Tapeworms detected in wolf populations in Central Italy (Umbria and Marche regions): A long-term study.

Tapeworms are trophically-transmitted and multi-host parasites with a complex indirect life cycle, strictly depending on predator-prey interactions. Their presence in a free-living population, mainly definitive hosts, is arduous to study due to the complexity of collecting fecal samples. However, epidemiological studies on their frequency are crucial from a public health perspective, providing information on food habits and prey selection of predators. The present study aims to update the frequency of tapeworms detected in stool samples by molecular analysis in Italian wolf populations of Umbria and Marche regions collected from 2014 to 2022. Tapeworm's total frequency was 43.2%. In detail, was detected in 27 samples (21.6%), in 22 (17.6%), and (syn. ) in 2 (1.6%). Three samples were identified as and s.s. (G3) and , with a proportion of 0.8%, respectively. The low frequency of in a hyperendemic area is discussed. The results show for the first time a high frequency of not comparable to other Italian studies conducted on wild Carnivora; thus, a new ecological niche is conceivable. These findings suggest a plausible wolf-roe deer cycle for in the investigated area.