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. 2023 Jul;122(7):1621-1629.
doi: 10.1007/s00436-023-07864-w. Epub 2023 May 16.

Identification of intestinal parasites in wild American mink (Neovison vison) from Biebrza and Narew national parks (Poland)

Maciej Klockiewicz  1 , Tadeusz Jakubowski  2 , Justyna Karabowicz  3 , Piotr Bąska  3 , Justyna Winiarska  2 , Ewa Długosz  3
Affiliations

Identification of intestinal parasites in wild American mink (Neovison vison) from Biebrza and Narew national parks (Poland)

Maciej Klockiewicz et al. Parasitol Res. 2023 Jul.

Abstract

American mink (Neovison vison) is an invasive species in the sylvatic environment of Poland. Mink are exposed to different parasite infections as their preys serve as intermediate and/or paratenic hosts. The study aimed to discriminate the pattern of intestinal parasite infections in mink inhabiting Biebrza (BNP) and Narew (NNP) national parks. Gastrointestinal tract examinations revealed Coccidia, Echinostomatidae, Taenidae, and Capillariidae parasites. There was no significant difference in the parasite burden of mink, but patterns of infections varied between both localizations. Coccidia were found in 3.8% of BNP vs. 6.7% of NNP mink. Fluke prevalence was significantly higher in NNP 27.5% compared to 7.7% in BNP mink. Tapeworms were only found in 3.4% of NNP mink. Significantly more Aonchotheca eggs were found in BNP 34.6% vs. 11.4% in NNP mink. The intensity of coccidiosis and aonchothecosis was low in both parks. Fluke intensity varied between low to moderate (ranging from 1 to 16) in BNP and low to massive (ranging from 1 to 117) in NNP mink. Coinfections of various parasite species were noted in both areas. Morphological and DNA analysis revealed that flukes belonged to Isthiomorpha melis and tapeworms to Versteria mustelae. It was the first isolation of V. mustelae in mink of those localizations. In conclusion, our study showed that mink indwelling Biebrza and Narew national parks are moderately infested with parasites. Results suggest that mink play an important role as a reservoir for parasites endangering endemic mustelids, becoming also a potential risk factor in case of accidental transmissions to farm mink. That is why, more strict biosecurity measures are required to protect farm mink.

Keywords: A reservoir of infection; Gastrointestinal parasites; Intensity; Prevalence; Wild American mink (Neovison vison).

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
CLUSTALW Multiple alignment of N8 fluke isolate COI sequence (GenBank no. MW476492) with corresponding sequences from Isthmiophora melis (GenBank no. KT359581), Echinostoma hortense (GenBank no. KR062182), Fasciola gigantica (GenBank no. KT347282), and Fasciola hepatica (GenBank no. MN507460)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Phylogenetic analysis of N8 fluke isolate COI sequence (GenBank no. MW476492) with corresponding sequences from Isthmiophora melis (GenBank no. KT359581), Echinostoma hortense (GenBank no. KR062182), Fasciola gigantica (GenBank no. KT347282), and F. hepatica (GenBank no. MN507460)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
CLUSTALW multiple alignment of 8 T tapeworm isolate COI sequence (MW476515) with corresponding sequences from Versteria mustelae (GenBank no. AB732957), Echinococcus sp. (GenBank no. JQ690286), E. equinus (GenBank no. MN787562), and E. granulosus (GenBank no. MH428014)
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Phylogenetic analysis of 8 T tapeworm isolate COI sequence (GenBank no. 476515) with corresponding sequences from Versteria mustelae (GenBank no. AB732957), Echinococcus sp. (GenBank no. JQ690286), E. equinus (GenBank no. MN787562), and E. granulosus (GenBank no. MH428014)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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