The first detection of nematodes Ashworthius sidemi in elk Alces alces (L.) in Poland and remarks of ashworthiosis foci limitations

Abstract

Ashworthius sidemi, a nematode belonging to the family of Trichostrongylidae, is a primary parasite of the Asian deer, mainly sika deer (Cervus nippon), with which it was introduced to Ukraine, as well as Slovakia, the Czech Republic and France. Migrating red deer carried this parasite from neighboring countries to Polish territory. Until now, in Poland, this parasite has been recorded in European bison, red deer, roe deer and fallow deer. As a result of post-mortem examinations of 10 elk, 2 of them from the Augustów Forest and Biebrza Marshes, A. sidemi were found in abomasa for the first time in Poland. The intensity of the invasions was 120 and 7 specimens, respectively. This finding of Ashworthius sidemi in elk indicates a further expansion of the focus of ashworthiosis in Białowieża towards the north into the Biebrza Marshes and the Augustowska Forest. The growth of the elk population and their tendency for long distance migrations can contribute to the spread of the parasitosis in much greater distances than deer. On the basis of our own research and data from the literature, the current spread of ashworthiosis in Poland is discussed.

Factors affecting the spread of parasites in populations of wild European terrestrial mammals

“…In addition, there is scarce information on parasites and parasite gene sequences. Many studies on parasitic diseases of wild mammals involve determining the parasite species composition of particular wild hosts (Bień et al 2010;Demiaszkiewicz et al 2013;Dróżdż et al 1998;Reiterová et al 2006). Due to the limited availability of wild animal carcasses, especially of protected species, studies often rely on detection of parasite eggs in mammal feces (Górski et al 2006;Szczęsna et al 2008;Turgeon et al 2018).…”

The usefulness of DNA derived from third stage larvae in the detection of Ashworthius sidemi infection in European bison, by a simple polymerase chain reaction

“…The results of the studies reveal that A. sidemi , a nematode in the Trichostrongylidae family is widespread in wild ruminants such as red deer, roe deer, fallow deer, moose and European bison in Poland [15-17]. Parasitological necropsies of European bison have revealed very high infection intensities, reaching a maximum value of 77,630 specimens [17].…”

“…Parasitological necropsies of European bison have revealed very high infection intensities, reaching a maximum value of 77,630 specimens [17]. Histopathological examination suggests that the presence of such a large number of parasites and its associated histopathological changes have a significant impact on the health of the bison [10].…”

“…Ashworthiosis infection has gradually become more widespread in European bison over the years [17]. Histopathological examinations show infiltrations of inflammatory cells, mainly lymphoid cells and eosinophils, in the walls of the abomasa and duodena at various levels of intensity, as well as hyperanemiae, oedemae and mucosal lesions and proliferations of lymphatic follicles.…”

Does the blood-sucking nematode Ashworthius sidemi (Trichostrongylidae) cause deterioration of blood parameters in European bison (Bison bonasus)?

“…Captive bison are kept in semi-wild conditions in large enclosures (10-30 ha) and are regularly dewormed. The contents of the whole abomasa and a 1-m-long section of duodena from culled bison were examined by a standard scraping and sedimentation method (Demiaszkiewicz et al 2013), and morphological identification of A. sidemi was carried out on the basis of Fig. 1 The relationship between selected blood parameters and A. sidemi infection intensity in European bison in north-eastern Poland: a) red blood cells count (RBC), b) haemoglobin concentration (HGB), c) haematocrit value (HCT).…”