Exotic Species and Autochthonous Parasites: Trichostrongylus Retortaeformis in Eastern Cottontail.

Chiara Gontero,Angela Fanelli,Stefania Zanet,Paolo Tizzani,Pier Giuseppe Meneguz

doi:10.3390/life10040031

Abstract

Introduction: A parasite community is usually well adapted and specific to the host species they co-evolved with. Although exotic pathogens infecting autochthonous species have been documented, the infection of an alien species with native parasites is rare in lagomorphs. Trichostrongylus retortaeformis is a nematode parasite infecting the small intestine of domestic and wild lagomorphs in Europe. Methods: Thirty-two Eastern cottontails from a naturalized population in Italy were processed to describe the gastrointestinal parasite community. Results and discussions: T. retortaeformis is reported for the first time in the Eastern cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus introduced to Europe. The Eastern cottontail is an invasive lagomorph, living in sympatry with the autochthonous European brown hare in certain areas of Italy. This study provides new insights into the dynamics of parasite communities of native and alien lagomorph species in sympatric areas.

Highlights

A parasite community is usually well adapted and specific to the host species they co-evolved with
When allochthonous species are released in a new ecosystem, the state of equilibrium is no longer maintained [2]
The risks associated with the introduction of aliens have been extensively documented, each year several allochthonous species are released outside their native range [2]

Summary

Introduction

A parasite community is usually well adapted and specific to the host species they co-evolved with. Exotic pathogens infecting autochthonous species have been documented, the infection of an alien species with native parasites is rare in lagomorphs. The Eastern cottontail is an invasive lagomorph, living in sympatry with the autochthonous. When allochthonous species are released in a new ecosystem, the state of equilibrium is no longer maintained [2]. Able to reproduce and to colonize a new environment, is defined as an “invasive alien species”, which can threaten biodiversity [2]. The risks associated with the introduction of aliens have been extensively documented, each year several allochthonous species are released outside their native range [2]. From 2005 to 2008, the European project DAISIE

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