Experimental trichinellosis in fallow-deer (Dama dama L.)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Wildlife Disease Ecology
• Foodborne Pathogens

Background:

• Herbivores can act as significant reservoirs and disseminators of Trichinella parasites.
• Previous outbreaks highlight the role of contaminated meat consumption in human trichinellosis.
• Understanding susceptibility in wildlife species is crucial for disease control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally determine the susceptibility of fallow-deer (Dama dama) to Trichinella britovi and Trichinella pseudospiralis.
• To evaluate key biological parameters, including larval burden and host immune response, following infection.
• To assess the potential role of fallow-deer in the transmission cycle of trichinellosis.

Main Methods:

• Oral inoculation of fallow-deer with controlled doses of T. britovi and T. pseudospiralis larvae.
• Necropsy and artificial digestion of muscle tissues to quantify larval burden (larvae/g).
• Histopathological, serological (IgG monoclonal blocking ELISA), and biochemical analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• Fallow-deer demonstrated susceptibility to both T. britovi and T. pseudospiralis.
• Higher Trichinella larval burdens per gram of muscle tissue were found in deer infected with T. britovi.
• A more pronounced immunological response (IgG levels) was observed in deer infected with T. pseudospiralis.

Conclusions:

• Fallow-deer are a susceptible host for T. britovi and T. pseudospiralis, indicating their potential role in parasite transmission.
• Differential susceptibility and host immune responses to distinct Trichinella species were observed.
• Further research is warranted to understand the epidemiological significance of fallow-deer in trichinellosis ecology.