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In the present study, samples from raccoons (Procyon lotor) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) were examined for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and WNV infections. Based on molecular and serological data, infestation of these two wild animal species was confirmed. In future investigations, these invasive predator populations need to be monitored, particularly considering their close contact with humans, especially in urban areas, which could pose a challenge to human health by facilitating transmission from animals to humans.

Keller M, Peter N, Holicki CM, Schantz AV, Ziegler U, Eiden M, Dörge DD, Vilcinskas A., Groschup MH, Klimpel S (2022) SARS-CoV-2 and West Nile Virus Prevalence Studies in Raccoons and Raccoon Dogs from Germany. Viruses 14 (11):2559 https://doi.org/10.3390/v14112559

In recent decades, a rapid expansion of the golden jackal (Canis aureus) into Northern and Western Europe has been observed. In order to assess its potential spread, the authors used an ensemble forecasting approach in a niche modeling study to project the future climatic suitability of the golden jackal’s habitat in Europe. The study’s findings clearly indicate that areas with climatic conditions similar to the current core distribution range of the golden jackal in Europe will significantly expand northward and westward in the coming decades.

Cunze S & Klimpel S (2022) From the Balkan towards Western Europe: Range expansion oft he golden jackal (Canis aureus) – A climatic niche modeling approach. Ecology and Evolution 12:e9141 https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.9141

As part of a broader study on the ecology of the golden jackal (Canis aureus) in Serbia, two female animals were found to be infected with heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) in 2020. The adult parasites were located in the right atrium of the heart and, unusually, in the caudal vena cava. These are the first reported cases of D. immitis in the caudal vena cava of golden jackals in Europe.

Penezić A et al. (2022) Heartworm Disease in Jackals: Unusual Location of Dirofilaria immitis. Acta Parasitologica https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-022-00567-9