Distribution of large lungworms (Nematoda: Dictyocaulidae) in free-roaming populations of red deer Cervus elaphus (L.) with the description of Dictyocaulus skrjabini n. sp

Lungworms of the genus Dictyocaulus are causative agents of parasitic bronchitis in domestic and wild ungulates. This study investigates the distribution, morphology and genetic diversity of D. cervi and a new lungworm species, Dictyocaulus skrjabini n. sp. infecting red deer Cervus elaphus, fallow deer Dama dama and moose Alces alces in Poland and Sweden. The study was conducted on 167 red deer from Poland and on the DNA of lungworms derived from 7 fallow deer, 4 red deer and 2 moose collected in Sweden. The prevalence of D. cervi and D. skrjabini n. sp. in dissected red deer in Poland was 31.1% and 7.2%, respectively. Moreover, D. skrjabini n. sp. was confirmed molecularly in 7 isolates of fallow deer lungworms and 1 isolate of red deer lungworms from Sweden. Dictyocaulus skrjabini n. sp. was established based on combination of their distinct molecular and morphological features; these included the length of cephalic vesicle, buccal capsule (BC), buccal capsule wall (BCW), distance from anterior extremity to the nerve ring, the width of head, oesophagus, cephalic vesicle, BC and BCW, as well as the dimensions of reproductive organs of male and female. Additionally, molecular analyses revealed 0.9% nucleotide sequence divergence for 1,605 bp SSU rDNA, and 16.5–17.3% nucleotide sequence divergence for 642 bp mitochondrial cytB between D. skrjabini n. sp. and D. cervi, respectively, and 18.7–19% between D. skrjabini n. sp. and D. eckerti, which translates into 18.2–18.7% amino acid sequence divergence between D. skrjabini n. sp. and both lungworms.

Ashworthius sidemi in cattle and wild ruminants in Poland - the current state of play

Ashworthius sidemi, a blood-sucking abomasal nematode, has been identified in various wild ruminants, including deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), fallow deer (Dama dama) and moose (Alces alces). Although it has been observed throughout Poland, most sightings have been in the eastern part of the country. However, more recently, A. sidemi has been confirmed in the Ruszów Forest District (Lower Silesian Wilderness). It is now possible to test the faeces of cattle for the DNA of the third-stage infectious larvae (L3) of A. sidemi. The present paper describes such a molecular study of 120 faecal samples collected from cattle grazed in the Ruszów Forest District and Biebrza Marshland, where A. sidemi had previously been detected in wildlife. In this study, no A. sidemi DNA was identified in any of the examined samples.

Eggshell resorption, and embryonic mobilization and accumulation of calcium and metals in eggs of wild and captive Capercaillies Tetrao urogallus

Although it is fairly well known that eggshells are the major source of Ca and other micronutrients for developing avian embryos, potential anatomical and/or ecological correlates explaining the variation in embryo-induced depletion of micronutrients from eggshells remain to be addressed. Using unhatched eggs at various developmental stages and post-hatched eggshells of wild and captive-bred birds of a large precocial species, the Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus, we explored two major questions. (i) Do egg size, regional eggshell thickness as well as levels of two major micronutrients (Ca and Mg) and eight trace elements (Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe, Co, Cd, Pb and Zn) measured in egg shells and contents vary with embryonic age within and between wild and captive-bred bird eggs? (ii) How the proportions of eggshell elements become depleted during the entire process of embryogenesis? The eggshells of wild Capercaillies were thinner at the equator and the sharp pole, and contained more Mg and Ca, while in their contents there was more Cu, Cd and Pb compared with captive birds. All ten metal concentrations measured in the egg contents increased (from 15% to 285% more) with the age of embryos. The concentrations of six elements measured in eggshells (Cu, Mn, Fe, Co, Cd and Zn) decreased consistently (from 15 to 70% less) during embryogenesis. This suggests the presence of these elements in the innermost decalcified shell layer and their further mobilization into the embryos/egg contents. Our results strongly imply that most trace elements present in the egg contents/developing embryos are mobilized from the eggshells. We highlight the fact that knowledge of the magnitude of embryogenesis-related functional changes in the physical (such as shell thickness) and chemical traits of the eggs and eggshells of oviparous vertebrates is fundamental for drawing correct inferences regarding the response of an individual to variable environmental conditions.

Supporting dataset and methods for egg sizes, eggshell thicknesses and metal concentrations measured in the shells and contents of eggs of Capercaillies Tetrao urogallus

The dataset presented in this data paper supports "Eggshell resorption, and embryonic mobilization and accumulation of calcium and metals in eggs of wild and captive Capercaillies Tetrao urogallus" (Orłowski et al., 2019) [1]. Here we present the supplementary data on the following: (1) egg sizes, regional eggshell thicknesses (at the equator, sharp pole and blunt pole) as well as the concentrations of two major micronutrients (Ca and Mg) and eight trace elements (Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe, Co, Cd, Pb and Zn), measured in the shells and contents of eggs of captive-bred and wild Capercaillies. (2) How the proportions of elements sequestered into eggshells become depleted during embryogenesis expressed as the %change of concentrations of various elements measured in the shells and contents of eggs at different stages of embryonic advancement (early dead embryos, late dead embryos and hatched eggs). (3) The relationships between the age of dead embryos and three regional eggshell thicknesses and concentrations of different elements measured in the shells and contents of these eggs.

A further increase in the prevalence and intensity of infection with Ashworthius sidemi nematodes in red deer in the Lower Silesian Wilderness

The nematode Ashworthius sidemi is a typical parasite of Asiatic deer, particularly sika deer (Cervus nippon). It was probably first carried into Poland by migrating red deer. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of A. sidemi infection in roe deer and red deer in the Lower Silesian Wilderness in the winter season 2015/2016. Parasitological necropsy of 34 abomasa of red deer from Forest District Ruszów was performed. The prevalence of A. sidemi infection was found to be 91.1%, and the intensity to range from 10 to 2680 nematodes, with a mean intensity of 394 parasites. This prevalence of ashworthiosis and maximum intensity of infection were respectively 17.2% and 38% higher than observed in the previous season (2013/2014). The mean intensity was also slightly higher than reported previously.

Expansion of Ashworthius sidemi in red deer and roe deer from the Lower Silesian Wilderness and its impact on infection with other gastrointestinal nematodes

Nematodes Ashworthius sidemi are typical parasites of Asiatic cervids, mostly sika deer (Cervus nippon). Migrating red deer have probably introduced this parasite to the area of Poland from neighbouring countries. The aim of the study was to determine prevalence and intensity of infection of red deer and roe deer from the Lower Silesian Wilderness with A. sidemi after one year from previous studies and to examine the influence of these parasites on other species of gastrointestinal nematodes. 31 abomasa of red deer and 3 abomasa of roe deer from Forest Dictrict of Ruszów have been examined on the presence of parasites. In comparison with previous studies, red deer showed significant, over triple increase of prevalence of A. sidemi and over fivefold increase of mean intensity of infection. Maximum intensity of infection has increased over 24 times. These results indicate on dynamic spread of this new aswortiosis foci. Apart from previously registered parasite species, four new nematodes have been found in examined red deer and roe deer during this year studies. Red deer have been infected with Spiculopteragia assymmetrica, typical for fallow deer and Haemonchus placei - typical for bovine, whereas roe deer have been infected with Trichostrongylus axei and Trichostrongylus capricola, parasites of sheep, goats and bovine. Prevalence of red deer infection with nematodes S. boehmi and Ostertagia leptospicularis was lower than two years ago while prevalence of infection with S. mathevossiani and O. kolchida was higher. Intensity of infection with these nematodes has increased.