Parasitic surveillance in wolves of central Italy: a focus on the Abruzzo region

TL;DR

This study examines parasitic infections in wolves from central Italy, showing high parasite prevalence and highlighting their role in pathogen transmission to humans and domestic animals.

Contribution

The study presents the largest parasitological survey of wolves in Europe, revealing zoonotic parasite circulation and emphasizing wolves as sentinels for public health.

Findings

80% of wolves tested positive for at least one parasite, with Trichinella spp. detected in 28.7% of samples.

Common parasites included Ancylostomatidae nematodes (62%) and Trichuris vulpis (32%) in fecal samples.

Leishmania spp. were found in 7.1% of wolves, indicating potential zoonotic risk.

Abstract

Monitoring parasitic infections in wildlife is essential for assessing ecosystem health and pathogen dynamics, particularly in apex predators like the wolf (Canis lupus). As top-level carnivores with wide-ranging habitats and diverse interactions with prey, wolves can serve as effective sentinels for the circulation of parasitic agents within ecosystems. The present study aimed at monitoring parasitic infections, particularly those of zoonotic importance, in wolves from central Italy.

The study was conducted on 169 wolf carcasses recovered between 2018 and 2024. Leishmania spp. and Trichinella spp. infections were evaluated using molecular techniques (on 169 spleen and 150 striated muscle samples, respectively), while intestinal and extra-intestinal parasites were investigated using flotation and Baermann tests (147 fecal samples).

Of the 169 wolves included in the study, 89 (52.66%) were males and 131 (77.51%) were adults. Of all analyzed carcasses, 135 (80%) tested positive for ≥ 1 parasite. Leishmania spp. were detected in 12 of 169 (7.1%) wolves and Trichinella spp. were detected in 43 of 150 (28.7%) wolves. Copromicroscopic examinations revealed infections with nematodes belonging to family Ancylostomatidae (62%), Trichuris vulpis (32%), Capillaria spp. (20.4%), helminths from Class Cestoda (8.8%), Angiostrongylus vasorum (7.5%), coccidian oocysts (4.8%), Crenosoma vulpis (2.7%) and Toxocara canis (2%).

The present study included the largest number of wolves when compared with previous similar parasitological surveys conducted in Europe. High parasite circulation shared by dogs and humans within the wolf population can be surmised, highlighting the potential role of wolves in pathogen transmission. Given their position at the wildlife/domestic animal/human interface, continuous parasitological surveillance is important not only for conservation efforts but also for protecting public and veterinary health.

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