The hidden threat: exploring the parasite burden and feeding habits of invasive raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in central Europe
- 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.
Author: | Anna V. SchantzORCiD, Dorian D. DörgeORCiDGND, Norbert Peter, Sven KlimpelORCiDGND |
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URN: | urn:nbn:de:hebis:30:3-791600 |
DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.10.004 |
ISSN: | 2213-2244 |
Parent Title (English): | International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Place of publication: | Amsterdam |
Document Type: | Article |
Language: | English |
Date of Publication (online): | 2023/10/14 |
Date of first Publication: | 2023/10/08 |
Publishing Institution: | Universitätsbibliothek Johann Christian Senckenberg |
Release Date: | 2024/07/20 |
Tag: | Invasive alien species; Parasites; Predation; Raccoon dog; Zoonoses |
Volume: | 22 |
Page Number: | 12 |
First Page: | 155 |
Last Page: | 166 |
Institutes: | Angeschlossene und kooperierende Institutionen / Senckenbergische Naturforschende Gesellschaft |
Biowissenschaften / Institut für Ökologie, Evolution und Diversität | |
Dewey Decimal Classification: | 5 Naturwissenschaften und Mathematik / 59 Tiere (Zoologie) / 590 Tiere (Zoologie) |
Sammlungen: | Universitätspublikationen |
Licence (German): | Creative Commons - CC BY-NC-ND - Namensnennung - Nicht kommerziell - Keine Bearbeitungen 4.0 International |