ABSTRACT
We present the first case of dirofilariasis in a dog from Bialowieza village located in the primeval European forest-Bialowieza Primeval Forest (NE Poland). Molecular analysis of adult nematode specimens isolated from subcutaneous tissue confirmed the infection with Dirofilaria repens. An adult male dog has not travelled out of the Bialowieza village for at least five years; therefore, we assume this is the autochthonous case of the disease. We discuss possible inter- and intra-species transmission routes of dirofilariasis on this territory, which is inhabited by diverse community of wild carnivores, domestic animals, and humans. We also discuss the likely sources of the disease in this, highly biodiverse unique European forest complex. We underline the lack of attention to this problem and its importance for veterinary, wildlife, and human health safety.
Subject(s)
Dirofilaria repens/isolation & purification , Dirofilariasis/parasitology , Dog Diseases/parasitology , Animals , Disease Transmission, Infectious , Dogs , Forests , Humans , Male , Poland , Subcutaneous Tissue/parasitologyABSTRACT
From February to March 2016 we found plerocercoids of Spirometra sp. in four wild boar hunted in Bialowieza Primeval Forest, north-eastern Poland. Plerocercoids were located subcutaneously and in muscle tissue. A sequence of a nuclear 18S rRNA gene was used for genetic specification of the samples. The analyzed gene fragment showed 100% identity with the Spirometra erinacei sequence. Thus, the emerge of human sparganosis due to consumption of undercooked or smoked wild boar meat is likely in the areas where wild boar is an approved food source, especially in the absence of routine guidelines for vets. It has become a priority to inform the public about possibilities and consequences of this zoonosis.
Subject(s)
Meat/parasitology , Sparganosis/veterinary , Spirometra/isolation & purification , Veterinarians , Animals , Base Sequence , Communicable Diseases, Emerging , Cooking , DNA, Helminth/genetics , Humans , Phylogeny , Poland/epidemiology , RNA, Ribosomal, 18S , Risk Factors , Sparganosis/epidemiology , Sparganosis/parasitology , Spirometra/genetics , Sus scrofa , ZoonosesABSTRACT
There was recognised the case of canine babesiosis in farmed wolf (Canis lupus) in Bialowieza, northeastern Poland. The typical symptoms were observed in animal--depression, asitia, and haematocyturia. The treatment with antibiotics gave positive results. It was the first observation of babesiosis in wolf in Poland.
