Seroepidemiological study of <em>Leishmania infantum</em>, <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em>and <em>Dirofilaria immitis</em> in pet ferrets (<em>Mustela putorius furo</em>) in Spain

Abstract

Ferrets are susceptible to infections with <em>Leishmania infantum</em>, <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em>, and <em>Dirofilaria immitis</em>; however,</p><p>epidemiological data on these infections are limited in Europe. A total of 448 serum samples from household ferrets</p><p>were collected between December 2019 and December 2023 in Spain. In this study, we assessed the seroprevalence of</p><p><em>L. infantum</em> and <em>D. immitis</em> using an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and <em>T. gondii</em> using an inhouse</p><p>immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Among the ferrets tested, the seroprevalence was 10.49% (47/448) for<em> L.</em></p><p><em>infantum</em>, 2.68% (12/448) for <em>T. gondii</em> and 10.27% (46/448) for <em>D. immitis</em>. There was no significant association between</p><p>seropositivity and age, gender, neutering status, cohabitation, lifestyle, and collection date. Ferrets classified as sick animals</p><p>related to the presence of compatible or non-compatible signs showed a higher seropositivity rate for <em>L. infantum</em></p><p>(15.90%) compared to subclinical animals (4.76%). Overall, 23.44% (105/448) of the samples were seropositive for at</p><p>least one of the three parasitic agents, 3.12% (15/448) were positive for two agents, and 0.22% (1/448) tested positive for</p><p>all three agents. Co-infections were also evaluated, revealing that 12.76% (6/47) of <em>L. infantum</em> seropositive ferrets were</p><p>also positive for <em>T. gondii </em>(p = 0.011) and 21.27% (10/47) for <em>D. immitis</em> (p = 0.009). To the best of our knowledge, this</p><p>is the first report on the seroprevalence of <em>L. infantum</em>, <em>D. immitis</em>, and <em>T. gondii</em> within the ferret population in Spain.</p><p>Understanding the epidemiological status of these and other zoonotic pathogens is crucial for enhancing surveillance in</p><p>both veterinary and public health sectors, as well as for strengthening prevention and control strategies.