CoChat
Sign Up
Cited by 96Parasitic Diseases Research and TreatmentHelminth infection and controlMollusks and Parasites Studies

Dirofilaria spp. and Angiostrongylus vasorum: current risk of spreading in Central and Northern Europe.

Open access
Fuehrer, Hans-Peter, Morelli, Simone, Unterköfler, Maria Sophia, Bajer, Anna, Bakran-Lebl, Karin, Dwużnik-Szarek, Dorota, Farkas, Róbert, Grandi, Giulio +11 more·2021·Pathogens
DOI 10.3390/pathogens10101268PMC PMC8537668
Open this paper in CoChat — free accountOpen PDF

Abstract

In the past few decades, the relevance of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, causing cardiopulmonary and subcutaneous dirofilariosis in dogs and cats, and of Angiostrongylus vasorum, causing canine angiostrongylosis, has steadily increased in Central and Northern Europe. In this review, a summary of published articles and additional reports dealing with imported or autochthonous cases of these parasites is provided for Central (Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Luxemburg, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland) and Northern (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) Europe. Research efforts focusing on Dirofilaria spp. and A. vasorum have varied by country, and cross-border studies are few. The housing conditions of dogs, pet movements, the spread of competent vectors, and climate change are important factors in the spread of these nematodes. Dogs kept outside overnight are a major factor for the establishment of Dirofilaria spp. However, the establishment of invasive, diurnal, synanthropic, competent mosquito vectors such as Aedes albopictus may also influence the establishment of Dirofilaria spp. The drivers of the spread of A. vasorum remain not fully understood, but it seems to be influenced by habitats shared with wild canids, dog relocation, and possibly climatic changes; its pattern of spreading appears to be similar in different countries. Both Dirofilaria spp. and A. vasorum merit further monitoring and research focus in Europe.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This review synthesizes published and additional reports on Dirofilaria immitis, D. repens, and Angiostrongylus vasorum in Central and Northern Europe, documenting increasing imported and autochthonous cases and expanding endemic foci. It identifies dog housing (outdoor overnight), pet movement, competent/invasive mosquito vectors, climate change, and wildlife reservoirs—especially red foxes—as key drivers, while noting fragmented and non-comparable surveillance data.

Key findings

  • Dirofilaria spp. are increasingly reported in Central and Northern Europe, with autochthonous D. repens established in parts of Central Europe and D. immitis emerging in some areas. In Slovakia, a 2019 study of 644 dogs found microfilariae in 10.6%; DNA analysis confirmed D. repens mono-infection in 5.9%, D. immitis in 3.3%, and both species in 1.4%. In Poland, D. repens prevalence was 25.8% in 462 dogs from Mazovia and 11.7% in a nationwide study of 1588 dogs; in Austria, 11 of 115 shelter dogs (9.6%), all from Hungary, tested positive for D. immitis.
  • A. vasorum is also expanding, with increasing German dog prevalence from 0.3% in 1999–2002 to 0.9% in 2010 and 1.6% in 2016. High red-fox prevalence was reported in Switzerland (emergence from 2.4% to 62.0%, with regional prevalence >80.0%) and Denmark (North Zealand 37.5%, remainder of Zealand 37.0%, Jutland 1.7–2.3%).
  • Drivers include outdoor overnight housing (estimated >30.0% of dogs in several Central European countries), pet movement/import, competent vectors including invasive Aedes albopictus, and climate: L3 require 16–20 days at 22 °C, microfilariae do not develop below 14 °C, and the transmission period is estimated at 3–4 months in Central Europe versus 20 days to 2 months in some Northern European regions.
  • Surveillance gaps remain: research efforts vary by country, cross-border studies are few, and available data are not easily comparable. Sweden reports Dirofilaria spp. only at genus level, Luxembourg has no literature data on D. immitis/D. repens, and Iceland has no reported cases and no competent mosquito vectors.

Methods

  • Design: comprehensive/narrative review of published articles and additional reports on Dirofilaria spp. and A. vasorum in Central and Northern Europe; not a primary study or a systematic review with meta-analysis.
  • Data/sample: literature and reports from Central Europe (Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland) and Northern Europe (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden), covering dogs, cats, humans, wild canids, gastropods, and mosquitoes.
  • Analysis: country-by-country and parasite-by-parasite narrative synthesis of prevalence, case reports, vector and reservoir findings, and drivers; no pooled quantitative analysis is described.

Limitations

  • Stated: epizootiological knowledge remains fragmentary; research efforts vary by country; cross-border studies are few; available data are not easily comparable; many countries lack updated data; and absence of records may often be due to lack of information.
  • Stated: some surveillance limitations include genus-level reporting for Dirofilaria in Sweden, so D. immitis versus D. repens cannot be distinguished, and DNA detection in mosquitoes does not prove established transmission cycles.
  • Evident from the text: the review relies on published articles, additional reports, personal communications, and heterogeneous diagnostic/sampling methods, with no primary data collection or standardized case definitions.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3390/pathogens10101268

Cites

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 511 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingcitation

    In Slovakia, 105 of 183 examined red foxes were infected with D. repens, representing an overall prevalence above 57.0%.

    “The results of the study showed 105 of the 183 examined red foxes being infected, representing an overall prevalence above 57.0%.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [161] 2013, Molecular evidence for the presence of Dirofilaria repens in beech marten (Martes foina) from Slovakia, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [162] 2015, Epidemiological coherency of vulpine dirofilariosis in environmental conditions of Slovakia, Helminthologia source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Findingcitation

    In Slovakia, D. repens DNA was confirmed in spleen samples from one beech marten and red foxes.

    “In Slovakia, besides dogs, the presence of D. repens DNA was confirmed in the spleen samples from one individual of beech marten (Martes foina) and red foxes [161,162].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [161] 2013, Molecular evidence for the presence of Dirofilaria repens in beech marten (Martes foina) from Slovakia, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [162] 2015, Epidemiological coherency of vulpine dirofilariosis in environmental conditions of Slovakia, Helminthologia source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Findingcitation

    To the authors' knowledge, no autochthonous case of dirofilariosis north of the Alps was determined.

    “To our knowledge, no autochthonous case of dirofilariosis north of the Alps was determined (Deplazes, personal communication).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Deplazes, personal communication

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Findingcitation

    The first clinical case of D. immitis dirofilariosis in Switzerland was diagnosed in a Siberian husky living in Milan, Italy.

    “The first clinical case of D. immitis dirofilariosis was diagnosed at the Animal Hospital of the Veterinary Faculty in Zurich, in a Siberian husky living in Milan (Italy) [179].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [179] Arnold, 1994, Case report: Dirofilariasis in a dog, Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Findingcitation

    The first autochthonous and unambiguously confirmed case of human dirofilariosis in Slovakia was reported in 2007.

    “The first autochthonous and unambiguously confirmed case of human dirofilariosis was reported in 2007, two years after the first finding of dirofilarial parasites in dog population.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [167] Ondriska, 2017, Human Dirofilaria repens infections diagnosed in Slovakia in the last 10 years (2007–2017), Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [168] Ondriska, 2021, Filarial infections in human medicine and public health, Lekársky obzor

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims. 181
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 16
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Almost a fourth of veterinarians practicing in Baltic countries reported having seen dog(s) with D. repens infection, and none of these had a history of travel or import.

    “The situation was very different to that in the nearby Baltic countries, in particular regarding D. repens: almost a fourth of veterinarians practicing in Baltic countries reported having seen dog(s) with D. repens infection, and none of these had a history of travel or import [56].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [56] Jokelainen, 2017, Vector-borne parasitic infections in dogs in the Baltic and Nordic countries: A questionnaire study to veterinarians on canine babesiosis and infections with Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The first case of D. immitis in Slovenia was recorded in 1986, with a clump of nematodes found in the right ventricle and pulmonary artery of one dog.

    “The first case of D. immitis in Slovenia was recorded in 1986. A clump of nematodes was found in the right ventricle and pulmonary artery of only one dog.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [169] Brglez, 1987, Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy, 1856) Railliet et Henry, 1911, pri psu: Zbornik Biotehniske Fakultete Univerze Edvardo Kardelja v Ljubljani, Veterinarstvo

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Xenomonitoring in Bratislava, Western Slovakia, detected D. repens in An. Messeae, An. maculipennis, and Cx pipiens complexes, and D. immitis in Coquillettidia richiardii and Cx. pipiens pipiens.

    “During the next xenomonitoring carried out in Bratislava, Western Slovakia, D. repens was detected in An. Messeae, An. maculipennis, and Cx pipiens complexes, and D. immitis in Coquillettidia richiardii and Cx. pipiens pipiens.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [165] Rudolf, 2018, Urbanization impact on mosquito community and the transmission potential of filarial infection in central Europe, Parasites Vectors

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    When testing 479 blood samples from the Ticino region, three (0.6%) and eight (1.6%) dogs were positive for D. repens and D. immitis, respectively.

    “In fact, when testing 479 blood samples from that region, three (0.6%) and eight (1.6%) dogs were positive for D. repens and D. immitis, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [181] Bucklar, 1998, Breitet sich in der Südschweiz die Dirofilariose beim Hund aus?, Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    A questionnaire study among veterinarians showed that 11.0% of participating veterinarians practicing in Nordic countries reported having seen dogs with D. immitis infection, 3.0% reported having seen dogs with D. repens infection in 2016, and a majority of cases were in dogs with a history of travel or import.

    “Results of a questionnaire study among veterinarians showed that 11.0% of the participating veterinarians who were practicing in Nordic countries reported having seen dogs with D. immitis infection, 3.0% reported having seen dogs with D. repens infection in 2016, and a majority of the cases were reported to be in dogs with a history of travel or import [56].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [56] Jokelainen, 2017, Vector-borne parasitic infections in dogs in the Baltic and Nordic countries: A questionnaire study to veterinarians on canine babesiosis and infections with Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    A dog in the same kennel was negative for D. immitis but positive for microfilariae of D. repens, representing the first diagnosed and imported case of cutaneous dirofilariosis in a dog in Switzerland.

    “While clarifying the situation of another husky living in the same kennel, this dog was negative for D. immitis but positive for microfilariae of D. repens, thereby representing the first diagnosed and imported case of cutaneous dirofilariosis in a dog in Switzerland.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [179] Arnold, 1994, Case report: Dirofilariasis in a dog, Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    D. repens emerged in the Baltic countries in 2008-2012 and became endemic.

    “Dirofilaria repens emerged in the Baltic countries in 2008–2012 and became endemic [11,13,189,190].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [11] Alsarraf, 2021, Emerging risk of Dirofilaria spp. infection in Northeastern Europe: High prevalence of Dirofilaria repens in sled dog kennels from the Baltic countries, Sci. Rep. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [13] Deksne, 2021, The Zoonotic Parasite Dirofilaria repens Emerged in the Baltic Countries Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in 2008–2012 and Became Established and Endemic in a Decade, Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [189] Jokelainen, 2016, Dirofilaria repens Microfilaremia in Three Dogs in Estonia, Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [190] Radzijevskaja, 2019, Dirofilaria repens in dogs and humans in Lithuania, Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    There are no published reports of Dirofilaria spp. in animals in Denmark, while a human case of D. repens in a 39-year-old woman was reported in 2014, likely infected on Crete.

    “There are no published reports of Dirofilaria spp. in animals in Denmark, while a human case of D. repens in a 39-year-old woman was reported in 2014. However, the woman was likely infected on Crete [191].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [191] Klintebjerg, 2015, Periorbital Dirofilaria repens imported to Denmark: A human case report, IDCases source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The vectors of both D. repens and D. immitis are present in Denmark.

    “The vectors of both D. repens and D. immitis are present in Denmark (Huus Petersen, personal communication)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Huus Petersen, personal communication

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Endemic cases of Dirofilaria spp. have not been found in Sweden to date, but these infections are notifiable, and cases reported during the last five years were: three in 2015, two in 2016, no cases in 2017, two in 2018, and seven in 2019.

    “Endemic cases of Dirofilaria spp. have not been found in Sweden to date, but in addition to A. vasorum, these infections are notifiable, and the following cases were reported during the last five years: three cases in 2015, two cases in 2016, no cases in 2017, two cases in 2018, and seven cases in 2019 [199,200].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [199] Swedisch Board of Agriculture (2021, September 27). Årsrapport Över Anmälningspliktiga Djursjukdomar 2019: Annual Statistics on Notifiable Animal Diseases under the Regulations of the Swedish Board of Agriculture (SJVFS 2012: 24) on Notifiable Animal Diseases and Infectious Agents. Available online: http://djur.jordbruksverket.se/download/18.3a2a8b84171950f8cca80788/1587467632223/%C3%85rsstatistik%202019.pdf.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [200] Swedisch Board of Agriculture (2021, September 27). Årsrapport Över Anmälningspliktiga Djursjukdomar 2018: Annual Statistics on Notifiable Animal Diseases under the Regulations of the Swedish Board of Agriculture (SJVFS 2012: 24) on Notifiable Animal Diseases and Infectious Agents. Available online: http://djur.jordbruksverket.se/download/18.3a2a8b84171950f8cca80788/1587467632223/%C3%85rsstatistik%202018.pdf.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In a seroprevalence study in Germany, 0.5% of dogs were antigen-positive and 2.3% antibody-positive.

    “This pattern was also observed in a seroprevalence study resulting in 0.5% antigen-positive and 2.3% antibody-positive dogs; however, the vast majority of samples originated from West German federal states [214].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [214] Schnyder, 2013, Seroepidemiological survey for canine angiostrongylosis in dogs from Germany and the UK using combined detection of Angiostrongylus vasorum antigen and specific antibodies, Parasitology source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Dirofilaria ursi is present in brown bears in the eastern part of Finland, but no human cases have been reported.

    “Dirofilaria ursi is present in brown bears (Ursus arctos) in the eastern part of Finland, but no human cases have been reported [193,194].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [193] Nordling, 2017, Dirofilaria repens transmission in southeastern Finland, Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [194] Kamula, R., Taskinen, P., Pongrácz, E., Rautio, A., and Strand, K. (2015). One Health. Research on the Change in the North, Proceedings of the THULE SCIENCE DAYS 2015, Oulu, Finland, 27–28 October 2015, University of Oulu. Highlights of the Thule Institute’s Research Program 2012–2015.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In one Austrian study of 1320 gastropods, metastrongyloid larvae were microscopically detected in 25 samples, and sequence analysis confirmed A. vasorum in one slug (Arion vulgaris; 0.1%).

    “One study investigated their occurrence in 1320 gastropods collected in the Austrian provinces of Styria, Burgenland, Lower Austria, and in metropolitan Vienna. Metastrongyloid larvae were microscopically detected in 25 samples, and sequence analysis confirmed the presence of A. vasorum in one slug (Arion vulgaris; 0.1%) [51].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [51] Fuehrer, H.-P., Morelli, S., Bleicher, J., Brauchart, T., Edler, M., Eisschiel, N., Hering, T., Lercher, S., Mohab, K., and Reinelt, S. (2020). Detection of Crenosoma spp., Angiostrongylus vasorum and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in Gastropods in Eastern Austria. Pathogens, 9. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    There are no published reports of autochthonous D. repens nor D. immitis infections in dogs from Finland.

    “There are no published reports of autochthonous D. repens nor D. immitis infections in dogs from Finland.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [193] Nordling, 2017, Dirofilaria repens transmission in southeastern Finland, Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • Rests on an assumption: The absence of published reports or official records of a parasite in a country indicates that the parasite is absent or not established there.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    There are no reported cases of D. immitis or D. repens from Iceland, and competent mosquito vectors are not present on Iceland.

    “There are no reported cases of D. immitis or D. repens from Iceland. Moreover, competent mosquito vectors are not present on Iceland.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The absence of published reports or official records of a parasite in a country indicates that the parasite is absent or not established there.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    During a period of 15 years, two locations in Denmark reached in July at least once the 130 heartworm development units (HDU), but none of them reached the 130 HDU based on average temperature.

    “during a period of 15 years, two locations in Denmark reached in July at least once the 130 heartworm development units (HDU, the total environment heat required for the development of Dirofilaria from microfilaria to infectious L3 within the mosquito), but none of them reached the 130 HDU based on average temperature [192].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [192] Genchi, 2009, Climate and Dirofilaria infection in Europe, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In Jutland, the prevalence of A. vasorum in red foxes was much lower (1.7-2.3%), but higher than previously reported, indicating that A. vasorum is spreading in the red-fox population in Zealand and Jutland.

    “In Jutland, the prevalence of A. vasorum in red foxes was much lower (1.7–2.3%), but higher than what had previously been reported. This indicates that A. vasorum is spreading in the red-fox population both in New Zealand and in Jutland.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [40] Lemming, 2020, Cardiopulmonary nematodes of wild carnivores from Denmark: Do they serve as reservoir hosts for infections in domestic animals?, Int. J. Parasitol. Parasites Wildl. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The latest study in Denmark (2017/2018) showed that A. vasorum prevalence in red foxes from the remainder of Zealand (37.0%) was now similar to the prevalence in the hyperendemic North Zealand (37.5%), indicating that the hyperendemic area expanded to include all of Zealand.

    “The study showed that A. vasorum prevalence in red foxes originating from the remainder of Zealand (37.0%) was now similar to the prevalence in the hyperendemic North Zealand (37.5%). This indicates that the hyperendemic area expanded to include all of Zealand [40].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [40] Lemming, 2020, Cardiopulmonary nematodes of wild carnivores from Denmark: Do they serve as reservoir hosts for infections in domestic animals?, Int. J. Parasitol. Parasites Wildl. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In a large epidemiological study in Poland in 2013, specific antibodies against A. vasorum were found in 60 of 3345 healthy dogs (1.8%), and parasitic antigens in 43 dogs (1.3%).

    “In a large epidemiological study conducted in 2013, the sera of 3345 healthy dogs from veterinary clinics all over the country were tested; specific antibodies against A. vasorum were found in 60 animals (1.8%), and parasitic antigens in 43 dogs (1.3%) [228].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [228] Schnyder, 2013, Serological detection of circulating Angiostrongylus vasorum antigen-and parasite-specific antibodies in dogs from Poland, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In Denmark, raccoon dogs (15 of 476) and polecats (7 of 14) constitute a reservoir for A. vasorum in Jutland with prevalence ranging from 2.1% to 3.6% and from 50.0% to 100.0%, respectively.

    “In addition, raccoon dogs (15 of 476) and polecats (Mustela putorius) (7 of 14) constitute a reservoir for A. vasorum in Jutland with prevalence ranging from 2.1% to 3.6% and from 50.0% to 100.0%, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [40] Lemming, 2020, Cardiopulmonary nematodes of wild carnivores from Denmark: Do they serve as reservoir hosts for infections in domestic animals?, Int. J. Parasitol. Parasites Wildl. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The parasite was detected in red foxes in Norway for the first time in 2016, and further findings were reported from active surveillance.

    “The parasite was detected in red foxes in the country for the first time in 2016, and further findings were reported from active surveillance [254,255].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [254] Davidson, 2006, Prevalence of Trichinella larvae and extra-intestinal nematodes in Norwegian red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [255] Norwegian Veterinary Institute (2021, July 16). Angiostrongylus Vasorum in Red Foxes. Available online: https://www.vetinst.no/en/surveillance-programmes/angiostrongylus-vasorum-in-red-foxes.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The first finding of A. vasorum in Poland was in red foxes in 2013 in the Augustowska Primeval Forest, with adult nematodes found in 4/76 red foxes (5.0%).

    “The first finding of A. vasorum in Poland (northeast, Augustowska Primeval Forest) was in red foxes in 2013 [226]. Adult nematodes were found in 4/76 red foxes (5.0%).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [226] Demiaszkiewicz, 2014, The first report of Angiostrongylus vasorum (Nematoda; Metastrongyloidea) in Poland, in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), Acta Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The distribution of A. vasorum in Slovakia showed typical spatial clustering and occurred in endemic foci mainly in the eastern part of Slovakia.

    “The distribution of A. vasorum showed typical spatial clustering and occurred in endemic foci mainly in the eastern part of Slovakia.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [48] Druga, 2018, GIS-based environmental analysis of fox and canine lungworm distribution: An epidemiological study of Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis in red foxes from Slovakia, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Between 2014 and 2016, 571 fecal samples from red foxes in Slovakia were investigated for L1 of A. vasorum, and parasitic presence was confirmed in 31 animals, representing an average prevalence of 4.4%.

    “Between 2014 and 2016, 571 fecal samples from red foxes, originating from all Slovak regions, were investigated for L1 of A. vasorum. The parasitic presence was confirmed in 31 animals, representing an average prevalence of 4.4%.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [48] Druga, 2018, GIS-based environmental analysis of fox and canine lungworm distribution: An epidemiological study of Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis in red foxes from Slovakia, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Since then, North Zealand has been a hyperendemic focus of A. vasorum in red foxes and domestic dogs for decades, while the parasite was either absent or with low prevalence in red foxes in the remainder of Denmark (0.0-1.1%).

    “Since then, North Zealand has been a hyperendemic focus of A. vasorum in red foxes and domestic dogs for decades [245,247], while the parasite was either absent or with low prevalence in red foxes in the remainder of Denmark (0.0–1.1%) [247,248,249].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [245] Bolt, 1992, The fox (Vulpes vulpes) as a reservoir for canine angiostrongylosis in Denmark. Field survey and experimental infections, Acta Vet. Scand. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [247] Saeed, 2006, Helminths of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Denmark, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [248] Jacobsen, D.K.L. (2021, July 20). Prævalensundersøgelse af Crenosoma vulpis og Angiostrongylus Vasorum Hos ræv (Vulpes vulpes) og hund (Canis familiaris) i et område i Midtjylland-DK. Available online: https://www.ddd.dk/media/2130/2007-08-keld-loekkegaard-jacobsen.pdf.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [249] Halasa, 2014, Infections with cardiopulmonary and intestinal helminths and sarcoptic mange in red foxes from two different localities in Denmark, Acta Parasitol.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    In several Central European countries, more than 30.0% of the dogs are estimated to stay outside overnight, and so they are at a higher risk for mosquito bites compared to dogs staying inside.

    “In several Central European countries, more than 30.0% of the dogs are estimated to stay outside overnight (Figure 2), and so they are at a higher risk for mosquito bites compared to dogs staying inside.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In Europe, the epizootiological picture of cardiopulmonary and subcutaneous dirofilariosis caused by D. immitis and D. repens, respectively, and of canine angiostrongylosis due to A. vasorum has been modified, with these diseases expanding their geographical distribution.

    “In Europe, this has led to the modification of the epizootiological picture of diseases with key relevance in veterinary medicine, e.g., of cardiopulmonary and subcutaneous dirofilariosis caused by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, respectively, and of canine angiostrongylosis due to Angiostrongylus vasorum, which have expanded their geographical distribution”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 7 sources checked
    • cites [4] Tritten, 2020, Conquering Switzerland: The emergence of Angiostrongylus vasorum in foxes over three decades and its rapid regional increase in prevalence contrast with the stable occurrence of lungworms, Parasitology source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [8] Elsheikha, 2014, Recent advances in the epidemiology, clinical and diagnostic features, and control of canine cardio-pulmonary angiostrongylosis, Vet. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [9] Capelli, 2018, Recent advances on Dirofilaria repens in dogs and humans in Europe, Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [10] Genchi, 2020, The prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens in the Old World, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [11] Alsarraf, 2021, Emerging risk of Dirofilaria spp. infection in Northeastern Europe: High prevalence of Dirofilaria repens in sled dog kennels from the Baltic countries, Sci. Rep. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [12] Deksne, 2020, Parasites in the changing world—Ten timely examples from the Nordic-Baltic region, Parasite Epidemiol. Control source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [13] Deksne, 2021, The Zoonotic Parasite Dirofilaria repens Emerged in the Baltic Countries Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in 2008–2012 and Became Established and Endemic in a Decade, Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The first documented canine D. repens infection and mixed dirofilarial infection in Austria, all imported cases, were published in 2001.

    “The first documented canine D. repens infection and mixed dirofilarial infection in Austria, all of them imported cases, were published in 2001”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [59] Kleiter, 2001, Kutane Dirofilariose (Dirofilaria repens) bei zwei nach Österreich importierten Hunden, Kleintierpraxis

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    A review reported 37 dogs with D. repens infection and 25 dogs with D. immitis infection in Austria till 2014, a total of 62 cases within 18 years.

    “a review on canine and human dirofilarial cases in Austria reported 37 dogs with D. repens infection (including the seven possibly autochthonous infections) and 25 dogs with D. immitis infection till 2014—a total of 62 cases within 18 years”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [62] Fuehrer, H.-P., Auer, H., Leschnik, M., Silbermayr, K., Duscher, G.G., and Joachim, A. (2016). Dirofilaria in Humans, Dogs, and Vectors in Austria (1978–2014)-From Imported Pathogens to the Endemicity of Dirofilaria repens. PLoS Negl. Trop. Dis., 10. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    The first diagnosed cases of imported canine D. immitis infection in Austria were published in 1987 and 1988.

    “The first diagnosed cases of imported canine D. immitis infection in Austria were published in 1987 and 1988”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [57] Hinaidy, 1987, Einschleppung der Hunde-Filarien Dirofilaria immitis und Dipetalonema reconditum nach Osterreich, J. Vet. Med. Ser. B source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [58] Meissel, 1988, Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in Austria, Wiener Tierarztliche Monatsschrift

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In the four following years, 84 more cases were documented till 2018 in Austria, mostly D. immitis infections from imported dogs, and 10 additional dogs with coinfections of D. repens and D. immitis.

    “In the four following years, 84 more cases were documented till 2018, mostly D. immitis infections from imported dogs, and 10 additional dogs with coinfections of D. repens and D. immitis”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [63] Sonnberger, 2020, Current trends in canine dirofilariosis in Austria—do we face a pre-endemic status?, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In the Military Working Dog Training Centre in Eastern Austria, two of 96 dogs tested positive for D. repens - one from Hungary and one originating from Austria.

    “In the Military Working Dog Training Centre in Eastern Austria, two of 96 dogs tested positive for D. repens – one from Hungary and one originating from Austria”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [65] Sonnberger, 2021, Vector-borne pathogens in clinically healthy military working dogs in eastern Austria, Parasitol. Int. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Neither D. repens nor D. immitis have yet been reported from wild canids in Austria.

    “Neither D. repens nor D. immitis have yet been reported from wild canids in Austria”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [67] Mrowietz, 2018, Occurrence and diversity of arthropod-transmitted pathogens in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in western Austria, and possible vertical (transplacental) transmission of Hepatozoon canis, Parasitology source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    While cases of D. repens are commonly reported in dogs in South Moravia, no recent reports of D. immitis are available in the Czech Republic.

    “However, while cases of D. repens are commonly reported in dogs in South Moravia, no recent reports of D. immitis are available”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In the Czech Republic, D. immitis was only reported by Svobodová et al.; autochthonous infection by the parasite has not been detected since then.

    “In the Czech Republic, D. immitis was only reported by Svobodová et al. [77,78]. This steeply contrasts the virtual absence of heartworm disease in the Czech Republic, and the autochthonous infection by the parasite has not been detected since then”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [77] Svobodova, 2005, The potential risk of Dirofilaria immitis becoming established in the Czech Republic by imported dogs, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [78] Genchi, 2006, The first report of authochthonous dirofilariosis in dogs in the Czech Republic, Helminthologia source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    From 1978 to 2014, 33 cases of human dirofilariasis caused by D. repens were reported in Austria (30 cases), and three cases caused by D. immitis, rising to a total of 39 cases in 2020.

    “From 1978 to 2014, 33 cases of human dirofilariasis caused by D. repens were reported in Austria (30 cases), and three cases caused by D. immitis, rising to a total of 39 cases in 2020”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [62] Fuehrer, H.-P., Auer, H., Leschnik, M., Silbermayr, K., Duscher, G.G., and Joachim, A. (2016). Dirofilaria in Humans, Dogs, and Vectors in Austria (1978–2014)-From Imported Pathogens to the Endemicity of Dirofilaria repens. PLoS Negl. Trop. Dis., 10. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [70] Riebenbauer, 2021, Human dirofilariosis in Austria: The past, the present, the future, Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [71] Haim, 2020, A case of human Dirofilaria repens infection, causing an asymptomatic subcutaneous nodule, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Over the past four decades, incidence of human dirofilariasis in Austria has markedly increased, particularly after 1998.

    “Over the past four decades, incidence has markedly increased, particularly after 1998”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [62] Fuehrer, H.-P., Auer, H., Leschnik, M., Silbermayr, K., Duscher, G.G., and Joachim, A. (2016). Dirofilaria in Humans, Dogs, and Vectors in Austria (1978–2014)-From Imported Pathogens to the Endemicity of Dirofilaria repens. PLoS Negl. Trop. Dis., 10. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [70] Riebenbauer, 2021, Human dirofilariosis in Austria: The past, the present, the future, Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [71] Haim, 2020, A case of human Dirofilaria repens infection, causing an asymptomatic subcutaneous nodule, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Ae. albopictus was first recorded in Vienna, Austria in August 2020; the species occurred in three sites within the capital city.

    “Ae. albopictus was first recorded in Vienna, Austria in August 2020. The species occurred in three sites within the capital city of Austria”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [76] Bakran-Lebl, K., Zittra, C., Harl, J., Barogh, B.S., Grätzl, A., Ebmer, D., Schaffner, F., and Fuehrer, H.-P. (2021). Arrival of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1895) in Vienna, Austria, and initial monitoring activities. Transbound. Emerg. Dis. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Aedes japonicus eggs were identified in Lower Austria, Styria, and Burgenland; Ae. japonicus was first found in Vienna in July 2017.

    “Aedes japonicus eggs were identified in Lower Austria, Styria, and Burgenland. Ae. japonicus was first found in Vienna in July 2017 during a routine sampling of adult mosquitoes”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [74] Schoener, 2019, Monitoring of alien mosquitoes of the genus Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Austria, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    D. repens in mosquitos in Eastern Austria was first detected by PCR in 2012; two of 437 pools of collected mosquitoes close to the Hungarian border gave a positive result.

    “D. repens in mosquitos in Eastern Austria was first detected by PCR in 2012. A low local prevalence was supposed, as two of 437 pools of collected mosquitoes close to the Hungarian border gave a positive result”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [72] Silbermayr, 2014, Autochthonous Dirofilaria repens in Austria, Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In 2018, Austria was classified as endemic for D. repens (but not for D. immitis) with sporadic human cases.

    “In 2018, Austria was classified as endemic for D. repens (but not for D. immitis) with sporadic human cases”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [9] Capelli, 2018, Recent advances on Dirofilaria repens in dogs and humans in Europe, Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In a local survey in Eastern Austria in 2008, seven out of 98 canine blood samples tested positive for D. repens by PCR; two dogs had no reported stay abroad, possibly documenting the first autochthonous infections.

    “In a local survey in Eastern Austria in 2008, seven out of 98 canine blood samples tested positive for D. repens by PCR—two dogs were not reported to have had any stay abroad; this may have documented the first autochthonous infections”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [61] Duscher, 2009, Nachweis von Dirofilarien in österreichischen Hunden, Berliner und Munchener Tierarztliche Wochenschrift

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In 2013-2015, 45,848 mosquitos were sampled and analyzed for filarioid DNA by PCR; D. repens DNA was found in an Anopheles plumbeus mosquito close to the Slovakian border, confirming that D. repens is still endemic in low prevalence in Eastern Austria.

    “In 2013–2015, 45,848 mosquitos were sampled and analyzed for filarioid DNA by PCR. The DNA of D. repens was found in an Anopheles plumbeus mosquito close to the Slovakian border, confirming that D. repens is still endemic in low prevalence in Eastern Austria”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [73] Cuk, 2018, Xenomonitoring of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) for the Presence of Filarioid Helminths in Eastern Austria, Can. J. Infect. Dis. Med. Microbiol.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In dogs imported between 2007 and 2015, a prevalence of 7.3% was found in the 178 tested individuals in Germany; of the 13 positive dogs, eight were diagnosed with D. immitis, three with D. repens, one with D. reconditum, and no differentiation was performed in one dog.

    “In dogs imported between 2007 and 2015, a prevalence of 7.3% was found in the 178 tested individuals. Of the 13 positive dogs, eight were diagnosed with D. immitis, three with D. repens, one with D. reconditum, and no differentiation was performed in one dog”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [109] Volkmann, 2019, Retrospective evaluation of vector-borne infections in dogs imported from the Mediterranean region and southeastern Europe (2007–2015), Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Both D. repens and D. immitis were found in mosquitoes originating from Southwestern and Northeastern Germany, from Baden-Wurttemberg, and Berlin and Brandenburg, from which autochthonous D. repens infections in dogs were also reported.

    “Both D. repens and D. immitis were found in mosquitoes originating from Southwestern and Northeastern Germany, more precisely from the federal states of Baden-Wurttemberg, and Berlin and Brandenburg, from which the autochthonous D. repens infections in dogs were also reported”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [100] Kronefeld, 2014, Molecular detection of Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens and Setaria tundra in mosquitoes from Germany, Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    While no Dirofilaria DNA was found in more than 80,000 mosquitos collected throughout Germany between 2009 and 2010, D. repens DNA was observed in 2011 in a pool of Culiseta annulata; in 2012, in two pools of An. maculipennis s.l. and each one of Anopheles daciae and Aedes vexans; and in 2016, in one Anopheles messeae pool.

    “While no Dirofilaria DNA was found in more than 80,000 mosquitos collected throughout Germany between 2009 and 2010 [97], D. repens DNA was observed in 2011 in a pool consisting of Culiseta annulata; in 2012, in two pools of An. maculipennis s.l. and each one of Anopheles daciae and Aedes vexans; and in 2016, in one Anopheles messeae pool”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [97] Czajka, 2012, Molecular detection of Setaria tundra (Nematoda: Filarioidea) and an unidentified filarial species in mosquitoes in Germany, Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [98] Czajka, 2014, Stable transmission of Dirofilaria repens nematodes, northern Germany, Emerg. Infect. Dis. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [99] Heym, 2019, Molecular detection of vector-borne pathogens from mosquitoes collected in two zoological gardens in Germany, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [100] Kronefeld, 2014, Molecular detection of Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens and Setaria tundra in mosquitoes from Germany, Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Three years later, further autochthonous D. repens infections were reported from a sledge-dog kennel in Northeastern Germany, and the parasite was identified in three of 44 Southwestern German hunting dogs with no history of traveling.

    “Three years later, further autochthonous D. repens infections were reported from a sledge-dog kennel in Northeastern Germany [89], and the parasite was also identified in three of 44 Southwestern German hunting dogs with no history of traveling”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [89] Sassnau, 2009, Dirofilaria-repens-Befall in einem Schlittenhunde-Rudel im Land Brandenburg. Diagnose und Therapie der kaninen kutanen Dirofilariose, Tierarztl. Prax. Ausg. K Kleintiere. Heimtiere. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [90] Pantchev, 2009, Current surveys on the prevalence and distribution of Dirofilaria spp. in dogs in Germany, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In 2004-2009, Knott's test revealed microfilariae in 6.4-7.7% of dogs in Germany; no species differentiation was carried out.

    “In a similar period (2004–2009), Knott´s test revealed microfilariae in 6.4–7.7% of dogs; however, no species differentiation was carried out”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [93] Hamel, 2011, Retrospective evaluation of laboratory data on canine vector-borne infections from the years 2004–2008, Berliner und Munchener Tierarztliche Wochenschrift

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [94] Vrhovec, 2017, Retrospective Analysis of Canine Vector-borne Diseases (CVBD) in Germany with Emphasis on the Endemicity and Risk Factors of Leishmaniosis, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [95] Menn, 2010, Imported and travelling dogs as carriers of canine vector-borne pathogens in Germany, Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Of the 618 cats subjected to Dirofilaria spp. PCR included in the feline travel profile in Germany, one (0.2%) tested positive, but no further species differentiation was conducted.

    “Of the 618 cats subjected to Dirofilaria spp. PCR included in the feline travel profile, one (0.2%) tested positive, but no further species differentiation was conducted”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [111] Kohn, 2021, Retrospective evaluation of vector-borne pathogens in cats living in Germany (2012–2020), Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Distribution of D. repens in the Czech Republic shows a strong geographic pattern and is not homogenous; prevalence in endemic regions is higher.

    “However, distribution shows a strong geographic pattern and is not homogenous; prevalence in endemic regions is higher”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [79] Zuzana, 2021, Different epidemiological pattern of canine dirofilariosis in two neighboring countries in Cent0ral Europe-the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In Saxony-Anhalt, an autochthonous infection was diagnosed in a dog in 2010; in 2014, the first German autochthonous human case was reported.

    “Likewise, in the German federal state of Saxony-Anhalt, which borders Brandenburg to the west, an autochthonous infection was diagnosed in a dog in 2010 [105]; in 2014, the first German autochthonous human case was reported”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [105] Daugschies, 2015, Dirofilaria-repens-Befall bei einem Hund aus Mitteldeutschland ohne Reisevorbericht. Ein Fallbericht, Tierarztl. Prax. Ausg. K Kleintiere. Heimtiere. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [106] Tappe, 2014, A case of autochthonous human Dirofilaria infection, Germany, March 2014, Euro Surveill. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Dirofilaria repens is well-known among veterinary clinicians in South Moravia, and its presence was also confirmed in mosquitoes.

    “Dirofilaria repens is well-known among veterinary clinicians in South Moravia, and its presence was also confirmed in mosquitoes”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [80] Rudolf, 2014, Zoonotic Dirofilaria repens (Nematoda: Filarioidea) in Aedes vexans mosquitoes, Czech Republic, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingcitation

    D. immitis DNA was amplified in two Culex pipiens/torrentium pools in 2012 in Germany.

    “Furthermore, D. immitis DNA was amplified in two Culex pipiens/torrentium pools in 2012”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [100] Kronefeld, 2014, Molecular detection of Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens and Setaria tundra in mosquitoes from Germany, Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Both federal states were considered climatically suitable for dirofilarial development in the mosquito vector and classified as risk regions for stable endemicity.

    “Moreover, both federal states were considered to be climatically suitable for dirofilarial development in the mosquito vector and classified as risk regions for stable endemicity”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [101] Sassnau, 2014, Climate suitability for the transmission of Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens in Germany, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [102] Sassnau, 2014, Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis DNA findings in mosquitoes in Germany: Temperature data allow autochthonous extrinsic development, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [103] Sassnau, 2013, Qualitative risk assessment for the endemisation of Dirofilaria repens in the state of Brandenburg (Germany) based on temperature-dependent vector competence, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    In Germany, reports on imported Dirofilaria spp. infections started at the end of the last century, although no epidemiological framework was usually given.

    “In Germany, reports on imported Dirofilaria spp. infections started at the end of the last century, although no epidemiological framework was usually given”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In 1993-1996, a total of 155 imported or traveled dogs were diagnosed with filarioid infections in Germany, 10 with D. repens, 115 with D. immitis, and one with coinfection of D. immitis and Dipetalonema reconditum.

    “In 1993–1996, a total of 155 imported or traveled dogs were diagnosed with filarioid infections [84,85,86,87], 10 of them with D. repens, 115 with D. immitis, and one dog with a coinfection of D. immitis and Dipetalonema reconditum”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [84] Glaser, 1998, Importierte arthropodenübertragene Parasiten und parasitische Arthropoden beim Hund. Erregerspektrum und epidemiologische Analyse der 1995/96 diagnostizierten Fälle, Tierarztl. Prax. Ausg. K Kleintiere. Heimtiere.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [85] Schrey, C.F. (1996). Epidemiologische Fallanalyse und Klinik der Kardiovaskulären Dirofilariose (Herzwurmerkrankung) bei Hunden in Deutschland, Free University of Berlin.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [86] Wohlsein, 1996, Leishmaniose und Filariose bei einem Hund, Kleintierpraxis

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [87] Zahler, 1997, Imported parasites in dogs: Dirofilaria repens and Dipetalonema reconditum, Tierarztliche Praxis

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In a study only including traveling dogs, none tested positive for D. immitis antigen (380 dogs) or microfilariae (223 dogs).

    “In a study only including traveling dogs, none of the individuals tested positive for D. immitis antigen (380 dogs) or microfilariae (223 dogs)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [96] Hamel, 2011, Canine vector-borne disease in travelled dogs in Germany--a retrospective evaluation of laboratory data from the years 2004–2008, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Between 2014 and 2020, the first serological tests were carried out to detect antibodies against D. immitis among others; serum from road-kill red foxes (n = 50) and raccoons (n = 81) was analyzed across Luxembourg.

    “Between 2014 and 2020, the first serological tests were carried out, using the rapid diagnostic device to detect antibodies against D. immitis, among others. Serum from road-kill red foxes (n = 50) and raccoons (Procyon lotor) (n = 81) was analyzed across Luxembourg”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    A significant cluster of microfilaremic dogs was found in the southern part of Hungary, where D. repens was the most frequent filarioid parasite in mosquito samples.

    “A significant cluster of microfilaremic dogs were found in the southern part of the country [120], where D. repens was the most frequent filarioid parasite in mosquito samples”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [120] Farkas, 2020, The current situation of canine dirofilariosis in Hungary, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [121] Kemenesi, 2015, Circulation of Dirofilaria repens, Setaria tundra, and Onchocercidae species in Hungary during the period 2011–2013, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Since that time, examinations of dogs, red foxes, golden jackals, and one ferret revealed that D. immitis is endemic in Hungary, and the Great Hungarian Plain is hyperendemic.

    “Since that time, the examinations of dogs [120,125,126,127,128], red foxes, golden jackals (Canis aureus) [129], and one ferret (Mustela furo) [130] revealed that D. immitis is endemic in the country, and the Great Hungarian Plain is hyperendemic”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 7 sources checked
    • cites [120] Farkas, 2020, The current situation of canine dirofilariosis in Hungary, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [125] Farkas, 2014, Seroprevalence of some vector-borne infections of dogs in Hungary, Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [126] Hetyey, 2014, Dirofilaria immitis elso magyarországi kimutatása a tüdo-artériában echokardiográfiás vizsgálattal, Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [127] Bacsadi, 2016, Retrospective study on the distribution of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in Hungary, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [128] Becker, 2017, Okkult Dirofilaria immitis szívférgesség kutyában: Esetismertetés és irodalmi áttekintés, Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [129] Tolnai, 2014, Dirofilaria immitis: An emerging parasite in dogs, red foxes and golden jackals in hungary, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [130] Fok, 2010, Autochthonous Dirofilaria immitis infection in a ferret with aberrant larval migration in Europe, J. Small Anim. Pract. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Although human dirofilariosis is not a notifiable disease in Hungary, a few dozen ocular and subcutaneous dirofilarioses were reported during the last two decades.

    “Although human dirofilariosis is not a notifiable disease in the country, a few dozen ocular and subcutaneous dirofilarioses were reported during the last two decades”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [113] Pampiglione, 2008, Human dirofilariosis in Hungary: An emerging zoonosis in central Europe, Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [114] Fodor, 2009, Recently recognized cases of ophthalmofilariasis in Hungary, Eur. J. Ophthalmol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [115] Bereczki, 2015, Description of five dirofilariasis cases in South Hungary and review epidemiology of this disease for the country, Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The highest prevalence (53.0%) and highest intensity of infection were found in the Radom district (Southern Mazovia).

    “The highest prevalence (53.0%) and the highest intensity of infection were found in the Radom district (Southern Mazovia)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [139] Demiaszkiewicz, 2014, Prevalence and distribution of Dirofilaria repens Railliet et Henry, 1911 in dogs in Poland, Pol. J. Vet. Sci. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The highest prevalence (25.8%) was found in Mazovia, Central Poland; about 12.0-16.0% of dogs were positive in Eastern Poland, while much lower prevalence was noted in western and northern areas.

    “The highest prevalence (25.8%) was found in Mazovia, Central Poland. About 12.0–16.0% of dogs were positive in Eastern Poland, while much lower prevalence was noted in western and northern areas of the country”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [141] Demiaszkiewicz, 2014, The prevalence and distribution of Dirofilaria repens in dogs in the Mazovian Province of central-eastern Poland, Ann. Agric. Environ. Med. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In a study of Demiaszkiewicz, 462 dogs aged 1.5-14 years were examined using the Knott method; microfilariae of D. repens were found in dogs from Warsaw and 18 districts of Mazovia; overall prevalence was 25.8%.

    “In a study of Demiaszkiewicz [139], 462 dogs aged 1.5–14 years were examined, using the Knott method. Microfilariae of D. repens were found in the blood of dogs originating from the city of Warsaw and from 18 districts of Mazovia (Mazowieckie). Overall prevalence was 25.8%”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [139] Demiaszkiewicz, 2014, Prevalence and distribution of Dirofilaria repens Railliet et Henry, 1911 in dogs in Poland, Pol. J. Vet. Sci. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The first cases of human dirofilariasis (D. repens) in Poland preceded the reports on D. repens in dogs, and were between 2007 and 2009.

    “The first cases of human dirofilariasis (D. repens) preceded the reports on D. repens in dogs, and were between 2007 and 2009”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [144] Cielecka, 2007, Przypadek inwazji Dirofilaria repens (Leidy, 1856)(Nematoda: Filarioidea: Onchocercidae) u pacjenta w Warszawie, Wiadomości Parazytologiczne

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [145] Cielecka, 2008, Dirofilarioza—Dirofilaria repens, po raz pierwszy opisana u polskich pacjentów, Przegląd Epidemiologiczny

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [146] Okulewicz, 2009, Dirofilaria repens–pierwszy przypadek dirofilariozy podspojówkowej w Polsce, Przewodnik Lekarza

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    DNA analyses revealed D. repens mono-infection in 125 dogs and mixed D. repens/D. immitis infection in three dogs in the Slovak working-dog monitoring.

    “DNA analyses revealed D. repens mono-infection in 125 dogs and mixed D. repens/D. immitis infection in three dogs”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [156] 2010, Dirofilaria infections in working dogs in Slovakia, J. Helminthol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In February 2007, the first monitoring covering two areas of Southwest and Southeast Slovakia was carried out; the study encompassing 287 dogs revealed microfilariae in 99 dogs, an overall prevalence of 34.5%.

    “In February 2007, the first monitoring covering two areas of Southwest and Southeast Slovakia was carried out. The study, encompassing 287 dogs of different age, gender, and breed, revealed microfilariae in 99 dogs, representing an overall prevalence of 34.5%”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [155] 2008, Dirofilariosis in Slovakia-a new endemic area in Central Europe, Helminthologia source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In another study, 147 blood samples from cats from Central Poland and 257 blood samples from dogs from Central, Northern, Southern, and Western Poland were collected in 2013-2015; no positive dogs were noted from Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk.

    “In another study [18], 147 blood samples from cats from Central Poland, and 257 blood samples from dogs from Central, Northern, Southern, and Western Poland were collected in the period of 2013–2015. No positive dogs were noted from Kraków (Southern Poland), Wrocław (Western Poland), and Gdańsk (Northern Poland)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [18] Bajer, A., Rodo, A., Mierzejewska, E.J., Tołkacz, K., and Welc-Falęciak, R. (2016). The prevalence of Dirofilaria repens in cats, healthy dogs and dogs with concurrent babesiosis in an expansion zone in central Europe. BMC Vet. Res., 12. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Within the 2007 Slovak monitoring, utilization of dogs was revealed as an important risk factor for the infection; police, guard, and hunting dogs, with prevalence rates of 51.1%, 50.0%, and 40.0%, respectively, were more often found to be infected when compared with companion dogs (average prevalence 7.8%).

    “Within this research, the utilization of dogs was revealed as an important risk factor for the infection. Police, guard, and hunting dogs, with prevalence rates of 51.1%, 50.0%, and 40.0%, respectively, were more often found to be infected when compared with companion dogs (an average prevalence rate of 7.8%)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [155] 2008, Dirofilariosis in Slovakia-a new endemic area in Central Europe, Helminthologia source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    A comprehensive study summarizing research of canine dirofilariosis in Slovakia between 2005 and 2015 was published in 2016; during the 10-year study, 4043 dogs from all Slovak regions were examined; microfilariae were found in 450 dogs, an average prevalence of 11.1%.

    “A comprehensive study summarizing research of canine dirofilariosis in Slovakia between 2005 and 2015 was published in 2016 [157]. During the 10-year study, a total of 4043 dogs from all Slovak regions were examined for Dirofilaria spp. Microfilariae were found in the peripheral-blood system of 450 dogs, representing an average prevalence of 11.1%”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [157] Stloukal, 2016, Canine dirofilariosis endemic in Central Europe-10 years of epidemiological study in Slovakia, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Between September 2007 and February 2010, a monitoring program of canine dirofilariosis aimed at working (police and military) dogs was performed in Slovakia; all 710 dogs from all Slovak regions were examined; microfilariae were detected in 128 (18.0%) dogs.

    “Between September 2007 and February 2010, a monitoring program of canine dirofilariosis aimed at working (police and military) dogs was performed in Slovakia. All 710 (591 police and 119 military) dogs from all Slovak regions were examined for Dirofilaria spp. presence. Microfilariae were detected in blood of 128 (18.0%) dogs (118 police and 10 military)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [156] 2010, Dirofilaria infections in working dogs in Slovakia, J. Helminthol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In all positive dogs in the 2007 Slovak monitoring, D. repens was detected, and in six of them, coinfection with D. immitis was confirmed.

    “In all positive dogs, D. repens was detected, and in six of them, coinfection with D. immitis was confirmed”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [155] 2008, Dirofilariosis in Slovakia-a new endemic area in Central Europe, Helminthologia source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Results of three epidemiological studies revealed very low or zero prevalence of D. immitis in Poland; in the largest study in 2014, 3094 healthy dogs were tested by rapid diagnostic devices, and only 0.2% (n = 5) tested positive, with no information on clinical signs or origin.

    “Results of three epidemiological studies revealed very low or zero prevalence: in the largest study in 2014, 3094 healthy dogs from the area of Poland were tested by rapid diagnostic devices. Only 0.2% of the samples tested positive (n = 5), with no information on clinical signs or origin (imported vs. autochthonous) of dogs”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [153] Schaper, 2014, Serological detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Ehrlichia canis antibodies and Dirofilaria immitis antigen in a countrywide survey in dogs in Poland, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In Slovakia, autochthonous canine dirofilariosis was recorded for the first time in 2005, when D. repens was confirmed in 13 dogs, and D. immitis in two other dogs from Bratislava and Komárno districts; all infected dogs were asymptomatic.

    “In Slovakia, autochthonous canine dirofilariosis was recorded for the first time in 2005, when D. repens was confirmed in 13 dogs, and D. immitis in two other dogs from Bratislava and Komárno districts situated in the southwestern part of the country bordering Austria and Hungary. All infected dogs were asymptomatic”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [154] Svobodova, 2005, First cases of canine dirofilariosis in Slovakia: A case report, Veterinární Medicína source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In 2019, a rapid diagnostic device test was carried out on 167 healthy sled dogs from Lithuania (n = 46), Latvia (n = 24), Estonia (n = 20), and Poland (n = 35), and on 42 healthy pet dogs from Poland, including 20 dogs positive for D. repens; no positive results were obtained, and no cross-reaction with D. repens-infected dogs was detected.

    “In 2019, a rapid diagnostic device test was carried out on 167 healthy sled dogs from Lithuania (n = 46), Latvia (n = 24), Estonia (n = 20), and Poland (n = 35), and on 42 healthy pet dogs from Poland, including 20 dogs positive for D. repens [11]. No positive results were obtained, and no cross-reaction with D. repens–infected dogs was detected”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [11] Alsarraf, 2021, Emerging risk of Dirofilaria spp. infection in Northeastern Europe: High prevalence of Dirofilaria repens in sled dog kennels from the Baltic countries, Sci. Rep. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    DNA analysis confirmed D. repens mono-infection in 440 animals, mixed D. repens and D. immitis infection in nine dogs, and one dog was infected only with D. immitis in the 2005-2015 Slovak study.

    “DNA analysis confirmed D. repens mono-infection in 440 animals, mixed D. repens and D. immitis infection in nine dogs, and one dog was infected only with D. immitis”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [157] Stloukal, 2016, Canine dirofilariosis endemic in Central Europe-10 years of epidemiological study in Slovakia, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Between 2007 and 2011, a total of 18 D. repens infections were detected in humans in Poland; parasitic lesions were located in various parts of the body as subcutaneous nodules containing single nematodes surrounded by granulation tissue (15 cases); in three cases, subconjunctival localization was found.

    “Between 2007 and 2011, a total of 18 D. repens infections were detected in humans in Poland. Parasitic lesions were located in various parts of the body in the form of subcutaneous nodules containing single nematodes surrounded by granulation tissue (15 cases). In three cases, subconjunctival localization was found”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [147] Cielecka, 2012, Human dirofilariosis in Poland: The first cases of autochthonous infections with Dirofilaria repens, Ann. Agric. Environ. Med.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Of the 18 described human cases in Poland, 17 were in Central Poland; autochthonous infections were identified in three women who had never left Poland.

    “Of the 18 described cases, 17 were in Central Poland. In this area, autochthonous infections were identified in three women who had never left Poland”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [147] Cielecka, 2012, Human dirofilariosis in Poland: The first cases of autochthonous infections with Dirofilaria repens, Ann. Agric. Environ. Med.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The spatial distribution of Dirofilaria spp. in Slovakia showed significant regional differences; highest above-average prevalence rates were steadily recorded in southern regions of Nitra (over 25.0%), Trnava (18.4%), and Košice (12.7%); in northern regions (Žilina and Prešov) bordering Poland, prevalence ranged between 2.0% and 4.0%.

    “The spatial distribution of Dirofilaria spp. showed significant regional differences. The highest above-average prevalence rates were steadily recorded in the southern regions of Nitra (over 25.0%), Trnava (18.4%), and Košice (12.7%). In the northern regions of Slovakia (Žilina and Prešov) bordering Poland, prevalence ranged between 2.0% and 4.0%”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [157] Stloukal, 2016, Canine dirofilariosis endemic in Central Europe-10 years of epidemiological study in Slovakia, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Only in seven dogs could an autochthonous source of the infection not be unambiguously evidenced, and only in four infected dogs was a health state alternation, including dermal changes, observed.

    “Only in seven dogs could an autochthonous source of the infection not be unambiguously evidenced, and only in four infected dogs was a health state alternation, including dermal changes, observed”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [155] 2008, Dirofilariosis in Slovakia-a new endemic area in Central Europe, Helminthologia source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    One of the D. immitis-positive dogs in the 2015 Slovak study came from Southeast Slovakia, and the remaining four from Komárno district, in the southwest, where D. immitis was confirmed in previous studies.

    “One of the D. immitis–positive dogs came from Southeast Slovakia, and the remaining four from Komárno district, in the southwest, where D. immitis was confirmed in previous studies”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [158] Pantchev, 2015, Recent study on canine vector-borne zoonoses in southern Slovakia-serologic survey, Acta Parasitol.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Subsequent DNA analysis in the 2019 Slovak study confirmed D. repens mono-infection in 38 (5.9%) dogs, a single D. immitis infection in 21 (3.3%) animals, and both Dirofilaria species were detected in nine (1.4%) samples.

    “Subsequent DNA analysis confirmed D. repens mono-infection in 38 (5.9%) dogs, a single D. immitis infection in 21 (3.3%) animals, and both Dirofilaria species were detected in nine (1.4%) samples”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [79] Zuzana, 2021, Different epidemiological pattern of canine dirofilariosis in two neighboring countries in Cent0ral Europe-the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The first outbreak of heartworm infection in Slovakia was recorded in a dog-breeding establishment in the district of Dunajská Streda, Trnava region, near the border with Hungary; out of 25 examined dogs, dirofilariosis was diagnosed in 18 animals (72.0%).

    “The first outbreak of heartworm infection was recorded in a dog-breeding establishment in the district of Dunajská Streda, Trnava region, near the border with Hungary. Out of 25 examined dogs (22 Newfoundlands, two Central Asia shepherd dogs, and one Sarplaninac), dirofilariosis was diagnosed in 18 animals (72.0%)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [159] 2018, Heartworm on the rise-new insights into Dirofilaria immitis epidemiology, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Currently, there is no officially reported number of human cases of dirofilariasis in Slovenia.

    “Currently, there is no officially reported number of human cases of dirofilariasis in Slovenia.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In the Slovak heartworm outbreak, ten of the infected dogs were positive only for D. immitis, two for D. repens, and mixed infection was confirmed in six dogs; occult D. immitis infections without circulating microfilariae were recorded in six dogs; no dogs showed clinical signs of heartworm disease.

    “Ten of the infected dogs were positive only for D. immitis, two for D. repens, and mixed infection was confirmed in six dogs. Occult D. immitis infections without circulating microfilariae were recorded in six dogs. No dogs showed clinical signs of heartworm disease”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [159] 2018, Heartworm on the rise-new insights into Dirofilaria immitis epidemiology, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The course of the infection in the two Slovak Tibetan Mastiff siblings markedly differed; the female dog manifested no health-status alternation, while the male dog exhibited severe clinical signs, including elevated creatinine and urea levels, increased liver hyperechogenicity, and hepatomegaly; the dog died five days after hospitalization.

    “The course of the infection in the two dogs markedly differed. Although the female dog manifested no health-status alternation, the male dog exhibited severe clinical signs, including elevated creatinine and urea levels, increased liver hyperechogenicity, and hepatomegaly. The dog died five days after hospitalization”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [160] Bielik, 2020, The fatal case of an autochthonous heartworm disease in a dog from a non-endemic region of south-eastern Slovakia, Helminthologia

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The first registered fatal case of canine heartworm disease in Slovakia was recorded in 2019; in two seven-year-old Tibetan Mastiff siblings from the Košice region, Southeast Slovakia, raised in the same household, D. immitis was confirmed.

    “The first registered fatal case of canine heartworm disease was recorded in 2019. In two seven-year-old Tibetan Mastiff siblings from the Košice region, Southeast Slovakia, raised in the same household, D. immitis was confirmed”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [160] Bielik, 2020, The fatal case of an autochthonous heartworm disease in a dog from a non-endemic region of south-eastern Slovakia, Helminthologia

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The most recent epidemiological study on canine dirofilariosis in Slovakia was carried out in late 2019; 644 randomly selected dogs were examined; microfilariae were present in 68 blood samples with an overall prevalence of 10.6%.

    “The most recent epidemiological study on canine dirofilariosis in Slovakia was carried out in late 2019. Within the study, 644 randomly selected dogs were examined for the presence of Dirofilaria spp. Microfilariae were present in 68 blood samples with an overall prevalence of 10.6%”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [79] Zuzana, 2021, Different epidemiological pattern of canine dirofilariosis in two neighboring countries in Cent0ral Europe-the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Dirofilaria spp. infection is reported at the genus level in Sweden, so it is not possible to describe which of D. immitis and D. repens has been diagnosed more often.

    “Unfortunately, Dirofilaria spp. infection is reported at the genus level, i.e., the record of notified cases is not discriminating between D. immitis and D. repens, so it is not possible to describe which of the two parasites has been diagnosed more often.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    There are no published records of surveillance studies on dirofilariosis in wild-living canines from Denmark, and to the authors' knowledge no surveillance studies have been performed.

    “There are no published records of surveillance studies on dirofilariosis in wild-living canines from Denmark, and to the authors’ knowledge, no surveillance studies have been performed.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The absence of published reports or official records of a parasite in a country indicates that the parasite is absent or not established there.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The pattern of spreading of A. vasorum appears to be similar in different countries.

    “The drivers of the spread of A. vasorum remain not fully understood, but it seems to be influenced by habitats shared with wild canids, dog relocation, and possibly climatic changes; its pattern of spreading appears to be similar in different countries.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The establishment of invasive, diurnal, synanthropic, competent mosquito vectors such as Aedes albopictus may also influence the establishment of Dirofilaria spp.

    “However, the establishment of invasive, diurnal, synanthropic, competent mosquito vectors such as Aedes albopictus may also influence the establishment of Dirofilaria spp.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Europe, the epizootiological picture of cardiopulmonary and subcutaneous dirofilariosis and canine angiostrongylosis has been modified, and these diseases have expanded their geographical distribution.

    “In Europe, this has led to the modification of the epizootiological picture of diseases with key relevance in veterinary medicine, e.g., of cardiopulmonary and subcutaneous dirofilariosis caused by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, respectively, and of canine angiostrongylosis due to Angiostrongylus vasorum, which have expanded their geographical distribution [4,8,9,10,11,12,13].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 7 sources checked
    • cites [4] Tritten, 2020, Conquering Switzerland: The emergence of Angiostrongylus vasorum in foxes over three decades and its rapid regional increase in prevalence contrast with the stable occurrence of lungworms, Parasitology source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [8] Elsheikha, 2014, Recent advances in the epidemiology, clinical and diagnostic features, and control of canine cardio-pulmonary angiostrongylosis, Vet. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [9] Capelli, 2018, Recent advances on Dirofilaria repens in dogs and humans in Europe, Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [10] Genchi, 2020, The prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens in the Old World, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [11] Alsarraf, 2021, Emerging risk of Dirofilaria spp. infection in Northeastern Europe: High prevalence of Dirofilaria repens in sled dog kennels from the Baltic countries, Sci. Rep. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [12] Deksne, 2020, Parasites in the changing world—Ten timely examples from the Nordic-Baltic region, Parasite Epidemiol. Control source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [13] Deksne, 2021, The Zoonotic Parasite Dirofilaria repens Emerged in the Baltic Countries Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in 2008–2012 and Became Established and Endemic in a Decade, Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Research efforts focusing on Dirofilaria spp. and A. vasorum have varied by country, and cross-border studies are few.

    “Research efforts focusing on Dirofilaria spp. and A. vasorum have varied by country, and cross-border studies are few.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The housing conditions of dogs, pet movements, the spread of competent vectors, and climate change are important factors in the spread of these nematodes.

    “The housing conditions of dogs, pet movements, the spread of competent vectors, and climate change are important factors in the spread of these nematodes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The definitive host spectrum of A. vasorum is narrower than that of Dirofilaria spp., as it infects almost exclusively canids.

    “The definitive host spectrum of A. vasorum is narrower than that of Dirofilaria spp., as it infects almost exclusively canids, with only few descriptions in other animals [8,37,38,39,40].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 5 sources checked
    • cites [8] Elsheikha, 2014, Recent advances in the epidemiology, clinical and diagnostic features, and control of canine cardio-pulmonary angiostrongylosis, Vet. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [37] Manser, 2017, Meerkats (Suricata suricatta), a new definitive host of the canid nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum, Int. J. Parasitol. Parasites Wildl. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [38] Bagardi, 2021, Angiostrongylus vasorum in a Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens): Clinical Diagnostic Trial and Treatment Protocol, Acta Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [39] Bertelsen, 2010, Diversity and prevalence of metastrongyloid nematodes infecting the red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in European zoos, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [40] Lemming, 2020, Cardiopulmonary nematodes of wild carnivores from Denmark: Do they serve as reservoir hosts for infections in domestic animals?, Int. J. Parasitol. Parasites Wildl. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Dogs kept outside overnight are a major factor for the establishment of Dirofilaria spp.

    “Dogs kept outside overnight are a major factor for the establishment of Dirofilaria spp.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    D. immitis and D. repens have moderate host specificity and can infect a wide range of vertebrates, including cats and humans.

    “Nevertheless, these filarioids have moderate host specificity and are able to infect a wide range of vertebrates, also including cats and humans [9,14,15,16,17,18,19].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 7 sources checked
    • cites [9] Capelli, 2018, Recent advances on Dirofilaria repens in dogs and humans in Europe, Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [14] McCall, 2008, Heartworm disease in animals and humans, Adv. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [15] Mellado, 2012, Human and animal dirofilariasis: The emergence of a zoonotic mosaic, Clin. Microbiol. Rev. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [16] Johnson, 1975, Ursus americanus (Black Bear) a new host for Dirofilaria immitis, J. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [17] Venco, 2015, Feline heartworm disease: A ‘Rubik’s-cube-like’ diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, J. Vet. Cardiol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [18] Bajer, A., Rodo, A., Mierzejewska, E.J., Tołkacz, K., and Welc-Falęciak, R. (2016). The prevalence of Dirofilaria repens in cats, healthy dogs and dogs with concurrent babesiosis in an expansion zone in central Europe. BMC Vet. Res., 12. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [19] Alho, 2016, Seroprevalence of circulating Angiostrongylus vasorum antigen and parasite-specific antibodies in dogs from Portugal, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Canines are the main definitive hosts and primary reservoir of D. immitis and D. repens.

    “Canines are the main definitive hosts and primary reservoir of D. immitis and D. repens [9,14,15].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [9] Capelli, 2018, Recent advances on Dirofilaria repens in dogs and humans in Europe, Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [14] McCall, 2008, Heartworm disease in animals and humans, Adv. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [15] Mellado, 2012, Human and animal dirofilariasis: The emergence of a zoonotic mosaic, Clin. Microbiol. Rev. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    The spread of A. vasorum seems to be influenced by habitats shared with wild canids, dog relocation, and possibly climatic changes.

    “The drivers of the spread of A. vasorum remain not fully understood, but it seems to be influenced by habitats shared with wild canids, dog relocation, and possibly climatic changes; its pattern of spreading appears to be similar in different countries.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Austria, seven out of 98 canine blood samples tested positive for D. repens by PCR in a local survey in Eastern Austria in 2008; two dogs were not reported to have had any stay abroad, possibly documenting the first autochthonous infections.

    “In a local survey in Eastern Austria in 2008, seven out of 98 canine blood samples tested positive for D. repens by PCR—two dogs were not reported to have had any stay abroad; this may have documented the first autochthonous infections [61].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [61] Duscher, 2009, Nachweis von Dirofilarien in österreichischen Hunden, Berliner und Munchener Tierarztliche Wochenschrift

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Austria, D. repens DNA was found in an Anopheles plumbeus mosquito close to the Slovakian border in 2013-2015, confirming that D. repens is still endemic in low prevalence in Eastern Austria.

    “The DNA of D. repens was found in an Anopheles plumbeus mosquito close to the Slovakian border, confirming that D. repens is still endemic in low prevalence in Eastern Austria [73].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [73] Cuk, 2018, Xenomonitoring of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) for the Presence of Filarioid Helminths in Eastern Austria, Can. J. Infect. Dis. Med. Microbiol.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Poland, a study of 462 dogs in Mazovia found overall D. repens prevalence of 25.8%, with highest prevalence (53.0%) in Radom district.

    “In a study of Demiaszkiewicz [139], 462 dogs aged 1.5–14 years were examined, using the Knott method. Microfilariae of D. repens were found in the blood of dogs originating from the city of Warsaw and from 18 districts of Mazovia (Mazowieckie). Overall prevalence was 25.8%. The highest prevalence (53.0%) and the highest intensity of infection were found in the Radom district (Southern Mazovia).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [139] Demiaszkiewicz, 2014, Prevalence and distribution of Dirofilaria repens Railliet et Henry, 1911 in dogs in Poland, Pol. J. Vet. Sci. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Poland, in 2014, 3094 healthy dogs were tested by rapid diagnostic devices; only 0.2% tested positive for D. immitis.

    “Results of three epidemiological studies revealed very low or zero prevalence: in the largest study in 2014, 3094 healthy dogs from the area of Poland were tested by rapid diagnostic devices. Only 0.2% of the samples tested positive (n = 5), with no information on clinical signs or origin (imported vs. autochthonous) of dogs [153].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [153] Schaper, 2014, Serological detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Ehrlichia canis antibodies and Dirofilaria immitis antigen in a countrywide survey in dogs in Poland, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Slovakia, autochthonous canine dirofilariosis was recorded for the first time in 2005, when D. repens was confirmed in 13 dogs and D. immitis in two other dogs.

    “In Slovakia, autochthonous canine dirofilariosis was recorded for the first time in 2005, when D. repens was confirmed in 13 dogs, and D. immitis in two other dogs from Bratislava and Komárno districts situated in the southwestern part of the country bordering Austria and Hungary.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [154] Svobodova, 2005, First cases of canine dirofilariosis in Slovakia: A case report, Veterinární Medicína source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Slovakia, the most recent 2019 study of 644 dogs found overall Dirofilaria spp. prevalence of 10.6%, with D. repens mono-infection in 5.9%, D. immitis in 3.3%, and both in 1.4%.

    “The most recent epidemiological study on canine dirofilariosis in Slovakia was carried out in late 2019. Within the study, 644 randomly selected dogs were examined for the presence of Dirofilaria spp. Microfilariae were present in 68 blood samples with an overall prevalence of 10.6%. Subsequent DNA analysis confirmed D. repens mono-infection in 38 (5.9%) dogs, a single D. immitis infection in 21 (”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [79] Zuzana, 2021, Different epidemiological pattern of canine dirofilariosis in two neighboring countries in Cent0ral Europe-the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Slovakia, a 2007 monitoring study of 287 dogs revealed microfilariae in 99 dogs (34.5% prevalence), with D. repens in all positive dogs and coinfection with D. immitis in six.

    “In February 2007, the first monitoring covering two areas of Southwest and Southeast Slovakia was carried out. The study, encompassing 287 dogs of different age, gender, and breed, revealed microfilariae in 99 dogs, representing an overall prevalence of 34.5%. In all positive dogs, D. repens was detected, and in six of them, coinfection with D. immitis was confirmed.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [155] 2008, Dirofilariosis in Slovakia-a new endemic area in Central Europe, Helminthologia source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Poland, in 2020, 160 dogs from Eastern Poland were tested; microfilariae of D. repens were identified in 20 dogs (12.0%), but no samples tested positive for D. immitis.

    “In 2020, 160 dogs from Eastern Poland were tested for Dirofilaria spp. (PCR, rapid diagnostic device). These dogs were selected on the basis of demographic features (kept outdoors, no ectoparasite prophylaxis) and the presence of clinical signs compatible with D. immitis infection (exercise intolerance, cough). Microfilariae of D. repens were identified by PCR in 20 dogs (prevalence, 12.0%), but”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [142] Adaszek, 2021, Czy zarażenia Dirofilaria immitis stanowią zagrożenie dla psów w Polsce?, Magazyn Weterynaryjny

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Hungary, D. immitis is endemic in the country, and the Great Hungarian Plain is hyperendemic.

    “Since that time, the examinations of dogs [120,125,126,127,128], red foxes, golden jackals (Canis aureus) [129], and one ferret (Mustela furo) [130] revealed that D. immitis is endemic in the country, and the Great Hungarian Plain is hyperendemic.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 7 sources checked
    • cites [120] Farkas, 2020, The current situation of canine dirofilariosis in Hungary, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [125] Farkas, 2014, Seroprevalence of some vector-borne infections of dogs in Hungary, Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [126] Hetyey, 2014, Dirofilaria immitis elso magyarországi kimutatása a tüdo-artériában echokardiográfiás vizsgálattal, Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [127] Bacsadi, 2016, Retrospective study on the distribution of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in Hungary, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [128] Becker, 2017, Okkult Dirofilaria immitis szívférgesség kutyában: Esetismertetés és irodalmi áttekintés, Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [129] Tolnai, 2014, Dirofilaria immitis: An emerging parasite in dogs, red foxes and golden jackals in hungary, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [130] Fok, 2010, Autochthonous Dirofilaria immitis infection in a ferret with aberrant larval migration in Europe, J. Small Anim. Pract. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    Human cases of dirofilariasis are most likely under-reported, as many cases are undiagnosed or unpublished.

    “The authors suggested that human cases of dirofilariasis are most likely under-reported, as many cases are undiagnosed or unpublished [171].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [171] Logar, 2001, Subcutaneous infection caused by Dirofilaria repens imported to Slovenia, J. Infect. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    In all these cases, import of dogs from Italy could not be excluded, thus not confirming autochthonous presence of Dirofilaria spp. in Switzerland.

    “In all these cases, the import of dogs from Italy could not be excluded, thus not confirming the autochthonous presence of Dirofilaria spp. in the country.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Although no prevalence studies of dirofilariosis in dogs were available, Slovenia was considered endemic for D. repens.

    “Although no prevalence studies of dirofilariosis in dogs were available, the authors considered Slovenia to be endemic for D. repens [92].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [92] Pantchev, 2011, Diagnosis of imported canine filarial infections in Germany 2008–2010, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Nocturnal house mosquitoes of the Cx. pipiens complex are competent vectors for D. immitis and D. repens, and those are the mosquitoes with the highest abundance in the vicinity of humans.

    “In addition, nocturnal house mosquitoes of the Cx. pipiens complex are competent vectors for D. immitis and D. repens, and those are the mosquitoes with the highest abundance in the vicinity of humans.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [15] Mellado, 2012, Human and animal dirofilariasis: The emergence of a zoonotic mosaic, Clin. Microbiol. Rev. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [262] Cancrini, G., and Gabrielli, S. (2007). Vectors of Dirofilaria nematodes: Biology, behaviour and host/parasite relationships. Dirofilaria Immitis and D. Repens in Dog and Cat and Human Infections, Rolando Editore.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [264] Ahid, 2000, Vector competence of Culex quinquefasciatus say from different regions of Brazil to Dirofilaria immitis, Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The establishment of populations of tiger mosquitoes would allow for the transmission of microfilariae to dogs during daytime and increase the risk of dogs to acquire an infection.

    “The establishment of populations of tiger mosquitoes would allow for the transmission of microfilariae to dogs during daytime and increase the risk of dogs to acquire an infection.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The Asian tiger mosquito is both a competent vector for D. immitis and D. repens, and an annoying day-active biter that outcompetes Cx. pipiens s.l.

    “The Asian tiger mosquito is both a competent vector for D. immitis and D. repens, and an annoying day-active biter that outcompetes Cx. pipiens s.l. [268].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [268] Becker, N., Petric, D., Zgomba, M., Boase, C., Madon, M., Dahl, C., and Kaiser, A. (2010). Mosquitoes and Their Control, Springer Science & Business Media. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The distribution of D. immitis and D. repens is further influenced by human behavior (e.g., housing conditions and travel activity of dogs, and imports), and climatic conditions allowing the presence of competent mosquito vectors and larval development.

    “The distribution of D. immitis and D. repens is further influenced by human behavior (e.g., the housing conditions and travel activity of dogs, and imports), and climatic conditions allowing the presence of competent mosquito vectors and larval development [15].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [15] Mellado, 2012, Human and animal dirofilariasis: The emergence of a zoonotic mosaic, Clin. Microbiol. Rev. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Both the heartworm predictive model and the Dirofilaria development units show parts of Central Europe suitable for the establishment of these parasites.

    “Both the heartworm predictive model (based on growing degree days) and the Dirofilaria development units show parts of Central Europe suitable for the establishment of these parasites [28].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [28] Genchi, 2011, Changing climate and changing vector-borne disease distribution: The example of Dirofilaria in Europe, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisenone given

    More than 60 mosquito species are vectors of D. immitis or D. repens.

    “More than 60 mosquito species are vectors of D. immitis or D. repens.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    According to Simón et al., the transmission of D. immitis and D. repens is limited by two main preconditions: the presence of a mosquito species capable of transmitting the parasite and the presence of a minimal number of dogs infected with adult nematodes shedding microfilariae.

    “According to Simón et al. [15], the transmission of D. immitis and D. repens is limited by two main preconditions: (i) the presence of a mosquito species capable of transmitting the parasite and (ii) the presence of a minimal number of dogs infected with adult nematodes shedding microfilariae.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [15] Mellado, 2012, Human and animal dirofilariasis: The emergence of a zoonotic mosaic, Clin. Microbiol. Rev. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Climatic changes might prolong the transmission periods for D. immitis and allow for spreading to areas that are currently climatically unsuitable for these parasites and certain vectors.

    “However, climatic changes might prolong these periods and allow for spreading to areas that are currently climatically unsuitable for these parasites and certain vectors.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Temperature has an important influence on the development of mosquito vectors and parasites.
    • Rests on an assumption: Longer warm periods per year allow for more generations of parasites and vectors per year.
    • Rests on an assumption: Increasing temperatures allow for a faster development from eggs to adult mosquitoes.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The epidemiology of A. vasorum may also be influenced by increased temperature and precipitation, and dog relocations.

    “Although the reasons for the spread of A. vasorum are not definitely clarified, habitat sharing and increased chances of contact with red foxes seem to play a major role in the epidemiology of this parasite, which may also be influenced by increased temperature and precipitation, and dog relocations.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationnone given

    Cross-border studies on these parasites are few.

    “Research efforts focusing on these parasites vary by country, and cross-border studies are few.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The available data on these parasites are not easily comparable.

    “The available data are not easily comparable.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The establishment of invasive, diurnal, synanthropic, competent mosquito vectors such as Ae. albopictus may also influence the spread of these filarioid helminths.

    “However, the establishment of invasive, diurnal, synanthropic, competent mosquito vectors such as Ae. albopictus may also influence the spread of these filarioid helminths.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Keeping dogs outside overnight seems to be a major factor for the establishment of D. immitis and D. repens.

    “Keeping dogs outside overnight seems to be a major factor for the establishment of D. immitis and D. repens.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Red foxes are ubiquitous and share recreational areas with dogs around urban contexts.

    “Red foxes are ubiquitous, share recreational areas with dogs around urban contexts, and are usually subjected to reinfections that can lead to high worm burdens, as they do not reach effective immunity following A. vasorum infection [4,241,275].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [4] Tritten, 2020, Conquering Switzerland: The emergence of Angiostrongylus vasorum in foxes over three decades and its rapid regional increase in prevalence contrast with the stable occurrence of lungworms, Parasitology source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [241] Deplazes, 2004, Wilderness in the city: The urbanization of Echinococcus multilocularis, Trends Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [275] Blancou, 1988, Ecology and epidemiology of fox rabies, Rev. Infect. Dis. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The emergence of A. vasorum in Central and Northern Europe is likely driven by a combination of factors, including wildlife movement to urban areas, increased dog movements, and possibly climatic changes.

    “The emergence of A. vasorum in Central and Northern Europe is likely driven by a combination of factors, including wildlife movement to urban areas, increased dog movements, and possibly climatic changes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Housing conditions of dogs, increased animal movements, and climate change are important factors in the spread of these nematodes.

    “Housing conditions of dogs, increased animal movements, and climate change are important factors in the spread of these nematodes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Climatic changes may also play a role in the increase in the distribution of angiostrongylids, including A. vasorum, as their development from L1 to L3 inside snails may be positively influenced by the increase in environmental temperature, contrarily to crenosomatids.

    “Climatic changes may also play a role in the increase in the distribution of angiostrongylids, including A. vasorum, as their development from L1 to L3 inside snails may be positively influenced by the increase in environmental temperature, contrarily to crenosomatids [278,279,280,281].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [278] Ferdushy, 2010, The effect of temperature and host age on the infectivity and development of Angiostrongylus vasorum in the slug Arion lusitanicus, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [279] Crisi, 2013, Larval development of the feline lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in Helix aspersa, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [280] Morelli, 2020, The effect of the hibernation on the larval development of Troglostrongylus brevior in the land snail Cornu aspersum, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [281] Morelli, S., Colombo, M., Diakou, A., Traversa, D., Grillini, M., Di Regalbono, A.F., and Di Cesare, A. (2021). The Influence of Temperature on the Larval Development of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in the Land Snail Cornu aspersum. Pathogens, 10. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationnone given

    Research efforts focusing on these parasites vary by country.

    “Research efforts focusing on these parasites vary by country, and cross-border studies are few.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Dirofilaria immitis, D. repens, and A. vasorum are spreading in Europe.

    “Dirofilaria immitis, D. repens, and A. vasorum are spreading in Europe, and the relevance of these parasites is steadily increasing for dogs and veterinary practitioners in Central and Northern Europe.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Red foxes are usually subjected to reinfections that can lead to high worm burdens, as they do not reach effective immunity following A. vasorum infection.

    “Red foxes are ubiquitous, share recreational areas with dogs around urban contexts, and are usually subjected to reinfections that can lead to high worm burdens, as they do not reach effective immunity following A. vasorum infection [4,241,275].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [4] Tritten, 2020, Conquering Switzerland: The emergence of Angiostrongylus vasorum in foxes over three decades and its rapid regional increase in prevalence contrast with the stable occurrence of lungworms, Parasitology source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [241] Deplazes, 2004, Wilderness in the city: The urbanization of Echinococcus multilocularis, Trends Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [275] Blancou, 1988, Ecology and epidemiology of fox rabies, Rev. Infect. Dis. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Habitat sharing and increased chances of contact with red foxes seem to play a major role in the epidemiology of A. vasorum.

    “Although the reasons for the spread of A. vasorum are not definitely clarified, habitat sharing and increased chances of contact with red foxes seem to play a major role in the epidemiology of this parasite, which may also be influenced by increased temperature and precipitation, and dog relocations.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Dog relocation from endemic to non-endemic areas may cause the spread of parasites, including A. vasorum, and introduce the parasite into new areas.

    “Lastly, dog relocation from endemic to non-endemic areas may cause the spread of parasites, including A. vasorum, and introduce the parasite into new areas [203,277,282,283,284,285,286,287].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 8 sources checked
    • cites [203] Reifinger, 1994, Pulmonale Angiostrongylose mit systemischer Ausbreitung und zentralnervaler Manifestation bei einem Hund, J. Vet. Med. Ser. B source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [277] Schnyder, 2015, Slugs and Angiostrongylus vasorum--how much do we know?, Vet. Rec. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [282] Olivieri, E., Zanzani, S.A., Gazzonis, A.L., Giudice, C., Brambilla, P., Alberti, I., Romussi, S., Lombardo, R., Mortellaro, C.M., and Banco, B. (2017). Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in dogs from a cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis endemic area of Northwestern Italy: A case study and a retrospective data analysis. BMC Vet. Res., 13. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [283] Traversa, 2019, Occurrence of canine and feline extra-intestinal nematodes in key endemic regions of Italy, Acta Trop. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [284] Drake, 2020, Dog importation and changes in canine intestinal nematode prevalence in Colorado, USA, 2013–2017, Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [285] Perry, 1991, Angiostrongylosis with disseminated larval infection associated with signs of ocular and nervous disease in an imported dog, Can. Vet. J.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [286] Tebb, 2007, Angiostrongylus vasorum (French heartworm) in a dog imported into Australia, Aust. Vet. J. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [287] Williams, 1985, Angiostrongylosis in a greyhound, J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    D. immitis and D. repens have moderate host specificity and are able to infect a wide range of vertebrates, including cats and humans.

    “Nevertheless, these filarioids have moderate host specificity and are able to infect a wide range of vertebrates, also including cats and humans”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 7 sources checked
    • cites [9] Capelli, 2018, Recent advances on Dirofilaria repens in dogs and humans in Europe, Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [14] McCall, 2008, Heartworm disease in animals and humans, Adv. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [15] Mellado, 2012, Human and animal dirofilariasis: The emergence of a zoonotic mosaic, Clin. Microbiol. Rev. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [16] Johnson, 1975, Ursus americanus (Black Bear) a new host for Dirofilaria immitis, J. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [17] Venco, 2015, Feline heartworm disease: A ‘Rubik’s-cube-like’ diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, J. Vet. Cardiol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [18] Bajer, A., Rodo, A., Mierzejewska, E.J., Tołkacz, K., and Welc-Falęciak, R. (2016). The prevalence of Dirofilaria repens in cats, healthy dogs and dogs with concurrent babesiosis in an expansion zone in central Europe. BMC Vet. Res., 12. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [19] Alho, 2016, Seroprevalence of circulating Angiostrongylus vasorum antigen and parasite-specific antibodies in dogs from Portugal, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The changes in distribution could partly be attributed to the increased interest of scientists and the pharma industry (funding studies).

    “These changes could partly be attributed to the increased interest of scientists and the pharma industry (funding studies)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    DNA detection in mosquitoes just proves that they had a blood meal on a (local) microfilaremic animal, but cannot be equated with established transmission cycles.

    “However, DNA detection in the mosquitoes just proves that they had a blood meal on a (local) microfilaremic animal, but cannot be equated with established transmission cycles”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    It is more plausible that D. immitis has only recently been introduced to Hungary, because neither its microfilariae nor adult worms were found in local dogs and red foxes before.

    “However, it is more plausible that this filarioid species has only recently been introduced to Hungary, because neither its microfilariae nor adult worms were found in local dogs [118], and red foxes before”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [118] Fok, 2007, Preliminary results of an epidemiological survey on dirofilariosis of dogs and cats in Hungary, Mappe Parassitologiche

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The role of infected wild canids arriving from neighboring countries might not necessarily be considered regarding the geographical distribution of heartworm infections in Hungary because only a few red foxes and two golden jackals were infected with a low number of worms without microfilaremia.

    “The role of infected wild canids arriving from neighboring countries might not necessarily be considered regarding the geographical distribution of heartworm infections in Hungary because only a few red foxes and two golden jackals were infected with a low number of worms without microfilaremia”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [129] Tolnai, 2014, Dirofilaria immitis: An emerging parasite in dogs, red foxes and golden jackals in hungary, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The decrease in D. repens prevalence in Poland was accompanied by increased awareness of this parasitosis among dog owners and veterinary practitioners, and may reflect increased application of preventive measures during the season of mosquitoes activity.

    “This decrease in prevalence was accompanied by increased awareness of this parasitosis, both among dog owners and veterinary practitioners, and may reflect the increased application of preventive measures during the season of mosquitoes activity”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [11] Alsarraf, 2021, Emerging risk of Dirofilaria spp. infection in Northeastern Europe: High prevalence of Dirofilaria repens in sled dog kennels from the Baltic countries, Sci. Rep. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In xenomonitoring in Bratislava, D. repens was detected in An. messeae, An. maculipennis, and Cx. pipiens complexes, and D. immitis in Coquillettidia richiardii and Cx. pipiens pipiens; both species were also found in Ochlerotatus sticticus.

    “During the next xenomonitoring carried out in Bratislava, Western Slovakia, D. repens was detected in An. Messeae, An. maculipennis, and Cx pipiens complexes, and D. immitis in Coquillettidia richiardii and Cx. pipiens pipiens. Both dirofilarial species were also found in Ochlerotatus sticticus [165].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [165] Rudolf, 2018, Urbanization impact on mosquito community and the transmission potential of filarial infection in central Europe, Parasites Vectors

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    The first autochthonous and unambiguously confirmed human dirofilariosis in Slovakia was reported in 2007, two years after the first finding of dirofilarial parasites in the dog population.

    “The first autochthonous and unambiguously confirmed case of human dirofilariosis was reported in 2007, two years after the first finding of dirofilarial parasites in dog population.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    In the Swiss cases, import of dogs from Italy could not be excluded, so autochthonous presence of Dirofilaria spp. in Switzerland was not confirmed.

    “In all these cases, the import of dogs from Italy could not be excluded, thus not confirming the autochthonous presence of Dirofilaria spp. in the country.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In 1998, a human case of subcutaneous dirofilariasis in the occipital region of a 61-year-old Slovenian woman was caused by D. repens, and a trip to the Canary Islands was identified as the probable site of infection.

    “In 1998, a human case of subcutaneous dirofilariasis was described in the occipital region of a 61-year-old Slovenian woman, caused by D. repens. The authors identified a trip to Canary Islands, Spain as the probable site of infection, because the subcutaneous tumor was diagnosed seven months later.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [171] Logar, 2001, Subcutaneous infection caused by Dirofilaria repens imported to Slovenia, J. Infect. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Between 2007 and 2020, 23 human cases of dirofilariosis were confirmed in Slovakia, and in all cases D. repens was validated as the causative agent.

    “Since then, between 2007 and 2020, 23 cases (subcutaneous, ocular, and pulmonary) were confirmed in Slovakia. In all cases, D. repens was validated as the causative agent [167,168].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [167] Ondriska, 2017, Human Dirofilaria repens infections diagnosed in Slovakia in the last 10 years (2007–2017), Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [168] Ondriska, 2021, Filarial infections in human medicine and public health, Lekársky obzor

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Three human patients of dirofilariasis diagnosed in Swiss hospitals originated from abroad (India), had a travel history to the Mediterranean area, or to Southern Switzerland and Northern Italy.

    “Similarly, three human patients of dirofilariasis diagnosed in Swiss hospitals originated from abroad (India) [186], had a travel history to the Mediterranean area [187] or to Southern Switzerland and Northern Italy [188].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [186] Bausch, 2017, When you hear hoof beats … consider zebras—A diagnostic challenge, Travel Med. Infect. Dis. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [187] Gayer, 1998, What is your diagnosis. Multiple pulmonary nodules, Respiration source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [188] Hasler, 2010, Swiss patient with a subconjunctival Dirofilaria repens, Klin. Monbl. Augenheilkd. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Testing 479 blood samples from the region near the Italian border, three dogs (0.6%) were positive for D. repens and eight dogs (1.6%) for D. immitis.

    “In fact, when testing 479 blood samples from that region, three (0.6%) and eight (1.6%) dogs were positive for D. repens and D. immitis, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [181] Bucklar, 1998, Breitet sich in der Südschweiz die Dirofilariose beim Hund aus?, Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A. vasorum occurrence in Germany was spatially clustered in Southwest Germany, and a seroprevalence study found 0.5% antigen-positive and 2.3% antibody-positive dogs, mostly from West German federal states.

    “A. vasorum occurrence spatially clustered in Southwest Germany. This pattern was also observed in a seroprevalence study resulting in 0.5% antigen-positive and 2.3% antibody-positive dogs; however, the vast majority of samples originated from West German federal states [214].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [214] Schnyder, 2013, Seroepidemiological survey for canine angiostrongylosis in dogs from Germany and the UK using combined detection of Angiostrongylus vasorum antigen and specific antibodies, Parasitology source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    D. repens infection was reported in dogs imported to Norway from South Africa and Hungary, and D. immitis was reported in imported dogs.

    “Dirofilaria repens infection was reported in dogs imported to Norway from South Africa [196] and Hungary [197]. Dirofilaria immitis was also reported in imported dogs [198].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [196] Bredal, 1998, Adult Dirofilaria repens in a subcutaneous granuloma on the chest of a dog, J. Small Anim. Pract. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [197] Tysnes, 2014, Dirofilaria repens infection in a dog imported to Norway, Acta Vet. Scand. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [198] Norwegian Veterinary Institute (2021, July 16). Infectious Diseases in Dogs Imported to Norway. Available online: https://www.vetinst.no/en/surveillance-programmes/infectious-diseases-in-dogs-imported-to-norway.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    According to recent studies, during a period of 15 years some places in Sweden reached in July at least once 130 HDU, but none reached 130 HDU based on average temperature.

    “According to the most recent studies of the northward expansion of Dirofilaria infection in Europe, during a period of 15 years some places in Sweden reached in July at least once the 130 HDU, but none of them reached the 130 HDU based on average temperature [192].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [192] Genchi, 2009, Climate and Dirofilaria infection in Europe, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Austrian dogs, 1.2% of 1279 dogs were positive for specific antigens and 1.5% for specific antibodies, with dogs originating from all Austrian provinces except Burgenland.

    “Moreover, 1.2% of 1279 dogs were positive for specific antigens, and 1.5% for specific antibodies at serological tests. These dogs originated from all Austrian provinces (with the exception of Burgenland), namely Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Vienna, Styria, Carinthia, Salzburg, and Tyrol [204].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [204] Globokar, 2021, Serological and faecal detection of Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs from Austria, Vet. Parasitol. Reg. Stud. Rep.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A recent Czech study found 4.7% of dogs (nine of 193) positive for circulating A. vasorum antigen by ELISA, and L1 were detected in one of 253 examined dogs.

    “A relatively recent study by Hajnalová et al. [205] found 4.7% of dogs (nine of 193) to be positive for circulating antigen by ELISA. L1 were detected in one of the 253 examined dogs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [205] Schnyder, 2017, Faecal detection of the lungworms Crenosoma vulpis and Angiostrongylus vasorum and serological detection of A. vasorum in dogs from the Czech Republic, Acta Veterinaria Brno source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    There are no published reports of Dirofilaria spp. in animals in Denmark, while a human case of D. repens in a 39-year-old woman was reported in 2014 and was likely infected on Crete.

    “There are no published reports of Dirofilaria spp. in animals in Denmark, while a human case of D. repens in a 39-year-old woman was reported in 2014. However, the woman was likely infected on Crete [191].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [191] Klintebjerg, 2015, Periorbital Dirofilaria repens imported to Denmark: A human case report, IDCases source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • Rests on an assumption: The absence of published reports or official records of a parasite in a country indicates that the parasite is absent or not established there.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    During a period of 15 years, two locations in Denmark reached in July at least once 130 heartworm development units, but none reached 130 HDU based on average temperature.

    “during a period of 15 years, two locations in Denmark reached in July at least once the 130 heartworm development units (HDU, the total environment heat required for the development of Dirofilaria from microfilaria to infectious L3 within the mosquito), but none of them reached the 130 HDU based on average temperature [192].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [192] Genchi, 2009, Climate and Dirofilaria infection in Europe, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Almost a fourth of veterinarians practicing in Baltic countries reported having seen dogs with D. repens infection, and none of these dogs had a history of travel or import.

    “almost a fourth of veterinarians practicing in Baltic countries reported having seen dog(s) with D. repens infection, and none of these had a history of travel or import [56].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [56] Jokelainen, 2017, Vector-borne parasitic infections in dogs in the Baltic and Nordic countries: A questionnaire study to veterinarians on canine babesiosis and infections with Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In a questionnaire study, 11.0% of veterinarians practicing in Nordic countries reported having seen dogs with D. immitis infection, 3.0% reported D. repens infection in 2016, and a majority of cases were in dogs with a history of travel or import.

    “Results of a questionnaire study among veterinarians showed that 11.0% of the participating veterinarians who were practicing in Nordic countries reported having seen dogs with D. immitis infection, 3.0% reported having seen dogs with D. repens infection in 2016, and a majority of the cases were reported to be in dogs with a history of travel or import [56].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [56] Jokelainen, 2017, Vector-borne parasitic infections in dogs in the Baltic and Nordic countries: A questionnaire study to veterinarians on canine babesiosis and infections with Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    During a period of 15 years, some places in Southern Norway reached in July at least once 130 HDU, but none reached 130 HDU based on average temperature.

    “During a period of 15 years, some places in Southern Norway reached in July at least once the 130 HDU, but none of them reached the 130 HDU based on average temperature [192].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [192] Genchi, 2009, Climate and Dirofilaria infection in Europe, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Endemic cases of Dirofilaria spp. have not been found in Sweden to date; the infections are notifiable, and reported cases during the last five years were three in 2015, two in 2016, none in 2017, two in 2018, and seven in 2019.

    “Endemic cases of Dirofilaria spp. have not been found in Sweden to date, but in addition to A. vasorum, these infections are notifiable, and the following cases were reported during the last five years: three cases in 2015, two cases in 2016, no cases in 2017, two cases in 2018, and seven cases in 2019 [199,200].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [199] Swedisch Board of Agriculture (2021, September 27). Årsrapport Över Anmälningspliktiga Djursjukdomar 2019: Annual Statistics on Notifiable Animal Diseases under the Regulations of the Swedish Board of Agriculture (SJVFS 2012: 24) on Notifiable Animal Diseases and Infectious Agents. Available online: http://djur.jordbruksverket.se/download/18.3a2a8b84171950f8cca80788/1587467632223/%C3%85rsstatistik%202019.pdf.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [200] Swedisch Board of Agriculture (2021, September 27). Årsrapport Över Anmälningspliktiga Djursjukdomar 2018: Annual Statistics on Notifiable Animal Diseases under the Regulations of the Swedish Board of Agriculture (SJVFS 2012: 24) on Notifiable Animal Diseases and Infectious Agents. Available online: http://djur.jordbruksverket.se/download/18.3a2a8b84171950f8cca80788/1587467632223/%C3%85rsstatistik%202018.pdf.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • Rests on an assumption: The absence of published reports or official records of a parasite in a country indicates that the parasite is absent or not established there.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    During a period of 15 years, several places in Finland reached in July at least once 130 HDU, but none reached 130 HDU based on average temperature.

    “During a period of 15 years several places in Finland reached in July at least once the 130 HDU, but none of them reached the 130 HDU based on average temperature [192].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [192] Genchi, 2009, Climate and Dirofilaria infection in Europe, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premiseown data

    In a current study, 27 fresh road-kill red foxes mainly from eastern Luxembourg were examined for A. vasorum, and all examined red foxes were negative.

    “In a current study (Heddergott, personal communication), 27 fresh road-kill red foxes, mainly from the eastern part of the country (administrative districts Diekirch, Echternach, and Grevenmacher), were examined for infection with A. vasorum.”
    • Also stated in: § 3.1. Central Europe · plain
      “All examined red foxes were negative.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Slovakia, seropositive dogs came from different regions with the highest accumulation in Southwest Slovakia, and three dogs positive for circulating antigen and specific antibodies originated from the Bratislava region on the border with Austria.

    “Seropositive dogs came from different regions with the highest accumulation of the cases in Southwest Slovakia. Three dogs positive for circulating antigen and specific antibodies originated from Bratislava region on the border with Austria [232].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [232] Schnyder, 2015, Serological survey for canine angiostrongylosis in Slovakia, Helminthologia source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In a Swiss epidemiological study with more than 4000 sera, overall seroprevalence was 1.0% for dogs positive in both ELISAs, 2.8% in antigen ELISA, and 3.1% in antibody ELISA, with positive dogs distributed over large areas and a cluster of antibody-positive dogs in northern Switzerland bordering Germany.

    “By means of serological tests that were developed for circulating antigen and specific antibody detection [238], in a first epidemiological study with more than 4000 sera an overall seroprevalence of 1.0%, 2.8%, and 3.1% for dogs positive in both ELISAs, in antigen ELISA and antibody ELISA, respectively, was detected. Spatial analysis showed that positive dogs were distributed over large areas of”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [238] Schnyder, 2015, Comparison of coprological, immunological and molecular methods for the detection of dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum before and after anthelmintic treatment, Parasitology source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [239] Lurati, 2015, Seroepidemiological survey and spatial analysis of the occurrence of Angiostrongylus vasorum in Swiss dogs in relation to biogeographic aspects, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Overall, the Swiss data evidence the important role of red foxes as reservoir hosts for A. vasorum and help understand the increasing number of dog cases and significant prevalence in red fox populations in other European countries in the last decade.

    “Overall, these data evidenced the important role of red foxes as reservoir hosts, and also helped to understand the increasing number of dog cases along with significant prevalence in the red fox populations in other European countries in the last decade.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The first autochthonous case of canine angiostrongylosis in Slovakia was officially reported in 2013 in a seven-month-old Maltese pinch dog in Košice, with no remarkable clinical signs.

    “The first autochthonous case of canine angiostrongylosis in Slovakia was officially reported in 2013 in a seven-month-old Maltese pinch dog in Košice, southeastern part of the country [230]. The physical examination revealed no remarkable clinical signs in the patient [230].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [230] 2013, First autochthonous case of canine Angiostrongylus vasorum in Slovakia, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Between 2014 and 2016, 571 red fox fecal samples from all Slovak regions were investigated for A. vasorum L1, and parasitic presence was confirmed in 31 animals, an average prevalence of 4.4%.

    “Between 2014 and 2016, 571 fecal samples from red foxes, originating from all Slovak regions, were investigated for L1 of A. vasorum. The parasitic presence was confirmed in 31 animals, representing an average prevalence of 4.4%.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [48] Druga, 2018, GIS-based environmental analysis of fox and canine lungworm distribution: An epidemiological study of Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis in red foxes from Slovakia, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Jutland, raccoon dogs (15 of 476) and polecats (7 of 14) constitute a reservoir for A. vasorum, with prevalence ranging from 2.1% to 3.6% and from 50.0% to 100.0%, respectively.

    “In addition, raccoon dogs (15 of 476) and polecats (Mustela putorius) (7 of 14) constitute a reservoir for A. vasorum in Jutland with prevalence ranging from 2.1% to 3.6% and from 50.0% to 100.0%, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [40] Lemming, 2020, Cardiopulmonary nematodes of wild carnivores from Denmark: Do they serve as reservoir hosts for infections in domestic animals?, Int. J. Parasitol. Parasites Wildl. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Between 2015 and 2016, 256 wolf fecal samples from Slovakia were examined, and A. vasorum L1 confirmed by DNA were detected in two samples, one from Tatra National Park and one from Poľana Protected Landscape Area.

    “Overall, 256 wolf fecal samples were gathered and examined for A. vasorum presence, using the modified-flotation method with zinc sulfate solution. Angiostrongylus vasorum L1, subsequently confirmed by DNA analysis, were detected in two samples, in one wolf originated from Tatra National Park and in one individual from Poľana Protected Landscape Area [235].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [235] Guimaraes, 2017, Endoparasites of the grey wolf (Canis lupus) in protected areas of Slovakia, Ann. Parasitol.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Two autochthonous A. vasorum findings in dogs in Finland, from 2014 and 2017, have been described in detail, and a questionnaire survey indicated a limited number of more domestic dogs with the infection, including a third autochthonous case.

    “Two autochthonous A. vasorum findings in dogs, from 2014 and 2017, have been described in detail [53]. There is also a single case report of imported A. vasorum infection in a domestic dog [250]. A questionnaire survey among veterinarians indicated that a limited number of more domestic dogs with the infection would have been seen in the country, including a third autochthonous case [53].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [53] Lempereur, 2016, Prevalence of Angiostrongylus vasorum in southern Belgium, a coprological and serological survey, Parasites Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [250] Saari, 2008, Angiostrongylus vasorum-tartunta tuontikoiralla: Ensimmäinen varmistettu tapaus Suomessa, Suomen eläinlääkärilehti

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Both Swiss dog and red-fox studies showed that A. vasorum prevalence rates increased with decreasing altitudes and corresponding temperature variations, and trend prevalence was higher in and around the first known endemic foci.

    “Both dog and red-fox studies showed that prevalence rates increased with decreasing altitudes (and corresponding temperature variations), and that trend prevalence was higher in and around the first known endemic foci where A. vasorum was initially present.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A Siberian husky imported to Iceland from Switzerland in December 2017 was reported positive for A. vasorum; among more than 5000 imported dogs examined since 1989, only this single A. vasorum case was found.

    “A dog, a Siberian husky, imported in December 2017 to Iceland from Switzerland, was reported to be positive for A. vasorum [253]. In this study, more than 5000 imported dogs had been examined since 1989, and only this single A. vasorum case was found.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [253] Eydal, 2018, Parasites of dogs and cats imported to Iceland during 1989–2017 with remarks on parasites occurring in the native populations, IAS source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The first finding of A. vasorum in Poland was in red foxes in 2013 in the Augustowska Primeval Forest, with adult nematodes found in 4 of 76 red foxes (5.0%).

    “The first finding of A. vasorum in Poland (northeast, Augustowska Primeval Forest) was in red foxes in 2013 [226]. Adult nematodes were found in 4/76 red foxes (5.0%).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [226] Demiaszkiewicz, 2014, The first report of Angiostrongylus vasorum (Nematoda; Metastrongyloidea) in Poland, in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), Acta Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    In Jutland, the higher-than-previously-reported A. vasorum prevalence in red foxes indicates that A. vasorum is spreading in the red-fox population both in New Zealand and in Jutland.

    “This indicates that A. vasorum is spreading in the red-fox population both in New Zealand and in Jutland.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [40] Lemming, 2020, Cardiopulmonary nematodes of wild carnivores from Denmark: Do they serve as reservoir hosts for infections in domestic animals?, Int. J. Parasitol. Parasites Wildl. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Denmark, the first case of A. vasorum was described in 1983 in a five-year-old Cairn terrier from North Zealand, with A. vasorum observed at necropsy and L1 in feces; the dog had visited Southern France several times and probably acquired the infection there.

    “In Denmark, the first case of A. vasorum was described in 1983 in a five-year-old Cairn terrier from North Zealand [242]. The dog was euthanized due to bronchitis; at necropsy, A. vasorum were observed in the arteria pulmonalis, and the smaller arteria and arterioles. L1 were also demonstrated in a fecal sample [242]. The dog had visited Southern France several times and probably acquired the”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [242] Finnerup, 1983, Angiostrongylus vasorum hos hund, Dansk Veterinærtidsskrift

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In a large Polish epidemiological study in 2013, specific antibodies against A. vasorum were found in 60 of 3345 healthy dogs (1.8%), and parasitic antigens in 43 dogs (1.3%).

    “In a large epidemiological study conducted in 2013, the sera of 3345 healthy dogs from veterinary clinics all over the country were tested; specific antibodies against A. vasorum were found in 60 animals (1.8%), and parasitic antigens in 43 dogs (1.3%) [228].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [228] Schnyder, 2013, Serological detection of circulating Angiostrongylus vasorum antigen-and parasite-specific antibodies in dogs from Poland, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The distribution of A. vasorum in Slovakia showed typical spatial clustering and occurred in endemic foci mainly in the eastern part, with a cluster in both humid and driest areas, and a tendency to prefer areas with higher shares of arable land and lower proportions of forests.

    “The distribution of A. vasorum showed typical spatial clustering and occurred in endemic foci mainly in the eastern part of Slovakia. A cluster of A. vasorum infection foci was found in both humid and the driest areas of Slovakia. A multivariable model for A. vasorum also revealed tendency of the parasite to prefer areas with higher shares of arable land and lower proportions of forests [48].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [48] Druga, 2018, GIS-based environmental analysis of fox and canine lungworm distribution: An epidemiological study of Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis in red foxes from Slovakia, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A grid-cell-based noninvasive fecal-sampling scheme for Swiss red fox samples indicated an overall A. vasorum prevalence of 8.8%, and land use and altitude affected prevalence rate.

    “Approximately in the same period, a grid-cell-based noninvasive fecal-sampling scheme for red fox samples indicated an overall prevalence of 8.8%, and revealed that land use and altitude affected prevalence rate [240].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [240] Koller, 2019, A grid-cell based fecal sampling scheme reveals: Land-use and altitude affect prevalence rates of Angiostrongylus vasorum and other parasites of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A. vasorum was described in red foxes in Finland in the 1960s and in a single red fox in the southern part of the country more recently.

    “The parasite was described in red foxes in the 1960s [251], and in a single red fox in the southern part of the country more recently [252].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [251] Corradetti, A. (1964, January 21–26). Helminth parasites of the red fox in Finland 1963–1964. Proceedings of the First International Congress of Parasitology, Roma, Italy.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [252] Isomursu, 2010, Rare canine parasites survive in the wild fox population, Acta Vet. Scand. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Switzerland, the first cases of A. vasorum were reported from a dog-breeding station in Zurich in 1968, and later five dogs in northern Switzerland and three dogs from Southern Ticino were diagnosed between 1999 and 2004, with two infected red foxes from Basel reported in 2001.

    “In Switzerland, the first cases of A. vasorum were reported from a dog-breeding station in Zurich in 1968 [236], but only decades later did Staebler et al. [208] report five dogs infected with A. vasorum in the northern part of Switzerland, and three dogs coming from Southern Ticino, all diagnosed between 1999 and 2004. In addition, in 2001, two infected red foxes originating from the region of B”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [236] Wolff, 1969, Beitrag zur Angiostrongylose des Hundes, Dtsch Vet-Med Ges Zürich

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [208] Staebler, 2005, Autochthone Infektionen mit Angiostrongylus vasorum bei Hunden in der Schweiz und Deutschland, Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [237] Gottstein, 2001, Lungenwurm Angiostrongylus vasorum bei einem Fuchs in der Schweiz, BVET-Mag.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Since then, North Zealand has been a hyperendemic focus of A. vasorum in red foxes and domestic dogs for decades, while the parasite was absent or had low prevalence in red foxes in the remainder of Denmark (0.0-1.1%).

    “Since then, North Zealand has been a hyperendemic focus of A. vasorum in red foxes and domestic dogs for decades [245,247], while the parasite was either absent or with low prevalence in red foxes in the remainder of Denmark (0.0–1.1%) [247,248,249].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [245] Bolt, 1992, The fox (Vulpes vulpes) as a reservoir for canine angiostrongylosis in Denmark. Field survey and experimental infections, Acta Vet. Scand. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [247] Saeed, 2006, Helminths of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Denmark, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [248] Jacobsen, D.K.L. (2021, July 20). Prævalensundersøgelse af Crenosoma vulpis og Angiostrongylus Vasorum Hos ræv (Vulpes vulpes) og hund (Canis familiaris) i et område i Midtjylland-DK. Available online: https://www.ddd.dk/media/2130/2007-08-keld-loekkegaard-jacobsen.pdf.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [249] Halasa, 2014, Infections with cardiopulmonary and intestinal helminths and sarcoptic mange in red foxes from two different localities in Denmark, Acta Parasitol.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In 1990/1991, clinical cases of A. vasorum were diagnosed in a considerable number of Danish dogs, none of which had ever been outside Denmark, but all from North Zealand.

    “In 1990/1991, clinical cases were diagnosed in a considerable number of Danish dogs, none of which had ever been outside Denmark, but all from North Zealand [243,244].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [243] Koch, 1990, Angiostrongylus vasorum hos hund (Canine angiostrongylosis), Dansk Veterinærtidsskrift

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [244] Rosenlund, 1991, Angiostrongylus vasorum I forreste ojenkammer hos hund, Dansk-Vet Tidsskr

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisereasoning

    In several Central European countries, more than 30.0% of dogs are estimated to stay outside overnight, and so they are at higher risk for mosquito bites compared to dogs staying inside.

    “In several Central European countries, more than 30.0% of the dogs are estimated to stay outside overnight (Figure 2), and so they are at a higher risk for mosquito bites compared to dogs staying inside.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    According to Simón et al., transmission of D. immitis and D. repens is limited by two main preconditions: the presence of a mosquito species capable of transmitting the parasite and the presence of a minimal number of dogs infected with adult nematodes shedding microfilariae.

    “According to Simón et al. [15], the transmission of D. immitis and D. repens is limited by two main preconditions: (i) the presence of a mosquito species capable of transmitting the parasite and (ii) the presence of a minimal number of dogs infected with adult nematodes shedding microfilariae.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [15] Mellado, 2012, Human and animal dirofilariasis: The emergence of a zoonotic mosaic, Clin. Microbiol. Rev. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The tiger mosquito has already established in certain regions in Central Europe and is regularly reintroduced in others.

    “The tiger mosquito has already established in certain regions in Central Europe, and is regularly reintroduced in others (Figure 3) [75].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [75] Fuehrer, H.-P., Schoener, E., Weiler, S., Barogh, B.S., Zittra, C., and Walder, G. (2020). Monitoring of alien mosquitoes in Western Austria (Tyrol, Austria, 2018). PLoS Negl. Trop. Dis., 14. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Both the heartworm predictive model (based on growing degree days) and the Dirofilaria development units show parts of Central Europe suitable for the establishment of these parasites.

    “Both the heartworm predictive model (based on growing degree days) and the Dirofilaria development units show parts of Central Europe suitable for the establishment of these parasites [28].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [28] Genchi, 2011, Changing climate and changing vector-borne disease distribution: The example of Dirofilaria in Europe, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Southern Europe, the tiger mosquito rapidly established, and this invasive species is spreading northwards.

    “In Southern Europe, the tiger mosquito rapidly established, and this invasive species is spreading northwards [267].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [267] Scholte, 2007, Waiting for the tiger: Establishment and spread of the Aedes albopictus mosquito in Europe, Emerg. Pests Vector-Borne Dis. Eur. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Nocturnal house mosquitoes of the Cx. pipiens complex are competent vectors for D. immitis and D. repens, and are the mosquitoes with the highest abundance in the vicinity of humans.

    “In addition, nocturnal house mosquitoes of the Cx. pipiens complex are competent vectors for D. immitis and D. repens, and those are the mosquitoes with the highest abundance in the vicinity of humans.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    During the same period in Sweden, A. vasorum was found at necropsy in red foxes, representing an occurrence of 0.3% to 1.4% of necropsied red foxes, but the necroscopic investigations were not aimed at detecting specifically A. vasorum.

    “During the same period, A. vasorum was found at necropsy in red foxes, representing an occurrence ranging between 0.3% and 1.4% of necropsied red foxes, but the necroscopic investigations were not aimed at detecting specifically A. vasorum [54].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [54] Lindqvist, 2019, Autochthonous Angiostrongylus vasorum in Finland, Vet. Rec. Open source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The establishment of populations of tiger mosquitoes would allow transmission of microfilariae to dogs during daytime and increase the risk of dogs acquiring a Dirofilaria infection.

    “The establishment of populations of tiger mosquitoes would allow for the transmission of microfilariae to dogs during daytime and increase the risk of dogs to acquire an infection.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Central Europe, the possible transmission period for D. immitis is estimated to be three to four months, while 20 days to 2 months are estimated for some Northern European regions.

    “In Central Europe, the possible transmission period for D. immitis is estimated to be three to four months, while 20 days to 2 months are estimated for some Northern European regions [15].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [15] Mellado, 2012, Human and animal dirofilariasis: The emergence of a zoonotic mosaic, Clin. Microbiol. Rev. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The distribution of D. immitis and D. repens is further influenced by human behavior (housing conditions, travel activity of dogs, and imports) and by climatic conditions allowing the presence of competent mosquito vectors and larval development.

    “The distribution of D. immitis and D. repens is further influenced by human behavior (e.g., the housing conditions and travel activity of dogs, and imports), and climatic conditions allowing the presence of competent mosquito vectors and larval development [15].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [15] Mellado, 2012, Human and animal dirofilariasis: The emergence of a zoonotic mosaic, Clin. Microbiol. Rev. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The Asian tiger mosquito is both a competent vector for D. immitis and D. repens and an annoying day-active biter that outcompetes Cx. pipiens s.l.

    “The Asian tiger mosquito is both a competent vector for D. immitis and D. repens, and an annoying day-active biter that outcompetes Cx. pipiens s.l. [268].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [268] Becker, N., Petric, D., Zgomba, M., Boase, C., Madon, M., Dahl, C., and Kaiser, A. (2010). Mosquitoes and Their Control, Springer Science & Business Media. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Synanthropic mosquito species with high abundance at human settlements might be the most important vectors for the establishment of parasite populations.

    “Synanthropic mosquito species with high abundance at human settlements might be the most important vectors for the establishment of parasite populations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A. vasorum was detected in red foxes in Norway for the first time in 2016, with further findings from active surveillance, and in 2019 it was detected also in Northern Norway.

    “The parasite was detected in red foxes in the country for the first time in 2016, and further findings were reported from active surveillance [254,255]. In 2019, A. vasorum was detected also in Northern Norway [256].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [254] Davidson, 2006, Prevalence of Trichinella larvae and extra-intestinal nematodes in Norwegian red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [255] Norwegian Veterinary Institute (2021, July 16). Angiostrongylus Vasorum in Red Foxes. Available online: https://www.vetinst.no/en/surveillance-programmes/angiostrongylus-vasorum-in-red-foxes.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [256] Norwegian Food Safety Authority (2020). The Surveillance Programme for Angiostrongylus Vasorum in Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Norway 2019: Annual Report, Norwegian Veterinary Institute.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    A. vasorum may also be influenced by increased temperature and precipitation, and dog relocations.

    “which may also be influenced by increased temperature and precipitation, and dog relocations.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    D. immitis, D. repens, and A. vasorum are spreading in Europe.

    “Dirofilaria immitis, D. repens, and A. vasorum are spreading in Europe, and the relevance of these parasites is steadily increasing for dogs and veterinary practitioners in Central and Northern Europe.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Red foxes can act as a continuous source of environmental contamination, favoring the infection of gastropod intermediate hosts and thereby the local establishment of A. vasorum.

    “As a consequence, they can act as a continuous source of environmental contamination, favoring the infection of gastropod intermediate hosts [276], and thereby the local establishment of the parasite [277].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [276] Woolsey, 2017, Repeated inoculations with the lung and heartworm nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum result in increasing larval excretion and worm burden in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), Int. J. Parasitol. Parasites Wildl. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [277] Schnyder, 2015, Slugs and Angiostrongylus vasorum--how much do we know?, Vet. Rec. source

      Not checked in the free run.

196 of 196

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Angiostrongylus vasorum does not have any relevance to human health.

    “At present, A. vasorum does not have any relevance to human health.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The absence of published reports or official records of a parasite in a country indicates that the parasite is absent or not established there.

    “There are no published reports of Dirofilaria spp. in animals in Denmark”
    “There are no reported cases of D. immitis or D. repens from Iceland.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Temperature has an important influence on the development of mosquito vectors and parasites.

    “Temperature has an important influence on the development of mosquito vectors and parasites.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Longer warm periods per year allow for more generations of parasites and vectors per year.

    “longer warm periods per year allow for more generations of parasites and vectors per year”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Increasing temperatures allow for a faster development from eggs to adult mosquitoes.

    “increasing temperatures allow for a faster development from eggs to adult mosquitoes”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Red foxes are ubiquitous.

    “Red foxes are ubiquitous”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Red foxes share recreational areas with dogs around urban contexts.

    “share recreational areas with dogs around urban contexts”
7 of 7

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • The general epidemiological profile identified in this study was characterized by middle-aged, mixed-breed, outdoor dogs from Mediterranean climate zones, consistent with previous descriptions in the veterinary literature.

    “The general epidemiological profile identified in this study, characterized by middle-aged, mixed-breed, outdoor dogs from Mediterranean climate zones, is consistent with previous descriptions in the veterinary literature (4, 5, 12, 23).”

    From Deciphering the socio-environmental factors associated with realized heartworm transmission risk in dogs from Portugal and Spain (2026) · cites this paper as [23]

    Section 4.1 (page unavailable) says dogs kept outdoors overnight have greater exposure to mosquito bites, supporting the outdoor-risk component. The passages do not describe a general profile of middle-aged, mixed-breed dogs from Mediterranean climate zones; the paper discusses parasite spread chiefly in Central and Northern Europe. (LLM, conf=0.85)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • In Austria, where previously only isolated cases were reported, several studies now report the solid presence of D. immitis in the country.

    “In Austria, where previously only isolated cases were reported, there are already several studies reporting the solid presence of D. immitis in the country [47].”

    From What has happened to heartworm disease in Europe in the last 10 years? (2022) · cites this paper as [47]

  • Outdoor keeping of dogs is considered a crucial factor leading to a higher risk for mosquito bites compared to dogs kept inside.

    “Besides climate warming and stray dogs, outdoor keeping of dogs is considered a crucial factor, leading to a higher risk for mosquito bites compared to dogs kept inside [45].”

    From Vectors, host range, and spatial distribution of Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens in Europe: a systematic review (2025) · cites this paper as [45]

  • Heartworm is considered an emerging disease in other European countries.

    “This expansion has been described in other European countries and heartworm is therefore considered an emerging disease (8, 9).”

    From Seroprevalence of Feline Heartworm in Spain: Completing the Epidemiological Puzzle of a Neglected Disease in the Cat (2022) · cites this paper as [9]

  • As a vector-borne disease, the distribution of D. immitis is influenced by climate, with regions with more favorable climatic conditions allowing proliferation of vector mosquitoes and higher prevalences.

    “As it is a vector-borne disease, its distribution is influenced by the climate, so that those regions with more favorable climatic conditions allow the proliferation of vector mosquitoes and, therefore, presence of higher prevalences (9, 25, 26).”

    From Seroprevalence of Feline Heartworm in Spain: Completing the Epidemiological Puzzle of a Neglected Disease in the Cat (2022) · cites this paper as [9]

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

  • Polish dog prevalence does not match the count

    Minor

    Twenty positive dogs out of 160 is 12.5%, not the reported 12.0%.

    Reported 12 · recomputed 12.5

  • Slovak red-fox prevalence does not match the count

    Minor

    Thirty-one positive samples among 571 give a prevalence of 5.43%, not 4.4%.

    Reported 4.4 · recomputed 5.429072

  • Swiss D. immitis percentage is too low

    Minor

    Eight positive dogs among 479 samples is 1.67%, which rounds to 1.7%, not the reported 1.6%.

    Reported 1.6 · recomputed 1.670146

3 of 3

The citation lists haven’t been fetched yet

References 267 · Cited by 96

Research works printed but not linked: 41

  1. Meissel, 1988, Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in Austria, Wiener Tierarztliche Monatsschrift, 75, 420
  2. Kleiter, 2001, Kutane Dirofilariose (Dirofilaria repens) bei zwei nach Österreich importierten Hunden, Kleintierpraxis, 46, 283
  3. Duscher, 2009, Nachweis von Dirofilarien in österreichischen Hunden, Berliner und Munchener Tierarztliche Wochenschrift, 122, 199
  4. Bardach, 1981, Sulkutane Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens. Infektion Beim Menschen. Erste Fallbeschreibung In Oesterreich Und Uebersicht Der Literatur, Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift, 93, 123
  5. Leuterer, 1993, Die Herzwurmkrankheit des Hundes: Erregerbiologie und-okologie, Pathogenese, Klinik, Diagnose, Therapie und Prophylaxe. Canine heartworm disease: Biology and ecology of the causative agent, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, therapy and prophylaxis, Kleintierpraxis, 38, 633
  6. Glaser, 1998, Importierte arthropodenübertragene Parasiten und parasitische Arthropoden beim Hund. Erregerspektrum und epidemiologische Analyse der 1995/96 diagnostizierten Fälle, Tierarztl. Prax. Ausg. K Kleintiere. Heimtiere., 26, 40
  7. Wohlsein, 1996, Leishmaniose und Filariose bei einem Hund, Kleintierpraxis, 25, 367
  8. Hirsch, 2008, Vorkommenshäufigkeit der Reisekrankheiten Leishmaniose, Ehrlichiose, Babesiose und Dirofilariose bei in Deutschland lebenden Hunden, Kleintierpraxis, 12, 154
  9. 1951, On a new case of human filarioidosis in Hungary, Acta Vet. Acad. Sci. Hung., 1, 69
  10. Fok, 1998, Dirofilaria repens első hazai diagnosztizálása kutyában sebészeti beavatkozás sorá, Kisállatorvoslás, 4, 218
  11. 1999, Dirofilaria repens fertőzöttség kutyákban, Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja, 121, 100
  12. Fok, 2007, Preliminary results of an epidemiological survey on dirofilariosis of dogs and cats in Hungary, Mappe Parassitologiche, 8, 195
  13. Boros, 1982, Dirofilaria immitis fertőzöttség kutyában, Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja, 122, 313
  14. Kiss, 2000, Heartworm disease in dogs. Review article and case report, Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja, 122, 707
  15. Hetyey, 2014, Dirofilaria immitis elso magyarországi kimutatása a tüdo-artériában echokardiográfiás vizsgálattal, Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja, 136, 231
  16. Demiaszkiewicz, 2010, Pierwszy w Polsce przypadek inwazji Dirofilaria repens u psa, Magazyn Weterynaryjny, 19, 254
  17. Demiaszkiewicz, 2013, Przypadek wykrycia nicienia Dirofilaria repens w jądrze psa, Medycyna Weterynaryjna, 69, 124
  18. Adaszek, 2021, Czy zarażenia Dirofilaria immitis stanowią zagrożenie dla psów w Polsce?, Magazyn Weterynaryjny, 4, 1
  19. Cielecka, 2008, Dirofilarioza—Dirofilaria repens, po raz pierwszy opisana u polskich pacjentów, Przegląd Epidemiologiczny, 62, 547
  20. Okulewicz, 2009, Dirofilaria repens–pierwszy przypadek dirofilariozy podspojówkowej w Polsce, Przewodnik Lekarza, 12, 65
  21. Ondriska, 2021, Filarial infections in human medicine and public health, Lekársky obzor, 70, 512
  22. Brglez, 1987, Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy, 1856) Railliet et Henry, 1911, pri psu: Zbornik Biotehniske Fakultete Univerze Edvardo Kardelja v Ljubljani, Veterinarstvo, 24, 69
  23. Brglez, 1988, Podkožna oblika dirofilarioze pri lisici: Zbornik Biotehniske Fakultete Univerze Edvardo Kardelja v Ljubljani, Veterinarstvo, 25, 53
  24. Savani, 1933, Distribuzione della microfilaria dei cani in Carpi, Novi, Concordia e dintorni, Scienze Mediche Colon, 32, 357
  25. Vlach, 1936, La filariosi nei cani di Trieste e Provincia, Archicio Italionao di Scienze Mediche Colon, 77, 418
  26. Depieds, 1955, Etat actuel de l’endémicité à dirofilaria immitis chez le chien, dans la région d’hyères; apres les travaux récents de démoustiquation, Rev. Pathol. Gen. Physiol. Clin., 55, 824
  27. Ranque, 1951, La distribution géographique de la filariose canine dans la région provençale; ses rapports avec les anciennes zones d’endémie palustre, J. Med. Bord., 128, 258
  28. Kersten, 1959, Zum Vorkommen der Herzfilariose (Dirofilaria immitis) beim Hund, Dtsch Tieraerztl Wschr, 66, 217
  29. Kamula, R., Taskinen, P., Pongrácz, E., Rautio, A., and Strand, K. (2015). One Health. Research on the Change in the North, Proceedings of the THULE SCIENCE DAYS 2015, Oulu, Finland, 27–28 October 2015, University of Oulu. Highlights of the Thule Institute’s Research Program 2012–2015.
  30. Maier, 2010, Angiostrongylus Vasorum, der “französische Herzwurm”: Auch ein Problem in Österreich?, Wiener Tierarztliche Monatsschrift, 97, 171
  31. Pallaske, 1967, Zur Angiostrongylose des Hundes, Deutsche Tierarztliche Wochenschrift, 74, 166
  32. Szczepaniak, 2014, Pierwszy rozpoznany bezpośrednio, kliniczny przypadek angiostrongylozy u psa w Polsce, Medycyna Weterynaryjna, 70, 242
  33. Szczesna, 2007, A study on the helminthfauna of wolves (Canis lupus L.) in the Bieszczady Mountains (south Poland)-preliminary results, Wiadomości Parazytologiczne, 53, 36
  34. Wolff, 1969, Beitrag zur Angiostrongylose des Hundes, Dtsch Vet-Med Ges Zürich, 10, 9
  35. Gottstein, 2001, Lungenwurm Angiostrongylus vasorum bei einem Fuchs in der Schweiz, BVET-Mag., 1, 22
  36. Finnerup, 1983, Angiostrongylus vasorum hos hund, Dansk Veterinærtidsskrift, 66, 338
  37. Koch, 1990, Angiostrongylus vasorum hos hund (Canine angiostrongylosis), Dansk Veterinærtidsskrift, 73, 1239
  38. Rosenlund, 1991, Angiostrongylus vasorum I forreste ojenkammer hos hund, Dansk-Vet Tidsskr, 74, 451
  39. Guildal, 1973, Endoparasites from one hundred Danish red foxes (Vulpes vulpes (L.)), Nor. J. Zool., 21, 329
  40. Corradetti, A. (1964, January 21–26). Helminth parasites of the red fox in Finland 1963–1964. Proceedings of the First International Congress of Parasitology, Roma, Italy.
  41. Christensson, 2003, Angiostrongylus vasorum etablerad i Sverige, Svensk Veterinartidning, 12, 11

Authors
Fuehrer, H.-P., Morelli, S., Unterköfler, M. S., Bajer, A., Bakran-Lebl, K., Dwużnik-Szarek, D., Farkas, R., Grandi, G., Heddergott, M., Jokelainen, P., Knific, T., Leschnik, M., Miterpáková, M., Modrý, D., Petersen, H. H., Skírnisson, K., Vergles Rataj, A., Schnyder, M., & Strube, C.
Affiliations
  • University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (AT)
  • University of Teramo (IT)
  • University of Warsaw (PL)
  • University of Veterinary Medicine (HU)
  • Swedish Veterinary Agency (SE)
  • Musée national d'histoire naturelle Luxembourg (LU)
  • Statens Serum Institut (DK)
  • University of Ljubljana (SI)
  • Slovak Academy of Sciences (SK)
  • Czech Academy of Sciences (CZ)
  • Technical University of Denmark (DK)
  • University of Iceland (IS)
  • Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • University of Zurich (CH)
  • Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
Corresponding author
Fuehrer, Hans-Peter
ORCID
Venue
Pathogens
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2021-10-01
Volume
10
Issue
10
Pages
1268
ISSN
2076-0817 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3390/pathogens10101268
PMC
PMC8537668
OpenAlex
W3202088791
Semantic Scholar
d418401514b887a823c2c8ddb965d1746df10bb9
Cited by
96
References
267
Citations by year
2026: 19 · 2025: 19 · 2024: 18 · 2023: 17 · 2022: 19 · 2021: 4
FWCI
1.73
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Pathogens (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Repository of the University of Ljubljana (University of Ljubljana) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Epsilon Open Archive (Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet biblioteket (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences)) (acceptedVersion)
  • Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich) (acceptedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
  • Technical University of Denmark, DTU Orbit (Technical University of Denmark, DTU) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • UniTERAMO Research Catalog (University of Teramo) (submittedVersion)
  • Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Infectious Diseases › Parasitic Diseases Research and Treatment
  • Health Sciences › Veterinary › Small Animals › Helminth infection and control
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Insect Science › Mollusks and Parasites Studies
Keywords
Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, Angiostrongylus vasorum, canine dirofilariasis, canine angiostrongylosis, invasive nematodes, disease spread, Aedes albopictus, mosquito vectors, wild canids, climate change, Central Europe, Northern Europe

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-09.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-09.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review