The parasite fauna of the muskrat, Ondatra zibethica (Linnaeus 1766) Miller 1912, in Manitoba
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Date
1978
Authors
McKenzie, Christopher E.
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Abstract
The parasites of 171 muskrats from four regions of Manitoba were examined to determine the prevalence and incidence of parasitism. Complete examinations for both endoparasites and ectoparasites were performed for 29 muskrats, while 31 were examined only for ectoparasites and 111 were necropsied only for endoparasites. Seventeen species of parasites were recorded, including 7 trematodes, 3 nematodes, 2 cestodes, 1 acanthocephalan, 3 mites and a protozoan. Two new host records were recorded the trematode Plagiorchis noblei and the nematode Heligmosomum carolinensis. Capillaria michaganensis and Hymeolepis sp. were significantly more prevalent in female muskrats than in males. Young muskrats were found to be parasitized shortly after weaning, with the most prevalent forms of being acquired first.