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1 July 2009 EXPERIMENTAL BOLBOPHORUS DAMNIFICUS (DIGENEA: BOLBOPHORIDAE) INFECTIONS IN PISCIVOROUS BIRDS
Cynthia M. Doffitt, Linda M. Pote, D. Tommy King
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

In order to determine potential definitive hosts of the digenetic trematode, Bolbophorus damnificus, two American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), two Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus), two Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias), and two Great Egrets (Ardea alba) were captured, treated with praziquantel, and fed channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) infected with B. damnificus metacercariae. Patent infections of B. damnificus, which developed in both American White Pelicans at 3 days postinfection, were confirmed by the presence of trematode ova in the feces. Mature B. damnificus trematodes were recovered from the intestines of both pelicans at 21 days postinfection, further confirming the establishment of infection. No evidence of B. damnificus infections was observed in the other bird species studied. This study provides further evidence that Double-crested Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, and Great Egrets do not serve as definitive hosts for B. damnificus.

Doffitt, Pote, and King: EXPERIMENTAL BOLBOPHORUS DAMNIFICUS (DIGENEA: BOLBOPHORIDAE) INFECTIONS IN PISCIVOROUS BIRDS
Cynthia M. Doffitt, Linda M. Pote, and D. Tommy King "EXPERIMENTAL BOLBOPHORUS DAMNIFICUS (DIGENEA: BOLBOPHORIDAE) INFECTIONS IN PISCIVOROUS BIRDS," Journal of Wildlife Diseases 45(3), 684-691, (1 July 2009). https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-45.3.684
Received: 17 January 2008; Published: 1 July 2009
KEYWORDS
aquaculture
Ardea alba
Ardea herodias
Bolbophorus damnificus
Digenea Ictalurus punctatus
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Phalacrocorax auritus
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