Gastropod intermediate hosts and transmission of <i>Parelaphostrongylus odocoilei</i>, a muscle-inhabiting nematode of mule deer, <i>Odocoileus h</i>. <i>hemionus</i>, in Jasper National Park, Alberta

Abstract

Over 11 000 gastropods from Jasper National Park, Alberta, were examined (1976–1977) for larvae of Parelaphostrongylus odocoilei. Seven species of gastropods were infected: Deroceras laeve (5.3%), Zonitoides nitidus (1.5%), Euconulus fulvus (1.3%), Discus shimeki (1.2%), Zonitoides arboreus (0.8%), Vitrina limpida (0.7%), and Discus cronkhitei (0.6%). Examination of deer feces collected throughout the year (1974–1980) for first-stage larvae of P. odocoilei indicated maximum numbers were passed in March and April. All deer became infected as fawns in autumn apparently by accidently ingesting infected gastropods.