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Updated: Jul 31, 2026
Diagnosis of Ecto- and Endoparasites in Laboratory Rats and Mice
Published on: September 6, 2011
Giardia intestinalis in North Island possums, house mice and ship rats
M R Marino1, T J Brown, D C Waddington
1Massey University/N.Z. Health Department Giardia Unit, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Abstract:
Giardia intestinalis cysts were detected in faeces from 12.9% of 124 brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) trapped in Auckland, Hawke's Bay, the Wairarapa and Wellington; in faecal material from 61.0% of 77 ship rats (Rattus rattus) from areas of Auckland, Hawke's Bay and Wellington; and in faecal material from 25.3% of 182 house mice (Mus musculus) from the North Island. Possums and rodents in forested areas of Auckland and Wellington city water catchments were infected. The role of wild animals in maintaining and spreading Giardia in New Zealand is discussed.
