Deer Species Research Articles

Assessment of transplacental transmission of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in Neotropical deer: An estimative based on serology

Transplacental transmission of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii is well known in some domestic species and despite both parasites having been proved to infect deer fetuses during gestation, the congenital transmission rate in South-American deer species is still unknown. This study aimed to estimate the congenital transmission rate of neosporosis and toxoplasmosis in captive deer populations from Brazil, through serological techniques (IFAT and ELISA). Serum samples from 82 deer were tested by both techniques 20.73 % (IFAT) to 25.60 % (ELISA) were seropositive for T. gondii; the kappa test showed an index of 0.277 of agreement between both techniques. For N. caninum, 40.24 % (IFAT) to 39.02 % (ELISA) were seropositive, with an index of 0.833 of agreement between techniques. Family trees for each species were drawn and we estimated the congenital transmission rate of the diseases. We found a rate of 81.25 % congenital transmission of N. caninum and no evidence of congenital transmission of T. gondii. Vertical transmission appears to be the main route of introduction and maintenance of N. caninum in these captive deer populations, while T. gondii seems to be favored by the horizontal route.

Exploratory analysis of physical and emotional impacts and use of healthcare services following moose and deer vehicle collisions in north-central British Columbia

IntroductionNorth-central British Columbia is home to two species of deer and three subspecies of moose. In north-central British Columbia, between 2006 and 2010, over 8900 deer and 3100 moose vehicle collisions were reported to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. The actual number of these collisions is estimated to be even larger due to underreporting. Wildlife vehicle collisions can result in: injury/death to both the people and animal(s) involved in the collision, the need for first responders, healthcare system costs, vehicle damages, repair costs, and more. Through the use of a survey, we compared and contrasted the physical and emotional impacts resulting from moose and deer vehicle collisions. Additionally, we determined the actions of first responders directly following the collision and the variety of healthcare services accessed by those involved in the collision. MethodsTo answer our questions regarding the emotional and physical impacts resulting from a wildlife vehicle collision, we used a survey composed of open- and closed-ended questions delivered to individuals involved in a collision with a deer (n = 47) or moose (n = 52) in north-central British Columbia. Survey responses were collected online and in person. Results and ConclusionsOur findings suggest that vehicle collisions with moose result in relatively more injuries and a higher usage of healthcare resources and providers than collisions with deer. Collisions with moose required a significantly higher response by first responders (pˆ = 0.53, z = −5.5, P <0.001). Our findings indicated that the emotional impacts of moose and deer vehicle collisions, however, are quite similar, with about half of both groups reporting feeling anxious when reminded of the collision (pˆ = 0.47, z = −0.5, P < 0.30). Our findings help to clarify the physical and emotional impacts of vehicle collisions with moose and deer and provide a more accurate depiction of the range of emergency and healthcare services/providers accessed by those involved.

Genetic evidence indicates the occurrence of the Endangered Kashmir musk deer Moschus cupreus in Uttarakhand, India

AbstractThe Endangered Kashmir musk deer Moschus cupreus occurs in the western Himalayan region from Nepal to Afghanistan, but there is a lack of comprehensive and reliable information on its range. The region also harbours the Endangered Himalayan musk deer Moschus leucogaster, and this range overlap may have led to misidentification of the two musk deer species and errors in the delimitation of their ranges. Here, using genetic analysis of the mitochondrial DNA control region, we examined the phylogenetic relationship among musk deer samples from three regions in India: Ganderbal District in Jammu and Kashmir, and Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, both in Uttarakhand. The Bayesian phylogenetic analysis indicated a close genetic relationship between samples from Jammu and Kashmir, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, validated by previously published sequences of Kashmir musk deer from Nepal. Our analyses confirmed the samples from Uttarakhand to be from the Kashmir musk deer, which was not previously known from this region. Therefore, we recommend further research in this area, to validate species identification and confirm the geographical distribution of the various species of musk deer. In addition, we recommend revision of the range of M. cupreus in the IUCN Red List assessment, to facilitate effective conservation and management of this Endangered species.

Integrative analysis ofMazama temama(Artiodactyla: Cervidae) and designation of a neotype for the species

AbstractMazama temama is the smallest red deer in Central America. It was one of the first species described for the genus, and until the end of the last century many authors considered it as a subspecies of Mazama americana due to morphological similarities. Cytogenetic studies of animals in captivity have shown different karyotypes that led to its recognition as a unique species, and phylogenetic studies sustained the monophyly of the species, with some inconsistencies due to its wide geographical distribution. The objectives of the study were to characterize a topotype of Veracruz and three other specimens from a Campeche locality, to complement the description of M. temama and to propose a neotype for the species. We described this species morphologically (cranial measurements, skin color, and body biometry), and obtained karyorypes from wild animals with known origins for cytogenetic analyses (C band, G band, Ag-NOR, and Giemsa staining). We also performed phylogenetic analyses of Cytb, D-loop, COI, and ND5 mitochondrial genes. The morphometric results separated M. temama from M. americana but not from the other small Mazama species. The phylogenetic trees of mitochondrial genes Cytb, COI, and ND5 corroborated the monophyly of the species with 100% of posterior probability. The topotype’s karyotype is significantly different from the one previously described for the species, and the other specimens from Campeche have karyotype variants whose chromosomal rearrangements are possibly the beginning of a reproductive isolation mechanism. We discussed the possibility to have more than one species of red brocket deer in Mexico and Central America.

Faunal Remains manipulation during the Chalcolithic in Pits 13, 16 and 54 from Monte das Cabeceiras 2 (Beja, Southern Portugal)

The Chalcolithic time is a period widely debated in Southwestern Iberia Late Prehistory. During the last few decades, the number of contexts known has grown, especially with the discovery and publication of several ditched enclosures from Southern Portugal. To contribute to ongoing discussions, three Chalcolithic pits –13, 16, 54– from the Complex of ditched enclosures of Monte das Monte das Cabeceiras 2, in Beja, were analysed from a zooarchaeological and taphonomical perspective. The results are combined with information from the material culture, human remains and stratigraphy in order to discuss infilling sequences. Hypothesis on the possible meaning of social practices related to the management of animals are addressed.&#x0D; Bovine, caprine, swine, cervids, leporids and canids were identified with different abundances. A possible feasting or offerings of bovine –including auroch– and to a lesser extent red deer, wild boar and domestic species is suggested for pit 13, where a burial was also identified. Pottery and animal depositions were recorded in this pit, and the contiguous pit 54 that also had human remains. Pit 16 had a possible selection of horns and antlers from bovine, caprine and cervids, as well as a deposition of canid limb bones inside a large pot. The pits analysed can be framed in the wider Southwestern Iberian Peninsula phenomena of ditched enclosures where structured deposits including animal remains are recurrent.

Detection and Characterisation of an Endogenous Betaretrovirus in Australian Wild Deer.

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are the remnants of past retroviral infections that once invaded the host’s germline and were vertically transmitted. ERV sequences have been reported in mammals, but their distribution and diversity in cervids are unclear. Using next-generation sequencing, we identified a nearly complete genome of an endogenous betaretrovirus in fallow deer (Dama dama). Further genomic analysis showed that this provirus, tentatively named cervid endogenous betaretrovirus 1 (CERV β1), has typical betaretroviral genome features (gag-pro-pol-env) and the betaretrovirus-specific dUTPase domain. In addition, CERV β1 pol sequences were detected by PCR in the six non-native deer species with wild populations in Australia. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that CERV β1 sequences from subfamily Cervinae clustered as sister taxa to ERV-like sequences in species of subfamily Muntiacinae. These findings, therefore, suggest that CERV β1 endogenisation occurred after the split of these two subfamilies (between 3.3 and 5 million years ago). Our results provide important insights into the evolution of betaretroviruses in cervids.

Sustainable Hunting Strategy of Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) in the Neolithic Lower Yangtze River Region, China

Zooarchaeology studies the human-animal interactions over long periods, and can be used to evaluate the sustainable exploitation of animal resources. Sika deer (Cervus nippon), a National Class Ⅰ protected wild animal species of China, used to be commonly found at Neolithic sites across China. In the Yangtze River region, although the Neolithic faunal assemblages show diversity in deer species, sika deer has always been one of the most important components. This research aims at discussing the exploitation of the environmental resources via the hunting strategy of sika deer at Tianluoshan, a Neolithic site in the lower Yangtze River region. The cull pattern and sex ratio of sika deer are reconstructed to display the pattern of prey selection. The results show a specific pattern targeting larger individuals including adults and juveniles, and targeting male over female. This pattern is able to maximize the yield, and keep the deer population sustainable. The sustainable hunting of sika deer probably is why the Tianluoshan site lasted for nearly a thousand years, during which sika deer had been a major prey for meat.

Elemental characterization of antlers of various deer species using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF): A tool for forensic examination

Antlers are unique characteristic of males of family Cervidae. It fully regenerates each year in relation to their sexual cycles. It is primarily used as weapons in intra-specific fighting or possibly as organs displaying strength. These are formed by the calcification, beneath the velvet of the fast growing pre-osseous tissue known as velvet antlers. Continuous dividing velvet antlers replace dead antlers every year through shedding. Antlers are composed primarily of minerals, protein, carbohydrates and fatty acids. Calcium and phosphorus, primarily present as hydroxyapatite [Ca5(PO4)3OH] (Chapman 1975). In India there are nine species of deer viz. Kashmir stag (Cervus elaphus), mouse deer (Tragulus meminna), musk deer (Moschus moschiferus), swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii), thamin (Rucervus eldii), barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), chital (Axis axis), hog deer (Axis porcinus) and sambar (Rusa unicolor). Mouse deer and musk deer possess only canines and antler is absent in both the deer species. Previously, the export of shed antlers and peacock feathers was allowed in India. Although, antlers are not very extensive in illegal wildlife trade but artifacts of antlers and they are used for traditional medicines for treatment of various diseases in different countries. The problem of illegal trade of antlers is mainly due to the mis-declaration of its quantity. Mostly antlers of chital, sambar and swamp deer are widely traded.Visualizing the current status of some of the deer species, trade of antler in India has been recently banned. Therefore, to provide legal protection to deer and other related species accordingly brow-antlered deer (Rucervus elidii), hog deer (Axis procinus), and swamp deer (R. duvaucelii) are included in Schedule I, whereas barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), chital (Axis axis), and sambar (R. unicolor) were in schedule III of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. To strengthen the legal measures and to protect deer species, identification of antlers in complete, pieces or pulverized form is very important. Very few scientific studies deal with identification of antlers belonging to different species. Thus, present study is aimed to identify species from antlers using species specific signature using elemental analysis. Morphological features of antlers in artiodactyls often used as a diagnostic tool to identify species. Although, morphometry is very good technique to identify antlers but as malformation in antlers is common also antlers are seized either in complete form or in small pieces or powder form, therefore, identification through morphometry becomes difficult for deformed antlers or pieces. In such cases, elemental analysis is helpful. Elemental composition of antlers of different species helps in inter-species distinction. This study will help managers, scientists and enforcement agencies to identify species from parts and products of antler.

Apparent stability masks underlying change in a mule deer herd with unmanaged chronic wasting disease

The contagious prion disease “chronic wasting disease” (CWD) infects mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and related species. Unchecked epidemics raise ecological, socioeconomic, and public health concerns. Prion infection shortens a deer’s lifespan, and when prevalence (proportion of adults infected) becomes sufficiently high CWD can affect herd dynamics. Understanding population responses over time is key to forecasting long-term impacts. Here we describe unexpected stability in prevalence and abundance in a mule deer herd where CWD has been left unmanaged. High apparent prevalence (~30%) since at least 2005 likely drove observed changes in the proportion and age distribution of wild-type native prion protein (PRNP) gene homozygotes among deer sampled. Predation by mountain lions (Puma concolor) may be helping keep CWD in check. Despite stable appearances, prion disease nonetheless impairs adult survival and likely resilience in this deer herd, limiting its potential for growth despite refuge from hunter harvest and favorable habitat and winter conditions.

Resistance Patterns, mcr-4 and OXA-48 Genes, and Virulence Factors of Escherichia coli from Apennine Chamois Living in Sympatry with Domestic Species, Italy.

Simple SummaryAntimicrobial resistance is a global threat involving human, animal, and environmental health. Evidence of antibiotic resistance was found in pets, livestock, humans, in uncontaminated environments, or in animals never treated with antibiotics. In order to provide new data, this study was carried out in the protected area of the Maiella National Park (Central Italy) sampling wild and domestic ungulates that share or do not share grazing lands. The analysis was realized by combining the georeferenced data of animals and the microbiological investigations starting from fresh fecal samples. The Escherichia coli isolates were tested for antibiotics particularly relevant in human health. Even if the selected molecules are not currently used in veterinary medicine, evidence of resistant bacteria was found in sympatric wild and domestic animals, as well as in non-sympatric domestic animals. The detection of colistin resistance gene mcr-4 and carbapenems resistance genes OXA-48 was reported for the first time in wild ungulates in Italy and in Europe. More investigations are necessary, but these preliminary results highlight the importance of continuing studies for the early detection of emerging resistance patterns.The aim of this study was to determine and characterize potential resistance mechanisms against selected Critically Important Antibiotics in Escherichia coli isolates collected from wild and domestic ruminants living in the Maiella National Park, in Central Italy. A total of 38 isolates were obtained from red deer, Apennine chamois, cattle, sheep, and goats grazing in lands with different levels of anthropic pressure. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by Minimal Inhibitory Concentration testing, showing phenotypic resistance to colistin, meropenem, or ceftazidime in 9 isolates along with one bacterial strain being resistant to three of the tested antibiotics. In addition, the biomolecular assays allowed the amplification of the genes conferring the colistin (mcr-4), the carbapenems (OXA-48), penicillins and cephalosporins (TEM, SHV, CMY-1, CMY-2) resistance. In order to describe the potential pathogenicity of isolates under study, virulence genes related to Shiga toxin-producing (STEC) and enteropathogenic (EPEC) pathovars were identified. This study is the first report of mcr-4 and OXA-48 genes in resistant E. coli harboring virulence genes in Italian wildlife, with special regard to Apennine chamois and red deer species. The multidisciplinary approach used in this study can improve the early detection of emerging antibiotic resistance determinants in human-animal-environment interfaces by means of wildlife monitoring.

Monitoring of chronic wasting disease in deer in Poland between 2018 and 2020

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a lethal infectious neurodegenerative disease, the etiological factor of which is the infectious prion protein. Infections affect animals of the deer family (Cervidae). The aim of the study was to analyze the results of monitoring for the presence of CWD in the years 2018-2020 carried out by the Veterinary Inspectorate in Poland. The aim of the monitoring program in force in 2018-2020 was to assess the epizootic situation of CWD in Poland and other European countries, where no cases of the disease have been detected so far. Six species of deer were monitored: Eurasian tundra reindeer, Finnish forest reindeer, roe deer, elk, red deer, and white-tailed deer. Samples for the study were collected by veterinarians and trained persons and came from a latch within the medulla, retropharyngeal lymph nodes, tonsils, or other lymph nodes in the head. During the three-year CWD monitoring in Poland, a total of 3541 samples from animals from the deer family were examined. With regard to farmed and captive animals, the samples came from 225 red deer and 1 clump, and in the case of wild animals, the study included 192 elk, 2703 roe deer, and 420 red deer. In 2018, 1141 animals were tested: 23 farm-kept noble deer and 42 elk, 886 roe deer, and 190 wild-living noble deer. In 2019, the monitoring covered 1246 animals: 115 red deer and 1 female elk were farm animals, and the remaining 83 elk, 902 roe deer, and 145 red deer were free-living. In the last year of the program, 1154 animals were tested: 87 farmed red deer and 67 wild elk, 915 roe deer, and 85 wild deer. During the monitoring period, no cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) of cervids were detected in Poland. The program officially ended at the end of December 2020 and was not extended because of the absence of CWD-positive results.

Diel and monthly activity pattern of brown bears and sika deer in the Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan.

Mammals exhibit several types of diel activity pattern, including nocturnal, diurnal, crepuscular, and cathemeral. These patterns vary inter- and intra-specifically and are affected by environmental factors, individual status, and interactions with other individuals or species. Determining the factors that shape diel activity patterns is challenging but essential for understanding the behavioral ecology of animal species, and for wildlife conservation and management. Using camera-trap surveys, we investigated the species distributions and activity patterns of terrestrial mammals on the Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan, with particular focus on brown bears and sika deer. From June to October 2019, a total of 7,530 observations were recorded by 65 camera-traps for eight species, including two alien species. The diel activity pattern of brown bears was diurnal/crepuscular, similar to that of bears in North America, but different from European populations. Bear observations were more frequent during the autumnal hyperphagia period, and adult females and sub-adults were more diurnal than adult males. In addition, bears inside the protected area were more diurnal than those outside it. These findings suggest that appetite motivation, competitive interactions between conspecifics, and human activities potentially affect bear activity patterns. Similar to other sika deer populations and other deer species, the diel activity patterns of sika deer were crepuscular. Deer showed less variation in activity patterns among months and sex-age classes, while adult males were observed more frequently during the autumn copulation period, suggesting that reproductive motivation affects their activity patterns.

Изучение распространенности аденовирусов в популяциях диких парнокопытных Московской области

Adenoviruses are a group of viral pathogens that are commonly found in various vertebrates. The systematics of these viruses is based on the features of their biology and similarities in the organization of the genome. Representatives of the genera Mastadenovirus and Atadenovirus are pathogens of various ungulates, occurring in cattle and sheep, as well as in various deer species. The article presents the results of screening PCR studies aimed at detecting adenoviruses in biological material from wild mooses and roe deer shot in the Moscow region during the winter hunting seasons of 2019–2021. During PCR with electrophoretic detection of amplification products, primers were used for different parts of the adenovirus genome. Primers for amplification of the E2A fragment of the adenovirus genome made it possible to detect adenovirus DNA in the material from roe deer. The phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequence confirmed that the virus belongs to adenoviruses and made it possible to attribute the detected pathogen to the genus Mastadenovirus. The phylogenetic tree showed the relationship of the detected virus with adenovirus of cattle type 3, mastadenoviruses of the white-tailed and northern salts. It is assumed that the roe deer is the owner of its own species of adenovirus. The features of diseases caused by mastadenoviruses and the problems associated with obtaining information about the complete genome and biological properties of the virus are discussed.

麋鹿沧桑命运与未来保护展望

麋鹿作为中国特有的鹿科动物，经历129年的保护努力，种群数量恢复到10000多头。因近亲繁殖严重，表面上看已无灭绝危险，但仍存在巨大隐忧。通过对麋鹿种群变迁、灭绝、重引入、恢复现状及四大种群（乌邦寺、南海子、大丰、石首野化种群）的发展趋势进行追踪分析，探究近千年来困扰麋鹿种群发展壮大的多重因素，提出种群保护与栖息地保护并重、强化疫病监测等保护对策，为麋鹿及其它大型陆生濒危哺乳动物突破种群发展瓶颈提供借鉴。;Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus), a unique species of deer in China, the population has recovered to more than 10000 in the world after more than 100 years of efforts. It seems that there is no danger of extinction due to the high levels of inbreeding in the population of Père David's deer, but there are still huge concerns. By analyzing the changes, extinction, and recovery of the population of Père David's deer and the development trend of four major populations (Woburn Abbey, Nanhaizi, Dafeng and Shishou), this paper explored the multiple factors that have been disturbing the development and expansion of the population of Père David's deer in the past thousand years. The protection measures, such as placing equal emphasis on population protection and habitat protection and strengthening disease monitoring, were put forward to provide reference for Père David's deer and other large terrestrial endangered mammals to break through the bottleneck of population development.

Body mass divergence in sympatric deer species of Pleistocene Crete (Greece)

Body mass divergence in sympatric deer species of Pleistocene Crete (Greece)

Predicting habitat suitability for wild deer in relation to threatened ecological communities in south-eastern New South Wales, Australia

Context High density deer populations can cause ecological damage, yet their distribution and impacts are poorly known across much of Australia. As a result, land managers rely on anecdotal reports to make decisions about management and control measures. Aims We aimed to model habitat suitability for deer in the South Coast of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, to be used as a baseline for future management and identify which threatened ecological communities (TECs) in the region are at greatest current risk of being occupied by deer. Methods We compiled 678 presence-only records of wild deer from online databases, observations made by National Parks and Wildlife Service field staff and field-based surveys. We combined these observations with eight environmental variables to model and map habitat suitability for deer across our study area using maximum entropy. Three spatial models of habitat suitability across our study area were produced: one for all deer species; and two species-specific models for fallow and sambar deer. Key results Our models indicate that suitable habitat for deer exists throughout much of the South Coast of NSW. Of the TECs examined, Coastal Saltmarsh, Themeda Grassland, and Swamp Sclerophyll Forest had the highest proportion of area likely to be extremely suitable for deer and thus should be prioritised for protection within our study area. Conclusions Further systematic field-based surveys are needed to improve the quality of models in this region. Implications We recommend that areas having high habitat suitability but are not yet occupied by deer be identified as sites where deer occupancy could be prevented.

Behavioral response of captive marsh deer to an economic and easy-to-install repellent: a potential mitigation solution for conflict?

Deer species can cause serious damages to trees through browsing and antler rubbing, and these impacts can generate significant economic losses. As a tool to minimize damages to trees by deer, repellents based on odor, visual and/or taste stimulus have been developed and tested. Repellents vary greatly in terms of costs, forms of use, duration, and/or the local context. Thus, selection of the most-effective repellent to each situation should consider the local environmental and socioeconomic contexts. Pyrazine analogs have been recognized to induce avoidance and fear-related behaviors in deer. These compounds are also found in ordinary and daily-use products, such as coffee, which can be easily obtained. The marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) is the largest native deer of South America. The southernmost population of this species is found in the lower Delta of the Paraná River in Argentina, a large wetland highly modified due to commercial afforestation of Salicaceae. Local forestry producers usually report damage to plantations attributed to marsh deer, with a minor fraction of these producers perceiving high levels of damage and economic losses. We tested an easy-to-install repellent system based on coffee grounds by conducting trials focused on four captive marsh deer. The trials consisted in offering pellets of grain and fiber to deer, dividing the overall ration into two identical factions separated by 15 meters within the enclosure. In the “repellent site”, a subset of the regular food was placed on the ground and treated with the repellent, whereas the other subset, also located in the ground but not treated, was used as the “control site”. Whereas deer individuals presented alert behavior (50-100% of the times) after approaching the repellent site, this behavior was never observed at the control site. Significant differences were found among individuals probably due to a dominance interaction inside the group. The weight of food remains in the repellent site was significantly higher than in the control site at the end of the study. A repellency system based on coffee grounds could be an economic solution to be used by forestry producers of the Paraná River delta or by anyone interested in diminish damages to particular resources. In addition, it is a biodegradable option with insignificant environmental impact and could be especially useful to be applied at small spatial scales, since it requires domestic materials and a relatively limited installation cost in terms of time spent to set up the system. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/09670874.2021.2024619.

Screening for hepatitis E virus genotype 3 in red deer (Cervus elaphus) and fallow deer (Dama dama), Portugal, 2018-2020.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 is the most prevalent HEV genotype in Europe causing mostly asymptomatic infections in humans, but can also sporadically cause severe acute hepatitis, chronic liver disease, chronic hepatitis in immunocompromised patients and extra-hepatic manifestations. Although much is today known about the swine reservoir, no information is available on the occurrence of HEV from widely distributed deer species in Portugal. Here, we investigated the presence and characterized HEV in free-living deer in Portugal by screening stools from red deer (Cervus elaphus) (n=95) and fallow deer (Dama dama) (n=35) for HEV by a broad-spectrum nested RT-PCR, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Two red deer females, sampled in central Portugal, showed to be shedding HEV (2.1%; 95% confidence interval: 0.58-7.35). Sequencing and genetic characterization showed that these two deer HEV sequences were 98.96% identical to each other, being both of HEV genotype 3 subgenotype 3e. The increasing numbers and distribution of deer in Portugal and the zoonotic features of the circulating HEV genotype 3 subgenotype 3e highlights the importance of continued surveillance directed to food-borne diseases, especially those involving wild animals and deer in particular.

Molecular identification of seven Sarcocystis species in red deer (Cervus elaphus) from Lithuania

The diaphragm muscles of 77 free-ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus) were examined for Sarcocystis species in Lithuania. Sarcocysts were detected in 61 out of 77 (79.2%) animals investigated. A total of 60 isolated sarcocysts were identified to species using subunit I of cytochrome c oxidase (cox1) sequence analysis. Overall, seven species, S. entzerothi, S. hjorti, S. iberica, S. linearis, S. pilosa, S. truncata and S. venatoria, were confirmed in Lithuanian red deer. Sarcocystis entzerothi was reported in red deer for the first time. Previously this species was shown to use sika deer as well as roe deer and fallow deer as an intermediate host. Based on cox1, with the addition of the current data, altogether 13 Sarcocystis species have so far been shown to use red deer as an intermediate host. Species detected in red deer demonstrated considerable differences in intraspecific genetic variation at cox1. Genetic distances between different samples of S. hjorti and S. linearis were calculated using principal coordinates analysis (PCoA), implying molecular divergence of same Sarcocystis species using different hosts in the same geographical area and divergence of those employing same intermediate host species from different areas.

Trichuriasis in Selected Deer (Cervidae) Species: A Geographical Perspective

Trichuris spp. are endoparasites found in a wide range of mammalian species. Some of these host species include humans, non-human primates, dogs, cats, pigs, wild ruminants and domesticated ruminants. However, it had been noted that Trichuris are host specific, therefore the parasites that infects wild ruminant species may be transmitted to domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep and goat. Thus, the aim of this review was to identify species of Trichuris that parasitise deer species and to categorise the prevalence of this disease at various geographical locations. It must be noted that the prevalence and intensity of this parasite within deer species was low and rarely showed any signs of clinical disease. However, deer can be a source of infection to domesticated ruminants that may be housed in closed proximity. The review is divided into several sections based on the geographical location of the deer species. In summary, the review shows that most of the identification of various species of Trichuris in deer is based on morphological techniques. However, the use of molecular techniques in the identification of various species of Trichuris is more accurate. In closing, there is a need for more molecular investigations to be done in identifying the species of Trichuris that are present in deer living in the neo-tropical region.