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.

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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
Year Published 2005
Language English
Publisher American Society of Parasitologists
Contributing office(s) Western Ecological Research Center
Description 3 p.
First page 474
Last page 476
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial Carpinteria Salt Marsh
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