1. First report of nymphs of the introduced pentastomid, Linguatula serrata, in red-necked wallabies (Notamacropus rufogriseus) in Australia.
- Author
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Barton, Diane P., Porter, Megan, Baker, Ashleigh, Zhu, Xiaocheng, Jenkins, David J., and Shamsi, Shokoofeh
- Subjects
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INTRODUCED animals , *NATIVE animals , *WALLABIES , *NATIONAL parks & reserves - Abstract
The presence of nymphs of the introduced pentastomid parasite Linguatula serrata is verified in a native Australian animal, the red-necked wallaby (Notamacropus rufogriseus), for the first time. Morphological and genetic analyses confirmed the species identification, with a 100% genetic match to samples collected from various introduced animals from the same location in Kosciuszko National Park. Previous reports of pentastomids, including possible Linguatula sp. infections, in native animals are discussed. More research is required to confirm the validity of these reports. Linguatula serrata is an introduced pentastomid parasite that infects a wide range of introduced and feral hosts. This paper provides the first verified report of L. serrata nymphs in a native Australian animal, the red-necked wallaby, from areas adjacent to Kosciuszko National Park. The need for more research on parasites of Australian wildlife is discussed. Photos of whole parasite and hook: D. Barton; SEM: M. Porter; dog eating carcass: T. Rowley [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2019
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