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Endoparasite spectrum of wild cats (Felis silvestris Schreber, 1777) and domestic cats (Felis catus L.) from the Eifel, Pfalz region and Saarland, Germany

European Journal of Wildlife Research volume 54, pages 95–100 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Between 1993 and 2002, carcasses from 15 wild cats (Felis silvestris) and 17 domestic cats (Felis catus) from the Eifel region, Pfalz region and the Saarland were collected and examined for endoparasites. Most cats were road casualties (74%), some died from disease (14%), some were shot (3%), or some died of unknown reasons (9%). Three wild cats were too decomposed for parasitological examination. Endoparasites were recovered in 14 wild cats (n = 15) and 11 domestic cats (n = 17). A total of eight endoparasite species were found in wild cats and six in domestic cats. The nematodes Toxocara mystax and Toxascaris leonina and the cestode Taenia taeniaeformis were the most prevalent parasites. Other helminths detected were Capillaria aerophila, Capillaria feliscati, Capillaria plica and Mesocestoides litteratus. The spiruride Petrowospirura petrowi was detected in Germany for the first time. The parasite fauna was more diverse in male than in female cats indicating a male-biased parasitism in the wild cats.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Dr. J. Priemer and P. Esterried for translating several parts of the Russian parasitological literature and to Dr. R. Will for suggestions regarding related literature. We would also like to thank M. East for helpful comments regarding the manuscript and K. Totschek and K. Blank for technical assistance. Three unknown referees improved the quality of the manuscript with their valuable suggestions.

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  1. H. Meinig

    Present address: , Haller Straße 52a, 33824, Werther, Germany

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, P.O. Box 601103, 10252, Berlin, Germany

    O. Krone, O. Guminsky & G. Wibbelt

  2. ÖKO-LOG Freilandforschung, Hof 30, 16247, Parlow, Germany

    M. Herrmann

  3. Biologische Station in Kreis Euskirchen e.V., Steinfelder Straße 10, 53947, Nettersheim, Germany

    M. Trinzen

  4. Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany

    O. Krone

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  1. O. Krone
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  2. O. Guminsky
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  3. H. Meinig
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  4. M. Herrmann
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  5. M. Trinzen
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Correspondence to O. Krone.

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Communicated by W. Lutz

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Krone, O., Guminsky, O., Meinig, H. et al. Endoparasite spectrum of wild cats (Felis silvestris Schreber, 1777) and domestic cats (Felis catus L.) from the Eifel, Pfalz region and Saarland, Germany. Eur J Wildl Res 54, 95–100 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-007-0116-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-007-0116-0

Keywords

  • Causes of mortality
  • Diseases
  • Helminths
  • Male-biased parasitism