Strongylid nematodes shared between domestic and wild ruminants in the Maiella National Park (Abruzzo region, central Italy)

INTRODUCTION. Strongylid nematodes (SN) are recognized as a major concern to livestock production. As the control of SN relies heavily on the use of parasiticides, anthelminthic resistance (AR) is increasing (Barone et al., 2020 Vet Parasitol. 279: 109041). It is known that wild ruminants may harbor several SN that typically infect livestock andit is assumed that they couldalso act as reservoirs in the translocation of anthelmintic resistance (Chintoan-Uta et al., 2014 Proc Biol Sci. 281: 20132985). This risk is even increased where domestic and wild ruminants graze on the same pastures. The aim of the present study was to obtain novel information on the distribution of SN in sheep and wild ruminants (i.e. red deer, chamois) sharing the same pasture in the Maiella National Park. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A total of 20 faecal pool samples were collected from sheep (n. 7) and wild ruminants (n. 13) and examined by classic copromicroscopic tests. Gastrointestinal strongyle (GIS) positive pools were subjected to coprocolture. L3s were morphologically and molecularly identified (Gasser et al., 1993 Nucleic Acids Research. 21: 2525-26; van Wyk et al., 2013 Onderstepoort J Vet Res. 80: 539). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS. Thirteen faecal pools were positive for GIS and 16 pools for bronchopulmonary strongyles (BPS) (Table 1). The present data confirm that wild ruminants may harbor strongyle species that usually affect sheep (Zaffaroni et al., 2000 Vet Parasitol. 90: 221-30). Further studies are required to investigate the pattern of transmission of strongyles between domestic and wild ruminants and the role of wildlife in the spread of anthelmintic-resistant nematodes.