Nematode fauna of the American mink in the north-east of European Russia

The purpose of the research is to study the fauna of nematodes of the American mink and assessment of their prevalence in the territory of the north-east of the European part of Russia.

Materials and methods. Complete helminthological autopsies were performed on 146 American mink carcasses, including 106 from natural biocenoses and 40 from residential areas. The prevalence and intensity of infection, as well as the abundance index, were determined. The sex, age, weight, and body condition of each mink were determined. An analysis of nematode infection in American mink in northeastern European Russia was conducted in residential areas and natural ecosystems of the Kirov region.

Results and discussion. Twelve nematode species were identified in American minks, with an infection rate of 92.5%. Three species were found in the gastrointestinal tract: Aonchotheca putorii, Molineus patens, Strongyloides martis. Seven species of respiratory nematodes were identified: Skrjabingylus nasicola, Skr. petrowi, Crenosoma taiga, Sobolevingylus skrjabini, Sob. petrowi, Filaroides martis and Eucoleus aerophilus. Aonchotheca mucronata was found in the bladder, and Trichinella sp. larvae were found in the muscle tissue. Trichinella larvae pose an epizootological and epidemiological hazard; their infection in urban communities is almost twice that of natural ecosystems. The average infection rate was 3.4%. American mink is infected with five common nematode species, present in both natural habitats and residential areas. These common species include Aonchotheca putorii, Aonchotheca mucronata, Crenosoma taiga, Skrjabingylus nasicola and Trichinella sp.

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