Surveillance of Sarcoptic Mange in Iberian Ibexes (Capra pyrenaica) and Domestic Goats (Capra hircus) in Southern Spain.

Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious skin disease caused by Sarcoptes scabiei. Sera were collected from 411 Iberian ibexes, comprising 157 individuals with sarcoptic mange skin lesions and 254 clinically healthy animals, in 13 population nuclei across Andalusia (southern Spain) between 2015 and 2021. Skin samples from 88 of the 157 animals with mange-compatible lesions were also obtained. Moreover, 392 serum samples from domestic goats (Capra hircus) were collected in the same region and study period. Antibodies against S. scabiei were tested using an in-house indirect ELISA, while the presence of mites of S. scabiei was evaluated in the skin samples by potassium hydroxide digestion. Seropositivity was found in eight (3.1%) of the clinically healthy ibexes and in 104 (66.2%) of the animals with mange-compatible lesions. The presence of S. scabiei was confirmed in 57 (64.8%) out of the 88 skin samples analysed and anti-S. scabiei antibodies were found in 49 (86.0%) of these 57 mite-positive individuals. Seropositive animals were detected in population nuclei with previous records of sarcoptic mange, where S. scabiei mites were detected by potassium hydroxide digestion in individuals with sarcoptic mange-compatible external lesions. However, seropositivity was not observed in population nuclei that were historically free of this disease. None of the 392 domestic goats had antibodies against S. scabiei, suggesting an independent epidemiological cycle of sarcoptic mange in Iberian ibex populations in the study area, and a limited or null role of domestic goats in the transmission of the parasite to this wild species. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of maintaining and/or implementing integrated surveillance programs and control strategies in wildlife and livestock, to limit the risk of S. scabiei circulation in Iberian ibex populations.

An Epidemiological Update on Anisakis Nematode Larvae in Red Mullet (Mullus barbatus) from the Ligurian Sea.

Red mullet (Mullus barbatus) is a commercially relevant fish species, yet epidemiological data on anisakid nematode infestation in M. barbatus are scarce. To fill this gap, we report the occurrence of Anisakis larvae in red mullet in the Ligurian Sea (western Mediterranean). This survey was performed between 2018 and 2020 on fresh specimens of M. barbatus (n = 838) from two commercial fishing areas (Imperia, n = 190; Savona, n = 648) in the Ligurian Sea. Larvae morphologically identified as Anisakis spp. (n = 544) were characterized using PCR-RFLP as Anisakis pegreffii. The overall prevalence of A. pegreffii was 24.46%; the prevalence at each sampling site was 6.32% for Imperia and 29.78% for Savona. Furthermore, 3300 larvae of Hysterothylacium spp. were detected in the visceral organs of fish coinfected with A. pegreffii, showing that coinfection with two parasitic species is not rare. This study provides a timely update on the prevalence of ascaridoid nematodes in red mullet of the Ligurian Sea, an important commercial fishing area in the Mediterranean.

A real-world evidence study evaluating consumer experience of Supradyn Recharge or Supradyn Magnesium and Potassium during demanding periods.

Background: Challenging periods and/or mild micronutrient deficiencies may result in a lack of energy and general fatigue, frequently occurring in the general population. Supradyn Recharge and Supradyn Magnesium and Potassium (Mg/K) are multimineral/vitamin supplements formulated to ensure adequate daily intake of micronutrients. We conducted an observational study addressing consumption behaviour, reasons for intake, frequency of intake, and consumer experiences, satisfaction and characteristics under real-life conditions. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study carried out with two computer-aided web quantitative interviews. Results: A total of 606 respondents (almost equally split between men and women; median age 40 years) completed the questionnaires. The majority indicated having a family, a job and a good level of education; they stated to be long-time and daily users, reporting an average daily intake of 6 days a week. More than 90% of consumers claimed they were satisfied, would use the products again and recommend them; over two-thirds felt the value for money was good. Supradyn Recharge has been mainly used to support lifestyle change and mental resilience, seasonal changes, and post-illness recovery. Supradyn Mg/K has been used to sustain or regain energy levels during hot weather or physical activity and as a support against stress. Users claimed a positive impact on quality of life. Conclusion: Overall, the perception of benefit by consumers was extremely positive as reflected in their consumption behaviour, the majority of whom stated to be long-time users and daily consumers, with an average daily intake of 6 days for both products. These data complement and add up to the results of Supradyn clinical trials.

Sarcoptic mange in Felidae: does Sarcoptes scabiei var. felis exist? A first molecular study.

Domestic and wild felids are considered suitable hosts for the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, and sarcoptic mange is reported in several felid species in the scientific literature. However, the historic classification of Sarcoptes mites into host-specific varieties does not include S. scabiei var. felis. It is unclear whether sarcoptic mange transmission in felids involves canids, other sympatric species, or exclusively felids. This study aimed to characterize the genetic structure of S. scabiei mites from domestic cats (Felis catus) and Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx carpathicus), comparing them with Sarcoptes mites from sympatric domestic and wild carnivores. Ten Sarcoptes microsatellite markers were used to genotype 81 mites obtained from skin scrapings of 36 carnivores: 4 domestic cats, one dog (Canis lupus familiaris), 4 Eurasian lynx, 23 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and 4 grey wolves (Canis lupus lupus) from either Italy, Switzerland or France. Two genetic clusters of S. scabiei with a geographical distribution pattern were detected: mites from cats originating from Central Italy clustered with those from sympatric wolves. In contrast, all the other mites from Switzerland, France and Northern Italy clustered together. These results strengthen the previously advanced hypothesis that genetic variants of S. scabiei have a predominant geographic-related distribution with cryptic transmission patterns. These patterns may rely on the interactions between different hosts living in the same ecological niche rather than a simple infection among hosts belonging to the same taxon, reinforcing the idea that the S. scabiei historic classification into "var" might have little ongoing relevance.

Title: La gale sarcoptique chez les félidés : Sarcoptes scabiei var. felis existe-t-il ? Première étude moléculaire. Abstract: Les félidés domestiques et sauvages sont considérés comme des hôtes appropriés pour l'acarien parasite Sarcoptes scabiei, et la gale sarcoptique est signalée chez plusieurs espèces de félidés dans la littérature scientifique. Cependant, la classification traditionnelle des acariens du genre Sarcoptes en variétés spécifiques à l'hôte n'inclut pas S. scabiei var. felis. On ne sait pas si la transmission de la gale sarcoptique chez les félidés implique des canidés, d'autres espèces sympatriques ou exclusivement des félidés. Cette étude visait à caractériser la structure génétique des acariens S. scabiei des chats domestiques (Felis catus) et du lynx eurasien (Lynx lynx carpathicus), en les comparant aux Sarcoptes des carnivores domestiques et sauvages sympatriques. Dix marqueurs microsatellites de Sarcoptes ont été utilisés pour génotyper 81 acariens issus de grattages cutanés de 36 carnivores : 4 chats domestiques, un chien (Canis lupus familiaris), 4 lynx eurasiens, 23 renards roux (Vulpes vulpes) et 4 loups gris (Canis lupus lupus) d'Italie, de Suisse ou de France. Deux groupes génétiques de S. scabiei, qui suivent un modèle de distribution géographique, ont été détectés. Les acariens des chats originaires du centre de l'Italie se regroupent avec ceux des loups sympatriques. En revanche, tous les autres acariens de Suisse, de France et d'Italie du Nord sont groupés ensemble. Ces résultats renforcent l'hypothèse précédemment avancée selon laquelle les variants génétiques de S. scabiei ont une distribution géographique prédominante avec des schémas de transmission cryptiques. Ces modèles peuvent reposer sur les interactions entre différents hôtes vivant dans la même niche écologique plutôt que sur une simple transmission parmi des hôtes appartenant au même taxon, renforçant l'idée que la classification historique de S. scabiei en "var" a peu de pertinence.

Wolf Is Back: A Novel Sensitive Sentinel Rejoins the Trichinella Cycle in the Western Alps.

Trichinella is a foodborne parasite whose wildlife reservoirs are represented by carnivores and omnivores with predatory and scavenger behavior. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of Trichinella infection in grey wolves (Canis lupus) that recolonized the Western Alps from the end of the past century, and discuss the epidemiological role played by this apex predator in the early phases of its return. During the period 2017-2022, diaphragm samples were obtained from 130 individuals collected in the frame of a wolf mortality survey. Trichinella larvae were found in 15 wolves (11.53%) with a parasite intensity of 11.74 larvae per gram. Trichinella britovi was the only species identified. This is the first prevalence survey of Trichinella in wolves recolonizing the Alps. Results suggest that, in this particular biotope, the wolf has rejoined the Trichinella cycle and has the potential to play an increasingly important role as maintenance host. Arguments in favor and against this perspective are discussed and knowledge gaps highlighted. The calculated Trichinella larval biomass in the estimated wolf population roaming in Northwest Italy will serve as baseline value to explore possible shifts in the relative importance of wolves as Trichinella reservoir within the regional carnivore community. Finally, wolves re-colonizing the Alps already appear as sensitive sentinels to monitor the risk of Trichinella zoonotic transmission by infected wild boar meat.

Subcutaneous Ticks in Wild Carnivores: Any Host-Related Differences?

Ticks under the skin have been shown in different canid species such as red fox, domestic dog, and raccoon dog. Despite being increasingly reported in Europe in the last decade, the biological mechanisms associated to subcutaneous ticks (SCT), as well as the predisposing factors, are not yet clear. The main goal of this study was to investigate the presence of SCT in wild carnivores in Northwestern Italy. Sixty-three wild carnivores were examined, and SCT were submitted to histological examination or stored in ethanol for morphological and molecular identification. A portion of the cox1 gene and 16S rDNA were amplified, and positive PCR products were sequenced. Fifty-one small brown-coloured nodules of about 2 × 3 mm containing ticks in different decomposition stages were observed in 11 out of 30 foxes. Seven ticks were classified as Ixodes ricinus, while 14 ticks were determined only at the genus level (Ixodes spp.), and in two ticks no morphological key was applicable due to the advanced degradation status. By PCR, the rDNA fragment of six ticks (26.1%, 95% CI: 12.6-46.5%) was amplified, and BLAST analysis revealed a 99-100% nucleotide similarity to I. ricinus. At the histological examination, the inflammatory response varied from a mild to a moderate mixed infiltrate, primarily composed by neutrophils and lymphocytes. The results of this study confirm foxes as the main wild reservoir for SCT. The absence of SCT in other carnivores (badgers and martens) is in accordance with other studies. Ixodes ricinus is the most frequently reported tick species, corroborating the idea that longirostral ticks might be more frequently associated to SC embedment than brevirostral ticks.

Unintentional Recovery of Parasitic Diversity Following Restoration of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) in North-Western Italy.

Red deer (Cervus elaphus) populations in north-western Italy have been remodeled in recent decades. Multiple translocations and the spontaneous migration from Switzerland and France resulted in the successful redistribution of the red deer after human-driven extirpation during the 18th century. The scarcely diverse parasitic community harbored by these cervids has been enriched with two species-specific taxa, Onchocerca jakutensis and Phayigomyia picta, suggesting that the recovery of parasitic biodiversity could be included amongst future conservation goals of this intensively managed game. Nodular onchocercosis was reported in three red deer populations since 2011, while nasal bots were reported since 2018. Hypoderma spp. larvae were identified for the first time in 1989, then a second record was made in 2014 in the province of Biella, where a yearling male in poor condition infested with Hypoderma diana was observed. In the perspective that the restoration of species-specific parasite communities of native mammals in Europe is increasingly perceived as a conservation target, with similar dignity as the conservation of their hosts, baseline data presented in this communication may give new insights for future parasite conservation efforts.

Ivermectin Plasma Concentration in Iberian Ibex (Capra pyrenaica) Following Oral Administration: A Pilot Study.

Sarcoptic mange is considered the main driver of demographic declines occurred in the last decades in Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) populations. Mass treatment campaigns by administration of in-feed acaricides are used as a measure to mitigate the impact of mange in the affected populations. However, there are no data on ivermectin (IVM) pharmacokinetics in this wild caprine, and the treatment through medicated feed is not endorsed by evidence on its effectiveness. The aim of this study is to determine the pharmacokinetic profile of IVM in plasma samples of ibexes after the experimental oral administration of IVM, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with automated solid phase extraction and fluorescence detection. A dose of 500 µg of IVM per body weight was orally administered in a feed bolus to nine healthy adult ibexes (seven males and two females). Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture into heparin-coated tubes at day 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 15, and 45 post-administration (dpa). The highest plasma concentration of IVM (Cmax = 3.4 ng/ml) was detected 24 h after the oral administration (T1), followed by a rapid decrease during the first week post-administration. Our results reveal that plasma IVM concentration drops drastically within 5 days of ingestion, questioning the effectiveness of a single in-feed dose of this drug to control sarcoptic mange. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on plasma availability of oral IVM in ibexes and in any wild ungulate species.

A real-world evidence study evaluating Geffer effervescent granules for the symptomatic relief of digestive symptoms.

Objectives: Geffer effervescent granules (active ingredients: metoclopramide, dimethicone, and sodium bicarbonate) is an established over-the-counter medication available in Italy for the symptomatic treatment of hyperacidity (pain and/or heartburn) when accompanied by slowing of gastric transit, nausea, aerophagia, and bloating, all symptoms that can occur in functional dyspepsia and can negatively impact individuals' quality of life. The aim of this observational study was to explore the perceived benefits of, and consumer experience with, Geffer effervescent granules used for the symptomatic treatment of digestive disorders suggestive of functional dyspepsia under real-life conditions in Italy. Methods: Adults (aged 35-65 years) experiencing symptoms suggestive of functional dyspepsia/indigestion at least once a month and who had used Geffer effervescent granules within the previous 6 months completed an online questionnaire eliciting information on symptom relief (speed of onset and duration) and quality of life. Results: Geffer effervescent granules provided rapid onset of symptom relief, with 21% of respondents perceiving an effect within 10 min and 88% reporting an improvement in overall symptoms within 30 min. A similarly rapid onset of complete resolution of gastric pain/cramps, acidity, bloating, nausea, and bothersome fullness symptoms was reported by 65%-83% of respondents; 50%-59% of respondents were free from such symptoms for more than 3 h or until the next meal. Most participants (92%) reported that their quality of life improved when taking Geffer effervescent granules to treat hyperacidity symptoms. Overall, 95% of the respondents were satisfied with the effectiveness of Geffer effervescent granules on overall symptom relief. Conclusions: In Italian consumers with digestive disorders likely due to functional dyspepsia, Geffer effervescent granules was associated with rapid, complete, and durable relief of symptoms of gastric pain/cramps, acidity, bloating, nausea, and bothersome fullness; an improvement in quality of life; and a high level of consumer satisfaction.

Correction: Rubiola et al. Risk Factors for Bovine Cysticercosis in North-West Italy: A Multi-Year Case-Control Study. Animals 2021, 11, 3049.

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Wild carnivores and Thelazia callipaeda zoonotic eyeworms: A focus on wolves.

Thelazia callipaeda is a zoonotic parasite causing ocular disease in domestic dogs, cats, several wild carnivores, hares, and humans. This nematode is widely distributed in Europe, where it is transmitted by the drosophilid fly Phortica variegata. Since the first report of infection in grey wolves (Canis lupus) from southern Italy, other cases of thelaziosis have been recorded in this animal species throughout Europe, raising questions about their role in spreading T. callipaeda. Indeed, for their wandering behavior through long distances and living in woody areas where the vectors thrive, wolves may act as reservoirs and spreaders of thelaziosis. In this study we reviewed the literature about wolves acting as reservoirs of T. callipaeda in Europe. In addition, we report the first detection of T. callipaeda eyeworms in grey wolves in the Italian Alps, discussing its possible implications in the epidemiology of thelaziosis in the Alpine landscape. Animals (n = 3) included in this study were originated from the Italian Alps, one juvenile male wolf was found dead, and the other two were seven-year-old males translocated from Piedmont region to a Zoological Garden, in Tuscany. All animals were infected with eyeworms, which were morphologically and molecularly identified as T. callipaeda. Data herein presented confirm those available in the literature about the circulation of a unique cox1 haplotype in Europe. In addition, the report of T. callipaeda in wolves from the Alps suggests an ecological continuity of habitats which are suitable for the distribution of T. callipaeda from the southern to northern Italy through the Apennine backbone. Retrospectively, it could also explain the spreading of the oriental eyeworm infection in Europe over the last 20 years with many wild carnivores, such as foxes and possibly wolves, playing a pivotal role as reservoirs of the infection for dogs, cats and humans.

Hybridization between Alpine Ibex and Domestic Goat in the Alps: A Sporadic and Localized Phenomenon?

The Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) is a mountain ungulate living in the European Alps. Although being currently classified as a species of Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN, a potential threat for its long-term conservation is introgression following hybridization with domestic goats (Capra hircus). Hybridization has been documented in Switzerland in captive and free ranging animals, although accurate data to assess the extent of this phenomenon in natural conditions in the Alps are lacking. Using an online survey and a network of experts, we collected and mapped unpublished evidence of hybridization events that occurred between Alpine ibex and feral domestic goats from 2000 to 2021. The results of this study showed that hybrids are distributed in most of the Alpine countries, and their presence is not a sporadic event, with some clusters including 4-20 probable hybrids. Our results illustrated the need for establishing a standardized and effective protocol to identify hybrids in the field (such as a formal description of the morphological traits characterizing hybrids), as well as clear guidelines for hybrid management. Even more importantly, this study also highlighted the need for actions aimed at avoiding hybridization, such as the effective management of domestic herds grazing in Alpine ibex core areas.

Zoonotic Episodes of Scabies: A Global Overview.

Zoonotic scabies (ZS), also referred to as "pseudoscabies", is considered a self-limiting disease with a short incubation period and transient clinical skin signs. It is commonly thought that Sarcoptes scabiei mites from animals are unable to successfully reproduce and persist on human skin; however, several ZS case reports have mentioned the persistence of symptoms and occasionally mites for weeks. The aim of this review was to collect and organize the sparse literature explicitly referring to S. scabiei zoonotic transmission, focusing on the source of the outbreak, the circumstances leading to the transmission of the parasite, the diagnosis including the identification of the Sarcoptes "strain" involved, and the applied treatments. A total of 46 articles, one conference abstract and a book were collected describing ZS cases associated with twenty animal hosts in five continents. Dogs were by far the most common source among pet owners, while diverse livestock and wildlife contributed to the caseload as an occupational disease. Genetic epidemiological studies of ZS outbreaks are still limited in number, but tools are available to fill this knowledge gap in the near future. Further research is also needed to understand the apparent heterogeneity in the morbidity, disease severity and timing of the response to treatment among people infected with different animal-derived strains.

Risk Factors for Bovine Cysticercosis in North-West Italy: A Multi-Year Case-Control Study.

Taenia saginata is the causative agent of bovine cysticercosis, a zoonotic parasitic disease with a worldwide distribution. Bovine cysticercosis is considered to be an important food safety issue responsible for human taeniasis and a major economic concern since infected carcasses undergo condemnation, freezing and downgrading. The aim of the current investigation was to assess the presence of farm-level risk factors for bovine cysticercosis in an endemic area in North-West Italy. A questionnaire was designed to collect information relating to several farm structural features, as well as management practices, environmental characteristics and attitudes of farmers. The questionnaire was administered in two separate time intervals by direct interview to previously selected case and control farms. Overall, 32 case farms and 131 control farms were included between 2005 and 2011 and 50 case farms and 192 control farms were included between 2014 and 2020. The present survey showed a significant association between the detection of bovine cysticercosis cases at slaughter and farm proximity to picnic spots, closeness of wastewater treatment plant effluents, loose-housing systems and presence of employees along with the family members, highlighting the need for targeted awareness raising policies.

Case Report: Successful Treatment of Sarcoptic Mange in European Camelids.

Introduction: Members of the Camelidae family are very adaptable mammals, originating from South America. More recently, they have become popular in Europe as pets or wool production farm animals. Their dermatological problems refer mainly to mange, of which sarcoptic mange represent the most clinically relevant form. There is a wide range of molecules effective against sarcoptic mange, but the treatment is very challenging due to the lack of efficiency and absorption. Methods: Two cases from two different animal populations were described. A female alpaca from Romania with dermatological problems on the ears and two adult llamas, from Italy, both with intense pruritus. Combined treatment with amitraz and subcutaneous eprinomectin was administered for the alpaca, and 2% moxidectin was given to the llamas. Results: In both cases, the mites were morphologically identified as Sarcoptes scabiei. For the alpaca, negative scrapings were found only after 8 weeks of combined treatment. For the llamas, after four doses of subcutaneous moxidectin, no mites were detected in scrapings and lively hair regrowth of previously alopecic areas was visible. Conclusion: This paper aimed to present two clinical scenarios of sarcoptic mange in camelids, successfully treated with a combination of ectocides (topical amitraz and subcutaneous eprinomectin) and 2% subcutaneous moxidectin, respectively.

First report of interspecific transmission of sarcoptic mange from Iberian ibex to wild boar.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoptic mange is a globally distributed parasitic disease caused by the burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei. This mite has a certain degree of host specificity, although interspecific transmission can occur among phylogenetically related species or through prey-predator mediated exposure. In 2018, a wild boar (Sus scrofa) with lesions compatible with sarcoptic mange was hunted in Ports de Tortosa i Beseit Natural Park (PTB, north-eastern Spain), where an active epizootic outbreak of sarcoptic mange is affecting Iberian ibexes (Capra pyrenaica) since 2014. METHODS: A complete necropsy, skin scrapings and skin digestions with hydroxide potassium were performed to confirm the diagnosis. Routine histopathological analysis, toluidine blue staining and immunohistochemistry were used to characterize the lesions and the inflammatory infiltrate. Finally, 10 specific S. scabiei microsatellites were molecularly genotyped through polymerase chain reactions in mites obtained from the affected wild boar. For phylogenetic comparison, mites obtained from sympatric Iberian ibexes and allopatric wild boars and Iberian ibexes from southern Spain were analysed. RESULTS: Sarcoptes scabiei was visually and molecularly identified in the infested wild boar from PTB, causing skin lesions with dermal inflammatory infiltrate rich in T and B cells, which indicate an adaptive immune response. Three S. scabiei genetic clusters were identified: one included mites from southern Iberian ibexes, another included mites from southern wild boars, and a third one distinctively grouped the wild boar from PTB with the sympatric ibexes. CONCLUSIONS: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of sarcoptic mange in wild boar in Spain and the first documented case of S. scabiei cross-transmission from a wild ruminant host to a wild boar. The wild boar presented an ordinary scabies type reaction, which is typical of the self-limiting infestations reported in other cases of interspecific transmission.

Dermanyssus gallinae in non-avian hosts: A case report in a dog and review of the literature.

Non-avian attacks of the worldwide distributed mite Dermanyssus gallinae are occasionally reported. However, it is widely accepted that their occurrence is underestimated. The present study aims to describe the first Italian case of dermanyssosis in a dog, to molecularly characterize the mites collected from the patient and the animal enclosure, where poultry and dog were confined, and to review the current literature on the non-avian attacks by D. gallinae. The dog was successfully treated with an oral sarolaner-based product, followed by a spot-on formulation of imidacloprid and moxidectin. The infestation source was likely attributable to poultry and confirmed by molecular identification of D. gallinae sensu strictu. Ten articles on non-avian D. gallinae attacks in domestic animals and wildlife were retrieved, pointing out the need for more awareness amongst practitioners. The therapeutic effect of available antiparasitic drugs, currently used off-label, should also be better explored in non-avian hosts.

Sarcoptic mange in wild ruminants in Spain: solving the epidemiological enigma using microsatellite markers.

BACKGROUND: In Spain, sarcoptic mange was first described in native wildlife in 1987 in Cazorla Natural Park, causing the death of nearly 95% of the local native population of Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica). Since then, additional outbreaks have been identified in several populations of ibex and other wild ungulate species throughout the country. Although the first epizootic outbreak in wildlife was attributed to the introduction of an infected herd of domestic goats, the origin and the cause of its persistence remain unclear. The main aims of this study are to understand (i) the number of Sarcoptes scabiei "strains" circulating in wild ruminant populations in Spain, and (ii) the molecular epidemiological relationships between S. scabiei and its hosts. METHODS: Ten Sarcoptes microsatellite markers were used to characterize the genetic structure of 266 mites obtained from skin scrapings of 121 mangy wild ruminants between 2011 and 2019 from 11 areas in Spain. RESULTS: Seventy-three different alleles and 37 private alleles were detected. The results of this study show the existence of three genetic strains of S. scabiei in the wild ruminant populations investigated. While two genetic clusters of S. scabiei were host- and geography-related, one cluster included multi-host mites deriving from geographically distant populations. CONCLUSIONS: The molecular epidemiological study of S. scabiei in wild ruminants in Spain indicates that the spreading and persistence of the parasite may be conditioned by host species community composition and the permissiveness of each host population/community to the circulation of individual "strains," among other factors. Wildlife-livestock interactions and the role of human-driven introduction or trade of wild and domestic animals should be better investigated to prevent further spread of sarcoptic mange in as yet unaffected natural areas of the Iberian Peninsula.

First description of sarcoptic mange in an Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis).

The Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) is a popular small game species in the Iberian Peninsula, and it has never been reported to be affected by sarcoptic mange. An adult female Iberian hare with overt skin lesions on forelimbs and ventral thorax, suggestive of sarcoptic mange, was culled in Quart de les Valls municipality in the Valencian Community, Spain, in 2019. Skin scrapings were digested in 10% KOH solutions to confirm the presence of mites. Ten Sarcoptes microsatellite markers were used to characterize the genetic structure of mites obtained from the hare, and from sympatric and allopatric wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). A total of 56 alleles were counted across the 10 microsatellite loci. Six private alleles were found at four loci (Sarms 33, 38, 41, 45). The multivariate analysis characterized three main clusters, corresponding to mites collected on foxes originating from Catalonia, foxes from Valencia and the hare plus wild rabbits. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of sarcoptic mange in the Iberian hare. The origin was molecularly traced back to contacts with endemically infected wild rabbits. We encourage further investigations on cross-transmissibility of S. scabiei between wild rabbits and the diverse representatives of Lepus spp.

Dirofilaria immitis in wolves recolonizing northern Italy: are wolves competent hosts?

BACKGROUND: Wild carnivores such as the grey wolf (Canis lupus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and golden jackal (Canis aureus) are recognized hosts of Dirofilaria immitis. However, few studies have focused on their actual role in the epidemiology of heartworm infection. This study describes the prevalence and distribution of D. immitis in wolves in a heartworm-endemic area in northern Italy where wolves have recently returned after long-time eradication, and investigates the fertility status of the collected adult nematodes. METHODS: In the frame of a long-term wolf monitoring programme in northwestern Italy, 210 wolf carcasses from four provinces were inspected for the presence of filarioid nematodes in the right heart and pulmonary arteries. Female heartworms were measured, and their uterine content analyzed according to a previously described "embryogram" technique. RESULTS: Three wolves, all originating from a single province (Alessandria), were positive for D. immitis (1.42%, 95% CI: 0.48-4.11%, in the whole study area; 13.6%, 95% CI: 4.7-33.3%, limited to the single province from which infected wolves originated). Mean intensity was 5 worms (range: 3-7) and the female worms measured 21-28 cm in length. Six out of 9 female worms harbored uterine microfilariae: 5 were classified as gravid; 1 showed a "discontinuous gradient"; and 3 were non-gravid. CONCLUSIONS: The present data show that heartworm infection is already prevalent in wolves that have recolonized the known heartworm-endemic area. Based on "embryogram" results, wolves were shown suitable heartworm hosts. Interestingly, investigated wolves appeared similarly exposed to heartworm infection as sympatric unprotected dogs (owned dogs that have never received any heartworm prevention treatment) sampled at the beginning of the wolf return process.