Ectoparasites and gastrointestinal helminths of southern flying squirrels in southeast Georgia
Fri, 2007-02-02 15:01 — Vince Smith
| Title | Ectoparasites and gastrointestinal helminths of southern flying squirrels in southeast Georgia |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2000 |
| Authors | Pung, OJ, Durden LA, Patrick MJ, Conyers T, Mitchell LR |
| Journal | Journal of Parasitology |
| Volume | 86 |
| Pages | 1051-1055 |
| Accession Number | 38000 |
| Keywords | florida |
| Abstract | Southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) from southeastern Georgia were examined for ectoparasites and gastrointestinal helminths. Ten species of ectoparasites were recovered, including 3 species of sucking lice (Hoplopleura trispinosa, Microphthirus uncinatus, and Neohaematopinus sciuropteri), 1 species of flea (Orchopeas howardi), 2 species of ticks (Amblyomma maculatum and Ixodes scapularis), 3 species of mesostigmatid mites (Androlaelaps casalis, A. fahrenholzi, and Haemogamasus ambulans), and 1 species of chigger (Leptotrombidium peromysci). Only the sucking lice and fleas were common on this host. M. uncinatus is reported for the first rime from eastern North America. The 2 most commonly collected ectoparasites, N. sciuropteri (prevalence = 63%) and O. howardi (prevalence = 47%), have previously been shown to be vectors of the rickettsial zoonotic agent that causes sporadic epidemic typhus. Also, 3 nematodes (Citellinema bifurcatum, Strongyloides robustus, and Syphacia thompsoni), I unidentified cestode, and 1 acanthocephalan (Moniliformis clarki) were found in flying squirrel gastrointestinal tracts. With the exception of S. thompsoni, which was common and relatively abundant in the cecum (prevalence = 94%, intensity = 51 +/- 12), both the prevalence and intensity of helminth parasites were low. The nematode S. thompsoni and the acanthocephalan M. clarki are new state records for tree squirrels in Georgia. |
| URL | http://www.phthiraptera.org/Publications/2257.pdf |
