Invasive Fascioloides magna and Its Italian "Alcatraz"

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Wildlife Ecology
• Invasive Species Biology

Background:

• Fascioloides magna is an invasive trematode established in Europe, primarily in the Danube basin and Italy's La Mandria Natural Park (LMNP).
• Understanding the parasite's current distribution and potential for spread is crucial for effective wildlife disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if Fascioloides magna has spread beyond LMNP.
• To identify environmental and host-related risk factors influencing parasite transmission.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of integrated surveillance methods.

Main Methods:

• Parasitological examination of 331 wild ruminant livers and faecal samples for fluke eggs.
• Molecular screening of gastropods within LMNP for Fascioloides magna DNA using a habitat suitability model.
• Camera trapping to monitor ungulate movement across LMNP boundaries.

Main Results:

• Fascioloides magna was confirmed in red and fallow deer within LMNP, with sporadic cases in roe deer.
• No evidence of infection was found in wildlife or gastropods outside LMNP.
• Molecular screening detected Fascioloides magna DNA in 9.2% of snails exclusively within LMNP.

Conclusions:

• Ecological conditions outside LMNP appear unsuitable for sustaining the Fascioloides magna life cycle, despite occasional host movements.
• The current risk of parasite spread is low, but continued surveillance and barrier reinforcement are recommended.
• An integrated approach combining parasitology, molecular diagnostics, and GIS mapping is effective for managing invasive parasitic diseases.