The prevalence of Elaphostrongylus cervi infection in moose (Alces alces) in southern Norway.

The prevalence of Elaphostrongylus cervi infection in moose shot during the hunting season 1983 in 47 different municipalities in Southern Norway was studied. E. cervi seemed to occur endemically in the population, as infection was found in 35 % of 1,982 moose examined. Diagnosis was made on the basis of the presence of eggs and first-stage larvae (L) and associated histopathological lesions in the lung, and on the presence of L in the faeces. The prevalence varied considerably between different municipalities. No relationship was found between the prevalence of E. cervi and the population density of moose. The highest prevalence was found in municipalities where red deer harbouring E. cervi were also present. The prevalence among males was higher than among females, and that among yearlings higher than among calves and adults. In no case was infection found in animals 51/2 years of age or older. Carcass weight in infected adult moose was significantly lower than in non-infected adults.