Incidence and abundance of certain parasites in wapiti in the national parks of the Canadian Rockies

Abstract

One hundred and seven wapiti Cervus canadensis, collected at different seasons of the year in Banff and Kootenay Parks, and the Ya Ha Tinda Ranch near Banff Park, were examined for helminth and arthropod parasites, Additional data were obtained by inspecting lungs and livers in 1380 wapiti shot in early winter for population control in Jasper, Banff, and Waterton Lakes National Parks. Species commonly found in some areas were Fascioloides magna, Thysanosoma actinoides, Echinococcus granulosus, Dictyocaulus viviparus, and Dermacentor albipictus. Incidence and abundance of these species are compared between wapiti of different sex and age. Seasonal and spatial distributions of parasites are also discussed.