Prevalence and assemblage distribution ofin farmed mink, foxes, and raccoon dogs in northern China.

Abstract

is a widespread protozoan parasite associated with significant health risks in humans and animals. However, there is a lack of epidemiological data regarding this parasite in fur-animals. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and assemblage distribution ofin fur-animals in northern China. A total of 871 fecal samples were detected by nested PCR. The results showed an overall infection rate of 1.15%, with the highest rate in Hebei province (2.28%), while no positive cases were observed in Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces. Although no significant differences were found in species group, raccoon dogs (1.72%) were more susceptible to infection than mink (1.40%) and foxes (0.57%). Additionally, the highest infection rate was observed in farms with fewer than 2,000 animals (1.41%), followed by farms with ≥5,000 (0.93%) and those with 2,000-5,000 animals (0.75%). The infection rate was higher in juvenile animals (1.35%) compared to adults (1.08%), and in non-diarrheal animals (1.16%) compared to diarrheal animals (1.08%). Notably, this study is the first to report assemblage A in mink, this finding highlight the potential role of mink as a reservoir for zoonotic transmission. Assemblage D was detected in foxes and raccoon dogs, further suggesting that these animals may serve as potential zoonotic reservoirs. These findings not only complements the epidemiological data ofin fur-animals but also emphasize the importance of monitoring the fur industry to mitigate public health risks.