Helminth Parasites of Wild Mammals from Localities in South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota

It is quite evident that much is yet to be learned concerning the helminth parasites of wild mammals. Not only can new host and new distribution records be obtained from nearly every area where studies are conducted, but new species are also often found. No extensive investigation of helminth parasites of wild mammals in the region has ever been undertaken as far as is known by this author. This survey was conducted to determine the species and relative prevalence of helminth parasites of wild mammals from this region. Most of the wild mammals were procured by members of the Mammalogy class, Fall of 1960, from localities in South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota. They were collected from various habitats, either by trapping, shooting, or poisoning, thus constituting a random sampling. This survey was made during the fall and winter of 1960-61, 74 wild mammals being collected and examined principally for Trematoda (flukes), Cestoda (tapeworms), Nematoda (roundworms), and Acanthocephala (thorny-headed worms). The digestive tract was removed from each wild mammal, placed in a plastic bag, and then frozen to await examination. At a later date, the tracts were placed in a black pan half-filled with water. The inner surfaces of all the organs were carefully examined macroscopically and microscopically for parasites. All helminth parasites were then identified, and the degree of each infestation was noted