Factors affecting the spread of parasites in populations of wild European terrestrial mammals

There are many different factors involved in parasitism. The general concept of “filters” proposed by Combes includes “encounter filters” (behavior, biodiversity) and “compatibility filters” (resources, defense) to explain mechanisms responsible for the formation of host–parasite coexistence. However, researches explaining the reasons for the spread and dynamics of parasites in populations of wild terrestrial mammals in Europe and the specific factors affecting prevalence and intensity of parasitosis are limited. Many factors, ecological, biological, and anthropogenic, form a complex network of interdependencies that shape this pattern. Here, I summarize the current state of knowledge on the factors affecting parasitic diseases in wild mammals inhabiting the European continent. It indicates the need to further development, not only for academic reasons, but also for the benefit of use in management of wild mammal species and disease control in nature.