The first finding of Dictyocaulus cervi and Dictyocaulus skrjabini (Nematoda) in feral fallow deer (Dama dama) in Australia

• Published in: International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife 2024-08, Vol.24, p.100953, Article 100953
• Main Authors: Brown, Keira, Jenkins, David J., Gofton, Alexander W., Smith, Ina, Francis, Nidhish, Shamsi, Shokoofeh, Barton, Diane P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dictyocaulosis; Introduced host; Introduced parasite; Livestock production; Lungworm; Parasite transmission; Verminous pneumonia
• ISSN: 2213-2244; 2213-2244
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100953

Feral deer are widespread throughout Australia with the capacity to impact livestock production via transmission of parasites. Samples of Dama dama (fallow deer), Rusa unicolor (sambar deer), Cervus elaphus (red deer) and an unidentified deer were sourced from various locations in south-eastern Australia for examination for parasites. Adult nematodes were collected from the lungs of all deer species across four separate geographical locations. The nematodes were identified as species of Dictyocaulus through both morphological and molecular means. Species identification based on morphological features was difficult, with many measurements from described species overlapping. Molecular analyses targeting three markers, namely 18S rRNA, ITS2, and cox1 revealed the presence of two distinct species: Dictyocaulus cervi and Dictyocaulus skrjabini. These are the first genetically confirmed reports of species of Dictyocaulus in feral deer in Australia, and although cross-transmission of species of Dictyocaulus with livestock has not yet been reported, it cannot be completely discounted without further research. Brown et al.: Dictyocaulus spp. (Nematoda) in feral fallow deer (Dama dama) in Australia: morphological and molecular characterisation. [Display omitted] •Molecular confirmation of two Dictyocaulus species in feral fallow deer in Australia.•Infections were generally light (