The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) as a Natural Reservoir of Trichinella britovi from North-Eastern Romania: Epidemiological and Molecular Evidence

Wild carnivores play an important role in maintaining Trichinella spp. infection in the sylvatic environment and may contribute to the transmission of the parasite to domestic animals and humans. Northeastern Romania hosts a large population of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), a species not routinely included in trichinellosis surveillance programs. This study aimed to determine the geographical distribution and prevalence of Trichinella infection in red foxes and to identify the species involved. Between 2023 and 2025, muscle samples (tongue, diaphragm, and intercostal muscles) were collected from 617 red foxes culled as part of epidemiological surveillance activities. Samples were examined by direct trichinelloscopy, and positive specimens were further analyzed by multiplex PCR at the European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites in Rome, Italy, for species identification. Trichinella infection was detected in foxes from all investigated counties of northeastern Romania, regardless of landforms. The overall prevalence was 24.3% (150/617). Of the 148 isolates subjected to multiplex PCR, 120 yielded positive amplification, all of which were identified as Trichinella britovi. The widespread distribution and high prevalence of T. britovi confirm the role of the red fox as an important natural reservoir, supporting the maintenance and circulation of the parasite in the sylvatic environment and highlighting the need for continued surveillance and further epidemiological studies.