Multiple Species of Protostrongylid Nematodes Occur in White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA.

Key Points

• To identify species of protostrongylid nematodes found in white-tailed deer across multiple states.
• Isolated larvae from white-tailed deer in northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
• Conducted DNA sequencing to confirm species identities.
• Collected samples from a total of 117 deer (n=60 in Minnesota, n=19 in Wisconsin, n=38 in Michigan).
• Identified Parelaphostrongylus tenuis and Parelaphostrongylus andersoni among other species.
• Discovered Varestrongylus cf. alpenae and five unidentified genetic lineages.
• Findings suggest a diverse nematode community that could impact moose populations.