Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 21, 2026

A Versatile Model of Hard Tick Infestation on Laboratory Rabbits
05:38

A Versatile Model of Hard Tick Infestation on Laboratory Rabbits

Published on: October 6, 2018

11.6K

Identification and epidemiological analysis of Perostrongylus falciformis infestation in Irish badgers

Jennifer Oc Byrne1, Andrew W Byrne2, Annetta Zintl3

  • 11Irish Equine Centre, Johnstown, Naas, County Kildare Ireland.

Irish Veterinary Journal
|July 24, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The lungworm Perostrongylus falciformis is prevalent in Irish badgers, affecting over 32% of the population. Juveniles and males show a higher risk of infestation, particularly in western regions.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Parasitology
  • Wildlife Health
  • Ecology of Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • The lungworm Perostrongylus falciformis (formerly Aelurostrongylus falciformis) is documented in badgers across Europe and Russia.
  • A related species, Aelurostrongylus pridhami, has been found in Spanish badgers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and distribution of Perostrongylus falciformis in the Irish badger population.
  • To identify risk factors associated with lungworm infestation in badgers.

Main Methods:

  • Examination of pulmonary tissue from 1580 Irish badgers.
  • Confirmation of parasite presence using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis on a subset of samples.

Main Results:

  • An estimated prevalence of 32.09% (95% CI: 29.79-34.45%) for Perostrongylus falciformis was detected in Irish badgers.
  • Infestation was widespread across the Republic of Ireland, with higher prevalence observed in western counties.
  • Male badgers and juvenile badgers exhibited a significantly higher risk of infestation compared to females and adults, respectively.

Conclusions:

  • Perostrongylus falciformis is endemic in the Irish badger population.
  • Geographic location (western Ireland) and demographic factors (male sex, juvenile age) are significant risk factors for lungworm infestation.
Keywords:
BadgerIrelandLungwormMeles melesPerostrongylus falciformis

More Related Videos

Detached Leaf Assays to Simplify Gene Expression Studies in Potato During Infestation by Chewing Insect Manduca sexta05:56

Detached Leaf Assays to Simplify Gene Expression Studies in Potato During Infestation by Chewing Insect Manduca sexta

Published on: May 15, 2019

7.0K
A Capsule-Based Model for Immature Hard Tick Stages Infestation on Laboratory Mice07:05

A Capsule-Based Model for Immature Hard Tick Stages Infestation on Laboratory Mice

Published on: July 9, 2020

7.0K

Related Concept Videos

Introduction to Epidemiology01:26

Introduction to Epidemiology

Epidemiology, known as the cornerstone of public health, involves studying the distribution and determinants of health-related events in defined populations and applying these insights to control health issues. This is essential for understanding how diseases spread, identifying populations at greater risk, and implementing measures to control or prevent outbreaks. Epidemiology addresses not only infectious diseases but also non-communicable conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease,...
1.7K
Causality in Epidemiology01:21

Causality in Epidemiology

Causality or causation is a fundamental concept in epidemiology, vital for understanding the relationships between various factors and health outcomes. Despite its importance, there's no single, universally accepted definition of causality within the discipline. Drawing from a systematic review, causality in epidemiology encompasses several definitions, including production, necessary and sufficient, sufficient-component, counterfactual, and probabilistic models. Each has its strengths and...
1.5K
Study Designs in Epidemiology01:20

Study Designs in Epidemiology

Epidemiological study designs are fundamental tools for investigating the distribution, determinants, and control of health conditions in populations. They help researchers understand the relationships between exposures and outcomes, and they broadly fall into two categories: "observational" and "experimental" studies.
Observational studies are those where the researcher does not intervene but rather observes natural variations. They include cross-sectional, cohort, and...
921
Confounding in Epidemiological Studies01:27

Confounding in Epidemiological Studies

Confounding in statistical epidemiology represents a pivotal challenge, referring to the distortion in the perceived relationship between an exposure and an outcome due to the presence of a third variable, known as a confounder. This variable is associated with both the exposure and the outcome but is not a direct link in their causal chain. Its presence can lead to erroneous interpretations of the exposure's effect, either exaggerating or underestimating the true association. This...
604
Bias in Epidemiological Studies01:29

Bias in Epidemiological Studies

Biases can arise at various stages of research, from study design and data collection to analysis and interpretation. Recognizing and addressing these biases is essential to ensure the validity and reliability of epidemiological findings.Broadly speaking, biases in epidemiology fall into three main categories: selection bias, information bias, and confounding. A more detailed description of possible biases is:  
1.3K
Statistical Methods for Analyzing Epidemiological Data01:25

Statistical Methods for Analyzing Epidemiological Data

Epidemiological data primarily involves information on specific populations' occurrence, distribution, and determinants of health and diseases. This data is crucial for understanding disease patterns and impacts, aiding public health decision-making and disease prevention strategies. The analysis of epidemiological data employs various statistical methods to interpret health-related data effectively. Here are some commonly used methods:
910