Abstract
Deer represent a major vertebrate host for all feeding stages of the hard tick Ixodes ricinus in the United Kingdom (UK), and could play a role in the persistence of tick-borne pathogens. However, there have been few studies reporting the presence of Babesia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in deer in the UK, and those that detected Babesia were unable to confirm the species. To address this, we have investigated blood samples from red deer (Cervus elaphus) for the presence of tick-borne pathogens. Total DNA was extracted from haemolysed blood that was removed from clotted blood sampled from culled, captive red deer. Babesia spp. were detected with a pan-piroplasm PCR that amplifies a fragment of the 18S rRNA gene. Species were identified based on identity with published sequences. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected with a probe-based PCR targeting the msp2 gene. In addition, residual serum samples from a subset of animals were tested for the presence of anti-flavivirus antibodies. Of 105 red deer samples tested from three locations in the United Kingdom, 5 were positive for piroplasm and 5 were positive for A. phagocytophilum. Co-infection with both pathogens was detected in two samples from one location. No evidence for antibodies against West Nile virus were detected. However, 12% of sera tested were positive for tick-borne encephalitis virus antibodies.
Highlights
Deer play an active role in the epidemiology of a range of livestock and human pathogens [1,2]
Dual infection with piroplasm and A. phagocytophilum was detected in two samples (N406 and N408) from Norfolk
Results for A. phagocytophilum and pan-piroplasm PCR on DNA extracted from each sample are given
Summary
Deer play an active role in the epidemiology of a range of livestock and human pathogens [1,2]. A third species, fallow deer (Dama dama), was introduced during the medieval period. Three other species have established in the United Kingdom since their original introductions in the 19th century, Japanese sika (Cervus nippon), Reeve’s muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) and Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis). Surveys in recent decades have suggested that they are all increasing in abundance and increasing in range, the recently introduced species [3]. All are targets for tick predation as they generally occupy habitats where Ixodes ricinus ticks are prevalent, such as deciduous woodland and moorland. Based on these factors, deer have the potential to act as a key vertebrate reservoir for blood-borne pathogens
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