Our recent study investigated the presence of three zoonotic enteric parasites such as Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Blastocystis, in wild mesocarnivores from Eastern Spain, a region where wildlife increasingly overlaps with human-modified landscapes. Using molecular techniques, we analyzed 221 faecal samples from nine mesocarnivore species collected across the Valencian Community between 2018 and 2023. All three parasites were detected, with Giardia and Cryptosporidium each showing a prevalence of 6.8%, and Blastocystis 8.6%. Several species and subtypes with known zoonotic potential were identified, and evidence of trophic transmission was observed. These findings highlight the role of wild mesocarnivores as sentinels at the human–wildlife interface and underscore the importance of integrated One Health surveillance.
More at https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1736482/full
