Trichostrongylus colubriformis, T. vitrinus and T. retortaeformis infection in New Zealand possums

Authors: Heath DD, Hadas E, Cowan PE, Stankiewicz M, McMurtry LW
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 44, Issue 5, pp 201-202, Oct 1996
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Possum, Wildlife
Subject Terms: Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Nematode, Parasites - internal, Species description
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: All three species of Trichostrongylus (T colubriformis, T retortaeformis and T. vitrinus) have been recorded in the small intestine of Australian possums (Trichosurus vulpecula). In New Zealand, however, only T colubriformis has been recorded. The information that T retortaeformis occurs in New Zealand possums has not been formally published and is only available as a manuscript at Victoria University. Confusion about the existence of Trichostrongylus species in possums in New Zealand has occurred because… Burton stated that T. retortaeformis was mistakenly identified as T. colubriformis. Logically, all three species should be present as all possums have been introduced from Australia where all three were present. New Zealand possums have also had ample opportunity to be infected with all three species, as all
are common throughout New Zealand. The possibility exists that when Trichostrongylus species
infect possums, they may change their morphology to a degree that identification is difficult…

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