Update of the helminth fauna in Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Poland

Abstract

The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is a strictly protected species of large carnivore in Poland. It inhabits forest complexes in north-eastern Poland and the Carpathian region in southern Poland. The status of the lynx within Poland requires special attention because its range decreased between 1980 and 2001 and has not yet recovered. One of the factors negatively affecting lynx populations is diseases, particularly parasites. The helminth fauna of the Eurasian lynx is not fully known in Poland. Previous coprological studies revealed that Polish lynx have been infected with seven species of nematodes, three species of cestodes, and one species of trematode. In this study, we present new data based on examination of opportunistically collected lynx carcasses. The aim of the study was to complement data on the helminth fauna of Eurasian lynx inhabiting Poland based on morphological and molecular analysis of parasites. Four species of cestodes—Taenia lynciscapreoli, Mesocestoides lineatus, Spirometra sp., and Taenia krabbei—were found for the first time in Eurasian lynx from Poland and three previously reported species of nematodes—Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Toxascaris leonina, and Toxocara cati—were confirmed. Larvae of Trichinella britovi were also detected in Eurasian lynx in Poland for the first time.

Rodents as intermediate hosts of cestode parasites of mammalian carnivores and birds of prey in Poland, with the first data on the life-cycle of Mesocestoides melesi

“…Keywords: Mesocestoides, Hydatigera, Taenia crassiceps, Rodents, Fox, Badger, Lynx T. crassiceps from a red fox was also included in the study for comparison with rodent samples. Additionally, adult Mesocestoides specimens from one Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) [22] and from three Eurasian badgers (Meles meles), from Podkarpackie Voivodeship, south-east Poland and the Mazury Lake District, north-east Poland, respectively, were also included ( Table 1).…”

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

“…This method, however, has limitations, including the seasonality of parasite egg shedding and difficulty in their proper identification (Hines et al 2007;Pyziel et al 2011). Molecular methods for species identification are necessary to obtain reliable and accurate results (Haukisalmi et al 2018;Kołodziej-Sobocińska et al 2018c;Vichova et al 2011;Walker et al 2013) and these techniques should be further developed and implemented. Specifically, for many parasite species of mammals, there is a lack of reliable data entries to open-source repositories.…”

“…Some prey may be a source of infection, such as when a predator or scavenger is a viable host for a particular parasite species, e.g., Trichinella spp., Toxocara spp., or Echinococcus spp. (Bień et al 2016;Duscher et al 2017;Górski et al 2006;Kołodziej-Sobocińska et al 2018c); this can cause disease spread and transmission. Otherwise, when the predator is not and cannot be a host (Combes' compatibility filters are closed), infection does not occur and the consumed parasite will die.…”

“…European hedgehog, stone marten, polecat, brown rat Italy Pampiglione et al (2003) Badger, wild boar, lynx Poland Kołodziej-Sobocińska et al (2014a, 2016c, 2018c; Szczęsna et al (2008) Latin names of mammal species used in alphabetical order: American mink (Neovison vison), badger (Meles meles), brown bear (Ursus arctos), brown hare (Lepus europeaus), brown rat (Mus decumanus), European hedgehog (Erinaceus europeaus), European mink (Mustela lutreola), European mole (Talpa europaea), golden jackal (Canis aureus), Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus), least weasel (Mustela nivalis), lynx (Lynx lynx), pine marten (Martes martes), polecat (Mustela putorius), raccoon (Procyon lotor), raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), river otter (Lutra lutra), stoat (Mustela erminea), stone marten (Martes foina), striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius), water shrew (Neomys fodien spennant), wild boar (Sus scrofa), wildcat (Felis silvestris), wolf (Canis lupus)…”

Anatomical variations and pathological changes in the hearts of free-ranging Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Finland

“…Endo-and ecto-parasitic infections are common in Eurasian lynx populations, but the parasitic infections are rarely lethal or cause a clinical disease Ilona Kareinen and Emilia Lavonen contributed equally to this work. (Jokelainen et al 2013;Kołodziej-Sobocińska et al 2018). However, scientists from other parts of Europe have reported cardiovascular changes, especially from re-introduced subpopulations of the free ranging lynx, such as subaortic stenosis, arteriosclerosis and myocardial fibrosis, and surmise them as possible health hazards for the species (Ryser-Degiorgis et al 2004;Ryser-Degiorgis and Robert 2006).…”