A Systematic Review of Zoonotic Enteric Parasites in Synanthropic Mammalian Species in Florida

Florida is home to a vast number of wildlife species that come into close contact with residents and domestic animals. As mammals are competent hosts for many zoonotic diseases, it is important to understand what exposure risks are present for both people and animals. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this review analyzed published literature spanning 1963 through 2023 documenting zoonotic enteric parasites in synanthropic wild mammals of Florida, excluding mice and rats. Between an initial search conducted in 2022 and updated search in 2024, 10,563 titles were reviewed. Using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 26 titles were included in the final analysis examining a range of acanthocephala, cestode, nematode, protozoa, and trematode parasite species. Of the results, most studies found at least one parasite in Florida raccoons (n = 14) with additional studies in opossums (n = 8), armadillos (n = 4), bobcats (n = 4), coyotes (n = 3), squirrels (n = 3), gray foxes (n = 1), red foxes (n = 1), an undeclared fox type (n = 1), and bats (n = 1). No studies were found documenting zoonotic enteric parasites in rabbits or moles. The transmission pathways for each parasite and the zoonotic exposure risks varied significantly. Coordinated One Health prevention and control efforts must be targeted for effectiveness.