\u3ci\u3eHaematoloechus\u3c/i\u3e Lung Flukes in American Bullfrogs: Prevalence and Associations of Infection

The prevalence and intensity of infection by lung flukes (Haematoloechus sp.) was examined by dissecting 1,590 American bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) collected between 2013 and 2018, from Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Washington. Overall infection, across all age classes, was 59.7% (n=1,580) and mean intensity was 17 (n=169; SD=19.3, range=1-166). A logistic regression model showed a significant relationship between infection and frog snout-to-vent length, gape, and collection year. Sex had a significant relationship to infection (χ2=7.31, df=1, P=0.007). Presence of odonates in the stomach was also significantly related to infection (χ2=22.49, df=1, P\u3c0.001). This study expands on the current breadth of knowledge on this taxon in anurans into a previously unstudied region of the United States and emphasizes the use of odonates as secondary intermediate hosts