Exploring animal enclosures and parasite interactions in Germany

Abstract

In order to gain an initial impression of the current parasite situation in wildlife enclosures across Germany, 17 enclosures of six animal species were examined for parasites in soil and fecal samples in seven facilities. Of particular interest in this context are helminths and protists. Despite the potential risks, however, there are only a few studies on parasites in animal enclosures due to the taboo subject. The study examined 661 fecal samples from fallow deer (Dama dama, N = 247), wild boar (Sus scrofa, N = 207), red deer (Cervus elaphus, N = 111), mouflon (Ovis orientalis musimon N = 76), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus, N = 12) and bison (Bison bonasus, N = 8) as well as 136 soil samples from 12 single-species enclosures and 5 mixed-species enclosures. Three hundred and sixty fecal samples (54.46 %) tested positive for parasites using flotation and sedimentation methods. In addition, parasites were detected in 62.5 % (N = 85) of the soil samples. Examination of the faecal samples revealed that the most common parasite species were Strongyloides sp., Trichostrongylus sp. and Trichuris sp. With the help of a Geographic Information System (GIS), the findings could be displayed on an enclosure map and initial hypotheses on environmental relationships could be made. Particularly high parasite samples were mostly located near feeding and resting areas. The results underline the need for more regular monitoring and targeted parasite management to protect the health of the animals. GIS can be used as an additional tool to help identify hotspots and to specifically incorporate the environment into management in order to take animal-friendly measures. This will play a greater role in the future in the context of anthelmintic resistance.

Keywords: Animal enclosures; Coccidia; Helminths; Hotspot-analysis; Investigation; Wildlife.

Graphical abstract

Fig. 1

The map of Central Germany shows the location of the seven wildlife parks the sampling took place.

Fig. 2

The map shows a fallow deer enclosure (park 5) with the distribution of soil and manure samples. The crossed areas represent the approximate feeding places of the animals. The enclosure is characterized by a grassy landscape with a stream flowing through it. The gray area in the northwest of the enclosure is a shelter for the animals. According to the aerial photo analysis, the enclosure has an approximate area of 1.5 ha. Larger parasite findings were made at the feeding areas and at one place by the stream. Others were found scattered throughout the enclosure.

Fig. 3

The map shows a wild boar enclosure (park 5) with the distribution of soil and droppings samples. The crossed areas represent the approximate feeding areas for the animals. The enclosure is characterized by a marshy landscape with a large wallow (lined area). According to the aerial photo analysis, the enclosure has an approximate area of 0.2 ha. Due to the moist soil structure of the smaller enclosure, heavy parasite findings were observed over the entire area.

Fig. 4

The map also shows a wild boar enclosure (park 4) with the distribution of soil and excrement samples. The crossed area represents the approximate feeding area for the animals, although visitors can also feed the animals outside the wallow area (lined area) in this enclosure. The enclosure is also largely characterized by a marshy landscape. According to the aerial photo analysis, the enclosure has an approximate area of 3 ha. Particularly heavy parasite findings were observed in the area of the wallow, the feeding area and the shelters.