E. J. Dunham
K. D. Lafferty
2005
<p><span>Of the 18 trematode species that use the horn snail, </span><i><span class="genus-species">Cerithidea californica</span></i><span>, as a first intermediate host, 6 have the potential to use raccoons as a final host. The presence of raccoon latrines in Carpinteria Salt Marsh, California, allowed us to investigate associations between raccoons and trematodes in snails. Two trematode species, </span><i><span class="genus-species">Probolocoryphe uca</span></i><span> and </span><i><span class="genus-species">Stictodora hancocki</span></i><span>, occurred at higher prevalences in snails near raccoon latrines than in snails away from latrines, suggesting that raccoons may serve as final hosts for these species. Fecal remains indicated that raccoons fed on shore crabs, the second intermediate host for </span><i><span class="genus-species">P. uca</span></i><span>, and fish, the second intermediate host for </span><i><span class="genus-species">S. hancocki</span></i><span>. The increase in raccoon populations in the suburban areas surrounding west coast salt marshes could increase their importance as final hosts for trematodes in this system.</span></p>
application/pdf
10.1645/GE-390R1
en
American Society of Parasitologists
Trematodes in snails near raccoon latrines suggest a final host role for this mammal in California Salt Marshes
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