Helminths are reported for the first time from ermines (Mustela erminea) and martens (Martes americana) in Washington (USA). Among 22 adult ermines, 41% were infected by one or more of five species (Taenia mustelae, Alaria mustelae, Molineus patens, M. mustelae and Trichinella spiralis). Among 78 adult martens from three geographic localities, the prevalence was 83%. Nine species were identified (Mesocestoides sp., T. mustelae and T. martis americana, Euryhelmis squamula, M. patens, Baylisascaris devosi, Physaloptera sp., Soboliphyme baturini and T. spiralis). Trichinella spiralis occurred with a maximum prevalence of 50% in martens, but only occurred in 9% of ermines. Compression and digestion techniques provided a similar estimate of prevalence of T. spiralis, yet neither was entirely accurate in identifying all infected hosts. The species richness of the helminth community of martens in Washington was greater than that reported from other regions of North America.
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1 October 1990
HELMINTH PARASITISM IN MARTENS (MARTES AMERICANA) AND ERMINES (MUSTELA ERMINEA) FROM WASHINGTON, WITH COMMENTS ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF TRICHINELLA SPIRALIS
Eric P. Hoberg,
Keith B. Aubry,
J. David Brittell
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Vol. 26 • No. 4
October 1990
Vol. 26 • No. 4
October 1990
helminths
martens
Martes americana
Mustela erminea
survey
Trichinella spiralis