Diversity of external and gastrointestinal parasites and the associated clinical, hematological, and biochemical findings in red fox (Vulpes vulpes) of Egyptian Wilderness

Authors: Adel E. A. Mohamed, Mokhtar M. Mohamed, Marwa M. Fawaz and Ragab M. Fereig

Ger. J. Vet. Res 2024. vol. 4, Iss. 3 pp:110-125
Doi: https://doi.org/10.51585/gjvr.2024.3.0103

article-picture
Abstract:

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most widely distributed and adaptable carnivore in the world. Because they live in the wild, rural, and urbanized communities, red foxes can potentially transmit diseases to animals and humans in different regions. Parasitic infections are a significant and dangerous group of infectious diseases that threaten both animals and humans. There have been very few studies investigating the incidence and health effects of parasitic infections in red foxes. This study was conducted on 44 red foxes living in the Egyptian wilderness to investigate the incidence and health impact of ecto- and endo-parasites. Red foxes of different ages and sexes and from various locations in Egypt and different periods were included in this study. Among all foxes tested, 19 out of 44 (43.2%) were infected by either endo- or ectoparasites, or both, while 25 out of 44 (56.8%) were non-infected. In our study, we found that red foxes are highly affected by Toxocara canis (27.3%), Toxascaris leoninae (18.2%), and Trematode spp. (4.5%) gastrointestinal parasitic infections. We also observed the presence of different flea species in the examined foxes, including Ctenocephalidis canis (25%), Ct. felis (18.2%), Pulex irritans (6.8%), and Echidnophaga gallinacea (4.5%). Additionally, some of the foxes we examined showed Rippecephalus sangumatus (13.6%), suggesting their potential role in transmitting tick-borne diseases. Clinical and biochemical investigation showed that infected foxes had significantly lower levels of total protein and albumin compared to the non-infected group, indicating nutritional disturbances. Furthermore, we observed changes in hematological parameters and cellular immune response in infected (endo- or ectoparasites) and non-infected groups. Specifically, we noted a significant increase in the total leukocyte count and granulocyte percentage, as well as a substantial decrease in hemoglobin levels, in infected animals compared to non-infected ones. This study adds valuable insights to the epidemiology of parasitic diseases, particularly considering the important role that red foxes play in various Egyptian ecological systems.

Keywords:

Red fox, Tick, Parasite, Hematology, Nematode

Statistics:

Article Views: 325
PDF Download: 8