and other zoonotic pathogens associated with captive lemurs () in southern Italy.

Safari-style zoological collections, particularly walk-in enclosures, offer visitors the unique experience of a close interaction with wildlife. However, these interactions can increase the risk of exposure to zoonotic infectious agents. In this study, we assessed the occurrence of zoonotic pathogens in ring-tailed lemurs (), as well as the presence of spp. in phlebotomine sand flies collected in the same zoological park (Fasano, southern Italy). Blood ( = 30), feces ( = 29), and sand flies were collected and analyzed using molecular and serological techniques. In addition, copro-parasitological analysis was performed on fecal samples. Two lemurs tested seropositive for using SNAP Leish 4Dx® ( = 2/30 [6.67 %; 95 % CI: 1.85-21.34]), with one also confirmed positive by qPCR. Sand flies were morphologically identified as ( 71) and ( 1), with one female positive for by qPCR. Fecal samples scored positive at molecular analysis for (assemblage B, sub-assemblage BIV) ( = 13/29 [44.83 %; 95 % CI: 27.63-63.09];  = 2/29 [6.90 %; 95 % CI: 1.91-22.57]), respectively), sp. (subtype 8) ( = 2/29 [6.90 %; 95 % CI: 1.91-22.57]), and ( = 8/29 [27.59 %; 95 % CI: 14.59-45.96]). The detection of in lemurs and suggests that in areas where is endemic this animal species may be infected, also demonstrating that SNAP Leish 4Dx® is effective for screening in zoological settings. The identification of (assemblage BIV), and sp. (ST8) raises concerns about contamination in enclosures, water, and food sources, overall highlighting the importance of sanitary protocols to avoid the risk of infection among animals, zookeepers and visitors.