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Hookworms (Uncinaria lucasi) and acanthocephalans (Corynosoma spp. and Bolbosoma spp.) found in dead northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) on St. Paul Island, Alaska in 2007

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Abstract

Intestines of dead northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) on St. Paul Island (SPI), Alaska were inspected for specific internal parasites (hookworms and acanthocephalans) in July and August, 2007. Pups (n = 64) were examined for adult hookworms (Uncinaria lucasi) and four (6.25%) were infected. The number of specimens per infected pup was 1, 2, 2, or 408. Low prevalence was similar to that determined in the last investigation (2001) in dead fur seal pups on SPI by two of the present authors (Lyons and Spraker). Subadult males (SAMS—3–4 years old, n = 115) were examined for acanthocephalans and 25 (21.7.0%) were infected. Adult Corynosoma (C. obtuscens, C. strumosum, and C. validum) (n = 56) and immature Bolbosoma spp. (n = 4) were found. Apparently, this is a new host record for C. obtuscens and C. validum. Notes were made on finding tapeworms. in 114 of the 115 SAMs. Examination of some specimens revealed scolices characteristic of Diphyllobothrium spp.

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Acknowledgments

This research (paper no. 08–14–31) is published with the approval of the director of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 105 Spl. Independentei, sector 5, 050097, Bucharest, Romania

    M. Ionita

  2. Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, UNAM., Ap. Postal 70–153, Coyoacan, C.P. 04510, Mexico D.F., Mexico

    M. G. Varela

  3. Department of Veterinary Science, Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546-0099, USA

    E. T. Lyons & S. C. Tolliver

  4. Colorado State University Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80526, USA

    T. R. Spraker

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  1. M. Ionita
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  2. M. G. Varela
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  3. E. T. Lyons
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  4. T. R. Spraker
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  5. S. C. Tolliver
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Correspondence to E. T. Lyons.

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Ionita, M., Varela, M.G., Lyons, E.T. et al. Hookworms (Uncinaria lucasi) and acanthocephalans (Corynosoma spp. and Bolbosoma spp.) found in dead northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) on St. Paul Island, Alaska in 2007. Parasitol Res 103, 1025–1029 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-008-1087-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-008-1087-0

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