First record of Trichinella in Leopardus guigna (Carnivora, Felidae) and Galictis cuja (Carnivora, Mustelidae): new hosts in Chile

Background Trichinellosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution. It is caused by several species of nematodes in the genus Trichinella. Trichinella spp. are transmitted through predation or carrion consumption and occur in domestic and sylvatic cycles. In humans trichinellosis occurs due to the consumption of raw or undercooked, infected meat and is mainly associated with the household slaughter of pigs or the consumption of game animals without veterinary inspection, a cultural practice that is difficult to resolve. Therefore, knowledge of this parasite’s reservoir is relevant for better implementing public health strategies. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of Trichinella sp. in several carnivore and omnivore vertebrates in central-southern Chile. Methods We collected muscle tissue from a total of 53 animals from 15 species and were digested to detect Trichinella larvae which were further identified to species level using molecular techniques. Results We detected Trichinella larvae in Leopardus guigna (Felidae) and Galictis cuja (Mustelidae). We identified the larvae collected from L. guigna as Trichinella spiralis, but we were unable to molecularly characterize the larvae from G. cuja. This is the first record of Trichinella in a native mustelid of South America and the first record of T. spiralis in L. guigna. This study identified two novel hosts; however, further work is needed to identify the role that these and other hosts play in the cycle of Trichinella in Chile.

Trichinella in Wildlife in Chile With the First Record in Leopardus Guigna and Galictis Cuja

Background: Trichinellosis is a worldwide distributed disease caused by Trichinella species and also considered neglected and emerging. Trichinella spp. are transmitted by predation or carrion consumption and present a domestic and a sylvatic cycle. Human trichinellosis occurs due to the consumption of raw or poorly cooked infected meat, mainly associated with the household slaughter of pigs without veterinary inspection, a cultural practice that is difficult to resolve. Therefore, the knowledge of the reservoir of this parasite is relevant. Methods: The aim of this study was to assess the presence of Trichinella sp. in several carnivore and omnivore vertebrates in Central-Southern Chile. A total of 61 animals, either found run over or that died in rescue/rehabilitation centers, encompassing 15 species, were examined by artificial digestion for detection of Trichinella larvae, and larvae were molecularly analyzed to identify the species. Results: Trichinella larvae were found in a Leopardus guigna and a Galictis cuja. Only those of L. guigna could be identified as Trichinella spiralis. Conclusions: This is the first record of Trichinella in a native mustelid of South America and the first record of T. spiralis in L. guigna. These results increase the number of hosts, enhancing the need to identify the role of these animals in the reservoir for humans, and highlighting the priority that the study of the rural-sylvatic interphase represents.

Updating records of a threatened felid species of the Argentinian Patagonia: the Guigna Leopardus guigna (Molina, 1782) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) in Los Alerces National Park

The Guigna Leopardus guigna is an endemic felid of the Valdivian Temperate Forests in Argentina and Chile, and of the Chilean Matorral ecoregion. It is a small-sized felid (1.6–2.5 kg), one of the least known wild felids, and categorized as Vulnerable to extinction. Here, we present two new reliable records in Los Alerces National Park, Chubut Province, Argentina, the southernmost protected area, in which the species is present. The first record is an individual found dead on 6 June 2019 on the bank of Frey River near Amutui Quimei Lake. The second record was an individual casually captured in an American Mink Neovison vison cage on 7 December 2019 near Menéndez Lake. Both records were in forested Nothofagus sites very nearby to watercourses. In order to maintain viable long-term Guigna populations, corridors between protected areas should be established, particularly in habitat dominated by human presence and activities. We strongly recommend further fieldwork in protected areas and between them to increase the knowledge about the distribution, habitat use, and ecology of the Guigna.

Identification of Novel Feline Paramyxoviruses in Guignas (Leopardus guigna) from Chile

The family of paramyxoviruses has received growing attention as several new species have been identified recently, notably two different clusters in domestic cats, designated as feline morbillivirus (FeMV) and feline paramyxovirus (FPaV). Their phylogenetic origin and whether wild felids also harbor these viruses are currently unknown. Kidney samples from 35 guignas (Leopardus guigna), a wild felid from Chile, were investigated for paramyxoviruses using consensus-RT-PCR. In addition, thirteen serum samples of guignas were screened for the presence of FeMV-specific antibodies by an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Viral RNA was detected in 31% of the kidney samples. Phylogenetic analyses revealed two well-supported clusters, related to isolates from domestic cats, rodents and bats. No significant histopathology changes were recorded in infected guignas. Serology identified two samples which were positive for FeMV-specific antibodies. Our study highlights the diversity of paramyxovirus infections in felids with special emphasis on guignas from Chile.

New records of Leopardus guigna in its northern-most distribution in Chile: implications for conservation

We report new records of the wild felid Leopardus guigna in its northern-most distribution, in the southern Coquimbo and northern Valparaíso regions, in northern-central Chile. To our knowledge, these are the northern-most confirmed guigna records to date. We discuss implications for the conservation of these fragile populations in the face of different anthropic threats.