NEMATODOSES OF THE AMERICAN MINK (NEOVISON VISON SCHREBER, 1777) IN THE VYATKA-KAMA INTERFLUVE

Abstract

The analysis of the infestation of American mink with nematodes in the natural biocenoses of the Kirov Region (floodplains of the Vyatka, Kama, Cheptsa and Moloma rivers) in the north-east of the European part of Russia was carried out. 13 species of nematodes were identified (72.2% of the entire helminth fauna). Two new species to the region were found: Crenosoma taiga (Skrjabin et Petrov, 1928) and Mustelivingylus skrjabini (Romanov et Kontrimavichus, 1962). The nematode fauna is based on 4 species: Aonchotheca putorii, Aonchotheca mucronata, Crenosoma taiga, Skrjabingylus nasicola. Epizootic and epidemiological danger is represented by Trichinella spp. The highest infection rates were found in Aonchotheca putorii, which is localized mainly in the stomach (invasion intensity (II) 81%, extent of invasion (EI) 74.8±13.8 specimens). The second place in terms of infestation is occupied by Aonchotheca mucronata (II 44.5%, EI 4.2±0.6 specimens). Skrjabingylus nasicola and Crenosoma taiga have low infection rates (II 8.7%, EI 2.3±0.5 specimens and II 4.9%, EI 2.6±0.7 specimens, respectively). Infestation of mink with Trichinella larvae is 3% at high rates of prevalens. Filaroides martis are extremely rare in the American mink, they do not form cysts, as in other mustelids.