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Onchocercosis in red deer (Cervus elaphus) from Spain
M Santín-Durán1, J M Alunda, C de la Fuente
1Departamento de Patología Animal I (Sanidad Animal), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain. msantin@eucmax.sim.ucm.es
The Journal of Parasitology
|November 7, 2001
Summary
Onchocerca flexuosa infection, known as onchocercosis, was newly identified in Spanish red deer. This study details its prevalence, seasonal patterns, and impact across different deer age groups and sexes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Wildlife Health
- Infectious Diseases in Cervids
Background:
- Onchocercosis is a parasitic disease caused by nematodes of the genus Onchocerca.
- Red deer (Cervus elaphus) are important wild ruminants in various ecosystems.
- Understanding parasite distribution in wildlife is crucial for ecosystem health and disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the first occurrence of Onchocerca flexuosa in red deer from Spain.
- To investigate the prevalence, intensity, and seasonal distribution of onchocercosis in this host population.
- To analyze potential differences in infection rates based on host age and sex.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy of 125 red deer from Spain between October 1994 and September 1995.
- Identification and quantification of adult Onchocerca flexuosa specimens found in subcutaneous nodules.
- Statistical analysis of prevalence and intensity data concerning host age, sex, and season.
Main Results:
- Onchocerca flexuosa was detected in 33% of the red deer examined, marking the first report in this species in Spain.
- A significant seasonal pattern was observed, with higher prevalence and intensity during fall and winter.
- Prevalence varied significantly with age, but intensity and sex did not show significant differences.
Conclusions:
- Onchocercosis is endemic in the studied Spanish red deer population.
- The seasonal dynamics of infection suggest specific transmission periods influencing parasite burden.
- Age is a significant factor in susceptibility or exposure to Onchocerca flexuosa in red deer.