Open Access
How to translate text using browser tools
1 July 2009 Endoparasites of Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Central Italy
M. Magi, F. Macchioni, M. Dell’Omodarme, M. C. Prati, P. Calderini, S. Gabrielli, A. Iori, G. Cancrini
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

A parasitologic study on 129 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Tuscany (central Italy) was carried out in 2004–2006. Five intestinal species were found at necropsy: Dipylidium caninum (prevalence 57.3%), Mesocestoides lineatus (45.4%), Uncinaria stenocephala (39.1%), Toxocara canis (9.1%), and Toxascaris leonina (5.4%). Other parasites not associated with the intestine included Crenosoma vulpis (14.7%), Capillaria aerophila (7.0%), Angiostrongylus vasorum (7.0%), and filarial parasites (17.8%). Coprologic tests were less sensitive and less specific in identifying parasites than direct examinations at necropsy. Trichinella larvae were not found in muscles submitted to artificial digestion. By immunologic assay, antigens of Echinococcus spp. were detected in fecal samples of 20 foxes, but results could not be confirmed by fecal examination or molecular tests.

Magi, Macchioni, Dell’Omodarme, Prati, Calderini, Gabrielli, Iori, and Cancrini: Endoparasites of Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Central Italy
M. Magi, F. Macchioni, M. Dell’Omodarme, M. C. Prati, P. Calderini, S. Gabrielli, A. Iori, and G. Cancrini "Endoparasites of Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Central Italy," Journal of Wildlife Diseases 45(3), 881-885, (1 July 2009). https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-45.3.881
Received: 17 January 2008; Published: 1 July 2009
KEYWORDS
helminths
Italy
red fox
Vulpes vulpes
Back to Top