The prevalence of internal parasites in deer farms

The aim of this study: to estimate the prevalence of internals parasites in two different deer farms. Objectives of this study: to investigate two different deer farms in years 2015 and 2017; to identify the parasite species and the prevalence of infection; to identify larvae species; to compare the results between these farms; to analyze the influence of prophylaxis and the living conditions on the internal parasites prevalence and infection intensity. Two deer farms were chosen for this study. First one has a control program for internal parasites: herd is divided into sections, regularly treatment with anthelmintics is performed, group rotation on pastures is used. Second farm do not use any prophylaxis or treatment programes, the herd is permanently kept on the same enclosure. Sixty faecal samples from each farm randomly were collected in years 2015 and 2017. Samples were analyzed with modified McMaster technique, then 15 samples were investigated by the Baermann larva identification method. In year 2015 - 48 (80%) of first farm faecal samples were found positive; Strongyloides and Strongyles eggs, and Dictyocaulus larvae were identified. Furthermore, in year 2017 - 35 (57%) positive samples were found, and average of Strongyloides FEC reduced on 33%, Strongyles – on 73 % and Dictyocaulus – on 46 %, respectively. In year 2015 - 57 (95%) of second farm faecal samples were found positive, Strongyloides, Strongyles, Trichuris and Nematodirus eggs, and Dictyocaulus larvae were identified. In the second farm Strongyloides, Strongyles, Trichuris and Nematodirus eggs, and Dictyocaulus larvae were identified. Furthermore, in year 2017 all the samples from the second were found positive. The average of FEC between in the second farm was statistically significantly higher compared to the first farm (p