Elaphostrongylus cervi (Cameron, 1931) in Red deer (Cervus elaphus): First Record in Turkey

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the presence of Elaphostrongylus cervi infection found in Red deer at Eskişehir Catacık Red Deer Production Station between June-July 2020. Based on the red deer traces and signs in the study area, 32 fresh faeces of animals were collected from the places where the faeces density was found. Stool samples were examined for cestode rings macroscopically, and microscopically by sedimentation, saturated salt flotation, and Baermann Wetzel methods. Larvae were found in all the collected faeces. The larvae obtained by the Baerman technique were identified at the species level using the relevant literature. E. cervi identified in red deer with this study is the first record in our country. Thus, it will provide valuable data for the red deer in Turkey