Gastrointestinal parasites of red and roe deer investigated via metagenomics and histology

Background Some of the most common pathogens in wildlife are parasites. Since wild cervids are phylogenetically close to a lot of our livestock species, disease dynamics can arise, for example, through shared parasites. Insight into regional patterns, shaped by ecosystems and cross-species relationships, is only slowly emerging and the species-specific knowledge about lifecycle and ecology of parasites is often based on cross-sectional studies and therefore limited. Possibilities for broad and easy investigation of parasites could be the key to widen our understanding of these systems and processes. Methods Here, shotgun metagenomics were investigated as a method for parasite detection in fecal samples of wild ungulates. The results were further validated by histopathological examination of gastrointestinal tissues. Results The results from the two methods are in line with similar studies, and while not being identical, complement each other. Conclusions This investigation revealed parasite composition and seasonal dynamics in two species of wild cervid red deer ( Cervus elaphus ) and roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus ).