Temporal and spatial dynamics of gastrointestinal parasite infection in Père David's deer.

Background The Pere David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus) population was established from only a small number of individuals. Their genetic diversity is therefore relatively low and transmissible (parasitic) diseases affecting them merit further attention. Parasitic infections can affect the health, survival, and population development of the host. However, few reports have been published on the gastrointestinal parasites of Pere David's deer. The aims of this study were: (1) to identify the intestinal parasites groups in Pere David's deer; (2) to determine their prevalence and burden and clarify the effects of different seasons and regions on various indicators of Pere David's deer intestinal parasites; (3) to evaluate the effects of the Pere David's deer reproductive period on these parasites; (4) to reveal the regularity of the parasites in space and time. Methods In total, 1,345 Pere David's deer faecal samples from four regions during four seasons were tested using the flotation (saturated sodium nitrate solution) to identify parasites of different genus or group, and the McMaster technique to count the number of eggs or oocysts. Results Four groups of gastrointestinal parasites were found, of which strongyles were dominant; their prevalence and burden were significantly higher than other groups. Significant temporal and spatial effects on gastrointestinal parasitic infection were found. Parasite diversity, prevalence, parasite burden, and aggregation were the highest in summer. Among the four regions, parasite diversity, prevalence, and burden were the highest in the Dongting Lake area. In addition, parasite diversity and burden during the reproductive period of Pere David's deer was significantly higher than during the post-reproductive period. Conclusions The summer season and the reproductive period of Pere David's deer had great potential for parasite transmission, and there is a high risk of parasite outbreaks in the Dongting Lake area.