First molecular evidence of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in domestic cats from Africa and a synopsis of its occurrence across the continent.

Domestic cats (Felis catus) can be infected with a variety of cardio-pulmonary nematodes. Although Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is widely distributed globally, reports from Africa are scarce and refer mainly to wild felids. Moreover, some of these reports are considered as misidentifications.

Investigating the role of stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) and biting midges of the genus Culicoides as potential mechanical vectors of African swine fever virus in Lithuania, Poland and Romania.

Background: Since its emergence in Georgia in 2007, the seasonal pattern of African swine fever virus (ASFV) genotype II outbreaks in European pig populations has been evident. It is hypothesized that summer-related farming practices, along with the increased activity and abundance of arthropod vectors during warmer months, contribute to the increased incidence of these outbreaks during this period. This study investigated the potential role of stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) and biting midges of the genus Culicoides as mechanical vectors of ASFV.

First Report of in Galapagos: High Prevalence in Dogs and Circumstantial Evidence for the Role of as Vector.

The current study investigates the presence and prevalence of species in dogs from the Galapagos Islands, focusing on the potential vectorial role of in the transmission of these pathogens. Blood samples were collected from 1221 dogs across four islands, with tick collections for morphological and genetic identification. The results revealed a significant molecular prevalence of (20.

Living with ticks: Results of an online survey of the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding ticks and tick-borne pathogens in academic environments across Europe.

We prepared a digital questionnaire to capture knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in 20 languages. The questionnaire was distributed to 21 universities and research institutions in 22 European countries and 9401 valid responses were collected. Most survey participants identified ticks correctly and regarded ticks as a serious health risk.

Patent infection in Galapagos sea lion rookeries in San Cristóbal Island.

The Galapagos sea lion () is an endemic and endangered species that plays a vital role in the ecosystem dynamics of the archipelago. In recent decades, they have faced a significant population decline, related to the effects of climate variability and anthropogenic influences. Thus, the co-occurrence of sea lion resting areas with mosquito breeding sites and the presence of free-roaming domestic dogs present significant health risks related to parasite transmission.

Molecular investigation of Dirofilaria repens, Dirofilaria immitis and Acanthocheilonema reconditum in stray dogs and cats in Ukraine.

Background: The increasing population of stray dogs and cats in Ukraine poses an important risk of the transmission of vector-borne parasites, particularly Dirofilariarepens, Dirofilaria immitis and Acanthocheilonema reconditum, all of which are zoonotic and may affect human health. Despite numerous reports of human dirofilariosis in Ukraine, epidemiological data on these filarial parasites in companion animals remain limited. The aim of the study was to conduct a molecular epidemiological survey to assess the prevalence of filarial infections in stray dogs and cats across Ukraine and evaluate factors associated with infection in dogs.

Microtetrameres cloacitectus in Eurasian buzzard (Buteo buteo): pathology, phylogenetics, and seasonality.

Microtetrameres cloacitectus is a nematode of the family Tetrameridae Travassos, 1914, parasitising the proventricular glands of diurnal raptors. First described by Oschmarin (1956) from the Eurasian buzzard (Buteo buteo) in Primorsky Krai, Russia, it has since been reported in several raptor species. Between 2017 and 2024, 88 deceased Eurasian buzzards were collected from various regions in Romania.

Causing Ocular Parasitism in a Free-Ranging Common Buzzard () in Romania and a Review of the Potential Zoonotic Implications as Cutaneous Larval Migrans.

Bird eyes are more neglected organs in studies targeting the structure of the helminth fauna, which are instead mainly focused on the digestive and respiratory systems. In an extended study aimed at identifying helminths in the common buzzard (), the eyes of 92 birds were also examined. Morphological characteristics and molecular analyses were used to identify the collected specimens.

Thelazia rhodesi and Thelazia skrjabini in wild European bison (Bison bonasus) and farmed American bison (Bison bison) from Romania, 2021-23.

Between November 2021 and January 2023, the eyes of either slaughtered or deceased male American bison (Bison bison) and European bison (Bison bonasus) from Romania were investigated for the presence of Thelazia spp. nematodes (eye worms). These included seven farmed American bison from two locations and two wild European bison from reintroduction sites.

Nematodes and acanthocephalans of buzzards (Buteo spp.): Checklist of species in Europe and new host-parasite associations in Romania.

Various species of nematodes and acanthocephalans are frequently encountered in birds from the genus Buteo. In Romania, three species of buzzards are present: the Eurasian buzzard (Buteo buteo), the long-legged buzzard (B. rufinus), and the rough-legged buzzard (B.

Feeding sources of mosquitoes in Galapagos Islands: A potential threat to wildlife conservation.

Vector-borne diseases pose significant threats to both human and animal health, including wildlife, particularly in vulnerable island ecosystems like the Galapagos Islands. This study examines the mosquito community composition around domestic dogs and Galapagos sea lion rookeries across four islands: San Cristobal, Isabela, Santa Cruz, and Floreana. Using BG-Sentinel traps, a total of 292 mosquitoes were collected, identifying three species: Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, and A.

Canine vector-borne parasites in the Galapagos.

Background: The extraordinary Galapagos Islands, with an impressive number of endemic and native species, maintain the interest and curiosity for researchers from all over the world. The native species are known to be vulnerable to new pathogens, cointroduced with their invasive hosts. In the case of invasive parasitic arthropods, their evolutionary success is related to the association with other invasive hosts (such as domestic animals).

Diversity of lice and flea- and lice-borne pathogens in free-ranging dogs in Uzbekistan.

Vector-borne diseases pose a significant threat to human and animal health worldwide, with arthropods, including fleas and lice, acting as key vectors for transmitting various pathogens. In Uzbekistan, where millions of domestic dogs coexist with humans, the diversity of vector-borne pathogens carried by ectoparasites remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the diversity and prevalence of lice and pathogens carried by fleas and lice collected from domestic dogs in Uzbekistan.

A new canid host for subcutaneous ticks: A report from Algeria in an African golden wolf (Canis lupaster).

Background: Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites that feed on the skin surface of their host. Subcutaneous localizations of ticks have predominantly been associated with red foxes, documenting new cases still brings new and potentially valuable data for tackling this unusual situation. The objective of this study is to report the presence of subcutaneous ticks in a new host and on a new continent.

A case of mortality in a re-introduced European bison associated with severe pneumonia caused by Dictyocaulus viviparus.

Background: Dictyocaulosis is a parasitic disease caused by pulmonary nematodes from genus Dictyocaulus affecting various ungulate hosts. It can cause verminous bronchopneumonia and for heavily infected individuals, fatal outcomes can occur.

Case Presentation: The study describes the case of a male European bison which died three months after relocation from Slovakia to one of the reintroduction areas in Nucșoara village, Făgăraș Mountains, Romania.

Molecular evidence of Borrelia lusitaniae from questing Ixodes ticks in Algeria.

Background: Ticks are hematophagous arthropods acting as important vectors for several microorganisms. Ticks have an important role in the epidemiology of numerous diseases from a public health standpoint. In Algeria, knowledge of tick-borne associated microorganisms is limited.

African swine fever virus DNA is present in non-biting flies collected from outbreak farms in Romania.

Background: African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and severe haemorrhagic disease of Suidae, with mortalities that approach 100 percent. Several studies suggested the potential implication of non-biting dipterans in the spread of ASFV in pig farms due to the identification of the ASFV DNA. However, to our knowledge, no study has evaluated the viral DNA load in non-biting dipterans collected in outbreak farms and no risk factors have been analysed.

Italian peninsula as a hybridization zone of Ixodes inopinatus and I. ricinus and the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in I. inopinatus, I. ricinus, and their hybrids.

Background: Ixodes inopinatus was described from Spain on the basis of morphology and partial sequencing of 16S ribosomal DNA. However, several studies suggested that morphological differences between I. inopinatus and Ixodes ricinus are minimal and that 16S rDNA lacks the power to distinguish the two species.

Molecular survey of flea-borne pathogens in fleas associated with carnivores from Algeria and an Artificial Neural Network-based risk analysis of flea-borne diseases.

As ectoparasites and efficient vectors of pathogens fleas constitute a source of nuisance for animals as well as a major issue for public health in Algeria. In this study, a molecular survey has been conducted to investigate the presence of pathogens in fleas infesting domestic and wild carnivores in the central north and eastern north and south of Algeria. The molecular screening that targeted Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Bartonella spp.

Fleas of wild carnivores in Romania: diversity, distribution, and host-associations.

Background: Fleas are important hematophagous insects, infesting mammals and birds with a worldwide distribution. Fleas of medical importance have been reported from various carnivores worldwide, such as felids, canids, or mustelids. Romania hosts a wide carnivore diversity, but very little is known about flea species that parasitize these animals in Romania.