Gastrointestinal nematodes and the deworming of mouflon (Ovis aries musimon) from Goleniowska Forest in West Pomerania province, Poland

Ruminants often live in environments where the natural balance has been disturbed by humans. As a result, there is a transfer of parasitosis to domestic animals and sometimes humans. The aim of the study was to determine the annual species composition and level of gastrointestinal nematode infection of mouflon (Ovis aries musimon) from the half-open breeding colonizing areas of the Goleniowska Forest, and to assess the effectiveness of deworming. The course of the parasitic infection of mouflon depends largely on geoclimatic and breeding factors. These diseases are caused by more than 17 species of nematodes with varying degrees of pathogenicity. Due to the high degree of parasitic infections in deer, both in Poland and abroad, it is necessary to develop specific preventive programs using preparations with a broad spectrum of action.

Occurrence of coccidia infection in pigeons in amateur husbandry. Diagnosis and prevention.

Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria spp. is a common parasitic disease posing a serious problem in pigeon keeping. The aim of the study was to determine the species composition, the degree of coccidia infection and the effect of the coccidiostat used in the course of the disease in two pigeon lofts located in the West Pomerania province. The material for the study came from 180 birds. A total of 330 faecal samples were investigated with two methods: Willis-Schlaafs (qualitative) and McMaster's (quantitative). The pigeons were given the Baycox (Bayer) coccidiostat with toltrazuril as an active substance. The medicament was administered for two days at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight at three-day intervals. Three species of protozoa were isolated: Eimeria labbeana, E. columbarum, E. columbae, and the infections were mixed. The occurrence of E. labbeana was most commonly reported, which was shown, depending on the pigeon loft and the age of the birds, in 89-93% of young pigeons and in 63-55% of adults. The species E. columbarum and E. columbae were found less frequently. Baycox coccidiostat proved to be highly effective against coccidiosis in pigeons and may also be used in prophylaxis.

Epidemiology and economic benefits of treating rabbits coccidiosis in small farms from West Pomerania province, Poland.

The studies were carried out on 9 farms which deals with meat race of rabbits breeding. The basic herds had from 28 to 63 rabbits (total 275 rabbits) on Choszczno and Recz district in West Pomerania province. The study was based on two flotation methods:Willis-Schlaaf for qualitative and McMaster for quantitative analysis, which helped to establish the number of oocysts in 1g of feces (OPG). Ten species of coccidian were found in which 9 were intestinal (E. exigua, E. perforans, E. media, E. magna, E. irresidua, E. coecicola, E. flavescens, E. piriformis, E. intestinalis) and one was living in liver (E. stiedai). Baycox (Bayer) was used in drinking water in a dose of 25 ppm in 1 liter of water for 2 days. In rabbits from the experimental groups higher weight gain and lower mortality compared to the control group animals were observed. The results highlight the beneficial effects of coccidiostats used in the production effects in rabbits.

The annual population dynamics of gastrointestinal nematodes in breeding sheep of the Silesian Foothills, southern Poland.

The study was carried out on an organic farm. The flock of the sheep (27 individuals) was naturally infected by parasites. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of infection with gastrointestinal nematodes. There were found species of 3 nematode families: Trichostrongylidae (Trichostrongylus spp., Ostertagia sp., Nematodirus spp., Cooperia spp., Haemonchus contortus); Strongylidae (Oesophagostomum spp., Strongyloides papillosus, Chabertia ovina) and Ancylostomatidae (Bunostomum sp.). Three nematode genera were dominant in parasite infection: Trichostrongylus, Ostertagia and Nematodirus. The prevalence of sheep infection with gastrointestinal nematodes were nearly 100%. The main species were Trichostrongylus spp. (59.2%) and Ostertagia sp. (46%).

Prevalence of coccidia infection in goats in Western Pomerania (Poland) and West Ukraine region.

The prevalence of coccidia infection in goats was evaluated in Western Pomerania (Poland) and West Ukraine Province. A total number of 311 goats were examined: 173 from Western Pomerania, including 139 kids (up to 6 month old), and 138 from the Lviv region including 93 juveniles. The study was based on two flotation methods, which helped to establish the number of oocysts in 1g of feces (OPG): Willis-Schlaaf for qualitative and McMaster for quantitative analysis. The species composition was established using Coudert's (Coudert 1992) and Eckert's (Eckert et al.,1995) keys. Nine Eimeria spp. were identified in feces samples in Western Pomerania and Lviv regions: E. arloingi, E. chrisienseni, E. jolchijevi, E. ninakohlyakimovae, E. alijevi, E. capina, E. caprovina, E. hirci, E. apsheronica. The prevalence of infection in Western Pomerania of adult goats was 74% with an intensity of 0-2500 OPG. The rate of infection in kids was 100% and the intensity ranged from 1800 to 28000 OPG. In West Ukraine Province, 100% of the adult goats and kids were infected. The coccidian intensity of infection ranged from 2600 to 120000 OPG in kids, from 50 to 4500 OPG in adults. Clinical conditions can influence the intensity of oocysts excretion in the feces of animals. In Western Pomerania the highest intensity of excretion of oocysts was during May-July and the lowest during November-January. In West Ukraine Province the peak of oocysts excretion was in May-July and the lowest in October-December. The results of the present investigation have implications for the control of coccidial infections in goats in Europe.

[Occurrence of parasites in the alimentary canal of cats from Szczecin area, Poland]. / Wystepowanie pasozytów przewodu pokarmowego u kotów z terenu miasta Szczecina.

The aim of this work was to determine the average prevalence of cats with parasites in their alimentary canal in the area of Szczecin and to identify the parasite species in the alimentary canal in these animals. This research was carried on: domestic cats, stray cats and cats from the Animal Shelter and from the Animal Protection Society. Approximately, 3 grams of weight faeces was collected, and each sample was homogenized with a glass rod, examined with microscope, and then processed by flotation method of Willis-Schlaf. The average prevalence of cats with parasites in their alimentary canal was 33.65%. The highest prevalence was observed among stray cats (i. e., 57.14%) and among cats from the Animal Shelter (i. e., 42.18%); the lowest among domestic cats (i. e., 5.68%). The prevalence of infection among cats from the Animal Protection Society was 29.62%. The following parasites were observed: Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina, Dipylidium caninum, Isospora sp. Toxocara cati was the most common parasite in cats from the Animal Shelter (i. e., 24.21%) and stray cats (i. e., 26.1%). The occurrence of this parasite was lowest among domestic cats (i. e., 1.13%). Toxascaris leonina occurred more frequently in domestic cats (i. e., 3.4%), while Dipylidium caninum was predominant in cats from the Animal Protection Society (i. e., 18.5%). The high prevalence of infections among cats from Animal Shelter was caused by the fact that these animals have been rarely de-wormed. De-worming of animals once a year is not effective. The low prevalence of infection among domestic cats can be explained by the facts that these cats were routinely de-wormed and had only limited access to outdoor environment. In order to prevent transmission of cat parasites it is mandatory to undertake preventive actions, such as: regular de-worming of animals, removal animals' faeces, and advertisement of de-worming among cat owners by distribution leaflets and brochures.

Increased prevalence of Trichinella spp., northeastern Germany, 2008.

In 2008, a Trichinella spp. outbreak occurred on a small family-owned pig farm in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in northeastern Germany. To obtain epidemiologic information on this outbreak, we determined that after 2005 the prevalence of Trichinella spp. in wild boars has increased in this region of Germany. We discuss the potential role of the raccoon dog in the increase in Trichinella spp. prevalence in the sylvatic cycle in this region. We believe that this increase could pose a threat to pigs kept in back yard conditions, and we provide recommendations to ensure public health safety.

[Occurrence of Eimeria protozoa in lambs in Western Pomerania, Poland]. / Wystepowanie pierwotniaków z rodzaju Eimeria u jagniat na Pomorzu Zachodnim.

A total of 250 Merino lambs from the Lubuskie province and 83 Suffolk lambs from the Zachodniopomorskie province were examined. The level of infection with Eimeria protozoa was determined on coproscopic examinations using the Willis-Schlaaf flotation method. The species composition of the coccidia was determined using Pellerdi's system. The prevalence of lamb infection with coccidia averaged 85.18% in the Zachodniopomorskie province and 55.32% in the Lubuskie province. Coproscopic examinations showed that the animals were infected with different species. Eight species were isolated from faecal samples: E. faurei, E. ovinoidalis, E. pallida, E. intricata, E. parva, E. arloingi, E. ninakohlyakimovae and E. granulosa. E. parva (53%) and E. ninakohlyakimovae (47.8%) were the dominant in the Zachodniopomorskie province, and E. ninakohlyakimovae (65%) and E. intricata (43.3%) in the Lubuskie province.

[Preliminary studies on parasitic fauna of hares introduced on the Chrzaszczewska Island, West Pomerania]. / Wstepne badania nad parazytofauna zajecy introdukowanych na teren wyspy Chrzaszczewskiej, Pomorze Zachodnie.

The study were carried out in the years 2006-2007 on 57 semi-free living hares. The faeces of these animals were examined by the flotation and McMaster methods. All hares were infected with coccidia. Following six Eimeria species were found: E. leporis, E. europaea, E. robertsoni, E. semisculpta, E. townsendi and E. hungarica. The invasion of the species E. leporis, E. europaea and E. robertsoni were characterized of the highest intensity. A low infection of two nematodes genera Trichostrongylus and Graphidium were found too. The study will be continued in the year 2008.

[Intestinal parasites of parrots]. / Pasozyty jelitowe papug.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine a parasitic species composition, prevalence and intensity of infection in selected parrots. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The studies were carried out on faecal samples of budgerigars Melopsittacus undulatus (n = 36), cockatiels Nymphicus hollandicus (n = 21), grey parrots Psittacus erithacus (n = 18), eastern rosella Platycercus eximius (n = 10) and senegal parrots Poicephalus senegalus (n = 10) using the Willis-Schlaff and McMaster's methods. RESULTS: Protozoans (Isosporidae and Eimeriidae) and nematodes (Ascarididae, Capillaridae and Heterakidae) were detected in the tested samples. Coccidian oocysts were detected in all examined parrots. Isospora and Eimeria oocysts were found in 52.9% Melopsittacus undulatus, 60% Poicephalus senegalus and 66.7% Psittacus erithacus. Mean number of oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) was high: from about 270 to 1500 depending on both parasite and host species. Three species of parrots were infected with the nematodes (Nymphicus hollandicus and Poicephalus senegalus were free from this infection), but only Ascaridia platycerci was present in these hosts, with the highest prevalence (20%) and highest mean number of eggs per gram of feces (EPG = 1242) in Platycercus eximinus. Heterakis gallinarum was observed only in Psittacus erithacus; 16.6% individuals were infected, and EPG was 212. The highest intensity of infection with nematodes of Ascarididae and Capillaridae was in Platycercus eximius. EPG in this species of parrots was 1242 and 2480, respectively. The obtained results show that introduction of parasitological prophylaxis programs is necessary, especially in the larger birds' farmings and zoological shops.

[Evaluation of the meat carcases assigned for consumption towards the presence of Trichinella larvae by two methods: trichinoscopy and digestion]. / Ocena tusz miesa przeznaczonego do konsumpcji w kierunku obecnosci larw wlosni metoda kompresorowa i wytrawiania.

The main purpose of this article was to analyse the effectiveness of two methods: trichinoscopy and digestion method for control of animal trichinellosis. It was established that the using of magnetic stirrer improved the digestion of meat and shortened the digestion to 90-100 minutes. It is worthy of notice that the digestion method is three to four times more sensitive than the traditional trichinoscopy. In the years 1999-2004 Trichinella larvae were found in pork meat 6 times rarely comparing with the years 1990-1994. The introduction of digestion method resulted directly in the reduction (4 times) of the Trichinella infection in humans in the years 2000-2004 comparing with the years 1990-1994. The ELISA test appeared to be also very useful for epidemiological studies on Trichinella infection in animals and humans.

[The occurrence of intestinal parasites of roe deer and red deer in the Western Pomerania voivodeship]. / Wystepowanie pasozytów przewodu pokarmowego u saren i jeleni na terenie województwa zachodniopomorskiego.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to establish the parasite prevalence of roe deer and red deer in Western Pomerania. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prevalence of the Coccidia and gastro-intestinal nematodes infection were determined by means of the Willis-Schlaaf necropsy method. The species composition of Eimeria was determined based on morphology of oocysts (shape, colour, form index, presence or absence of micropyle and its cap, presence or absence of residual, polar- and Stieda bodies), and time of sporulation. Sporulation was performed in a wet chamber at 24-26 degrees C in a 2.5% aqueous solution of potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7). Fifty red deer and 57 roe deer were biopsied. RESULTS: Oocysts of the genus Eimeria were found in 52.07% roe deer and 74.57% red deer. Four coccidia species in roe deer (E. capreoli, E. panda, E. rotunda, and E. ponderosa) and two coccidia species in red deer (E. sordida, and E. elaphi) were found. 100% of roe deer and 47.82% of red deer were infected with gastro-intestinal nematodes. The following nematode species were found in the alimentary tracts: Spiculopteragia boehmi, Ostertagia kolchida, Ostertagia leptospicularis, Haemonchus contortus, Chabertia ovina, Oesophagostomum venulosum, Nematodirus sp., Trichocephalus ovis, and Capillaria bovis.

[The occurrence of intestinal nematodes in red foxes in the Western Pomerania]. / Wystepowanie nicieni przewodu pokarmowego u lisów wolno zyjacych w województwie zachodniopomorskim.

In the period from November 2004 to March 2005 the prevalence of gastro-intestinal nematodes of 165 foxes (Vulpes vulpes L.) from the Pomerania region was examined. These parasites were found in 66.1% of examined foxes. Toxocara canis was the most frequent parasite and was observed in 33.9% of examined animals. Toxascaris leonina was found in 1.2%, Uncinaria stenocephala in 25.5%, Ancylostoma caninum in 6.7 and Trichuris vulpis in 10.3% of the examined foxes.

[Prevalence of Eimeria and intestinal nematodes in wild boar in north-west Poland]. / Wystepowanie kokcydii i nicieni przewodu pokar- mowego u dzików na terenie Pomorza Zachodniego.

In the time from September 2003 to March 2004 feacal samples of 147 wild boars from north-west Poland were examined. The prevalence and intensity of the Coccidia and gastro-intestinal nematodes infection were determined by means of Willis-Schlaaf. The species were determined basing on morphology of oocysts (shape, colour, form index, presence or absence of micropyle and its cap, presence or absence of residual, polar and Stied bodies) and time of sporulation. Sporulation was performed in wet chamber at 24-26 degrees C in a 2.5% aqueous solution of potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) (Pellerdy, 1974). Oocysts from the genus Eimeria were found in 58.5% wild boars. Four coccidia species occurred in wild boars (E. deblecki, E. suis, E. perminuta, E. scabra). Gastro-intestinal nematodes were found in 83.67%. The following nematode species were found: Oesophagostomum dentatum, Metastrongylus sp., Trichuris suis and Ascaris suum.

[The prevalence of Toxocara canis (Werner, 1782) in dogs and red foxes in north-west Poland]. / Ekstensywnosc wystepowania Toxocara canis (Werner, 1782) u psów i lisów na terenie Polski Pólnocno-Zachodniej.

One of the most dangerous parasites, not only for carnivores but also for human being is Toxocara canis. It is presented very commonly all over the world, so spread its into the humans organisms, especially childrens is very easy. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Toxocara canis in dogs and red foxes in area of north-west Poland. The dog coproscopy was provided according to Willis-Schlaff method. Post mortem examination of red foxes was conducted according to Eckert and Amman (1990), Eckert et al. (1991) and Ewald (1993). In examined area dogs were infected with Toxocara canis from 2.67 to 55% (Table 1). The highest prevalence was observed in Gorzów Wielkopolski in its neighborhood (villages) and in urban places. The lowest extensity (2.67%) was determined in urban area of Slupsk city. In examined forest regions the prevalence of Toxocara canis in red foxes was 43% (Table 2). To sum up, north-west Poland is a region where Toxocara canis is common, both in domesticated and wild environment. There should be provided regular monitoring of this zoonozis as well as pharmacological treatment of dogs.