Multivariate Abundance Analysis of Multi-Host/Multi-Parasite Lungworms in a Sympatric Wild Ruminant Population

Tessa Carrau,Carlos Martínez-Carrasco,Paolo Tizzani,Rocío Ruiz De Ybáñez,Francisco Alonso,María Magdalena Garijo

doi:10.3390/d13060227

Tessa Carrau, Carlos Martínez-Carrasco + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/d13060227

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Abstract

In the analysis of a multi-host/multi-parasite system and its associated risk factors, it is particularly interesting to understand the natural dynamics among pathogens, their hosts, and the environment in wildlife populations. This analysis is particularly feasible in a scenario where multiple overlapping host populations are present in high densities, along with a complex community of parasites. We aimed to describe and analyze the naturally occurring lungworm polyparasitism in a wild ruminant community in Southeast Spain. The respiratory tracts of 250 specimens belonging to four different species (red deer, mouflon, Iberian ibex, and fallow deer) were studied. Almost half (48.0%) of the animals were infected with bronchopulmonary nematodes. Seven different nematodes were identified of which two genera (Protostrongylus spp. and Dictyocaulus spp.) and three additional species (Cystocaulus ocreatus, Muellerius capillaris, and Neostrongylus linearis) were recorded in at least two ruminants, with the mouflon as the commonest host. Our study shows a significant effect of host species and sampling area, plus a marginal effect of age, on parasite multivariate abundance at the host population level. Mouflon and adults of all hosts appear to carry the highest parasite load on average. From a spatial perspective, the highest parasite abundance was detected at the central part of the park.

Highlights

Bronchopulmonary nematodes are widespread helminths found to parasite several free-ranging wild ungulates [1]
This study highlights the diversity of the bronchopulmonary nematode community shared amongst the wild ruminants in SCSV
A rich parasite community has been described, with seven different genera and/or species recorded in the sampled animals

Summary

Introduction

Bronchopulmonary nematodes are widespread helminths found to parasite several free-ranging wild ungulates [1]. Examples of multi-parasite interactions in a complex wild host community have been documented in the literature for closely related ungulates, as showcased by a recent study in Southeast Spain that describes the gastrointestinal multihost/multi-parasite system parasite richness occurring in sympatric wild ruminants [12]. The study of this interaction has proven itself useful to study the role of pathogens influencing wildlife population dynamics [13,14,15]. No studies on the lungworm community of sympatric ruminants in Spain have been carried out yet, and this is of particular interest considering the singular climatic conditions in southern Spain, as well as the diversity and abundance of these wild host populations there

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