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

• DOI: 10.1017/s003118202300080x
• Publication Date: 2023-08-24T08:40:11Z
• Authors: Anna Maria Pyziel; Zdzisław Laskowski; Daniel Klich; Aleksander Wiacze...; Stanisław Kaczor; Dorota Merta; Janusz Kobielski; Julita Nowakowska; Krzysztof Anusz; Johan Höglund
• Keywords: Lungworm; Ovis; Cervus elaphus; Cervus

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