Meningeal worm in free-ranging deer in Nebraska

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Wildlife Health
• Ecology

Background:

• Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, the meningeal worm, is a parasite affecting cervids.
• Understanding its distribution is crucial for wildlife management and conservation.
• Previous studies have not documented P. tenuis in white-tailed deer in Nebraska.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and distribution of Parelaphostrongylus tenuis in white-tailed deer and mule deer in Nebraska.
• To establish the first record of P. tenuis infection in white-tailed deer within the state.

Main Methods:

• Necropsies were performed on 300 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and 53 mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) from Nebraska.
• Samples were collected in November 1996.
• Infection was confirmed by identifying P. tenuis.

Main Results:

• Parelaphostrongylus tenuis was identified in 22 (7%) of the 300 white-tailed deer examined.
• Infected white-tailed deer were found in 18 counties across eastern Nebraska.
• No infections were detected in the 53 mule deer examined.

Conclusions:

• This study confirms the presence of Parelaphostrongylus tenuis in white-tailed deer in Nebraska.
• The findings highlight the need for ongoing surveillance of meningeal worm in wildlife populations in the region.
• The absence of infection in mule deer warrants further investigation.