title: Endoparasites of American marten (Martes americana): Review of the literature and parasite survey of reintroduced American marten in Michigan.
abstract: The American marten (Martes americana) was reintroduced to both the Upper (UP) and northern Lower Peninsula (NLP) of Michigan during the 20th century. This is the first report of endoparasites of American marten from the NLP. Faeces from live-trapped American marten were examined for the presence of parasitic ova, and blood samples were obtained for haematocrit evaluation. The most prevalent parasites were Capillaria and Alaria species. Helminth parasites reported in American marten for the first time include Eucoleus boehmi, hookworm, and Hymenolepis and Strongyloides species. This is the first report of shedding of Sarcocystis species sporocysts in an American marten and identification of 2 coccidian parasites, Cystoisospora and Eimeria species. The pathologic and zoonotic potential of each parasite species is discussed, and previous reports of endoparasites of the American marten in North America are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden, Evansville, IN, USA; Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA.
authors.forename: Maria C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Spriggs
authors.affiliation: Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Lisa L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Kaloustian
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA.
authors.forename: Richard W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Gerhold
keywords: American marten; Endoparasite; Faecal examination; Michigan; Wildlife; Zoonotic