Trematode fauna of the water vole (Arvicola terrestris L.) in plain zone of the Lenkoran region of Azerbaijan

Abstract

Objective of research: The study of trematode fauna of the water vole (Arvicola terrestris L.) in the plain zone of the Lenkoran region of Azerbaijan. Material and methods: Helminthological material was collected from different landscapes (dry and semi-desert steppes) of the plain zone of the Lenkoran region of Azerbaijan. 38 water voles were investigated by the method of full helminthological dissection. Animals were caught using Gero traps and live traps. 70% ethanol was used to preserve trematodes. The trematodes found were preserved in 70% ethyl alcohol. The helminthological material was processed by standard methods; trematodes were stained with Alum carmine and placed into balm. The species composition of trematodes was detected according to the determinant. Results and discussion: 7 trematode species were found in examined water voles. Among them, 2 trematode species were found in dry and semi-desert steppes, and 7 species in moderately humid subtropics. The indices of extensity and intensity of trematode invasion in moderately humid subtropics are higher than in dry and semi-desert steppes. We wish to emphasize the epidemiological importance of the fluke Gastrodiscoides hominis for humans and the epizootological importance for nutrias and pigs; epizootological importance of Plagiorchis arvicolae for nutrias and Echinostoma mijagawai for birds.