Coccidiosis in European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus) populations in the Iberian Peninsula (vol 60, pg 354, 2015)

• Type: Other Publications
• Date: 2016

Authors

Sofia Marques Silva (Author) Other; Catarina Ferreira (Author) Other; Joana Pauperio (Author) Other; Rodolfo Miguel Silva (Author) Other; Paulo Celio Alves (Author) FCUP; Armando Lemos (Author) Other

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Health sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00A-AEN

DOI: 10.1515/ap-2016-0090

Abstract (EN): The European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus is a keystone species from the Iberian Peninsula where viral diseases have played a prominent role in regulating their populations. Coccidiosis, a parasitic disease caused primarily by Eimeria spp., is also thought to have important negative effects. However, few studies have investigated the impact of coccidia on wild European rabbit populations on the Iberian Peninsula. Here we estimate coccidian prevalence in rabbit faecal samples collected along transects established in two ecological regions. Six Eimeria species, with different pathogenicity, were identified (E. coecicola, E. perforans, E media, E. magna, E. irresidua and E. flavescens). Species diversity varied significantly between regions although mean oocyst excretion levels were generally low in both areas (57.61 s.d.±78.07 and 17.03 s.d.±27.72, oocyst per gram of rabbit faeces). This study is the first to describe the composition of the Eimeria spp. assemblage for wild rabbit populations on the Iberian Peninsula and provides fundamental information for future studies on the potential interaction of viral and parasitic diseases. © W. Stefa¿ski Institute of Parasitology, PAS.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific