Patterns of parasite eggs, oocysts and larvae shedding by moose in the Biebrza marshland (NE Poland).

The study analyses patterns of endoparasite eggs, oocysts and larvae shedding by moose from the relict population in the Biebrza marshland, NE Poland, which has grown to be one of the largest in Central Europe since the ban on hunting imposed in 2001. The analysis identified 10 species or groups of parasites among 230 faecal moose samples collected over 16 consequent months. The most prevalent were the eggs of Trichostrongylidae, spp., , and the larvae of sp. Four parasite species were more prevalent in males, indicating male-biased parasitism, and the studied moose population exhibited a female-skewed sex ratio. eggs and Protostrongylid larvae were more prevalent during winter, which indicated their resistance to harsh weather conditions. The prevalence of and sp. increased during the growing season, as did the number of eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) of , possibly due to the availability of water sources. Higher mean monthly temperature was also found to have a positive effect on the excretion of Trichostrongylidae and spp. eggs. In addition, the time of infection and the specificity of the parasite life cycle, being sensitive to certain climatic conditions, also appeared to have a strong influence on eggs, oocysts and larvae shedding in this non-harvested moose population.