ABSTRACT Myxoma virus (MYXV) causes morbidity and mortality in European wild rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) worldwide, and recently in Iberian hares ( Lepus granatensis ) in Spain. We aimed to assess the presence of MYXV-specific DNA in ixodid ticks collected from both hosts. A total of 417 ticks harvested from 30 wild lagomorphs, including wild rabbits and Iberian hares were collected from southern Spain. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and PCR-sequencing were used to detect virus exposure and presence, respectively. Antibodies to MYXV were detected in 68% (17/25) of wild rabbits and in 67% (2/3) of Iberian hares. We detected MYXV DNA in 50.7% of pools of two different tick species (nymphs and adults of Rhipicephalus pusillus , and nymphs of Hyalomma lusitanicum ) parasitizing rabbits and hares. The obtained partial sequence of the viral major envelope protein gene showed a mutation (G383A) within the MYXV_gp026 locus between the rabbit strain and Iberian hare strain (recently isolated in tissues of infected hares from Spain). However, in our study, the viral DNA presence was detected for the first time using tick DNA as the PCR-template, but the possible role of ticks as vectors of MYXV still needs to be elucidated.

We used PCR to detect Toxoplasma gondii in the principal game species in southwestern Spain. We detected T. gondii in 32.2% of animals tested. Prevalences varied from 14.7% in wild boar ( Sus scrofa ) to 51.2% in red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ). The most prevalent genotype was type II (50.0%), followed by type III (20.6%) and type I (5.9%). Mixed infections (11.8%) were detected in wild boar (types I+III) and red fox (types II+III). Polymorphic strains (11.8%) were detected in several species. The high prevalence and the genetic variability shown could have implications for infection of farm animals and humans.

Congenital toxoplasmosis has been little described in wild animals. We report a case of vertical transmission in wild boar ( Sus scrofa ). Necropsy and histopathologic examination of a pregnant female and her three fetuses revealed all to have lesions compatible with acute toxoplasmosis. Nested polymerase chain reaction B1 gene detected Toxoplasma gondii in maternal (heart and diaphragm) and fetal (central nervous system, retina, optic nerve, heart, lung, tongue, and diaphragm) samples. The mother had a mixed infection of T. gondii types I and III. One fetus with type III infection developed no malformations, but the others—one with type I infection and one infected by types I and III—showed bilateral ocular agenesis, prognathism, and agenesis of the nasal cartilage. These results suggest the pathogenicity of the various T. gondii types may differ in wild boars.

We describe the first cases of infection by the nematode, Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) haplotype 1 in two red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) in Spain and discuss the potential role of red foxes as a reservoir for T. callipaeda .

We analyzed 927 wild boars ( Sus scrofa ) in southwestern Spain during the hunting seasons of 2004/2005 to 2008/2009. Respiratory tracts were examined for lung nematodes ( Metastrongylus spp.). The prevalence of Metastrongylus spp. was 41.1%. The most frequently isolated species were Metastrongylus apri (71.4%), Metastrongylus pudendotectus (28.0%), and Metastrongylus salmi (0.6%). Prevalence and infection intensity were greater in young animals (<1 yr old) than in older animals. There were no significant differences in prevalence between sexes. Prevalence and intensity of infection were higher in areas of high altitude and high rainfall.