engleski

Presence of Babesia spp. in the Croatian red fox (Vulpes vulpes) population

The red fox (Vulpes Vulpes) is the most disseminated predator of the northern hemisphere, which has resulted from its extraordinary ability to adapt to every kind of living conditions. It can be found in woods, grasslands, agricultural and suburban areas. Within the period of six months (autumn of 2007 – spring of 2008), 191 fox was comprised by sampling on various sites in Croatia. Our research was focused on Babesia which presence was proved by PCR. Due to the fact that babesiosis represents a serious parasitic disease for all domestic animals which very often die of it, data on Babesia presence in wild animals are of an enormous epidemiologic importance. Out of 191 sample, 13 (6, 80 %) foxes were affected by Babesia. The positive findings include the County of Krapina – Zagorje 2 (1, 04 %), the County of Osijek – Baranja 1 (0, 52 %), the County of Zagreb (2, 09 %), the County of Primorje – Gorski Kotar 3 (1, 57 %) and the County of Istra 3 (1, 57).

red fox; babesiosis; Croatia

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