Occurrence of tapeworms Moniezia benedeni (Moniez, 1879) in European bison Bison bonasus L. in Białowieża Primeval Forest

Tapeworms Moniezia benedeni are cosmopolitan parasites of wild and domestic ruminants. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of those tapeworms in European bison in Białowieża Primeval Forest. Parasitological necropsy of small intestine of 26 bison, aged from 3 months to 26 years was performed in years 2007–2011. Tapeworms M. benedeni were isolated from 11 examined animals and the prevalence of infection was estimated on 42.3%. Intensity of infection was ranging from 2 to 25 tapeworms and the mean intensity was estimated on 5.8 specimens. Prevalence in the group of calves reached 50% and in adult bison – 33.3%. Intensity of infection in calves was estimated on 2 to 5 tapeworms while in adult animals it was ranging from 1 to 2 parasites. High prevalence of tapeworms M. benedeni in European bison might result from poor condition or weak immunity of eliminated animals.