Endoparasites of American marten (Martes americana): Review of the literature and parasite survey of reintroduced American marten in Michigan

The American marten (Martes americana) was reintroduced to both the Upper (UP) and northern Lower Peninsula (NLP) of Michigan during the 20th century. This is the first report of endoparasites of American marten from the NLP. Faeces from live-trapped American marten were examined for the presence of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife
Main Authors: Maria C. Spriggs, Lisa L. Kaloustian, Richard W. Gerhold
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2016
Subjects:
American marten
Endoparasite
Faecal examination
Michigan
Wildlife
Zoonotic
Zoology
QL1-991
Martes americana
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2016.07.001
https://doaj.org/article/079f7be28ad646c2a5a5807df923215a
Description
Summary:The American marten (Martes americana) was reintroduced to both the Upper (UP) and northern Lower Peninsula (NLP) of Michigan during the 20th century. This is the first report of endoparasites of American marten from the NLP. Faeces from live-trapped American marten were examined for the presence of parasitic ova, and blood samples were obtained for haematocrit evaluation. The most prevalent parasites were Capillaria and Alaria species. Helminth parasites reported in American marten for the first time include Eucoleus boehmi, hookworm, and Hymenolepis and Strongyloides species. This is the first report of shedding of Sarcocystis species sporocysts in an American marten and identification of 2 coccidian parasites, Cystoisospora and Eimeria species. The pathologic and zoonotic potential of each parasite species is discussed, and previous reports of endoparasites of the American marten in North America are reviewed.

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