Gastrointestinal parasites in feral cats and rodents from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil

A comprehensive study of gastrointestinal parasites in feral cats and rodents from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil, revealed that 100% of the samples tested positive for these pathogens. The research identified 17 genera or species, with Ancylostoma sp., Strongyloides sp., Trichuris campanula, and Toxocara cati being prevalent in feral cats, while Eimeria sp., Strongyloides sp., and Trichuris muris were more common in rodents. This finding underscores the significant risk of parasite transmission to the human population due to the presence of infected feral animals. The study highlights the complex dynamics of parasitic infections in insular regions, where confined populations of hosts and parasites coexist, and emphasizes the need for further research to address knowledge gaps in this area.

Lima, V. F. S., Ramos, R. A. N., Lepold, R., Borges, J. C. G., Ferreira, C. D., Rinaldi, L., Cringoli, G., & Alves, L. C. (2017). Gastrointestinal parasites in feral cats and rodents from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil. Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária, 26(4), 521–524. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1984-29612017066