Trematodes in snails near raccoon latrines suggest a final host role for this mammal in California Salt Marshes

Journal of Parasitology
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Abstract

Of the 18 trematode species that use the horn snail, Cerithidea californica, 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, Probolocoryphe uca and Stictodora hancocki, 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 P. uca, and fish, the second intermediate host for S. hancocki. 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. ?? American Society of Parasitologists 2005.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Trematodes in snails near raccoon latrines suggest a final host role for this mammal in California Salt Marshes
Series title Journal of Parasitology
DOI 10.1645/GE-390R1
Volume 91
Issue 2
Year Published 2005
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Journal of Parasitology
First page 474
Last page 476
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