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23 September 2019 PREVALENCE OF PARELAPHOSTRONGYLUS ANDERSONI IN WHITE-TAILED DEER, OTHER CERVIDS, AND BOVIDS IN NORTHERN FLORIDA
Timothy J. O'Leary, Katherine A. Sayler, Samantha M. Wisely, John Slapcinsky, Hillary Allgood, James F. X. Wellehan, Linda Archer, Heather S. Walden
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Abstract

Parelaphostrongylus andersoni, the muscleworm, commonly infects white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and also infects caribou (Rangifer tarandus [R.t.] groenlanicus, R.t. grantii, R.t. tarandus, and R.t. caribou). Heavy infection with P. andersoni leads to weakness in the hindquarters, abnormal gait, and pulmonary lesions. The geographical range and full host spectrum of this parasite are not fully known. This study aims to understand host specificity better, especially in nonnative cervids and bovids. This study involved the collection of 140 fecal samples from native and nonnative cervid and bovid species, and 34 snail specimens. With the use of real-time PCR, we found 4/47 (8.5%) O. virginianus fecal samples were positive for P. andersoni. No previously undocumented species of cervids or bovids were found to be infected. Further research is warranted to understand P. andersoni range, host distribution, and potential impact on host health.

Copyright 2019 by American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Timothy J. O'Leary, Katherine A. Sayler, Samantha M. Wisely, John Slapcinsky, Hillary Allgood, James F. X. Wellehan, Linda Archer, and Heather S. Walden "PREVALENCE OF PARELAPHOSTRONGYLUS ANDERSONI IN WHITE-TAILED DEER, OTHER CERVIDS, AND BOVIDS IN NORTHERN FLORIDA," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 50(3), 723-726, (23 September 2019). https://doi.org/10.1638/2018-0210
Accepted: 13 June 2019; Published: 23 September 2019
KEYWORDS
bovid
cervid
Odocoileus virginianus
Parelaphostrongylus andersoni
Parelaphostrongylus tenuis
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