The first record of Molineus patens (Dujardin, 1845) in foxes (Vulpes vulpes L.) in Serbia and the Western Balkans

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes L.) has the widest global distribution among terrestrial carnivore species and is an important reservoir for a range of parasites. Investigations on parasitic fauna foxes have intensified in recent years Serbia, resulting detection some parasites that not been recorded before. Within Programme Control Eradication Rabies from January to March 2019, 52 legally hunted were was established by standard methods, i.e. dissection followed microscopic examination. Internal organs animals examined presence Parasite identification based morphological characteristics. Parasites found 23 (44.23%) foxes. Eight established, which, nematode Molineus patens (Dujardin, 1845) discovered small intestine five (9.61%). intensity M. infection varied 17 43 To best our knowledge, this first record Serbia Western Balkans.