Double trouble: Co-infection of Angiostrongylus vasorum and Dirofilaria immitis in golden jackal (Canis aureus) in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

Massimo Orioles ¹, Daniele Fabbri ¹, Giovanna Miani ¹

⁰Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università degli Studi di Udine, Via Sondrio, 33100, Udine, Italy.

International Journal for Parasitology. Parasites and Wildlife +

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August 21, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study found the first co-infection of Angiostrongylus vasorum and Dirofilaria immitis in golden jackals in Italy. This highlights the need for monitoring wild canids for these cardiopulmonary nematodes.

Area Of Science

Veterinary Parasitology
Wildlife Epidemiology
Canid Health

Background

Angiostrongylus vasorum and Dirofilaria immitis are significant cardiopulmonary nematodes in canids.
Golden jackals (Canis aureus) are expanding their range in Europe, including Italy.
Co-infections can alter disease dynamics and impact host health.

Purpose Of The Study

To report the first documented co-infection of A. vasorum and D. immitis in golden jackals.
To investigate the prevalence of these nematode infections in golden jackals in Italy.
To assess the pathological consequences of these infections in wild canids.

Main Methods

Necropsy and parasitological examination of 60 golden jackal carcasses from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy (2020-2023).
Data collection through the InfoFaunaFVG wildlife monitoring network.
Pathological assessment of cardiopulmonary systems and detection of adult nematodes.

Main Results

Twenty-four out of 60 necropsied golden jackals tested positive for A. vasorum or D. immitis.
Three golden jackals exhibited co-infection with both nematodes.
Pathological findings included verminous pneumonia, bleeding, and adult nematodes in the heart and pulmonary arteries.

Conclusions

The golden jackal's range expansion in northern Italy may facilitate the spread of cardiopulmonary nematodes.
Co-infections pose challenges for disease control and surveillance in wild canid populations.
Regular health monitoring of wild canids is crucial to manage the increasing prevalence of angiostrongylosis and dirofilariosis.

Keywords:

Cardiopulmonary nematodes Mesocarnivore Pathology Wildlife diseases