Vector-borne pathogens in European wildcats (Felis s. silvestris) in Croatia: A first molecular survey

Abstract

Abstract The European wildcat ( Felis silvestris silvestris ) is a rare species in Croatia, yet data on its vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) have been entirely lacking. This study provides the first molecular survey of VBPs in twelve Croatian wildcats collected between 2018 and 2025. Using broad-range PCR assays and sequencing, we found pathogen DNA in all analyzed animals (12/12). The most common pathogen was Hepatozoon felis (10/12), followed by Cytauxzoon europaeus (4/12), Mycoplasma spp. (2/12), and Hepatozoon silvestris (1/12). Dual infections were identified in 5/12 animals. Notably, phylogenetic analysis of hemotropic mycoplasmas revealed a Mycoplasma suis -like genotype, typically associated with swine, suggesting potential cross-species transmission at the sylvatic-domestic interface. The high prevalence of pathogens highlights a potential health risk for this protected population as well as to domestic cats ( Felis catus ) in the region. These findings fill a critical knowledge gap in the studied region and emphasize the need for integrated conservation strategies that consider the domestic-sylvatic interface in pathogen dynamics.