engleski

Monitoring of Fascioloides magna infection in free living red deer populations in east Croatia

Free-ranging red deer population inhabiting open hunting area “ Podunavlje-Podravlje” in east Croatia was monitored with goal to create the most accurate model for determining level of infection with F. magna. In this study total number of red deer, migration corridors and natural foci of parasite were determined as a base for creation of optimal monitoring model as well as for risk assessment. During January 2007 (before therapy), April 2007 (after therapy) and rut season fecal samples were collected on carefully selected areas (assuming that one fecal sample represent one individual). Along with fecal samples, during the hunting season livers were collected from each shot animal. Estimated population size in both hunting grounds was 1400 individuals. Before therapeutic procedure 16% of total population size was examined by the means of coprological analysis. After therapy, in March and rut season 22% and 11% of population were monitored respectively. Performed analysis revealed that infection rate decreased after therapy from 68% to 2% in March and to 47% in rut season. Totally 25 livers were examined by standard necropsy procedure, revealing that 59% livers were positive. Analyzed monitoring model enables us to understand level of infection and areas with highest risk of infection. This model is a base for creation of most efficient therapy.

Fascioloides magna; red deer; epizootiology; monitoring

nije evidentirano