Parasitofauna of European bison Bison bonasus (L.) in Borecka Forest

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the parasite species occurring currently in European bison from the Borecka Forest and to estimate prevalence and intensity of their infections. Anatomopathological and parasitological necropsy of four bison from the Borecka Forest has been carried out. 24 bison faecal samples were also analyzed using flotation, decantation and the Baermann method. As a result of performed necropsies and coproscopical analysis, 13 nematode species, 2 species of flukes and 7 species of coccidia were found. In comparison with previous studies, parasitofauna of European bison from the Borecka Forest has been augmented with 6 nematodes species (Ashworthius sidemi, Haemonchus placei, Aonchotheca bilobata, Ostertagia antipini, Ostertagia Iyrata and Trichuris ovis), 1 species of fluke (Paramphistomum cervi) and 3 species of coccidia (Eimeria auburnensis, E. canadensis and E. alabamensis). All necropsied bisons were infected with nematodes A. sidemi. The Borecka Forest has been recognized as a new focus of ashwortiosis. Post-mortem examinations confirm the role of parasites, both nematodes and flukes, in the formation of gross lesions in infected bisons.