Altered parasite community structure in an endangered marsupial following translocation

Publication date: Available online 3 July 2019Source: International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and WildlifeAuthor(s): Amy S. Northover, R.C. Andrew Thompson, Alan J. Lymbery, Adrian F. Wayne, Sarah Keatley, Amanda Ash, Aileen D. Elliot, Keith Morris, Stephanie S. GodfreyAbstractFauna translocations play an integral role in the management of threatened wildlife, though we are limited by our understanding of how the host-parasite community changes during translocation. During this longitudinal field-based study, we monitored gastrointestinal, blood-borne and ectoparasite taxa infecting woylies (Bettongia penicillata) for up to 12 months following two fauna translocations to supplement existing wild woylie populations in three different sites (Dryandra, Walcott and Warrup East) within the south-west of Western Australia. We aimed to (a) identify changes in parasite community structure of both translocated and resident woylies following translocation; and (b) evaluate the efficacy of ivermectin treatment in translocated hosts. Destination site and time since translocation had the strongest effects on parasite prevalence and mean faecal egg counts following translocation. Ivermectin treatment did not significantly reduce parasite prevalence or mean faecal egg counts in treated hosts. Prior to translocation, parasite community composition differed significantly between woylies selected for translocation and resident woylies within each release site. Following translocation...

Source: International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife - July 3, 2019 Category: Parasitology Source Type: research