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Díaz-Ruiz F, Descalzo E, Martínez-Jauregui M, Soliño M, Márquez AL, Farfán MÁ, Real R, Ferreras P, Delibes-Mateos M. Combining ranger records and biogeographical models to identify the current and potential distribution of an expanding mesocarnivore in southern Europe. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174216. [PMID: 38914319 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) are increasing and are potentially harmful to both people and wildlife. Understanding the current and potential distribution of wildlife species involved in HWC, such as carnivores, is essential for implementing management and conservation measures for such species. In this study, we assessed both the current distribution and potential distribution (forecast) of the Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) in the central part of the Iberian Peninsula. We acquired data concerning mongoose occurrences through an online questionnaire sent to environmental rangers. We used the municipality level as the sampling unit because all municipalities within the study area were covered at least by one ranger. Using the information provided by rangers (i.e. occurrences in their municipalities), we constructed environmental favourability distribution models to assess current and potential mongoose distribution through current distribution models (CDM) and ecological models (EM), respectively. >300 rangers participated in the survey and mongooses were reported in a total of 181 of 921 municipalities studied. The CDM model showed a current distribution mainly concentrated on the western part of the study area, where intermediate-high favourability values predominated. The EM model revealed a wider potential distribution, including the south-east part of the study area, which was also characterised by intermediate-high favourability values. Our predictions were verified using independent data, including confirmation of mongoose reproduction by rangers, reports by other experts, and field sampling in some areas. Our innovative approach based on an online survey to rangers coupled with environmental favourability models is shown to be a useful methodology for assessing the current distribution of cryptic but expanding wildlife species, while also enabling estimations of future steps in their expansion. The approach proposed may help policy decision-makers seeking to ensure the conservation of expanding wildlife species, for example, by designing awareness campaigns in areas where the target species is expected to arrive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Díaz-Ruiz
- Conservation Biology Research Group, Departamento de Anatomía, Biología Celular y Zoología, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; Biogeography, Diversity, and Conservation Research Team, Dept. Biología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Esther Descalzo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - María Martínez-Jauregui
- Instituto de Ciencias Forestales (ICIFOR), INIA-CSIC, Ctra. de La Coruña km 7.5, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mario Soliño
- Institute of Marine Research-CSIC, Department of Ecology and Marine Resources, C/Eduardo Cabello 6, Vigo, 36208, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Ana Luz Márquez
- Biogeography, Diversity, and Conservation Research Team, Dept. Biología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Farfán
- Biogeography, Diversity, and Conservation Research Team, Dept. Biología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Raimundo Real
- Biogeography, Diversity, and Conservation Research Team, Dept. Biología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Pablo Ferreras
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Miguel Delibes-Mateos
- Instituto de Estudios Sociales Avanzados (IESA-CSIC), Campo Santo de los Mártires 7, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.
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Hekmat A, Naderi S, Zamani W. Masked invader in Iran! Habitat suitability analysis for invasive raccoon ( Procyon lotor) in the west of Guilan Province. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e70090. [PMID: 39114164 PMCID: PMC11303449 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.70090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, in addition to the destruction and fragmentation of the world's habitats, invasive species, and damage caused by them, are one of the most important factors in the destruction of ecosystems. The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a medium-sized mammal that is placed in mid-levels of the food web and can affect a wide range of species. Considering the damage done to local ecosystems by this invasive species, habitat assessment and determining the factors affecting its habitat suitability would be a key step in managing this species. In this study, using the MaxEnt model and examining 12 environmental parameters (elevation, slope, aspect, geological units, soil type, vegetation, land use, distance to villages, distance to main roads, distance to waterways, average temperature, and rainfall) in the west of Guilan Province, habitat suitability of this alien species was determined, and the most important factors affecting this suitability were investigated. Results showed that the validity value of the model (AUC) was estimated to be 0.852 and parameters such as distance to village (34.5%), elevation (24.2%), and land use (15.9%) are among the most important and effective factors. Also, the results showed that 0.60% of the study area has high suitability, 6.14% moderate, 24.87% low, and 68.36% unsuitable areas for raccoons. The overall result shows that despite the lack of vast favorable areas for this invasive species, an increase in the number and expansion of this species is very likely because of its omnivorous diet, high adaptability to different environments and conditions, as well as extensive niche. All of these factors cause raccoons to spread further in the region and consequently increase the risks and damages to the native ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Hekmat
- Natural Resources Faculty, Department of EnvironmentUniversity of GuilanRashtIran
| | - Saeid Naderi
- Natural Resources Faculty, Department of EnvironmentUniversity of GuilanRashtIran
| | - Wahid Zamani
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural ResourcesUniversity of KurdistanSanandajIran
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3
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Bijl H, Schally G, Márton M, Heltai M, Csányi S. From invaders to residents: The golden jackal (Canis aureus) expansion in Hungary since the mid-1990s. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306489. [PMID: 38991023 PMCID: PMC11239115 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The golden jackal has rapidly expanded across Europe in recent decades and was one of the first to reappear in Hungary. Using hunting bag data from the National Game Management Database from 1995 to 2021, we examined the spatial expansion of the species and its population dynamics. Our findings reveal an exponential increase in the golden jackal population since the mid-1990s, with an average annual growth rate of 40% in the hunting bag and an occupancy of 86% of the country. The average speed of the range expansion was 536.9 km2 year-1 until 2007 and increased to an average of 5,289.1 km2 year-1 during the second part of the expansion process. The density of shot golden jackals also shows an increasing trend with a substantial presence of outliers, indicating that nearly 10% of the hunting bag demonstrates exceptionally high numbers, particularly in southwestern Hungary. The spread originated in the southwest and extended towards the northeast and northwest. However, the increase of the hunting bag slowed down and the expansion rate has decreased in the previous two years, leading us to anticipate that the golden jackal population will stabilize soon, as the expansion has reached its maximum in Hungary. This indicates that from the initial settlement to the stabilization of the population, the time span can be two to three decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Bijl
- Department of Wildlife Biology and Management, Institute for Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, P
áter Károly, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Gergely Schally
- Department of Wildlife Biology and Management, Institute for Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, P
áter Károly, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Mihály Márton
- Department of Wildlife Biology and Management, Institute for Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, P
áter Károly, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Miklós Heltai
- Department of Wildlife Biology and Management, Institute for Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, P
áter Károly, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Sándor Csányi
- Department of Wildlife Biology and Management, Institute for Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, P
áter Károly, Gödöllő, Hungary
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Langner T, Otranto D, Bezerra-Santos MA, Franzen J, Johne A, Tonanzi D, Pfeffer M, Birka S. Detection of Spirocerca lupi and an unknown Trichinella-like nematode in raccoon ( Procyon lotor). Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100911. [PMID: 38352914 PMCID: PMC10862008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The raccoon Procyon lotor (Carnivora: Procyonidae) is an invasive species of growing importance for the introduction of alien pathogens or as additional hosts for autochthonous pathogens in Europe, including zoonotic parasites. As the population is steadily increasing and outcompeting the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Germany, the consumption of raccoon meat raises concerns about pathogens they may transmit. Therefore the presence of Trichinella larvae was here investigated in muscle samples (n = 904) of raccoons from northern Germany. No Trichinella larvae were found, thus confirming the general low occurrence of this parasite in Germany. However, Spirocerca lupi (n = 12) and an unidentified Trichinella-like nematode (n = 1) were accidently detected in the examined samples. The first is not a zoonotic parasite but has a high veterinary relevance as it can cause severe diseases in dogs. It is the first documented autochthonous infection of this nematode in Germany. The larvae of an unidentified Trichinella-like nematode were found in high abundance in all examined muscles of one raccoon, though they could not be identified to species level. Histological investigation revealed intramuscular cystic structures. This is the largest study investigating muscular parasites of raccoons in Europe so far, which suggests that this invasive animal species is infected by S. lupi and by a yet unknown Trichinella -like parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Langner
- Leipzig University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Food Hygiene, Germany
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. prov. per Casamassima km 3, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy
| | - Marcos Antonio Bezerra-Santos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. prov. per Casamassima km 3, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy
| | - Jan Franzen
- Institute of Animal Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Annette Johne
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, NRL for Trichinella, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniele Tonanzi
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Birka
- Leipzig University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Food Hygiene, Germany
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Kuhnert P, Brodard I, Ackermann S, Schierack P, Jores J. Serological and molecular detection as well as typing of Leptospira spp. in foxes, raccoons, and other wild carnivores in North-Eastern Germany, 2021-2022. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23268. [PMID: 38163163 PMCID: PMC10756992 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. While the latter are reported from various mammal hosts such as humans, dogs, or rodents, less is known about their presence in wild carnivores. We therefore investigated the presence of Leptospira spp. in foxes, raccoons, badgers, raccoon dogs, and martens in North-Eastern Germany. Kidney, urine, and blood specimens obtained from legally hunted or road-killed animals were tested by real-time PCR and by serogroup specific antibody detection for the presence of Leptospira spp. Additionally, kidney and urine specimens were tested by real-time PCR for the presence of Brucella spp. and Francisella tularensis, with all being negative for these two zoonotic pathogens. Leptospira spp. were detected by PCR in 12.6 % (n = 21/166) and serologically in 26.2 % (n = 53/202) of tissue and serum samples, respectively. Antibodies to 15 different serogroups were identified with Javanica (n = 25) and Bataviae (n = 12) being predominant. A high sero-prevalence of 34.0 % and 18.6 % in foxes and raccoons, respectively, and the presence of ST17 associated with human and animal leptospirosis indicates a reservoir and the zoonotic potential of these wild animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kuhnert
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Brodard
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Ackermann
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Peter Schierack
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty Environment and Natural Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology, Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Joerg Jores
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Heddergott M, Lippert S, Schliephake A, Gaede W, Schleimer A, Frantz AC. Spread of the Zoonotic Nematode Baylisascaris procyonis into a Naive Raccoon Population. ECOHEALTH 2023; 20:263-272. [PMID: 37971598 PMCID: PMC10757695 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-023-01655-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), a gastrointestinal nematode of the raccoon (Procyon lotor), may cause a severe form of larva migrans in humans, which can lead to death or permanent neurological damage. Although roundworms were inadvertently introduced to Europe alongside their raccoon hosts, the parasite is not present in every raccoon population. It is important to understand the geographic distribution of B. procyonis, as early and rapid treatment can prevent severe pathologies in humans. We present evidence for the roundworm spreading into a naive raccoon population through natural dispersal of infected raccoons. We sampled 181 raccoons from Saxony-Anhalt, a German federal state containing contact zones of different raccoon populations, two of which were previously free of the parasite. We screened the raccoons for roundworms and used microsatellite-based assignment tests to determine the genetic origin of the raccoons and their parasites. We detected roundworms in 16 of 45 raccoons sampled in a previously roundworm-free area in the northern part of the state. The largest proportion of the genetic ancestry (≥ 0.5) of the 16 raccoon hosts was assigned to the previously naive raccoon population. Conversely, the genetic ancestry of almost all the roundworms was assigned to the nearest roundworm population in the southern part of the state. Infected raccoons have, therefore, spread to the north of the state, where they interbred with and infected local raccoons. It seems likely that the roundworms will continue to spread. Health authorities should consider continuous surveillance programmes of naive populations and raise public awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Heddergott
- Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, 25 rue Muenster, L-2160, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Stéphanie Lippert
- Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, 25 rue Muenster, L-2160, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Annette Schliephake
- Department for Veterinary Medicine, State Institute for Consumer Protection of Saxony-Anhalt, Haferbreiter Weg 132-135, 39576, Stendal, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Gaede
- Department for Veterinary Medicine, State Institute for Consumer Protection of Saxony-Anhalt, Haferbreiter Weg 132-135, 39576, Stendal, Germany
| | - Anna Schleimer
- Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, 25 rue Muenster, L-2160, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Fondation Faune Flore, 24 rue Muenster, L-2160, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Alain C Frantz
- Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, 25 rue Muenster, L-2160, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
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Reinhardt NP, Wassermann M, Härle J, Romig T, Kurzrock L, Arnold J, Großmann E, Mackenstedt U, Straubinger RK. Helminths in Invasive Raccoons ( Procyon lotor) from Southwest Germany. Pathogens 2023; 12:919. [PMID: 37513766 PMCID: PMC10384161 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
As hosts of numerous zoonotic pathogens, the role of raccoons needs to be considered in the One Health context. Raccoons progressively expand their range as invasive alien species in Europe. This study aimed to investigate the intestinal helminth fauna of raccoons in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, as no such screening had ever been conducted there. In total, we obtained 102 animals from hunters in 2019 and 2020. Intestinal helminths were retrieved using the SSCT (segmented sedimentation and counting technique) and identified morphologically and by PCR-based Sanger sequencing. Fecal samples were assessed using the ELISA PetChekTM IP assay (IDEXX, Germany) and flotation technique. The artificial digestion method was employed for analyzing muscle tissue. We detected species of four nematode genera (Baylisascaris procyonis, Toxocara canis, Capillaria spp., and Trichuris spp.), three cestode genera (Atriotaenia cf. incisa/procyonis, Taenia martis, and Mesocestoides spp.), and three trematode genera (Isthmiophora hortensis/melis, Plagiorchis muris, and Brachylaima spp.). Echinococcus spp. and Trichinella spp. were not found. The invasive behavior and synanthropic habits of raccoons may increase the infection risk with these helminths in wildlife, domestic and zoo animals, and humans by serving as a connecting link. Therefore, it is crucial to initiate additional studies assessing these risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico P Reinhardt
- Bacteriology and Mycology, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Marion Wassermann
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jessica Härle
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Thomas Romig
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Lina Kurzrock
- IDEXX Laboratories, Vet Med Labor GmbH, 70806 Kornwestheim, Germany
| | - Janosch Arnold
- Wildlife Research Unit, Agricultural Centre Baden-Wuerttemberg (LAZBW), 88326 Aulendorf, Germany
| | - Ernst Großmann
- Aulendorf State Veterinary Diagnostic Centre (STUA), 88326 Aulendorf, Germany
| | - Ute Mackenstedt
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Reinhard K Straubinger
- Bacteriology and Mycology, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
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Reinhardt NP, Köster J, Thomas A, Arnold J, Fux R, Straubinger RK. Bacterial and Viral Pathogens with One Health Relevance in Invasive Raccoons ( Procyon lotor, Linné 1758) in Southwest Germany. Pathogens 2023; 12:389. [PMID: 36986312 PMCID: PMC10054312 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In Europe, raccoons are invasive neozoons with their largest population in Germany. Globally, this mesocarnivore acts as a wildlife reservoir for many (non-)zoonotic (re-)emerging pathogens, but very little epidemiological data is available for southwest Germany. This exploratory study aimed to screen free-ranging raccoons in Baden-Wuerttemberg (BW, Germany) for the occurrence of selected pathogens with One Health relevance. Organ tissue and blood samples collected from 102 animals, obtained by hunters in 2019 and 2020, were subsequently analysed for two bacterial and four viral pathogens using a qPCR approach. Single samples were positive for the carnivore protoparvovirus-1 (7.8%, n = 8), canine distemper virus (6.9%, n = 7), pathogenic Leptospira spp. (3.9%, n = 4) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (15.7%, n = 16). West Nile virus and influenza A virus were not detected. Due to their invasive behaviour and synanthropic habit, raccoons may increase the risk of infections for wildlife, domestic animals, zoo animals and humans by acting as a link between them. Therefore, further studies should be initiated to evaluate these risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico P. Reinhardt
- Bacteriology and Mycology, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Judith Köster
- Aulendorf State Veterinary Diagnostic Centre (STUA), 88326 Aulendorf, Germany
| | - Astrid Thomas
- Bacteriology and Mycology, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Janosch Arnold
- Wildlife Research Unit, Agricultural Centre Baden-Wuerttemberg (LAZBW), 88326 Aulendorf, Germany
| | - Robert Fux
- Virology, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Reinhard K. Straubinger
- Bacteriology and Mycology, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
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Frantz AC, Lippert S, Heddergott M. Microsatellite profiling of hosts from parasite-extracted DNA illustrated with raccoons (Procyon lotor) and their Baylisascaris procyonis roundworms. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:76. [PMID: 36841791 PMCID: PMC9960475 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05703-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Important information on movement pathways and introduction routes of invasive parasites can be obtained by comparing the genetic makeup of an invader with its spatial genetic structure in other distribution areas. Sometimes, the population genetic structure of the host might be more informative than that of the parasite itself, and it is important to collect tissue samples of both host and parasite. However, host tissue samples are frequently not available for analysis. We aimed to test whether it is possible to generate reliable microsatellite profiles of host individuals by amplifying DNA extracted from a nematode parasite, using the raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) as a test case. METHODS Between 2020 and 2021, we collected tissue as well as a single roundworm each from 12 raccoons from central Germany. Both the raccoon and the roundworm DNA extracts were genotyped using 17 raccoon-specific microsatellite loci. For each roundworm DNA extract, we performed at least eight amplification reactions per microsatellite locus. RESULTS We extracted amplifiable raccoon DNA from all 12 roundworms. We obtained at least two amplification products for 186 of the 204 possible genotypes. Altogether 1077 of the 1106 genotypes (97.4%) matched the host-DNA derived reference genotypes and thus did not contain genotyping errors. Nine of the 12 roundworm-derived genetic profiles matched the reference profiles from the raccoon hosts, with one additional genetic profile containing genotyping errors at a single locus. The remaining two genetic profiles were deemed unsuitable for downstream analysis because of genotyping errors and/or a high proportion of missing data. CONCLUSIONS We showed that reliable microsatellite-based genetic profiles of host individuals can be obtained by amplifying DNA extracted from a parasitic nematode. Specifically, the approach can be applied to reconstruct invasion pathways of roundworms when samples of the raccoon hosts are lacking. Further research should assess whether this method can be replicated in smaller species of parasitic nematodes and other phyla of parasites more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain C. Frantz
- grid.507500.7Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Stéphanie Lippert
- grid.507500.7Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Mike Heddergott
- grid.507500.7Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
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SARS-CoV-2 and West Nile Virus Prevalence Studies in Raccoons and Raccoon Dogs from Germany. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112559. [PMID: 36423168 PMCID: PMC9698735 DOI: 10.3390/v14112559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike farm animals, wild animals are not subject to continuous health surveillance. Individual projects designed to screen wildlife populations for specific pathogens are, therefore, also of great importance for human health. In this context, the possible formation of a reservoir for highly pathogenic zoonotic pathogens is a focus of research. Two of these pathogens that have received particular attention during the last years are the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), due to its fast global spread and high impact to the human health, and, since its introduction into Germany, the flavivirus West Nile virus (WNV). Especially in combination with invasive vertebrate species (e.g., raccoons (Procyon lotor) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Germany), risk analysis must be done to enable health authorities to assess the potential for the establishment of new wild life reservoirs for pathogens. Therefore, samples were collected from raccoons and raccoon dogs and analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and WNV infections in these populations. Molecular biological and serological data obtained imply that no SARS-CoV-2 nor WNV reservoir has been established in these two wild life species yet. Future investigations need to keep an eye on these invasive carnivore populations, especially since the close contact of these animals to humans, mainly in urban areas, would make animal-human transmission a challenge for human health.
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Langner T, Hamedy A, Wellner H, Johne A, Mayer-Scholl A, Birka S. First detection of Trichinella spiralis in raccoon (Procyon lotor) in Germany. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 36:100800. [PMID: 36436907 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Trichinella spp. are foodborne parasites that can cause severe and potentially fatal disease in humans. Infections occur through consumption of meat containing the infectious stage (L1). In Germany the domestic cycle has been eradicated. In wild animals sporadic occurrence is observed in species such as wild boar, red foxes and raccoon dogs. The omnivore raccoon which is an invasive species in Europe is known as a potential host but has not been studied intensely regarding this parasite in Germany until now, thus resulting in a lack of knowledge about its role in the sylvatic cycle. Raccoons from the urban area of Leipzig were investigated for several pathogens including Trichinella spp. in a cooperative project. Muscle samples of 88 individuals were examined using the artificial digestion method (ADM). One animal was found positive, which is the first detection of this parasite in a raccoon in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Langner
- Institut für Lebensmittelhygiene; An den Tierkliniken 1; 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Ahmad Hamedy
- Institut für Lebensmittelhygiene; An den Tierkliniken 1; 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Heiko Wellner
- Institut für Lebensmittelhygiene; An den Tierkliniken 1; 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Annette Johne
- Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung; FGr 45 - NRL für Trichinella; Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10; 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Mayer-Scholl
- Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung; FGr 45 - NRL für Trichinella; Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10; 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Birka
- Institut für Lebensmittelhygiene; An den Tierkliniken 1; 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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12
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Heddergott M, Müller F, Steinbach P, Jeschke D, Stubbe M, Frantz AC, Stubbe A, Ansorge H, Osten-Sacken N. First detection and low prevalence of Pearsonema spp. in wild raccoons (Procyon lotor) from central Europa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY: PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2022; 19:243-247. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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13
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Kochmann J, Cunze S, Klimpel S. Climatic niche comparison of raccoons
Procyon lotor
and raccoon dogs
Nyctereutes procyonoides
in their native and non‐native ranges. Mamm Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Kochmann
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Center Senckenberganlage 25 60325 Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Sarah Cunze
- Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity Goethe University Max‐von‐Laue‐Str. 13 60438 Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Sven Klimpel
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Center Senckenberganlage 25 60325 Frankfurt am Main Germany
- Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity Goethe University Max‐von‐Laue‐Str. 13 60438 Frankfurt am Main Germany
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14
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Louppe V, Herrel A, Pisanu B, Grouard S, Veron G. Assessing occupancy and activity of two invasive carnivores in two Caribbean islands: implications for insular ecosystems. J Zool (1987) 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V. Louppe
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB) Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS Sorbonne Université EPHE Université des Antilles Paris France
| | - A. Herrel
- Mécanismes Adaptatifs et Evolution (MECADEV) Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS Paris France
| | - B. Pisanu
- UMS Patrimoine Naturel Office Français pour la Biodiversité Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS Paris France
| | - S. Grouard
- Archéozoologie, Archéobotanique Sociétés, Pratiques, Environnement (AASPE) Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle – CNRS Paris France
| | - G. Veron
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB) Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS Sorbonne Université EPHE Université des Antilles Paris France
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15
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Rutten A, Casaer J, Swinnen KR, Herremans M, Leirs H. Future distribution of wild boar in a highly anthropogenic landscape: Models combining hunting bag and citizen science data. Ecol Modell 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2019.108804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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16
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Boscherini A, Mazza G, Menchetti M, Laurenzi A, Mori E. Time is running out! Rapid range expansion of the invasive northern raccoon in central Italy. MAMMALIA 2019. [DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2018-0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The northern raccoon, Procyon lotor (Linnaeus, 1758), is listed among the invasive alien species of European Union concern. Therefore, an updated monitoring of its distribution is required to design and address management actions. As to Italy, the raccoon has been reported with an established population only in northern regions. In this note, we report a new established raccoon population along the Apennine ridge in central Italy and we estimate the range expansion from 2015 to 2018 both through the minimum convex polygon (MCP) and the kernel estimates. Furthermore, we propose the management actions to limit negative impacts in the Foreste Casentinesi National Park and its surroundings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Boscherini
- Free-lancing Natural Scientist, San Piero in Bagno , Forlì-Cesena , Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mazza
- CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification , via di Lanciola 12/A, 50125 Cascine del Riccio , Florence , Italy
| | - Mattia Menchetti
- Evolutionary Biology Institute , Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37 , 08003 Barcelona , Spain
- Department of Biology , University of Florence , Via Madonna del Piano 6 , 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Florence) , Italy
| | - Alessandro Laurenzi
- Golden Group SRL , Viale della Mercanzia, 149, 40050 Funo di Argelato , Bologna , Italy
| | - Emiliano Mori
- Department of Life Sciences , Universirty of Siena , Via P.A. Mattioli 4 , 53100, Siena , Italy
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17
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First detection of influenza A virus genes from wild raccoons in Japan. Virus Genes 2018; 54:591-595. [PMID: 29740778 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-018-1566-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Serological surveys have shown that wild raccoons are exposed to influenza A viruses (IAVs); however, no genetic evidence for this IAV infection has been found. In the present study, we first detected IAV genes in wild raccoons captured during periods other than the wintering season of migratory waterfowl and epidemic season of influenza in Japan. Viral matrix (M) and nucleoprotein (NP) genes were detected by a conventional reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay from three suckling siblings and one juvenile without any noticeable clinical signs, although the NP gene could not be detected from one sibling. The sequences of M gene fragments detected from the rectal swabs of three suckling siblings were comparable with each other but different from those detected from the nasal swab of the juvenile raccoon caught from a different site. The sequences of NP gene fragments detected from two suckling siblings were also comparable. These genetic evidences suggest that IAV is maintained among raccoon populations in the northern part of Japan. Further genetic and virological investigation of IAV infection in wild raccoons is needed to better understand the IAV ecology in the field.
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Luisa Ziegler, Fischer D, Nesseler A, Lierz M. Validation of the live trap ‘Krefelder Fuchsfalle’ in combination with electronic trap sensors based on AIHTS standards. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-018-1176-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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19
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Changes in habitat associations during range expansion: disentangling the effects of climate and residence time. Biol Invasions 2018; 20:1147-1159. [PMID: 31258385 PMCID: PMC6560651 DOI: 10.1007/s10530-017-1616-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The distributions of many species are not at equilibrium with their environment. This includes spreading non-native species and species undergoing range shifts in response to climate change. The habitat associations of these species may change during range expansion as less favourable climatic conditions at expanding range margins constrain species to use only the most favourable habitats, violating the species distribution model assumption of stationarity. Alternatively, changes in habitat associations could result from density-dependent habitat selection; at range margins, population densities are initially low so species can exhibit density-independent selection of the most favourable habitats, while in the range core, where population densities are higher, species spread into less favourable habitat. We investigate if the habitat preferences of the non-native common waxbill Estrilda astrild changed as they spread in three directions (north, east and south-east) in the Iberian Peninsula. There are different degrees of climatic suitability and colonization speed across range expansion axes, allowing us to separate the effects of climate from residence time. In contrast to previous studies we find a stronger effect of residence time than climate in influencing the prevalence of common waxbills. As well as a strong additive effect of residence time, there were some changes in habitat associations, which were consistent with density-dependent habitat selection. The combination of broader habitat associations and higher prevalence in areas that have been colonised for longer means that species distribution models constructed early in the invasion process are likely to underestimate species’ potential distribution.
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20
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Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in invasive raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Central Europe. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:2335-2340. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5518-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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21
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Büntgen U, Greuter L, Bollmann K, Jenny H, Liebhold A, Galván JD, Stenseth NC, Andrew C, Mysterud A. Elevational range shifts in four mountain ungulate species from the
S
wiss
A
lps. Ecosphere 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Büntgen
- Department of Geography University of Cambridge CB2 3EN Cambridge UK
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL 8903 Birmensdorf Switzerland
- Global Change Research Centre and Masaryk University Brno 613 00 Brno Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Greuter
- Department of Wildlife and Fishery Service Grisons 7001 Chur Switzerland
| | - Kurt Bollmann
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL 8903 Birmensdorf Switzerland
| | - Hannes Jenny
- Department of Wildlife and Fishery Service Grisons 7001 Chur Switzerland
| | - Andrew Liebhold
- Northern Research Station USDA Forest Service Morgantown West Virginia 26505 USA
| | - J. Diego Galván
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL 8903 Birmensdorf Switzerland
| | - Nils C. Stenseth
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis CEES University of Oslo Blindern 0316 Oslo Norway
| | - Carrie Andrew
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL 8903 Birmensdorf Switzerland
| | - Atle Mysterud
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis CEES University of Oslo Blindern 0316 Oslo Norway
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22
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Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in introduced raccoons (Procyon lotor)-first evidence from Poland and Germany. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:4535-4541. [PMID: 27630099 PMCID: PMC5104802 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5245-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The raccoon (Procyon lotor) carnivore native to North America is a fast spreading, invasive species in the Europe now. At the moment, the highest population occupies areas near the German-Polish border. The data on the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. and microsporidia in raccoons is limited to North America's territory and is totally lacking in the case of their introduction to Europe. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of microparasites, i.e., Cryptosporidium spp. and microsporidia in the introduced raccoons obtained from localities in Poland and Germany. A PCR-based approach that permitted genetic characterization via sequence analysis was applied to raccoon fecal samples (n = 49), collected during 2012-2014. All fecal samples were simultaneously tested with the use of genetic markers, and DNA of microsporidia and Cryptosporidium spp. was detected among the examined raccoons. The results of our research confirmed the presence of Cryptosporidium skunk genotype and Enterocytozoon bieneusi NCF2 genotype. The results suggest a possible role of raccoons in the contamination of the environment, including urban areas, with pathogens of zoonotic significance as well as their role in the transmission and introduction of new genotypes of microparasites in the areas where P. lotor has not been observed yet. To our knowledge, there has been no literature data on the above genotypes detected previously in humans or animals from the examined study sites so far.
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