Integrated Surveillance of Trichinella spp. and Rabies Virus-Neutralising Antibodies in Golden Jackals (Canis aureus) and Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Western Romania

The rapid expansion of the golden jackal (Canis aureus) across Eastern Europe has reshaped mesocarnivore communities, with potential influence on the dynamics of zoonotic disease. In Romania, where both Trichinella spp. and rabies remain public health concerns, updated data on wildlife reservoirs are essential. This study aims to provide an integrated assessment of Trichinella prevalence and rabies virus-neutralising antibody (RVNA) profiles in 134 wild canids (96 golden jackals and 38 red foxes, Vulpes vulpes) from northwestern Romania (August 2025–January 2026). Trichinella larvae were detected using the artificial digestion method, and infection intensity was expressed as larvae per gram. Rabies serology was performed using a commercial ELISA kit, with 0.5 IU/mL considered the protective threshold. Trichinella prevalence was significantly higher in foxes (78.9%) in comparison with jackals (60.4%), with similar larval burdens in both species. More than half of the individuals in both species exhibited RVNA titers below the protective threshold, indicating heterogeneous immunity levels in the population. No significant age- or sex-related differences in seroconversion were observed. These findings confirm intense sylvatic circulation of Trichinella spp. and highlight potential immunity gaps in wildlife rabies control. The results support the need for integrated, multi-pathogen surveillance and explicit inclusion of the golden jackal in disease monitoring and management strategies.