Conclusion
The widespread exchange of abomasal nematodes between various ruminant species questions the relevance of their division into specialists and generalists.
Material and methods
Overall, 2,067 spicules of nematodes derived from nine red deer and five roe deer were measured and microphotographed in order to determine the species. The predominant Spiculopteragia boehmi was additionally confirmed molecularly by PCR. The spicule lengths of the most common species found in both hosts simultaneously were compared.
Methods
Overall, 2,067 spicules of nematodes derived from nine red deer and five roe deer were measured and microphotographed in order to determine the species. The predominant Spiculopteragia boehmi was additionally confirmed molecularly by PCR. The spicule lengths of the most common species found in both hosts simultaneously were compared.
Results
Fourteen species of abomasal nematode were identified. All examined animals but one were infected. The most prevalent parasites in both host species were S. boehmi and Ostertagia leptospicularis. The alien Ashworthius sidemi was found in both hosts, whereas Haemonchus contortus was identified only in red deer. Mazamastrongylus dagestanica was noted in red deer for the first time. A 262-base-pair nucleotide sequence of S. boehmi was obtained and deposited in GenBank. Significantly longer spicules were found in red deer-derived O. leptospicularis and S. boehmi and shorter structures were seen in A. sidemi.