OCCURRENCE OF LUNGWORMS IN EUROPEAN WILDCATS (FELIS SILVESTRIS SILVESTRIS) OF CENTRAL ITALY

Abstract

The increasing focus on infections in domestic cats (Felis catus) has raised questions about lungworm distribution in wild hosts. To enhance knowledge of the occurrence of lungworms in enzootic regions of central Italy, we examined the carcasses of 16 European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris). Adult nematodes, feces, respiratory flushings, and pulmonary tissues were collected at necropsy and then microscopically and genetically analyzed. Fourteen wildcats had single or mixed lungworm species. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was the most common parasite retrieved, followed by Troglostrongylus brevior. In addition, three specimens of Angiostrongylus chabaudi were found in the pulmonary arteries of one wildcat. Histologically, the most common lesions were a mild-to-severe chronic catarrhal bronchitis and a chronic interstitial pneumonia with smooth muscle hypertrophy, associated with T. brevior and A. abstrusus, respectively. These results demonstrate that the European wildcats may harbor several species of lungworms that may impair their health and welfare. Also, F. s. silvestris is a potential reservoir for respiratory nematodes in domestic cats.

Hepatozoon silvestris sp. nov.: morphological and molecular characterization of a new species of Hepatozoon (Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) from the European wild cat (Felis silvestris silvestris)

“…The European wild cats and domestic cats are two close relatives, which may live in sympatry, interbreed and even produce fertile offspring (Mattucci et al 2013). As a consequence of the close association between wild and domestic cats, both species may share pathogens and be at risk of the same infections (Veronesi et al 2016 b ). Thus, future studies should also include domestic cats from the areas where the wild cats positive for H. silvestris sp.…”

“…In Bosnia and Herzegovina, wild cats inhabit the northeastern part of the country, and areas along the northern and eastern border where they live in sympatry with domestic cats (Yamaguchi et al 2015). In the past few years, the interest of the scientific community in wild cats has increased as they have been recognized as natural reservoirs and potential source of pathogens for domestic cats (Falsone et al 2014; Gallusová et al 2016; Veronesi et al 2016 a , b ). …”

Diagnosis and management of lungworm infections in cats

“…Wild animals such as the European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris), in which T brevior has been found, play a role as spreaders of the parasite in those areas where wildcats and domestic cats live in sympatry. 5,29,30 indeed, T brevior has been mostly described thus far in cats living in areas of italy and Greece where wildcat populations are present. 2,5,30,31 Additionally, in domestic cats, T brevior is often found in association with A abstrusus.…”

“…5,29,30 indeed, T brevior has been mostly described thus far in cats living in areas of italy and Greece where wildcat populations are present. 2,5,30,31 Additionally, in domestic cats, T brevior is often found in association with A abstrusus. 22,[25][26][27] A recent retrospective study demonstrated negligible occurrence of Troglostrongylus species in domestic cats living in subApennine territories of central italy during the years 2002-2013.…”

Gastro Intestinal Parasites of Musk Deer (Moschus Chryso-Gaster Hodgson, 1839) in Langtang National Park, Nepal

“…The role of parasites in wildlife population decline is not well documented. However, parasites occurrence, mode of infection and possible impacts in wildlife are documented, mostly using samples from dead animals and from zoo samples (Polley 2005, Zhang et al 2008, Bertelsen et al 2010, De Craeye et al 2011, Veronesi et al 2016. In Nepal, only few baseline surveys on wildlife are documented so far on parasite prevalence and interaction with livestock.…”