DEFINITIVE HOSTS OF ALARIA ALATA (TREMATODA, STRIGEIDIDA) IN NATURAL CONDITIONS OF THE CENTRAL BLACK EARTH REGION (VORONEZH AND LIPETSK REGIONS)

Currently in the Central Black Earth Region, an increase in cases of infection of wild and domestic carnivores with the trematode Alaria alata (Trematoda, Strigeidida) has been recorded. Helminthological materials were collected in the Voronezh Nature Reserve and in adjacent territories (Voronezh and Lipetsk Regions) for more than 20 years (2000–2022). More than 100 species of carnivorous mammals of the Canidae family were studied. A. alata maritae were recorded in four predator species: the wolf, fox, raccoon dog, and the domestic dog. The total infection rate in 4 Canidae species was 78.3%. The highest infection prevalence was registered in the wolf, 97.0%, and the raccoon dog, 100%, and slightly lower in the fox, 81.8%. For the domestic dog, the incidence of Alaria species was found at the level of 34.4%. In the study area, the fox was the most numerous predator. The fox had significant infection prevalence values and the highest relative abundance of maritae (infection intensity and abundance index). A fairly large sample of foxes was studied in adjacent territories that were mainly agricultural lands. Relatively high levels of infection were detected: the IP 75.9%; the II 162.0; and the AI 122.9. The fox plays the leading role in the circulation of alariosis in the Central Black Earth Region.