Treponemal infection in free-ranging European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) in central Italy: Serology and epidemiology

Abstract

In the winters of 2008 and 2009, treponemal infections in 154 free-ranging wild European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) from Central Italy were diagnosed by serologic tests for human syphilis. Antibodies were found in 51/154 samples (33%). Antibody prevalence was positively correlated with age and with population density. There were no significant differences in prevalence between sexes. © Wildlife Disease Association 2012.