News

In this study, conducted between November 2013 and January 2016, the endoparasite and ectoparasite fauna of the most common predators in Northern Germany (Schleswig-Holstein) was examined, with a focus on parasites of One Health concern. Eighty red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 18 stone martens (Martes foina), and 9 raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) were available for the study. The most commonly detected endoparasites in raccoon dogs were Toxocara canis (prevalence of 33.3%), Capillaria spp. (11.1%), Alaria alata (44.4%), Uncinaria stenocephala (11.1%), and Toxascaris leonina (11.1%).

Waindok P et al. (2021) Predators in northern Germany are reservoirs for parasites of One Health concern. Parasitology Research 120:4229-4239

The authors of the present study examined the prevalence of nematodes and the infection intensity in the digestive tracts of 796 American minks from Poland. The identification of parasite species was performed using molecular methods (18S rRNA) and supplemented with morphological analyses. In total, 26,852 nematodes were isolated, of which 98.6% originated from mink stomachs. Two nematode species were identified in the digestive tract of the American mink: Aonchotheca putorii and Molineus patens. The results showed that A. putorii is a dominant nematode in the invasive American mink and that it colonizes the stomach intensively and preferentially.

Kołodziej-Sobocińska M et al. (2021) Digestive tract nematode infections in non-native invasive American mink with the first molecular identification of Molineus patens. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife 14:48-52

Results of an investigation in the Nietoperek Bat Reserve (Poland) suggest that the raccoon may be a significant factor in the decline of bat species in the area. Analyses of identifiable remains in raccoon feces demonstrated that bats (including species such as Natterer’s bat (Myotis nattereri), Greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis), Daubenton’s bat (Myotis daubentonii), Brandt’s bat (Myotis brandtii), and Brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus)) constituted the largest proportion of raccoon diet (96%). Remains of other mammal species, lizards of the Lacerta genus, plant materials, and anthropogenic food were also detected in raccoon feces.

Cichocki J et al. (2021) Predation of invasive raccoon (Procyon lotor) on hibernating bats in the Nietoperek reserve in Poland. Mammalian Biology 101:57–62