| Summary: | Introduction of alien species is a well-known threat to biodiversity. Where newly introduced, alien species may pose a risk for the local ecological community by competing for resources or by introducing pathogens. <i>Sylvilagus floridanus</i> is an American lagomorph introduced into Europe in the second half of 20th century, for hunting. This study evaluated the structure and epidemiological characteristics of the gastrointestinal parasite community in an introduced population of <i>S. floridanus</i> in the Province of Alessandria (Piedmont Region—Italy). Three alien parasites were reported out of 271 animals: <i>Obeliscoides cuniculi</i> in the stomach, <i>Trichostrongylus calcaratus</i> in the small intestine, and <i>Passarulus nonnanulatus</i> in the large intestine. All these nematodes are commonly reported in <i>S. floridanus</i> in its natural range, but they represent alien species in Europe. The report of these alien parasites is an example of the unexpected consequences caused by the introduction of non-native vertebrates. The documented introduction of new pathogens may alter the parasite community of the native lagomorphs, with possible long-term effects on local ecological dynamics.
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