INVESTIGATION ON RED FOX ECTOPARASITES IN THREE PROVINCES OF EMILIA ROMAGNA REGION

INTRODUCTION: Sarcoptic mange has a prominent role in fox mortality, exerting a potential constraint on population density (Pisano et al., 2019. Parasit vectors, 12:521-36). Nonetheless, comprehensive data regarding the dissemination of other species of ectoparasites among these carnivores remain scarce. Given the increase and urban encroachment of red fox populations, the objective of the current investigation was to assess the ectoparasites in red foxes across three provinces of the Emilia-Romagna Region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 67 red foxes, either shot or found dead between January and September 2020, were examined through collaboration with the zooprophylactic Institutes of bologna, Modena, and Reggio-Emilia, where these foxes were acquired in accordance with wildlife monitoring plans. During necropsy, skin samples measuring about 6x6 cm were collected from two specific regions: the axillary/thoracic area and the base of the tail (Nimmervoll et al., 2013. J wildl Dis, 49:91-102). Additionally, samples from areas with alopecic lesions were also collected. The hair was trimmed using scissors, ensuring the removal of any macroscopically visible parasites. Subsequently, the skin flaps were submerged in a 10% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and incubated for 4 hours at 37 °C to facilitate dissolution. Following the removal of coarse material, the resulting suspension underwent washing cycles via centrifugation and final flotation using a 1300 PS solution (Di Felice & Ferretti, 1962, Nuovi ann Ig Microbiol, 13:414-21), followed by microscopic examination. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Ectoparasites were detected in 43 out of 67 foxes (64.17%). Sarcoptes scabiei was identified in 25 individuals (37.31%), predominantly without observable lesions. No significant differences were observed across provinces, altitude (plain, hill, mountain), sex, or age groups, although a slightly higher prevalence was noted among younger foxes compared to adults (48.48% vs. 26.47%, X2= 2.59; p=0.06). Ixodidae ticks were discovered in 12 foxes (17.91%), in particular Ixodes ricinus in 9 individuals and Ixodes hexagonus in 3. Fleas were noted in 7 foxes (10.44%), with pulex irritans affecting 6 animals and Ctenocephalides spp. observed in one. Additionally, both Trombicula autumnalis and Felicola (Trichodectes) vulpis were found in 6 (8.95%) foxes; notably, this is the first documentation of F. vulpis in Italy. Red foxes can thus serve as reservoirs for various ectoparasites, including species capable of affecting both domestic dogs and humans (Perrucci et al., 2016. Parasite Epidemiol Control, 1:66-71). Finally, flotation techniques allowed the observation in 9 foxes of tapeworm eggs that were morphologically identified as Anoplocephalidae. Although their presence on fox fur could stem from contamination, it nonetheless underscores the potential role of foxes in the spread of helminth eggs, thus emphasizing their importance in the disease ecology.