Deer and their parasites: disease or coexistence?

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Wildlife Ecology
• Biodiversity Studies

Background:

• Parasitic infections are common in wild ruminants.
• Understanding host-parasite dynamics is crucial for wildlife health management.
• Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) share ecosystems and potentially parasites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the parasite species present in roe and red deer.
• To assess the pathogenicity and impact of these parasites on wild and farmed deer.
• To evaluate the potential of parasites as bioindicators for deer health and habitat quality.

Main Methods:

• Parasitological examination of randomly selected or deceased roe and red deer (1972-1995).
• Regular monitoring of a farmed red deer herd's parasitological status.
• Evaluation of host factors: age, carcass weight, physical condition, and pathological features.

Main Results:

• Identified 38 parasite species in roe deer and 18 in red deer; 11 species were common to both.
• Most identified parasites were non-pathogenic in wild deer, except in cases of captivity-related stress.
• High parasite burdens, particularly lungworms, protozoans, and hair lice, were observed in captive animals, linked to stress.

Conclusions:

• The relationship between native deer and their parasites is primarily one of coexistence, not significant harm.
• Parasites with direct development can serve as valuable bioindicators for monitoring deer health and environmental quality.
• The diverse parasitofauna of deer highlights broader biodiversity and complex host-parasite interactions.