Epidemiology and risk factors analysis of elaphostrongylosis in red deer (Cervus elaphus) from Spain

Abstract

We studied the distribution and faecal shedding pattern of the first-stage larvae (L1) of Elaphostrongylus cervi (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae) in the red deer (Cervus elaphus) across Spain, where excretion was widespread. We evaluated the effects of individual, population and environmental factors on E. cervi L1 counts in 18 free-ranging red deer populations in South Central Spain. In this area, prevalence was 71.42±2.14% (n=448) and mean intensity (n=320) was 74.50±10.35. Aggregation of deer at water-holes was positively associated with E. cervi L1 prevalence, possibly due to spatial and temporal odds of infected gastropods, red deer and infective E. cervi L1 larvae being encountered. Prevalence increased with age, and there was also a trend towards males having higher intensities than females. A slightly decreasing age–intensity profile was identified for females, which may suggest a role of acquired immunity.