title: Ectoparasites and gastrointestinal helminths of southern flying squirrels in southeast Georgia.
abstract: Southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) from southeastern Georgia were examined for ectoparasites and gastrointestinal helminths. Ten species of ectoparasites were recovered, including 3 species of sucking lice (Hoplopleura trispinosa, Microphthirus uncinatus, and Neohaematopinus sciuropteri), 1 species of flea (Orchopeas howardi), 2 species of ticks (Amblyomma maculatum and Ixodes scapularis), 3 species of mesostigmatid mites (Androlaelaps casalis, A. fahrenholzi, and Haemogamasus ambulans), and 1 species of chigger (Leptotrombidium peromysci). Only the sucking lice and fleas were common on this host. M. uncinatus is reported for the first time from eastern North America. The 2 most commonly collected ectoparasites, N. sciuropteri (prevalence = 63%) and O. howardi (prevalence = 47%), have previously been shown to be vectors of the rickettsial zoonotic agent that causes sporadic epidemic typhus. Also, 3 nematodes (Citellinema bifurcatum, Strongyloides robusius, and Syphacia thompsoni), 1 unidentified cestode, and 1 acanthocephalan (Moniliformis clarki) were found in flying squirrel gastrointestinal tracts. With the exception of S. thompsoni, which was common and relatively abundant in the cecum (prevalence = 94%, intensity = 51+/-12), both the prevalence and intensity of helminth parasites were low. The nematode S. thompsoni and the acanthocephalan M. clarki are new state records for tree squirrels in Georgia.
authors: Department of Biology and Institute of Arthropodology and Parasitology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro 30460-8042, USA.
authors: O J
authors: OJ
authors: Pung
authors: L A
authors: LA
authors: Durden
authors: M J
authors: MJ
authors: Patrick
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Conyers
authors: L R
authors: LR
authors: Mitchell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004478:Ectoparasitic Infestations / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005845:Georgia; D006374:Helminthiasis, Animal / Q000469:parasitology*; D006376:Helminths / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification; D008297:Male; D010271:Parasites / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012589:Sciuridae / Q000469:parasitology*