Endoparasites in large carnivores (Canidae, Felidae, Ursidae) in the Nearctic and Palearctic-an update with emphasis on the wildlife-domestic animal-human triangle.

Carnivorous wild mammals often harbor a high diversity and high prevalence of parasites, many of which possess zoonotic potential or are of relevance for domestic animal health. In this Chapter, we summarize studies on endoparasites of the most common wild canids (red and arctic foxes, golden jackals, coyotes, grey wolves and raccoon dogs), felids (lynxes and European wildcats) and bears (brown and black bears) in the Palearctic and Nearctic regions since the turn of the millennium. Overall, the red fox stands out as the best-studied species, with the highest endoparasite diversity reported, and high detection rates of zoonotic parasites or parasites of significance to domestic animal health. The red fox synurbic lifestyle further underscores its relevance as a source of potential pathogen spillover. The epidemiological role of grey wolves, golden jackals, coyotes and raccoon dogs requires further investigation given their geographical expansion. Wild felids represent a potentially important reservoir for parasites that are pathogenic to domestic cats, while bears are reported to play a minor role for the circulation of zoonotic and domestic animal parasites. Identified knowledge gaps include a lack of studies from Asia and North America in comparison to Europe, and of studies on felids and bears as compared to canids.