Molecular evidence for the presence of Dirofilaria repens in beech marten (Martes foina) from Slovakia

Abstract Herein we present the first finding of Dirofilaria repens , agent of the subcutaneous form of dirofilariosis, in Martes foina . Molecular analyses from the spleen of 3 individuals originated from Tatra National Park, Northern Slovakia, confirmed the presence of D. repens in one of them. Finding of D. repens in beech marten instigates to more intense research on free living carnivores as the potential source of Dirofilaria parasites.