TY  - JOUR
A1  - Schantz, Anna V.
A1  - Dörge, Dorian D.
A1  - Peter, Norbert
A1  - Klimpel, Sven
T1  - The hidden threat: exploring the parasite burden and feeding habits of invasive raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in central Europe
T2  - International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife
N2  - Highlights
• Stomach content analyses, parasitological and fecal examinations were performed on 73 raccoon dogs from Germany.
• 9 ecto- and 11 endoparasitic species could be identified of which 6 endoparasitic species have a human pathogenic potential.
• Stomach content was composed of one-third vegetable and two-thirds animal components.
• Invasive alien species can have negative impact on native animal species and can act as a carrier of various parasites.
Abstract
Originally from Asia, the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides is an invasive alien species in Europe, listed since 2019 on the List of invasive alien species of Union concern. The raccoon dog is considered to have negative impact on native biodiversity, as well as a crucial role in hosting and transmitting diverse parasites and pathogens of human and veterinary importance. In the present study, stomach content analyses and parasitological examinations were performed on 73 raccoon dogs from Germany. In addition, fecal samples were analyzed. The results of the study confirm the assumption that the examined raccoon dogs were infested with a various ecto- and endoparasite fauna. A total of 9 ecto- and 11 endoparasites were detected, with 6 of the endoparasites having human pathogenic potential. Trichodectes canis (P = 53.42%), Toxocara canis (P = 50.68%) and Uncinaria stenocephala (P = 68.49%) were the most abundant parasite species. The stomach contents consisted of approximately one-third vegetable and two-thirds animal components, composed of various species of amphibians, fish, insects, mammals and birds. Among them were specially protected or endangered species such as the grass frog Rana temporaria. The study shows that the raccoon dog exerts predation pressure on native species due to its omnivorous diet and, as a carrier of various parasites, poses a potential risk of infection to wild, domestic and farm animals and humans.
KW  - Raccoon dog
KW  - Invasive alien species
KW  - Parasites
KW  - Zoonoses
KW  - Predation
Y1  - 2023
UR  - http://publikationen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de/frontdoor/index/index/docId/79160
UR  - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:hebis:30:3-791600
SN  - 2213-2244
VL  - 22.2023
SP  - 155
EP  - 166
PB  - Elsevier
CY  - Amsterdam
ER  -