The role of myiasis and helminth larvae in wild ungulates in the occurrence of road traffic accidents and their legal regulation

The conducted research highlights a little – studied aspect of the interaction between wildlife and humans - the role of parasitic invasions in the occurrence of road accidents involving wild ungulates, in particular moose. Using the example of the Republic of Tatarstan, it is shown that all 17 examined moose that died in an accident in the first half of 2024 were infected with larvae of the nasopharyngeal gadfly Cephenemyia ulrichii . On average, 68 larvae were found in one animal, localized in the nasopharynx, soft palate, nasal sinuses and cranial region. A pathological and anatomical autopsy revealed macroscopic signs of meningoencephalitis, which indicates the development of estrogenic encephalitis. This pathology, causing severe pain, neurological disorders, disorientation and depression of consciousness, is a significant factor provoking inappropriate behavior of animals and their access to highways. The work also provides a comparative analysis with other parasitic diseases affecting the behavior of wild ungulates, such as Eleaophora schneideri and parasitization of the nematode Parelaphostrongylus tenuis ("brainworm") in North America. The lack of systematic work in Russia on the prevention of animal deaths on transport routes and the diagnosis of parasitosis in victims of road accidents is emphasized. The use of saline slime molds with 4% ivermectin is proposed as a practical preventive measure for cephenomyosis. It is concluded that it is necessary to carry out mandatory parasitological examinations of all animals killed on the roads in order to accurately assess the contribution of parasitic invasions to accidents and develop comprehensive legislative and preventive measures.