We are wrapping up an intensive look at moose health in New York using both live-captured animals and investigation of mortalities. Between 2015 and 2017, we obtained samples from live moose to examine a variety of health parameters. From necropsies, we identified internal parasites: deer brainworm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis), giant liver fluke (Fascioloides magna), Echinococcus (tapeworms) and Neospora caninum as threats to moose health.
We are in the third year of a study examining deer fecal samples and gastropods for brainworm and liver fluke to identify risk factors on the Adirondacks landscape. We are collaborating with SUNY-ESF to develop PCR tests for Echinococcus and Neospora in canid feces to better understand these parasite cycles.