Cross-infection of moose (Alces alces) and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) with Elaphostrongylus alces and Elaphostrongylus rangiferi (Nematoda, Protostrongylidae): effects on parasite morphology and prepatent period.

Moose (Alces alces) and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) were experimentally cross-infected with Elaphostrongylus rangiferi and Elaphostrongylus alces, respectively. Both Elaphostrongylus species completed their development in the alternate hosts but produced fewer larvae than in their usual host species. Reindeer infected with Elaphostrongylus alces developed patent infections after 39-130 days. In moose, the prepatent period of this parasite was 39-73 days. Elaphostrongylus rangiferi infections were patent in moose after 133 days. The male morphological characteristic of E. alces in moose and reindeer, and E. rangiferi in moose and their migration pattern retained regardless of the host species. These results provide further evidence that E. alces and E. rangiferi are two distinct species.