Parasites from possums in Waitahuna Forest

Authors: Bennett W, Bowie J
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 31, Issue 9, pp 163, Sep 1983
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Possum, Wildlife
Subject Terms: Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Inflammation, Integument/skin/wool/hair/fur/feather, Disease/defect, Nematode, Parasites - external, Parasites - internal
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: In June 1982, possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) from the Waitahuna forest area near Lawrence in Central Otago were` examined for endoparasites (181 possums) and ectoparasites (12.5 possums). The alimentary tract was separated into stomach, small intestine and large intestine. These sections were washed thoroughly through a 60 mesh sieve and total parasite counts and identification were carried out. The fur from the base of the forelegs along the back and around the base of the tail was digested in 20% KOH and the ectoparasites were recovered. There was no evidence of pathogenicity ascribable to the parasites found. A summary of results is presented in Table 1. Trichostrongylus colubriformis was found in approximately one-third of the possums examined. This is only the second time T. colubriformis has been reported from possums in New Zealand, the first was…

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