Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Moose (Alces Alces) in Relation to Supplementary Feeding

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Winter supplementary feeding of wildlife is controversial because it may promote parasite and disease transmission by host aggregation. We investigated the effect of winter supplemental feeding of Scandinavian moose (Alces alces) on gastrointestinal (GI) parasite infection in two counties of southern Norway by comparing fecal egg counts of moose using, and not using, feeding stations between January 2007 and March 2010. We identified three different GI nematodes based on egg morphology. All three were found in Hedmark county while in Telemark county we found only Trichuris sp. (prevalence 33%). Prevalence of Trichostrongylidae (65%) and Nematodirus sp. (26%) in Hedmark was not affected by feeding station use. However, the probability of infection varied significantly between years sampled (Trichostrongylidae) and age class (Nematodirus sp.). Fecal egg counts (FEC), a proxy for intensity of infection, of Trichostrongylidae were higher in the year when winter weather conditions were more challenging and prevalence was higher, and decreased with increasing body mass. Adult moose had higher FECs than did juvenile moose, and female juveniles had lower abundances than did male juveniles. Use of feeding stations did not affect probability of infection with any of the nematodes or intensity of infection with Trichostrongylidae. We discuss our findings in terms of parasite life histories and recommend that parasitologic surveillance be included in the monitoring of feeding programs.

Gastrointestinal parasites in an isolated Norwegian population of wild red deer (Cervus elaphus)

“…Further, intensity and abundance exceeded the values reported in similar studies of other red deer populations from localities across Europe [9-12]. High levels of infection in this confined Norwegian population are notable, given that the study was carried out in February in contrast to the traditional hunting season in autumn when parasite burdens would in general be predicted to be higher than those observed during mid-winter [13,21]. …”

Endoparasites in a Norwegian moose (Alces alces) population – Faunal diversity, abundance and body condition

“…Supplemental feeding, as is practiced in Hedmark, could further muddy the picture. Although no differences in faecal egg counts were found between moose using and not using supplemental feed (Milner et al., 2013b), abomasal counts might have revealed a different picture.…”

“…The only previous survey of gastrointestinal parasites in Norwegian moose showed that 75% of individuals had at least one type of gastrointestinal parasite, based on faecal egg counts (Milner et al., 2013b). Strongyle-type eggs were found in 65% of samples and a quarter contained Nematodirus sp.…”

Gastrointestinal parasites in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus): A review focusing on Fennoscandia

“…infections in captive moose have been associated with host aggregation during grazing on pasture and with supplementary feeding. Furthermore, these parasites may be a component of the Wasting Syndrome Complex, a condition of chronic diarrhea and body mass loss (Clauss et al, 2002;Milner et al, 2013), which is not to be confused with the prion disease Chronic Wasting Disease. In Finnish zoos, Trichuris sp.…”