of anticoagulant rodenticides in the liver of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Slovenia.

The study deals with the environmental residues of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) in Slovenia to evaluate the toxicological risk of secondary poisoning of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) as representatives of non-target wildlife, and in relation to the investigated use patterns of ARs and specific local parameters in Slovenia. From 2019 to 2022, 148 liver tissue samples of adult red foxes were collected from almost all state geographical regions. The samples were extracted with methanol/water (2:1, v/v), cleaned-up using a solid supported liquid-liquid extraction, and measured by liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) with reporting limits of 0.5 to 5.0 ng/g. Residues of at least one rodenticide were detected in 77.7 % of the samples. The second generation ARs of bromadiolone, brodifacoum and difenacoum were the most frequently found, appearing in 75.0, 51.4, and 18.9 % of the samples, respectively. Concentrations of pooled ARs ranged from 1.5 to 2866.5 ng/g with mean and median values of 601.4 and 350.2 ng/g, respectively. We determined bromadiolone and brodifacoum at concentrations of ≥800 ng/g in 10.8 and 10.1 % of the samples, and 1.4 and 0.7 % of the samples contained residues >2000 ng/g, respectively. These concentrations are much higher than those found in comparable studies in Europe and elsewhere in the world. Residues of ARs were detected in all monitored statistical regions of Slovenia, with higher concentrations in the eastern parts of the country. First generation ARs were found in only 9.5 % of samples, and residues were below 10 ng/g with one exception (coumatetralyl with 55 ng/g). The results of the study indicate a serious toxicological risk for red foxes in Slovenia as part of the Western Balkans, and will contribute to the growing body of knowledge about the protection of European ecosystems, as wildlife is not limited by national borders.

Additional diagnoses of Echinococcus multilocularis in eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) from southern Ontario - results from ongoing surveillance for E. multilocularis in intermediate hosts in Ontario, Canada.

Echinococcus multilocularis, a cestode with zoonotic potential, is now known to have a high prevalence in wild canid definitive hosts of southern Ontario. The distribution of E. multilocularis across this region in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and coyotes (Canis latrans) is widespread yet heterogenous. In contrast, confirmed diagnoses of E. multilocularis in wild free-ranging intermediate hosts within Ontario are currently limited to a single eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus). These findings prompted ongoing surveillance efforts in intermediate host species, primarily rodents. Our report describes the results of passive surveillance through wildlife carcass submissions to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) and targeted active sampling of small mammal species from 2018 to 2023; a second and third eastern chipmunk were found to be infected with E. multilocularis. However, these were the only occurrences from surveillance efforts which collectively totaled 510 rodents and other small mammals. Continued surveillance for E. multilocularis in intermediate hosts is of high importance in light of the recent emergence of this parasite in Ontario.

A Global Perspective on Oral Vaccination of Wildlife against Rabies.

The long-term mitigation of human-domestic animal-wildlife conflicts is complex and difficult. Over the last 50 yr, the primary biomedical concepts and actualized collaborative global field applications of oral rabies vaccination to wildlife serve as one dramatic example that revolutionized the field of infectious disease management of free-ranging animals. Oral vaccination of wildlife occurred in diverse locales within Africa, Eurasia, the Middle East, and North America. Although rabies is not a candidate for eradication, over a billion doses of vaccine-laden baits distributed strategically by hand, at baiting stations, or via aircraft, resulted in widespread disease prevention, control, or local disease elimination among mesocarnivores. Pure, potent, safe, and efficacious vaccines consisted of either modified-live, highly attenuated, or recombinant viruses contained within attractive, edible baits. Since the late 1970s, major free-ranging target species have included coyotes (Canis latrans), foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus; Vulpes vulpes), jackals (Canis aureus; Lupulella mesomelas), raccoons (Procyon lotor), raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), and skunks (Mephitis mephitis). Operational progress has occurred in all but the latter species. Programmatic evaluations of oral rabies vaccination success have included: demonstration of biomarkers incorporated within vaccine-laden baits in target species as representative of bait contact; serological measurement of the induction of specific rabies virus neutralizing antibodies, indicative of an immune response to vaccine; and most importantly, the decreasing detection of rabies virus antigens in the brains of collected animals via enhanced laboratory-based surveillance, as evidence of management impact. Although often conceived mistakenly as a panacea, such cost-effective technology applied to free-ranging wildlife represents a real-world, One Health application benefiting agriculture, conservation biology, and public health. Based upon lessons learned with oral rabies vaccination of mesocarnivores, opportunities for future extension to other taxa and additional diseases will have far-reaching, transdisciplinary benefits.