# The Presence of Bacterial and Protozoan Pathogens in Wild Fallow Deer (Dama dama) from a Protected Area in Central Italy

## TL;DR

This study investigates the presence of bacterial and protozoan pathogens in wild fallow deer in Italy to assess their potential role in spreading diseases to humans and animals.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the prevalence of specific pathogens in fallow deer populations in a protected area of Central Italy.

## Key findings

- A. phagocytophilum was detected in 3.08% of fallow deer spleens.
- Theileria cervi was found in 7.40% of spleens, while other pathogens were not detected.
- No coinfections were observed among the tested pathogens.

## Abstract

Wild ruminants may harbor pathogens transmitted by hematophagous arthropods, as well as those transmitted via oral and/or inhalation routes. Among these microorganisms, several bacteria and protozoa may also infect humans, livestock and companion animals. In fact, wild ruminants often serve as reservoirs without showing clinical signs, whereas other mammals can develop mild or severe diseases. Wild ruminants are largely present in different areas of Central Italy, but although some studies have been carried out on the occurrence of different bacterial and protozoan pathogens in Italian deer populations, the current epidemiology of these microorganisms in deer is not fully clear because the distribution and prevalence of the pathogens are constantly changing.

Wild ruminants often harbor pathogens transmissible to other animals and humans, but their epidemiological role is not always defined for all microorganisms. In this survey, spleens, kidneys, and hearts sampled from 162 fallow deer (Dama dama) were subjected to molecular analyses to detect bacterial (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Brucella spp., Chlamydia abortus, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, Leptospira spp.) and protozoan (piroplasms, Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii) pathogens. Five (3.08%) spleens were positive for A. phagocytophilum, and twelve (7.40%) spleens were positive for Theileria cervi. The remaining pathogens investigated were not detected, and no coinfections were found. The analyzed animals do not seem to have a relevant role in the spreading of these pathogens; however, monitoring is pivotal to understand the epidemiological scenarios and take appropriate preventive measures in areas frequently visited by people.