Nematode Ashworthius sidemi Schulz, 1933 (Trichostrongylidae: Haemonchinae) in mountain ecosystems – potential risk for the Tatra chamois Rupipacra rupicapra tatrica (Blahout, 1971/1972)

Background: Native to Asia highly pathogenic nematode Ashworthius sidemi is now in Europe, and several dozen years after its introduction is a widespread parasite of all wild cervids. For bovids, the nematode is a significant threat to the European bison ( Bison bonasus ) population and has also been found in mouflon ( Ovis aries musimon ). This study aimed to assess the risk of infection for the endemic subspecies of northern (Alpine) chamois ( Rupicapra rupicapra ) – Tatra chamois ( R. r. tatrica ), having a critically endangered status. Methods The study was conducted in mountainous areas of Slovakia and Poland occupied by Tatra chamois ( R. r. tatrica ), Alpine chamois ( R. r. rupicapra ), red deer ( Cervus elaphus ) and roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus ). Animals (n = 93) shot during licensed hunting and killed in road accidents (roe deer, red deer), or died a natural death (chamois) were post-mortem examined on the presence of Haemonchinae. Results A. sidemi affected all of the roe deer, and 90.0% of red deer examined. As regards chamois, it was found in one R. rupicapra originating from the Low Tatras, but not in any pure R. r. tatrica individual living in High and Western Tatras. The present work is the first confirmation of northern chamois infection with this alien, blood-sucking nematode. Conclusions Due to an important health hazard related to A. sidemi infection for the Tatra chamois ( R. r. tatrica ), appropriate measures should be taken to reduce the possibility of parasite transmission between various cervid species living in the Tatra area, as well as the affected population of chamois, and the pure Tatra chamois population existing in the higher parts of the mountains, constituting their natural habitat.