Emerging Host, Emerging Parasites: Cardiopulmonary Nematodes in Italian Golden Jackals ( Canis aureus )

Cardiopulmonary nematodes of canids are important veterinary pathogens, and their distribution across Europe is expanding, a trend driven by climate change and shifting wildlife dynamics. The golden jackal ( Canis aureus ), a highly adaptable mesocarnivore, could function as a key reservoir and intermediary host at the boundary between wild and domestic animals. This study provides a comprehensive, long‐term assessment of the cardiopulmonary nematode community in golden jackals from Northeastern Italy (Friuli Venezia Giulia [FVG]). From 2009 to 2025, 109 jackal carcasses were necropsied. The nematodes recovered were identified morphometrically and confirmed by PCR (targeting mtCOI, 18S rRNA and 12S rRNA genes). The infection parameters and the influence of host characteristics on infection probability were calculated. Spatial modelling was applied in order to assess how environmental and anthropogenic factors influence the probability of infection. Overall, 52 jackals (47.7%) were positive for at least one parasite species. The prevalence of Angiostrongylus vasorum was the highest (34.9%), followed by Eucoleus aerophilus (13.8%), Crenosoma vulpis (12.8%) and Dirofilaria immitis (4.6%). Host sex had a significant effect on the prevalence and abundance of C. vulpis , with higher rates in males. Mean annual precipitation and the extent of agricultural land cover (AGR) were significant positive predictors of A. vasorum and E. aerophilus infections. Our findings suggest that the golden jackal may serve as a reservoir for veterinary and zoonotic pathogens. As jackals increasingly exploit human‐dominated habitats, their role in maintaining and spreading these nematodes in the environment may become more relevant. Given the species’ ongoing westward expansion, integrated One Health surveillance programmes are essential to monitor pathogen spread within multispecies landscapes.