First Report of Obeliscoides cuniculi in the European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Obeliscoides cuniculi is a common parasite in American lagomorphs, while it has never been reported in the European rabbit. The exotic parasite has been introduced in Italy by the eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), an invasive alien lagomorph introduced to Europe for hunting purpose. Considering that S. floridanus shares the same areas with the European rabbit, the aim of this work is to document the first report of this parasite in an autochtonous lagomorph.

O.cuniculi, isolated from one adult European rabbit found dead, was identified considering the morphological features and reproductive organs of the adult stage (length and thickness of the body, spicules structure and size).

The present study represents the first record of the gastric nematode O. cuniculi (Trichostrongilidae) in a population of European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Italy.

Since Graphidium strigosum is the most common parasite infecting the European rabbit stomach, this study considers and discusses different scenarios about helminth co-infection effect. Further studies should be carried out to understand the long-term effect of this introduction on wild rabbit population.