Factors affecting Dirofilaria immitis prevalence in red foxes in Northeastern Spain

Open Access

Abstract

3 pages.-- PMID: 7760485 [PubMed]. ; We determined the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis (Nematoda, Filariidae) among 433 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in northeastern Spain, between 1990 and 1992. Forty-six (11%) of 433 foxes were infected; the intensity ranged from 1 to 36 (mean ± SE; 4.39 ± 0.92) nematodes per host. The prevalence of D. immitis was higher in foxes inhabiting riparian zones of the study area. This population has a very high juvenile/adult ratio. Heartworm prevalences did not differ among host sex, weight, or fat condition categories. ; The fieldwork was partially financed by the Government of Aragón, Programme 533.1 of Fauna Conservation. ; Peer reviewed