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Published on: September 6, 2011
Ectoparasites from river otters in Pennsylvania
T L Serfass1, L M Rymon, R P Brooks
1School of Forest Resources, Forest Resources Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Ectoparasites were found on river otters (Lutra canadensis) in northeastern Pennsylvania. Ticks (Ixodes cookei) and fleas (Oropsylla arctomys) were the only ectoparasites identified from these mammals.
Area of Science:
- Wildlife Biology
- Parasitology
- Mammalogy
Background:
- River otters (Lutra canadensis) are important furbearers in North America.
- Understanding ectoparasite prevalence in wildlife is crucial for ecological and health assessments.
- Limited data exists on ectoparasites specifically affecting river otters in the northeastern United States.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and document ectoparasites present on river otters in northeastern Pennsylvania.
- To provide baseline data on ectoparasite species found on this specific otter population.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-three live-trapped and two trapper-caught river otters were examined for ectoparasites.
- Examinations were conducted immediately following capture between 1981 and 1985.
- Collected ectoparasites were identified to species level.
Main Results:
- Ectoparasites were recovered from both trapper-caught otters.
- Ectoparasites were found on only one of the 23 live-trapped otters.
- The identified ectoparasites included one tick species, Ixodes cookei, and one flea species, Oropsylla arctomys.
Conclusions:
- The study identified specific ectoparasites, Ixodes cookei and Oropsylla arctomys, on river otters in northeastern Pennsylvania.
- Capture method (live-trapped vs. trapper-caught) may influence ectoparasite detection rates.
- Further research could explore the ecological role and health implications of these ectoparasites in river otter populations.
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