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Giardiasis in pinnipeds from eastern Canada
1Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maurice Lamontagne Institute, Mont-Joli, Qc. measuresL@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|November 26, 1999
Summary
Giardia sp. cysts were found in 20 of 74 pinnipeds, particularly adult harp seals, off Canada's east coast. This study marks the first detection of Giardia sp. in marine mammals in this region.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Marine Mammal Health
- Zoonotic Disease Research
Background:
- Giardia sp. is a common intestinal parasite affecting various animal species.
- Marine mammals can act as reservoirs for enteric pathogens.
- Understanding pathogen prevalence in marine wildlife is crucial for ecosystem health and potential zoonotic transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Giardia sp. cysts in pinnipeds from eastern coastal Canada.
- To identify which pinniped species are infected with Giardia sp.
- To establish a baseline for Giardia sp. presence in this marine mammal population.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples were collected from 74 pinnipeds between 1997 and 1998.
- A monoclonal antibody technique was employed for sensitive detection of Giardia sp. cysts.
- Species and age of infected pinnipeds were recorded.
Main Results:
- Giardia sp. cysts were detected in 20 out of 74 examined pinnipeds.
- Infection was highest in adult harp seals (50%) near the Magdalen Islands.
- No cysts were found in seal pups (<1-year-old) or in tested cetaceans (beluga and northern bottle-nosed whale).
Conclusions:
- This study reports the first detection of Giardia sp. in pinnipeds from eastern coastal Canada.
- Adult harp, grey, and harbor seals were found to be infected.
- The ecological and epidemiological significance of Giardia sp. in these marine mammals remains to be determined.