Helminth parasites of the muskrat ( Ondatra zibethicus (L.)) in Newfoundland
One hundred and fourteen muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus (L.)), collected between September 1977 and January 1979 in three areas of insular Newfoundland, were examined for helminths, with 11 species being found (7 Digenea, 2 Cestoda, and 2 Nematoda). Diplostomum mergi was recovered from a mammal for th...
| Published in: | Canadian Journal of Zoology |
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| Main Authors: | , |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Canadian Science Publishing
1981
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z81-294 http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z81-294 |
| Summary: | One hundred and fourteen muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus (L.)), collected between September 1977 and January 1979 in three areas of insular Newfoundland, were examined for helminths, with 11 species being found (7 Digenea, 2 Cestoda, and 2 Nematoda). Diplostomum mergi was recovered from a mammal for the first time. Distribution along the alimentary tract was examined and all helminths recovered preferred the proximal 60% of the small intestine, except Quinqueserialis quinqueserialis and Trichostrongylus calcaratus, which preferred the caecum. Adult and immature muskrats showed differences in the prevalence and intensity of infection and the adults also had larger concurrent infections. In only one case, namely Hymenolepis evaginata, was a parasite species more prevalent in one sex (the males). Small seasonal differences in prevalence and (or) intensity of infection were noted for some parasites and were related to differences in parasite burden of adult and immature hosts and water temperature. A difference in the occurrence of Digenea between sample areas was related to water pH and hardness. |
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