The helminthofauna of small rodents in southern Manitoba

Abstract

Eleven species of helminths (seven of cestodes and four of nematodes) were found in a total of 1081 specimens of five species of rodents from southern Manitoba. Six new host records were established. Focal distributions of cestodes were attributed to their life cycles; and foci of nematodes to the relative abundance of moisture in the habitats studied. Infections of Andrya macrocephala and Capillaria hepatica varied seasonally. No statistical evidence was found of positive and negative correlative occurrence between members of parasite pairs. Capillaria hepatica was the only rodent parasite found that is a potential human pathogen. Cuterbra sp. (Cuterebridae: Diptera) was found in 5.5% of rodents examined.