New Zealand Journal of Zoology abstracts
Endoparasites of possums from selected areas of North Island, New Zealand
M. STANKIEWICZ1*
P. E. COWAN2
D. D. HEATH1
1AgResearch Wallaceville Animal Research Centre
P.O. Box 40063
Upper Hutt, New Zealand
2Landcare Research
Private Bag 11052
Palmerston North, New Zealand
*Present address: Animal and Food Sciences Division, Lincoln University, P. O.
Box 84, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Abstract Endoparasites may be used for the future biological
control of possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in New Zealand. Because of
this we determined the parasite fauna of possums from six areas of the North
Island of New Zealand (Hawke's Bay, Castlepoint, Northland, Orongorongo,
Paraparaumu, and Palmerston North). Parastrongyloides trichosuri,
Trichostrongylus spp., and Eimeria spp. were present in all
areas, and Bertiella trichosuri in all but Paraparaumu.
Paraustrostrongylus trichosuri was not present in the Northland
area. The intensity of infection in high prevalence areas was relatively
similar in each region. Paraustrostrongylus trichosuri was the nematode
with the highest prevalence and intensity of infection. Comparisons made
between our data and records from the South Island, offshore islands of New
Zealand, and Wanganui (North Island) show that most of the specific
endoparasites of possums, with the exception of Adelonema trichosuri,
are present in the lower North Island.
Keywords possums; biological control; endoparasites;
Trichosurus vulpecula; New Zealand
Received 24 April 1997; accepted 3 November 1997
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