The role of wild carnivores in the maintenance of trichinellosis in the Tatras National Park, Slovakia

A survey on trichinellosis in wild carnivores and their role in the transmission of parasite in the model territory of the Tatras National Park was conducted in years 2005–2006. Muscle samples of 102 wild predators representing 10 species belonging to families Canidae, Mustelidae and Ursidae were examined. The highest prevalence of Trichinella britovi was established among red foxes (19.7 %) and martens (37.5 %). The parasite was also detected in European polecat and brown bear. No infection was present in wolves, badgers, otters, weasels, and stoats. The results show that in circulation of trichinellosis in nature various carnivore species are included. The high number of infected martens is indicative of their role in maintenance of trichinellosis that should be considered due to synantropic behaviour of these animals.