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Uribe M, Brabec J, Chaparro-Gutiérrez JJ, Hermosilla C. Neglected zoonotic helminthiases in wild canids: new insights from South America. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1235182. [PMID: 37635759 PMCID: PMC10450927 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1235182] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The global threat of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) constitutes a public health issue in underdeveloped countries. Zoonotic helminthiases are the most common human NTD agents in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Americas, causing a global burden of disease that exceeds that of more recognized infectious diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis. Wild canids are well-known mammals that act as natural reservoirs of zoonotic-relevant helminthiasis worldwide, thus playing a pivotal role in their epidemiology and transmission to humans. Here we evaluate the occurrence of zoonotic gastrointestinal helminths in two Neotropical wild canid species from the Amazonian and Andean regions of Colombia, i.e., the bush dog (Speothos venaticus) and the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous). We recovered tapeworm proglottids from bush dog fecal samples and identified them molecularly as the canine-specific lineage of Dipylidium caninum by using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene sequences. Moreover, examination of a crab-eating fox during necropsy revealed the presence of non-embryonated eggs of the neglected nematode Lagochilascaris cf. minor, in addition to eggs and gravid proglottids of the cestode Spirometra mansoni. These findings represent the first report of zoonotic-relevant cestodes, i.e., D. caninum ("canine genotype"), S. mansoni, and the nematode L. cf. minor, in bush dogs and crab-eating foxes as final hosts. The occurrence of these zoonotic helminthiases in wild canid species calls for regular monitoring programs to better understand the epidemiology and transmission routes of neglected dipylidiasis, lagochilascariosis, and sparganosis in South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Uribe
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Gießen, Germany
- CIBAV Research Group, Veterinary Medicine School, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jan Brabec
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | | | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Gießen, Germany
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2
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Constantinoiu C, Croton C, Paterson MBA, Knott L, Henning J, Mallyon J, Coleman GT. Prevalence of canine heartworm infection in Queensland, Australia: comparison of diagnostic methods and investigation of factors associated with reduction in antigen detection. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:63. [PMID: 36765417 PMCID: PMC9921331 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05633-9] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs is increasing globally and spreading into new areas. Prevalence of dirofilariosis in the state of Queensland, Australia, was as high as 90% before the introduction of macrocyclic lactones. Limited research on prevalence of D. immitis infection in dogs in Queensland has been reported in the last 30 years. Antigen testing is the most common method for detection of dirofilariosis but its accuracy is reduced by antigen getting trapped (blocked antigen) in immune complexes (ICs). The objectives of this research were to determine the prevalence of D. immitis infection in dogs from two geographical areas (Brisbane and Townsville) in Queensland, to determine the extent to which blocked antigen affects the validity of antigen testing, and to explore whether this was associated with microfilaraemia, location, age or sex. METHODS Blood samples from Brisbane (sub-tropical climate) and Townsville (tropical climate) shelter dogs were evaluated for the presence of D. immitis antigen before (conventional antigen testing, CAT) and after dissociation of ICs by heat treatment (antigen testing after heat treatment, ATHT), using a commercially available test. Microfilariae were detected using modified Knott's test (MKT). Test proportions were compared with McNemar's test and the association between antigen test-discordant results (positive for antigen after dissociation of ICs) and microfilaraemia, location, sex and age was modelled using logistic regression. RESULTS Dirofilaria immitis prevalence in dogs from Townsville (22% by CAT, 32.1% by ATHT and 16.7% by MKT) was significantly higher than in dogs from Brisbane (1.1% by CAT and MKT and 1.7% by ATHT) [Formula: see text]. Dissociation of ICs allowed detection of significantly more D. immitis infected dogs than either conventional antigen testing or microfilariae detection, or the combined antigen and microfilariae detection [Formula: see text]. The odds of dogs being positive for antigen after dissociation of ICs were significantly higher for microfilaraemic, 3-4-year-old female dogs from Townsville. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of infection with D. immitis in dogs from Townsville poses a health risk for local susceptible host species, including humans. Dissociation of ICs increases antigen detection and should be considered in dogs suspected of D. immitis infection but negative on routine testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catriona Croton
- grid.1048.d0000 0004 0473 0844University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD Australia
| | - Mandy B. A. Paterson
- Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Brisbane, QLD Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD Australia
| | - Lyn Knott
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD Australia
| | - Joerg Henning
- grid.1048.d0000 0004 0473 0844University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD Australia
| | - John Mallyon
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD Australia
| | - Glen T. Coleman
- grid.1048.d0000 0004 0473 0844University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD Australia
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3
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Massetti L, Wiethoelter A, McDonagh P, Rae L, Marwedel L, Beugnet F, Colella V, Traub RJ. Faecal prevalence, distribution and risk factors associated with canine soil-transmitted helminths contaminating urban parks across Australia. Int J Parasitol 2022; 52:637-646. [PMID: 36007621 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Dog parks provide an ideal urban space where dogs and their owners can exercise, play, and socialize in a safe environment. However, these parks can also increase the risk of exposure to a series of infectious agents including canine soil-transmitted helminths (cSTHs) such as hookworms, roundworms, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Trichuris vulpis, which are endemic to Australia. In this study, we collected 1581 canine faecal samples in 190 urban parks across Australia and subjected these to faecal floatation and multiplex real-time PCRs (qPCR) to detect a range of cSTHs. In total, 44.2% of the parks sampled were contaminated with at least one species of cSTH, with hookworms being the most prevalent parasites (10.2%) followed by Trichuris spp. (1.3%) and Strongyloides spp. (1.2%). This is the first large-scale study investigating the contamination of urban parks with cSTHs in Australia, and the first nation-wide study to demonstrate the occurrence of Strongyloides spp. in canine faecal samples from urban areas in the country. This study reveals a high rate of contamination with cSTHs in dog parks in urban Australia, most of which having proven zoonotic potential. Preventive measures, including awareness-raising educational programs promoting responsible pet ownership, should be encouraged to minimise the health risks associated with cSTHs for both dogs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Massetti
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia.
| | - Anke Wiethoelter
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia
| | - Phillip McDonagh
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Louise Rae
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Lara Marwedel
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | | | - Vito Colella
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia
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4
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Sparkes J, Körtner G, Ballard G, Fleming PJ. Spatial and temporal activity patterns of owned, free-roaming dogs in coastal eastern Australia. Prev Vet Med 2022; 204:105641. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Riley T, Anderson NE, Lovett R, Meredith A, Cumming B. Zoonoses and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population: A One Health scoping review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000921. [PMID: 36962569 PMCID: PMC10022344 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
With limited access to animal health services, and high disease burdens among domesticated animals, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia face higher risk of disease including zoonoses. However, we lack understanding of the contribution of often preventable zoonoses to the health of these communities, which would enable us to enhance public health strategies and improve health outcomes. We conducted a scoping review to identify the current state of evidence on zoonoses in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. We examined the size, scope and characteristics of the evidence base and analysed the zoonoses detected in the studies within a One Health framework. We identified 18 studies that detected 22 zoonotic pathogens in animals, people, and the environment, with most studies detecting pathogens in a single One Health sector and no studies investigating pathogens in all three sectors. Findings indicate that despite the strong conceptual foundations of One Health throughout the evidence base, evidence is lacking in application of this concept. There is a need to undertake further research that prioritises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, considers the contribution of human, animal and environmental health factors, and investigates the prevalence and impact of zoonoses in communities through a One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Riley
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Neil E Anderson
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
| | - Raymond Lovett
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Anna Meredith
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
- Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bonny Cumming
- Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC), Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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6
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Davidson MJ, Huaman JL, Pacioni C, Stephens D, Hitchen Y, Carvalho TG. Active shedding of Neospora caninum detected in Australian wild canids in a nonexperimental context. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1862-1871. [PMID: 34043877 PMCID: PMC9542884 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Infection with Neospora caninum parasites is a leading cause of reproduction losses in cattle worldwide. In Australia, this loss is estimated to total AU$110 million every year. However, despite this considerable economic impact, the transmission cycle and the host(s) responsible for the sylvatic transmission of the parasite remain to be defined. Dingoes (Canis familiaris) have been suggested to be a wildlife host of N. caninum in Australia, but this is yet to be proven in a nonexperimental setting. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of natural N. caninum shedding in Australian wild dogs (defined as dingoes, dingo-domestic dog hybrids and feral dogs) by performing molecular analysis of faecal samples collected in wild dog populations in south-east Australia. Molecular analysis allowed host species identification and dingo purity testing, while genetic analysis of Coccidia and Neospora conserved genes allowed for parasite identification. Among the 115 samples collected and determined to belong to dingoes, dingo-domestic dog hybrids and foxes, Coccidian parasites were detected in 41 samples and N. caninum was identified in one sample of canine origin from South East Australia (Mansfield). Across all samples collected in Mansfield only 15 individuals were successfully identified by genotype. Thereby our study determined that 6.7% (1/15, 95% confidence intervals 1.2-29.9) of wild dogs were actively shedding N. caninum oocysts at this site. Further, only four individuals were identified at a second site (Swift Creek), and none were positive. This study conclusively confirms the role of wild dogs in the horizontal transmission of N. caninum parasites in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikaeylah J Davidson
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jose L Huaman
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Carlo Pacioni
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | | | - Yvette Hitchen
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Helix Molecular Solutions, WA, Australia
| | - Teresa G Carvalho
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Abstract
Many large predators are also facultative scavengers that may compete with and depredate other species at carcasses. Yet, the ecological impacts of facultative scavenging by large predators, or their "scavenging effects," still receive relatively little attention in comparison to their predation effects. To address this knowledge gap, we comprehensively examine the roles played by, and impacts of, facultative scavengers, with a focus on large canids: the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), dhole (Cuon alpinus), dingo (Canis dingo), Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), gray wolf (Canis lupus), maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), and red wolf (Canis rufus). Specifically, after defining facultative scavenging as use or usurpation of a carcass that a consumer has not killed, we (1) provide a conceptual overview of the community interactions around carcasses that can be initiated by facultative scavengers, (2) review the extent of scavenging by and the evidence for scavenging effects of large canids, (3) discuss external factors that may diminish or enhance the effects of large canids as scavengers, and (4) identify aspects of this phenomenon that require additional research attention as a guide for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Wirsing
- School of Environment and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Thomas M Newsome
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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8
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Nguyen T, Clark N, Jones MK, Herndon A, Mallyon J, Soares Magalhaes RJ, Abdullah S. Perceptions of dog owners towards canine gastrointestinal parasitism and associated human health risk in Southeast Queensland. One Health 2021; 12:100226. [PMID: 33665329 PMCID: PMC7903457 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine companion animals can carry a number of zoonotic parasites which can adversely impact both human and animal health. Previous studies in Australia indicated that while parasitic infections in dogs are still common and there is variability in the awareness and perception of zoonotic risks among pet owners, the likely contribution of sociodemographic factors to the variation in awareness and perception needs to be further explored. The primary objective of this study is to quantify the relationship between dog owners' knowledge and beliefs about dog parasites and their sociodemographic characteristics. In this study, we surveyed a total of 281 dog owners in SE Queensland between April 2019 to March 2020 and the relationship between dog owners' perception of gastrointestinal parasite infection was assessed using an adaptation of the Health Belief Model, social cognitive framework for health protection. The model looked into the role of dog owners' demography on their perceived severity and susceptibility to zoonotic canine parasites and their likelihood of performing actions associated with worm control of their pets. Our results indicate that owners perceptions about parasitic disease severity in their pets was 26% higher in female dog owners compared to males, in respondents owning dogs over 10 years (27% higher than those owning a dog <3 years) and those owners that regularly deworm their pets and report faeces disposal. Our study indicates that the perceptions of pet owners towards zoonotic canine parasites varies demographically and owner education is important to prevent infection among dogs and control the zoonotic transmission to owners and the community. Finally, there was evidence that increased frequency of visits to veterinary clinics can increase the likelihood of owners performing worm treatment, proper faecal disposal, and cooking meat before feeding it to dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tu Nguyen
- The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicholas Clark
- The University of Queensland UQ, School of Veterinary Science, Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia.,The University of Queensland, Child Health Research Centre, Children Health and Environment Program, South Brisbane 4101, Queensland, Australia
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science, Veterinary Parasitology & Ecology, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia
| | - Aaron Herndon
- The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia
| | - John Mallyon
- The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ricardo J Soares Magalhaes
- The University of Queensland UQ, School of Veterinary Science, Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia.,The University of Queensland, Child Health Research Centre, Children Health and Environment Program, South Brisbane 4101, Queensland, Australia
| | - Swaid Abdullah
- The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science, Veterinary Parasitology & Ecology, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia
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9
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Beknazarova M, Whiley H, Traub R, Ross K. Opportunistic Mapping of Strongyloides stercoralis and Hookworm in Dogs in Remote Australian Communities. Pathogens 2020; 9:E398. [PMID: 32455702 PMCID: PMC7281600 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9050398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Both Strongyloides stercoralis and hookworms are common soil-transmitted helminths in remote Australian communities. In addition to infecting humans, S. stercoralis and some species of hookworms infect canids and therefore present both environmental and zoonotic sources of transmission to humans. Currently, there is limited information available on the prevalence of hookworms and S. stercoralis infections in dogs living in communities across the Northern Territory in Australia. In this study, 274 dog faecal samples and 11 faecal samples of unknown origin were collected from the environment and directly from animals across 27 remote communities in Northern and Central Australia. Samples were examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for the presence of S. stercoralis and four hookworm species: Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, Ancylostoma braziliense and Uncinaria stenocephala. The prevalence of S. stercoralis in dogs was found to be 21.9% (60/274). A. caninum was the only hookworm detected in the dog samples, with a prevalence of 31.4% (86/274). This study provides an insight into the prevalence of S. stercoralis and hookworms in dogs and informs future intervention and prevention strategies aimed at controlling these parasites in both dogs and humans. A "One Health" approach is crucial for the prevention of these diseases in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meruyert Beknazarova
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (H.W.); (K.R.)
| | - Harriet Whiley
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (H.W.); (K.R.)
| | - Rebecca Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Kirstin Ross
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (H.W.); (K.R.)
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10
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Abstract
This review covers reports on prevalence Toxocara in dogs from 2000 to the present and views of the veterinary community as to the importance of it as a zoonosis within Australia. The contamination of soils in public areas with eggs of this parasite seems overall to be minimal for reasons related to required collection of faeces from pets and the use of routine deworming and combination dewormers associated with heartworm prevention. The potential of other canid hosts being sources of eggs is likely common, especially with the increasing red fox and wild dog populations in more urbanized environs. Human associated disease, e.g., visceral and ocular larva migrans, is reported very rarely in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Jenkins
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.
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11
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Harriott L, Gentle M, Traub R, Cobbold R, Soares Magalhães R. Geographical distribution and risk factors for Echinococcus granulosus infection in peri-urban wild dog populations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2019; 10:149-155. [PMID: 31528538 PMCID: PMC6737342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The transmission of zoonotic pathogens associated with wildlife in peri-urban environments can be influenced by the interplay of numerous socioecological factors. Echinococcus granulosus is known to be common within peri-urban wild dog populations however knowledge of the factors that influence its presence is limited. We investigated the demographic distribution of adult cestode abundance (ACA: defined as the product between prevalence of infection and adult cestode infection intensity) and the role of the physical environment, climate and individual factors in determining the geographical variation of E. granulosus infection in wild dog populations from southeast Queensland and surrounds. Our results align with previous studies that show significant E. granulosus aggregation in that 15.8% of peri-urban wild dogs sampled were responsible for ∼70% of the total adult cestode infection intensity. On average, female dogs were found to have a higher ACA than male dogs, and the average ACA generally decreased with age. Significant geographical variation was found in the prevalence of E. granulosus, with a strong propensity for clustering. The average size of clusters was 22.5 km. The probability of finding E. granulosus infection significantly increased with maximum temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall, and after accounting for individual and climatic variables, the model accounted for the majority of the spatial dependence in prevalence. Our predictive map of E. granulosus prevalence in peri-urban wild dogs confirms that E. granulosus is highly endemic in the eastern Australia study area. The prediction map provides a useful tool for targeting potential disease management strategies in peri-urban areas, where broad scale management of wild dog populations is difficult to implement. E. granulosus is common in peri-urban wild dog populations. E. granulosus worm burdens in peri-urban wild dogs are highly aggregated. Bitches and pups have higher adult cestode infection intensity than males and older animals. High endemic regions of E. granulosus are present within human developed environs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Harriott
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia.,Pest Animal Research Centre, Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350, Australia
| | - Matthew Gentle
- Pest Animal Research Centre, Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350, Australia
| | - Rebecca Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Rowland Cobbold
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - Ricardo Soares Magalhães
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia.,Child Health Research Centre, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
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12
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Otranto D, Deplazes P. Zoonotic nematodes of wild carnivores. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 9:370-383. [PMID: 31338295 PMCID: PMC6626844 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
For a long time, wildlife carnivores have been disregarded for their potential in transmitting zoonotic nematodes. However, human activities and politics (e.g., fragmentation of the environment, land use, recycling in urban settings) have consistently favoured the encroachment of urban areas upon wild environments, ultimately causing alteration of many ecosystems with changes in the composition of the wild fauna and destruction of boundaries between domestic and wild environments. Therefore, the exchange of parasites from wild to domestic carnivores and vice versa have enhanced the public health relevance of wild carnivores and their potential impact in the epidemiology of many zoonotic parasitic diseases. The risk of transmission of zoonotic nematodes from wild carnivores to humans via food, water and soil (e.g., genera Ancylostoma, Baylisascaris, Capillaria, Uncinaria, Strongyloides, Toxocara, Trichinella) or arthropod vectors (e.g., genera Dirofilaria spp., Onchocerca spp., Thelazia spp.) and the emergence, re-emergence or the decreasing trend of selected infections is herein discussed. In addition, the reasons for limited scientific information about some parasites of zoonotic concern have been examined. A correct compromise between conservation of wild carnivores and risk of introduction and spreading of parasites of public health concern is discussed in order to adequately manage the risk of zoonotic nematodes of wild carnivores in line with the 'One Health' approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universita’ degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
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