Work

Exploring animal enclosures and parasite interactions in Germany

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: In order to gain an initial impression of the current parasite situation in wildlife enclosures across Germany, 17 enclosures of six animal species were examined for parasites in soil and fecal samples in seven facilities. Of particular interest in this context are helminths and protists. Despite the potential risks, however, there are only a few studies on parasites in animal enclosures due to the taboo subject. The study examined 661 fecal samples from fallow deer ( Dama dama, N = 247), wild boar ( Sus scrofa , N = 207), red deer ( Cervus elaphus, N = 111), mouflon ( Ovis orientalis musimon N = 76), roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus , N = 12) and bison ( Bison bonasus , N = 8) as well as 136 soil samples from 12 single-species enclosures and 5 mixed-species enclosures. Three hundred and sixty fecal samples (54.46 %) tested positive for parasites using flotation and sedimentation methods. In addition, parasites were detected in 62.5 % (N = 85) of the soil samples. Examination of the faecal samples revealed that the most common parasite species were Strongyloides sp., Trichostrongylus sp. and Trichuris sp. With the help of a Geographic Information System (GIS), the findings could be displayed on an enclosure map and initial hypotheses on environmental relationships could be made. Particularly high parasite samples were mostly located near feeding and resting areas. The results underline the need for more regular monitoring and targeted parasite management to protect the health of the animals. GIS can be used as an additional tool to help identify hotspots and to specifically incorporate the environment into management in order to take animal-friendly measures. This will play a greater role in the future in the context of anthelmintic resistance. • 661 fecal and 136 soil samples from 17 enclosures were tested across species. • Seven wildlife parks and six wildlife species in Germany were examined. • 360 fecal (54.45%) and 85 soil (62.5%) samples were positive for STH and Coccidia. • GIS can help identify hotspots for targeted parasite management.

Source: International Journal for Parasitology Parasites and Wildlife

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.101009

Authors: Christopher Sander, Niko Balkenhol, Stephan Neumann

Institution: University of Göttingen

Language: English

Topic: Helminth infection and control

Subfield: Small Animals

Field: Veterinary

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930

Funder: Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie