Emergence of the arterial worm Elaeophora schneideri in moose (Alces alces) and tabanid fly vectors in northeastern Minnesota, USA

摘要: Moose (Alces alces) are a culturally and economically valued species in Minnesota. However, the moose population has experienced sudden, marked decline their range, including extirpation northwest 66% last decade northeast portions of state. Although exact cause this is unclear, parasitic metastrongylid filarioid nematode infections known causes morbidity mortality across North America. To determine if these nematodes could be contributing to Minnesota decline, we molecularly examined banked tissues obtained from that died unknown for presence DNA. Extracted brain DNA 34 individual was amplified utilizing primers targeting 18S rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer regions nematodes. sequencing revealed PCR products 15 (44.1%) were 99% identical Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, neurological disease death. Additionally, tissue 20 (58.8%) individuals yielded sequences most closely aligned with Elaeophora schneideri, parasite associated impairment but previously unreported Setaria yehi, common deer, also detected 5 (14.7%) moose. Molecular screening 618 captured tabanid flies four trapping sites E. schneideri present (6%) environment transmission occur locally. Prevalence rates among ranged between 0–100% per site, Chrysops spp. Hybomitra implicated as vectors. Ultimately, data confirm P. tenuis widespread raises question significance factor