TRICHINIASIS IN WILDLIFE OF IOWA

Zimmermann, W. J. and E. D. Hubbard (Veterinary Medical Research Institute, lowa State Univ., Ames, lowa 50010). Trichiniasis in wildlife of lowa. Amer. J. Epid., 1969, 90: 84-92.-During the 1953-1968 period, 11, 162 wildlife specimens representing 52 species of mammals, birds, and snakes were examined for T. spiralis larvae. TriChinae were detected in 15 species of wildlife native to Iowa, namely: red fox, gray fox, mink, rat, coyote, badger, striped skunk, spotted skunk, opossum, muskrat, raccoon, beaver, great horned owl, fox squirrel and least weasel. Trichiniasis was also found in a wolverine, which was considered non-native to lowa. Prevalences of greater than 5.0% were found in fox, mink and rats. The infected wildlife were distributed throughout lowa, with at least 3 infected species being found in each of the 11 primary sampling areas. Infected fox and mink were obtained from each area. Possible sources of infection for wildlife and the possible role of wildlife as reservoir species in the overall trichiniasis problem in the U. S. are discussed. © 1969, by THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY.