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Filoni, C.; de Jesus Pena, H.F.; Gennari, S.M.; Sampaio Cristo, D.; Neves Torres, L.; CatÆo-Dias, J.L.
Heartworm (_Dirofilaria immitis_) disease in a Brazilian oncilla (_Leopardus tigrinus_)
2009  Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira (29): 474-478

Heartworm disease is caused by the intravascular nematode _Dirofilaria immitis_, a pathogen of public health importance usually associated to domestic dogs and cats, and to a lesser extend to other mammal species. The oncilla _(Leopardus tigrinus) _is a threatened neotropic felid species that naturally occurs in Brazil. Here, we report the encounter of adult and larval stages of heartworms in a female specimen of _L. tigrinus, _probable of free-ranging origin, from Ubatuba, SÆo Paulo, Brazil, which died showing clinical signals compatible with heartworm disease. This was the first reported case of _D. immitis _infection and associated disease in _L. tigrinus_, also suggesting that the oncilla acted as a definitive host for this parasite. The present findings confirmed _D. immitis _as a pathogenic agent for this felid species, thus supporting the recommendation for the inclusion of diagnostic testing for this pathogen in routine health screening procedures for captive and free-ranging oncillas in Brazil, especially in those localities where climate conditions support the occurrence of the parasite. Potential reservoirs as oncillas are established beyond the reach of veterinary care, thus representing a continuing risk for domestic animals and humans acquiring heartworm infection. We encourage further serologic and molecular studies aiming to establish _D. immitis _prevalences in _L. tigrinus _and other wild carnivores in the region of Ubatuba, as well as ecological and veterinary studies to access the role of this pathogen for the survival of this threatened felid species.

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