title: Factors affecting Dirofilaria immitis prevalence in red foxes in northeastern Spain.
abstract: We determined the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis (Nematoda, Filariidae) among 433 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in northeastern Spain, between 1990 and 1992. Forty-six (11%) of 433 foxes were infected; the intensity ranged from 1 to 36 (mean +/- SE; 4.39 +/- 0.92) nematodes per host. The prevalence of D. immitis was higher in foxes inhabiting riparian zones of the study area. This population has a very high juvenile/adult ratio. Heartworm prevalences did not differ among host sex, weight, or fat condition categories.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Spain.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gortazar
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Castillo
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lucientes
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Blanco
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arriolabengoa
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Calvete
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D004183:Dirofilaria immitis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004184:Dirofilariasis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D005589:Foxes / Q000469:parasitology*; D005843:Geography; D006321:Heart / Q000469:parasitology; D008168:Lung / Q000469:parasitology; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000469:parasitology; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology