Deer and their parasites: disease or coexistence?

Abstract

The occurrence of different parasites in roe (Capreolus capreolus), and red deer (Cervus elaphus) were examined during the period 1972-1995. Deer shot at random or found dead were examined and parasitological status of a farmed red deer herd has been observed regularly. Age, carcass weight, physical condition and pathological features were checked or measured. Of the parasites, 38 species in roe and 18 in red deer were identified and at least 11 of them were shared by both hosts. None of them seems to be pathogenic for these hosts, not considerating local alterations. Disease or mortality together with excessive parasite burden were found only in specimens or herds living in captivity. Beside lungworms, protozoans as well as hair louse may occur in high intensity due to the stress-related diathesis of the host organism. Therefore the relation of deer and their native parasites can be considered as a coexistence rather than a harmful impact of the latter. Parasites of direct development can serve as bioindicators, monitoring the health status of the host individuals, herds or their habitat quality. Finally, the indigenous parasitofauna of roe and red deer and the large variety of their other intermediate and final hosts represent a colourful example of biodiversity.