NEMATODIRELLA ALCIDIS (NEMATODA: TRICHOSTRONGYLOIDEA) IN MOOSE OF NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO

Abstract

Examination of the abomasum, duodenum and/or feces of wild moose (Alces alces) from northwestern Ontario revealed only two species of gastro-intestinal helminths. Nematodirella alcidis was present in 19 of 20 (95%) animals examined. A mean of 111±54 (± S.E.) N. alcidis was recovered from infected animals but only 21% of the specimens were mature adults. Immature specimens predominated at all times of the year sampled. Most were short, fourth-stage larvae (3.22-4.0 mm long), but longer fourth-stage (5.6 - 7.1 mm) and immature fifth stage worms (9.0 - 14.5 mm) were also present. It is suggested that the development of some N. alcidis in moose is arrested at the early fourth larval stage. Although sample sizes were small, host age, sex, and season did not appear to affect the prevalence or intensity of N. alcidis. Eggs of the tapeworm, Moneizia sp, were detected in the feces of only 2 of 17 moose. No abomasal nematodes or their eggs were found in any of the animals examined.