Dynamics of endoparasites in farmed fallow deer (Dama dama) from birth to puberty

Rectal faecal samples from farmed fallow deer were examined for eggs, larvae and oocysts of gastro-intestinal and pulmonary parasites from July 1992, then the fawns were 6 weeks old, to September 1993 in four weekly intervals. The investigations showed a succession of species: Trichuris spp., Nematodirus roscidus and Capillaria bovis had their peaks in egg output in August 1992, September 1992 and February 1993, respectively. After reaching peaks the faecal output of Trichuris spp. and Nematodirus roscidus eggs showed a marked decline. The shedding of Dictyocaulus larvae had its highest peak in November 1992 and a smaller one in June 1993. The excretion of trichostrongyle eggs (other than Nematodirus roscidus), eggs of strongylids and Eimeria oocysts did not show well defined seasonal dynamics.