Work

Molecular analysis of vector-borne pathogens in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Saxony-Anhalt (Germany)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) are becoming increasingly important in veterinary medicine and public health, with wildlife potentially playing a key role in their transmission. The objective of the current study was to investigate the occurrence of vector-borne pathogens in red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ). Spleen samples from 277 legally hunted foxes were collected over a period of twelve months (May 2020 to April 2021) in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. VBPs were identified by performing PCR analysis on the samples, followed by Sanger sequencing, and a phylogenetic analysis was performed on Mycoplasma spp. A total of 94% of the samples showed a positive result. The pathogens identified were Hepatozoon spp. (77%), Babesia vulpes (68%), Mycoplasma haemocanis (5%), Mycoplasma spp. (5%), Bartonella taylorii (1%), Bartonella rochalimae (0.7%), and Trypanosoma pestanai (0.4%). None of the examined samples tested positive for filarioid helminths, Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasmataceae. This study highlights the role of foxes as reservoirs for pathogens that may affect domestic animals and humans, potentially contributing to the spread of these pathogens through shared environments and vectors. • A very high occurrence of vector-borne pathogens was found (95%) • The most frequently detected pathogens were H. canis (77%) and B. vulpes (71%) • First report of T. pestanai globally among red foxes • First report of B. taylorii in red foxes and of B. rochalimae in Germany

Source: International Journal for Parasitology Parasites and Wildlife

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101162