Parasitic helminths of black bear cubs (Ursus americanus) from Florida

J Parasitol. 2004 Feb;90(1):173-5. doi: 10.1645/GE-127R.

Abstract

Twenty-two Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) cubs (< or = 12 mo old) from Florida were examined for endoparasites between 1998 and 2003. Eleven species of helminths were found (8 nematodes, 2 trematodes, and 1 acanthocephalan). The most prevalent helminths were Ancylostoma caninum (64%), Macracanthorhynchus ingens (36%), Strongyloides sp. (27%), Baylisascaris transfuga (23%), and A. tubaeforme (14%). New host records include A. tubaeforme and Brachylaima virginianum. This is the first report of B. transfuga in black bears from Florida.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acanthocephala / isolation & purification
  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Florida / epidemiology
  • Helminthiasis, Animal / epidemiology
  • Helminthiasis, Animal / parasitology*
  • Helminths / classification*
  • Helminths / isolation & purification
  • Male
  • Nematoda / isolation & purification
  • Prevalence
  • Trematoda / isolation & purification
  • Ursidae / parasitology*