We examined 314 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from the province of Soria, Spain, for Rickettsia typhi, Rickettsia slovaca, and Borrelia burgdorferi infection. Immunofluorescence assays showed 1.9% had antibodies to R. typhi, 6.7% had antibodies to R. slovaca, and 8.3% had antibodies to B. burgdorferi. Serostatus was not correlated with sex or age. Because red foxes can be infected by Rickettsiae and B. burgdorferi, presence of red foxes may be and indicator for the presence of these pathogens.
Translator Disclaimer
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Vol. 52 • No. 1
January 2016
Vol. 52 • No. 1
January 2016
Borrelia burgdorferi
epidemiology
Rickettsia sp.
vector borne diseases