Endoparasitosen bei Kleinsäugern aus privater Haltung und Igeln

Verminous pneumonia in European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus)

The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a common wildlife species in European countries. Populations are declining due to anthropogenic factors and natural diseases. Verminous pneumonia has been observed as a frequent infectious disease in hedgehogs submitted for diagnostic postmortem examination. This prompted the present in-depth investigation on the lungs of 27 necropsied hedgehogs with confirmed lungworm infections, with or without antiparasitic treatment prior to death. The histological and/or parasitic (fecal samples) examination identified Capillaria aerophila infection in most animals (82%). The parasites were found free in the airway lumen and/or within the airway epithelium, from the larynx to bronchioles. Embedded worms and eggs were associated with epithelial hyperplasia or metaplasia, and long-term inflammation. More than half of the animals (59%) carried Crenosoma striatum, and 41% had a coinfection. C striatum adults were predominantly found free in the lumen of bronchi and bronchioles, and larvae were occasionally seen in granulomas in the pulmonary interstitium, the liver, and the intestine. Independent of the parasite species, a lymphoplasmacytic peribronchitis and, less frequently, interstitial infiltration of eosinophils, neutrophils, and macrophages as well as pneumocyte type II hyperplasia was seen. Interestingly, the extent of pneumonia was not correlated with age, respiratory clinical signs, antiparasitic treatment, or single or coinfection. Verminous pneumonia appeared to be the cause of death in over 25% of the animals, indicating that these parasites not only coexist with hedgehogs but can also be a primary pathogen in this species.

A Thorny Tale of Parasites: Screening for Enteric Protozoan Parasites in Hedgehogs from Portugal

Enteric protozoan parasites, such as Blastocystis sp., Balantioides coli, Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis, may have implications for both animal and human health.Transmitted through the fecal-oral route, these parasites cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. This study investigated the presence of these enteric protozoan parasites and genetically characterized them in hedgehogs from Portugal. A total of 110 hedgehog stool samples were collected. Molecular detection methods showed an overall occurrence of protozoa in 1.82% (2/110 95% CI: 0.22-6.41) of hedgehogs, with Blastocystis being found in one hedgehog and Cryptosporidium being found in another. No evidence for the presence of B. coli or G. duodenalis was found. This study suggests that there is a need to stay aware of hedgehogs as potential hosts of enteric protozoa. Ongoing research and surveillance efforts are recommended to explore practical prevention and control strategies. The results contribute to the limited knowledge of these parasites in Portuguese hedgehog populations and underscore their potential relevance to both veterinary and public health.

Deaths Due to Mixed Infections with Passalurus ambiguus, Eimeria spp. and Cyniclomyces guttulatus in an Industrial Rabbit Farm in Greece

Domestic rabbits are commercially farmed for their meat whilst gastrointestinal diseases can hinder their production. Passalurusambiguus and Eimeria spp. are two common rabbit intestinal parasites that can cause diarrhoea, among other symptoms, and in severe cases, death. C. guttulatus is a commensal yeast of the rabbits’ stomach that is considered apathogenic but can worsen symptoms in rabbits suffering from coccidiosis. In the present case report, we describe an outbreak of deaths in three different age groups (A: lactating does, B: 58 days old and C: 80 days old) in an industrial rabbit farm in Greece. Symptoms included depression, diarrhoea, inappetence, weight loss, dehydration and ruffled furs. Using a faecal flotation technique, sick rabbits were found to be moderately to heavily infected with P. ambiguus, Eimeria spp. and C. guttulatus. Treatment with fenbendazole and oregano oil combined with hygiene control measures successfully controlled the infections and resolved clinical symptoms. A faecal flotation method or other reliable diagnostic technique should be used regularly in industrial rabbit farms to screen for gastrointestinal parasitic infections. Early diagnosis and control will help to maintain production levels and, therefore, limit financial losses for the farmer while ensuring animal welfare.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites and risk factor analysis for Eimeria infections in Finnish pet rabbits

No previous published prevalence studies exist on gastrointestinal parasites in Finnish pet rabbits; internationally, similar prevalence figures remain uncommon. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in pet rabbits as well as to determine the possible risk factors for parasitic infections. We analyzed 2-g faecal samples (n=398) from pet rabbits and internet-based questionnaires (n=363) completed by their owners. Owners sent over-night faecal samples to the laboratory, and the samples were quantitatively analyzed within one week using a modified McMaster method. Eimeria oocysts represented the most common parasite found (27%, mean opg 4212). Nematode Passalurus ambiguus eggs were found in 3% of the samples (mean epg 65), while Trichuris leporis eggs and cestode eggs, respectively, were each found in 1 sample (0.25%). We also conducted a risk factor analysis based on the owner questionnaire and the faecal analysis. We limited this to only Eimeria infection due to the low number of positive results for other parasites. In the final multivariable logistic regression model, we identified a young age, multi-rabbit households (with at least three rabbits) and living somewhere other than in a home-like environment as risk factors for Eimeria infection. In similar low-helminth prevalence conditions, we recommend faecal examination and deworming of rabbits according to examination results.

Different parasite faunas in sympatric populations of sister hedgehog species in a secondary contact zone

Providing descriptive data on parasite diversity and load in sister species is a first step in addressing the role of host-parasite coevolution in the speciation process. In this study we compare the parasite faunas of the closely related hedgehog species Erinaceus europaeus and E. roumanicus from the Czech Republic where both occur in limited sympatry. We examined 109 hedgehogs from 21 localities within this secondary contact zone. Three species of ectoparasites and nine species of endoparasites were recorded. Significantly higher abundances and prevalences were found for Capillaria spp. and Brachylaemus erinacei in E. europaeus compared to E. roumanicus and higher mean infection rates and prevalences for Hymenolepis erinacei, Physaloptera clausa and Nephridiorhynchus major in E. roumanicus compared to E. europaeus. Divergence in the composition of the parasite fauna, except for Capillaria spp., which seem to be very unspecific, may be related to the complicated demography of their hosts connected with Pleistocene climate oscillations and consequent range dynamics. The fact that all parasite species with different abundances in E. europaeus and E. roumanicus belong to intestinal forms indicates a possible diversification of trophic niches between both sister hedgehog species.

Update on diseases of chinchillas

Chinchillas have been successfully maintained in captivity for almost a century. They have only recently been recognized as excellent, long-lived, and robust pets. Most of the literature on diseases of chinchillas comes from farmed chinchillas, whereas reports of pet chinchilla diseases continue to be sparse. This review aims to provide information on current, poorly reported disorders of pet chinchillas, such as penile problems, urolithiasis, periodontal disease, otitis media, cardiac disease, pseudomonadal infections, and giardiasis. This review is intended to serve as a complement to current veterinary literature while providing valuable and clinically relevant information for veterinarians treating chinchillas.