A vertical study on the prevalence and clinical symptoms of canine pruritic dermatoses in Switzerland

Setaria tundra is known as a common parasite of sylvatic ungulates in Northern latitudes. Although mostly considered of low pathogenicity, severe disease outbreaks and remarkable economic losses have been observed in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus). Host density and climatic factors are major drivers of the expansion of Setaria spp. facilitating their development and spread. Five adult specimens of S. tundra were retrieved from a male roe deer in Bavaria, Germany. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) barcoding confirmed morphological identification. Cyclooxygenase 1 gene sequences showed 98,73-99,68 % similarity to sequences of other S. tundra specimens found in deer (Cervidae) and mosquitoes (Culicidae). The results raise awareness for the presence of S. tundra in a hitherto unkown endemic region and represent a starting point for broader investigations to understand the biology and distribution of this parasite in roe deer as well as other potential definitive hosts.