Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of red deer from protected landscape area Štiavnické vrchy

Abstract

Count of red deer in some areas of Slovak republic exceeds standard count. To these areas belongs as well Protected Landscape Area Štiavnické vrchy (N48°24'42'' E18°52'21''). High count of is a risk for spread of viral, bacterial as well as parasitic diseases. The aim of this study was to determined and evaluated prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of red deer (Cervus elaphus) from Protected Landscape Area Štiavnické vrchy in year 2016. Monitoring was realized through cooperation between Department of Veterinary Sciences at Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra and District Veterinary and Food Administration in Zvolen as well as with Hunting Associations acting in area of Štiavnické vrchy. Total 120 faecal samples (10 from each month of the year 2016) was analysed using flotation method and eggs and oocysts were identified. Highest prevalence was detected by Trichostrongylus axei, Eimeria spp. and Spiculopteragia boehmi. Prevalence of endoparasites is affected by age structure of red deer and then by using antiparasitics, climatic condition. Result of these was, that prevalence of total gastrointestinal parasites was lowest during months January to March, when Hunting Associations realised regular worming. The highest prevalence of total gastrointestinal parasites was in months July to December, when the relative humidity is higher and to red deer population belongs as well new offspring, which has high predisposition to gastrointestinal parasites.