Epidemiology of lung parasites of European brown hare (Lepus europeus L.) from Bulgaria

Abstract

During the period 2009–2016, seven hundred and ninety lungs from brown hares (Lepus europeus L.) from different regions of Bulgaria were investigated for presence of parasites. The results showed that 11.14% of the lungs were parasitised. Four parasite species were established: two nematodes – Protostrongylus tauricus and P. cuniculorum (recorded for the first time as a part of the helminth fauna of the country), one cestod – larval form of Taenia pisiformis – Cysticercus pisiformis and one arthropod – larval form of Linguatula serrata – Pentastomum denticulatum. The infected hares came mainly of the south parts of the country. The highest prevalence of infection was observed in the South West region, followed by the South Central and South East regions. From the northern parts of the country parasites were established only in the northeastern districts near to Black Sea and Danube River. The ratio of prevalence of infection in female vs male animals was 1.4:1. Infections with protostrongylids and cysticerci were established at the earliest in hares at the age of 4–6 months and with P. denticulatum: in hares between 7 and 9 months. The prevalence of infection varied in animals from the different age groups. The highest prevalence of infection was observed in the young (4–6 months) and adult hares (over 3 years of age).