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

Evidence of Prolonged Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Endemicity by Retrospective Serosurvey, Eastern Spain

We conducted a retrospective serosurvey for antibodies against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in wild ungulates along the eastern Mediterranean Coast of Spain. The virus has been endemic in this region since 2010 but is mainly restricted to geographic clusters with extremely high seropositivity associated with high density of bovids.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Potential Risk of Three Zoonotic Protozoa (Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Toxoplasma gondii) Transmission from Fish Consumption

In recent decades, worldwide fish consumption has increased notably worldwide. Despite the health benefits of fish consumption, it also can suppose a risk because of fishborne diseases, including parasitic infections. Global changes are leading to the emergence of parasites in new locations and to the appearance of new sources of transmission. That is the case of the zoonotic protozoa Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Toxoplasma gondii ; all of them reach aquatic environments and have been found in shellfish. Similarly, these protozoa can be present in other aquatic animals, such as fish. The present review gives an overview on these three zoonotic protozoa in order to understand their potential presence in fish and to comprehensively revise all the evidences of fish as a new potential source of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Toxoplasma gondii transmission. All of them have been found in both marine and freshwater fishes. Until now, it has not been possible to demonstrate that fish are natural hosts for these protozoa; otherwise, they would merely act as mechanical transporters. Nevertheless, even if fish only accumulate and transport these protozoa, they could be a "new" source of infection for people

Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in Cultivated and Wild Marine Fishes from Western Mediterranean with the First Detection of Zoonotic Cryptosporidium ubiquitum

Altres ajuts: Ministerio para la transición ecológica y el reto demográfico 2019/1476 i 2020/792Cryptosporidium is a widespread pathogen that infects a broad range of vertebrates, including humans, in which it is one of the main causes of diarrhea worldwide. Marine fishes also harbor Cryptosporidium species, including zoonotic ones. The goal of this study is to evaluate the presence of Cryptosporidium species in edible marine fishes using molecular tools. The area of study, located in the Western Mediterranean, is an important area for marine fish production and capture. The following three groups were studied: cultivated fish, wild fish that aggregate in the surroundings of marine fish farms and wild fish from extractive fisheries. Results show that the most affected group is the group of wild fish from the vicinity of fish farms. Two species were mainly identified, C. molnari (fish specific) and zoonotic C. ubiquitum. The presence of zoonotic C. ubiquitum in two European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) highlights a potential risk for fish consumers. Fish not only harbor host-specific species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium, but also species like zoonotic C. parvum or anthroponotic C. hominis, which can pose a risk for fish consumers. This study aims to investigate fish cryptosporidiosis in an important aquaculture and fishery area of the Western Mediterranean (Comunidad Valenciana, Spain). We analyzed 404 specimens belonging to the following three groups: cultivated fish (N = 147), wild synanthropic fish (N = 147) and wild fish from extractive fisheries (N = 110). Nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, were performed. Positive isolates were also amplified at the actin gene locus. An overall prevalence of 4.2% was detected, with the highest prevalence in the synanthropic group (6.1%). C. molnari was identified in thirteen specimens from seven different host species. Zoonotic C. ubiquitum was detected in two European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). One isolate similar to C. scophthalmi was detected in a cultivated meagre (Argyrosomus regius), and one isolate, highly divergent from all the Cryptosporidium species/genotypes described, was identified from a synanthropic round sardinella (Sardinella aurita). This study contributes to increasing the molecular data on fish cryptosporidiosis, expanding the range of known hosts for C. molnari and identifying, for the first time, zoonotic C. ubiquitum in edible marine fishes, pointing out a potential health risk

Las unidades de deshabituación tabáquica como oportunidad para el diagnóstico de EPOC: el proyecto 1000-200

This study received an unconditional grant from GlaxoSmithKline Laboratories Spain

Supplementary feeding and endoparasites in threatened avian scavengers: Coprologic evidence from red kites in their wintering stronghold

Many obligate and facultative avian scavengers are increasingly dependent on food provided in supplementary feeding stations (SFS), which are managed for the conservation of these species. Deliberate feeding can influence disease-related host demography and population dynamics through physiological changes and density-dependent parasite acquisition and transmission, but information on this threat to avian scavengers is scarce. Due to their effects on host aggregation and density, we hypothesised that the predictability and concentration of food in SFS can exacerbate parasite infection. This hypothesis was tested by comparing the prevalence, richness, abundance and mixed infection of endoparasites (coccidia and helminths) in red kites Milvus milvus foraging on livestock carcasses (mostly of pigs and poultry) in overcrowded and confined conditions at SFS, relative to those foraging alone or in small groups on wild prey unevenly randomly distributed within large areas during winter, mostly wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). No clear differences were found between areas with and without SFS in the prevalence and abundance of oocyst of Eimeria. This coccidian genus appears to include parasites of the prey rather than the raptors, thus representing parasite transport or pseudo-parasitism rather than actual parasitism in the kites. A higher prevalence and richness of helminths, as well as mixed infections with several phyla, was found in kites exploiting SFS than in those feeding on wild prey in the area without SFS. The unsanitary conditions derived from the stack of livestock carcasses and the contamination of carrion with the faeces of multiple scavenger hosts can increase the accumulation and persistence of helminths eggs and intermediate hosts. The regular use and frequent confinement of large numbers of red kites at SFS can promote the spread of parasites to a large proportion of the European breeding population distributed across Spain during the winter. We encourage that carcasses of free roaming livestock can be left in the countryside, as well as the conservation management of wildlife exploited as food by red kites (especially wild rabbits), to attempt avoiding overcrowded and confined conditions at SFS. Further research is required to assess the impact of deliberate feeding on the spread of parasites and other disease agents in the threatened species SFS are intended to favour.Funds were provided by the project CGL2010-15726 of Spanish Ministerio of Economía y Competitividad.Peer Reviewe

El virus de la Febre Hemorràgica de Crimea-Congo i la seva circulació en ungulats salvatges de la Comunitat Valenciana

La Febre Hemorràgica de Crimea-Congo és una malaltia causada per un virus transmès per paparres, i considerada emergent en humans a la península Ibèrica. Un estudi dut a terme conjuntament amb el grup de recerca WildCoM (UAB), l'IRTA-CReSA, i la Facultat de Veterinària de la universitat CEU-Cardenal Herrera va trobar que gairebé tots els muflons i cabres salvatges ibèriques de la Com. Valenciana presentaven anticossos contra aquest virus.La Fiebre Hemorrágica de Crimea-Congo es una enfermedad causada por un virus trasmitido por garrapatas y considerada emergente en humanos en la península Ibérica. Un estudio llevado a cabo por el grupo de investigación WildCoM (UAB), el IRTA-CReSA y la Facultad de Veterinaria de la Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera detectó que casi todos los muflones y cabras monteses de la Com. Valenciana presentaban anticuerpos frente a este virus.Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral tick-borne disease, considered an emerging disease in humans in the Iberian Peninsula. A recent study carried out jointly by WildCoM Research group (UAB), IRTA-CReSA, and the Faculty of Veterinary of CEU-Cardenal Herrera found out that almost all the mouflons and Iberian ibexes from the Valencian region (eastern Spain) had antibodies against this virus

Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus in expanding wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations in Eastern Spain

Prevalence and temporal evolution of the infection by the acanthocephalan Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus is studied in the Valencian Community (Eastern Spain), a region only recently fully colonized by the expanding native Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa). For 8 years, a total of 1486 wild boars were sampled in order to look for the parasite. The mean prevalence was 20.7% (95% CI, 18.6–22.8; 307/1486). We observed an increasing trend through time, both in the number of wild boars and affected districts. The prevalence of M. hirudinaceus rose in parallel to the annual capture of wild boars, and its presence has been expanding towards the East. A hotspot of M. hirudinaceus is located to the west of the study area, in Muela de Cortes Game Reserve, where 89.6% of the wild boars were positive for the infection, constituting one of the world’s highest known prevalence areas.This research was partially supported by Banco Santander grant FUSPBS-PPC13/2016 and by Conselleria d’Agricultura, Medi Ambient, Canvi Climàtic i Desenvolupament Rural of Generalitat Valenciana, through the minor contracts 2013/21/187 and 2014/21/112.Peer reviewe

Human and environmental factors driving Toxoplasma gondii prevalence in wild boar (Sus scrofa)

As one of the most relevant foodborne diseases, it is essential to know the factors related to the transmission, persistence and prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection. Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa) might play a relevant role in T.gondii's life cycle. This species is the most consumed big game animal in Spain and may act as a source of infection if the meat is eaten raw or undercooked or due to cross-contaminations. Additionally, wild boar can act as an excellent bioindicator of T.gondii circulation in the ecosystem, because its natural behaviour leads to exposure to oocysts from the soil when rooting and tissular bradyzoites when scavenging. A total of 1003 wild boar were sampled from 2010 to 2017 in Mediterranean Spain. Blood samples were tested with an indirect ELISA test giving a total of 14.1% (95% confidence interval 12.0–16.4%) positive results. The prevalence was not homogeneous in neither the animals nor the sampled districts. Significant differences were found regarding age, climatic conditions and human space occupancy. Human population aggregation, assessed by Demangeon's index, was identified as an influential factor in T.gondii infection risk. This multiple approach allows us to evaluate local risks for human and environmental contamination.This study was partially funded by minor contracts 2013/21/187 and 2014/21/112 from Conselleria d'Agricultura, Medi Ambient, Canvi Climàtic i Desenvolupament Rural of Generalitat Valenciana (Valencian Government).Peer reviewe

Molecular Detection and Epidemiology of Potentially Zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) from Eastern Spain

Altres ajuts: Programa Banco Santander-UCH-CEU FUSPBS-PPC24/2018Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are widely distributed pathogens in vertebrates. Both protozoa are among the major causes of diarrhoea in humans. Wild boars are known hosts of both parasites and are able to harbour zoonotic species. The main goal of this study was to molecularly evaluate the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in faecal samples taken from hunted wild boar in eastern Spain. This area is experiencing a rapid increase in the wild boar population, which is colonising all habitats, including urban and peri-urban areas, thereby increasing interactions with humans. Both parasites were found in our study, evidencing a high prevalence, mainly of Cryptosporidium scrofarum and Cryptosporidium suis, which have been previously reported to affect humans. These results point out the potential for wild boar-human transmission because of close contact interactions, such as space sharing or dressing for meat consumption. The protozoans Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are common causes of gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals. While both are commonly documented in domestic animals, few studies have analysed their presence in wildlife. To assess the prevalence of both parasites in wild boar (Sus scrofa) in the Valencian Community (eastern Spain), 498 wild boar faecal samples were collected from 2018 to 2022. Cryptosporidium spp. was detected by performing a nested PCR targeting a 578 bp sequence of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA), followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. For G. duodenalis, a qPCR amplifying a fragment of 62 bp from the SSU rRNA was employed. Positive samples were genotyped for glutamate dehydrogenase and β-giardin genes. Different epidemiological factors were considered potential modulating variables in the transmission of both parasites. G. duodenalis prevalence was 1.20%, while Cryptosporidium spp. prevalence reached 21.7%. Coinfection was observed in 0.2%. Genotyping of G. duodenalis isolates only detected genotype E. Two species of Cryptosporidium spp. were identified: Cryptosporidium scrofarum and Cryptosporidium suis. The results of this study demonstrate that the exposure to Cryptosporidium spp. in wild boars is high, particularly among young individuals belonging to the Typical Mediterranean climate. Moreover, the probability of infection is dependent on both the season and the density of wild boars. On the other side, exposure to G. duodenalis seems scarce and is influenced, in turn, by the climate. Both Cryptosporidium species detected in the present study have been reported in humans. Due to wild boar increasing in number and their colonisation of urban and peri-urban areas, this could represent an inherent health risk for the human population