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The most common causes of respiratory diseases in wild hedgehogs are the lungworms Crenosoma striatum and Capillaria aerophila, which can lead to life-threatening pneumonia. The aim of the current study was (A) to assess the prevalence of common lungworm infections in northern white-breasted hedgehogs (Erinaceus roumanicus) in Greece and (B) to identify an efficient and easy to administer treatment option. (A) Fifty-six hedgehogs were admitted to a Greek wildlife rehabilitation center and included in the present study. Fecal tests were performed using the flotation method (ZnSO4 33.2%) combined with the Baermann technique. In total, 49 hedgehogs excreted Crenosoma spp. larvae (87.5%), and 27 of them were also infected with Capillaria spp. (48.2%). One of them died, and the necropsy and lung histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of crenosomosis. (B) Fourteen animals with mixed infections were treated using NexGard® Combo (esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, praziquantel) administered orally at a dose rate of 0.2 mL/kg body weight, once. On days 10 and 14 post-treatment, no parasitic elements were detected in the feces of the infected animals. All the animals had gained weight by day 14, and their biochemical parameters were normal. It was concluded that this combination given orally was safe and successful against hedgehog respiratory nematodes.

Wild birds are increasingly recognized as contributors to the circulation and environmental dissemination of zoonotic pathogens, yet data from Greece remain limited, particularly for raptors, corvids, and water birds. This study investigated selected parasitic, mycotic, and bacterial pathogens of public health relevance in free-living wild birds originating from various regions of Greece and admitted to two animal health care facilities. Between November 2023 and May 2025, cloacal swabs from 212 injured or sick birds were analyzed using quantitative PCR for Cryptococcus spp., Chlamydia psittaci, Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Mycobacterium avium. At least one pathogen was detected in 37 samples (17.5%), with Cryptococcus spp. being the most frequent agent (11.8%), followed by C. psittaci (3.8%), G. duodenalis (0.9%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (0.9%). M. avium was not detected. Pathogen occurrence varied by bird category, genus, and region, and was associated with health status. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first molecular evidence worldwide of G. duodenalis in Ardea spp., Cryptosporidium spp. in Asio otus, and C. psittaci in Botaurus stellaris and Plegadis falcinellus. These findings highlight wild birds as potential zoonotic reservoirs and support the implementation of One Health–oriented surveillance programs.

Eurasian griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) are endangered scavenger birds. Haemosporidian parasites infect the blood cells and organs of many avian species globally, using blood-sucking insect vectors, and they negatively affect health of birds and subsequently wildlife biodiversity. Fifty-nine vultures were admitted to the Greek wildlife rehabilitation center “ANIMA” and included in this study. Blood samples were collected, and the microscopy of stained blood smears was performed. Moreover, DNA was extracted, samples were screened for Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus, and Plasmodium spp. following nested PCR protocols, and positive samples were sequenced. The detected haemosporidians are reported for the first time in Eurasian griffon vultures globally. The overall prevalence was 11.9% (Leucocytozoon spp. 5.1%, Haemoproteus spp. 5.1%, Plasmodium spp. 3.4%); this further corroborates the statement that the vultures’ immunity protects them from blood parasites. Notably, new genetic lineages of Leucocytozoon (GYPFUL02), Haemoproteus (GYPFUL01), and Plasmodium (GYPFUL03) species were recorded for the first time. Furthermore, it was the first molecular isolation of Haemoproteus in Old World vultures and Haemoproteus brachiatus was isolated for the first time from a vulture species. Moreover, this demonstrates the first record of Parahaemoproteus genetic lineages in vultures. Results highlight the genetic diversity of haemosporidians in griffon vultures and the need for additional studies.

Dirofilaria immitis is a ubiquitous nematode parasite with zoonotic potential, transmitted by mosquitoes, that causes heartworm disease in various animal species. Dogs are the parasite’s typical final host, and wild carnivores represent the parasite’s reservoir in nature. Studies on D. immitis infections in wild animals are essential to assess infection pressure for domestic animals, and until now, there has been only one infection case reported in a European badger ( Meles meles ). The current report describes the first two European badger cases with cardiovascular dirofilariosis in Greece. Two adult male badgers were rescued in Heraklion and Chania, Crete Island, and admitted to “ANIMA -Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre” in Athens. The detailed clinical examination revealed that the first badger suffered from severe broncho-pneumonitis while the second one displayed clinical signs associated with severe brain trauma. Blood samples were taken for haematology and biochemistry analyses during their short hospitalisation period. In addition, different routine diagnostic tests were carried out, including heartworm antigen testing (ELISA) and the modified Knott’s test for microfilariae. Both badgers were positive in both tests. The animals died a few hours after their admission and the detailed necropsies followed, revealed the presence of three parasites in each animal’s right heart, morphologically identified as adults of D. immitis . These findings add the European badger in the list of additional potential reservoir hosts for D. immitis and highlight the potential role of wildlife for companion animals and human health.

Haemosporidians, a group of vector-borne parasites that parasitize the blood cells and internal organs of various animal species, are reported to cause severe pathology in raptors. Species belonging to the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon are the ones of greatest wildlife importance. The common buzzard (Buteo buteo) and the Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) are the most numerous raptor species in Europe. Reliable data is lacking for many raptor species in Greece. The aim of this study was to assess, for the first time, the prevalence and geographical distribution of haemosporidian infection (mainly Leucocytozoon and Plasmodium) in these two avian species in Greece, in correlation with the risk factors of age and sex. In total, 62 common buzzards and 26 Eurasian sparrowhawks were included in this study, all being admitted for treatment at a Greek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Blood samples were collected and microscopical analysis was performed after staining blood smears with Giemsa. DNA was extracted from each sample and a fraction of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was amplified by a nested PCR protocol. All positive samples were subjected to sequencing. Total prevalence of haemosporidian infection by morphological and molecular examination was 59% and 73.9%, respectively. Binary logistic regression was carried out. The most prevalent infection was by Leucocytozoon spp. Most of the samples had mixed infections. The isolated genetic lineages of Leucocytozoon spp. were BUBT2, BUBT3, MILVUS01, ACNI1, BUBO01 and MILANS04. The detected genetic lineages of Plasmodium spp. were TURDUS1, BT7 and DONANA02. A new genetic lineage, BUTBUT17, was also identified.

PurposePost-sternotomy deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) is a severe complication of cardiac surgery. The introduction of omental and muscle flaps has resulted in a significant decrease in morbidity and mortality. In this article, we present the findings for a series of 55 consecutive patients with DSWI treated using an alternative bi-pectoral musculofascial flap technique.MethodsThe patients were stratified into two groups (one-or two-stage intervention). Patients with septic wounds initially underwent debridement and wound treatment, while vacuum therapy was used in a subset of the subjects. All patients were treated with wound debridement and bi-pectoral advancement flap reconstruction.Results30-day mortality was 5.4 %. Most patients (72 %) were treated in two stages, while vacuum therapy was used in 20 % of the patients. The mean number of hospitalization days was 8 and 12 for the one- and the two-stage groups, respectively. Reconstruction was successful in all but three patients, each of whom developed recurrent infection. No major morbidity was reported at a mean follow-up of 82 months with excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes.ConclusionsPectoralis-major muscle flaps remain relevant in the modern management of post-sternotomy mediastinitis. The addition of an omental flap should be considered in cases in which the lower sternum is involved. Prompt diagnosis and a meticulous surgical technique ensure favorable results for the majority of patients.