Molecular analysis of vector-borne pathogens in red foxes (<i>Vulpes vulpes</i>) from Saxony-Anhalt (Germany).

ABSTRACT: Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) are becoming increasingly important in veterinary medicine and public health, with wildlife potentially playing a key role in their transmission. The objective of the current study was to investigate the occurrence of vector-borne pathogens in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Spleen samples from 277 legally hunted foxes were collected over a period of twelve months (May 2020 to April 2021) in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. VBPs were identified by performing PCR analysis on the samples, followed by Sanger sequencing, and a phylogenetic analysis was performed on Mycoplasma spp. A total of 94 % of the samples showed a positive result. The pathogens identified were Hepatozoon spp. (77 %), Babesia vulpes (68 %), Mycoplasma haemocanis (5 %),

SUBMITTER: Lindhorst ZTL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12681646 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature