Endoparasites in European hares (Lepus europaeus) under gamekeeping conditions in the Czech Republic

During December 2007 and November–April 2008/2009, 128 gastrointestinal tracts and 1680 faecal samples of hares from different parts of the Czech Republic were examined. Evaluation of the faeces samples indicated that the samples could have been infected with any one of the following parasites: Eimeria spp., Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, Trichuris leporis, Graphidium strigosum, Strongyloides sp., Protostrongylus spp. and Anoplocephalidae tape-worms. Trichostrongylus retortaeformis was the most common nematode (75.8 %). 39.8 % of the animals were infected with Trichuris leporis. Only four hares were in-fected with Graphidium strigosum. Eimeria spp. was the most commonly occurring parasite (90.5 %). The follow-ing species were found: Eimeria coquelinae, E. cabareti, E. leporis, E. babatica, E. europea, E. pierrecouderti, E. macrosculpta, E. orbiculata and E. stefanski. Eimeria coquelinae was the most prevalent species (68.4 %). Eimeria cabareti and E. leporis were the next most frequently found species (64.5 % and 57.8 %, respectively).