Analysis of Parasites Found in Ducks of the Mississippi Flyway by Parasite Type, Host Gender, Mass, and Species: A Parasitology Class Project
Abstract
It is important to be aware of the potential parasitic load in any animal which may be used for human consumption. The purpose of this project was to investigate if there was any one factor, such as size, sex, location, or species of duck, which had a significant effect on the amount or type of parasite found. One hundred and nine ducks were legally harvested and donated by hunters from Buffalo and Trempealeau County, WI, and Winona County, MN, then examined for total parasites via necroscopy. The parasites found were then categorized by location within the duck and type of parasite (louse, nematode, trematode, cestode or acanthocephalan), along with the sex, species, and size of the duck. It was predicted that female ducks, along with ducks with higher mass, were more likely to have a higher parasite load. Statistical analysis will be performed on all variables with help from the WSU Statistical Consulting Center. These findings could help identify which factors may increase the chances of a duck having a high parasitic load, which could influence which ducks are targeted by hunters specifically for meat.
College
College of Science & Engineering
Department
Biology
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Kimberly Bates
Start Date
4-19-2023 2:00 PM
End Date
4-19-2023 3:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
2b=2pm-3pm
Poster Number
3
Analysis of Parasites Found in Ducks of the Mississippi Flyway by Parasite Type, Host Gender, Mass, and Species: A Parasitology Class Project
It is important to be aware of the potential parasitic load in any animal which may be used for human consumption. The purpose of this project was to investigate if there was any one factor, such as size, sex, location, or species of duck, which had a significant effect on the amount or type of parasite found. One hundred and nine ducks were legally harvested and donated by hunters from Buffalo and Trempealeau County, WI, and Winona County, MN, then examined for total parasites via necroscopy. The parasites found were then categorized by location within the duck and type of parasite (louse, nematode, trematode, cestode or acanthocephalan), along with the sex, species, and size of the duck. It was predicted that female ducks, along with ducks with higher mass, were more likely to have a higher parasite load. Statistical analysis will be performed on all variables with help from the WSU Statistical Consulting Center. These findings could help identify which factors may increase the chances of a duck having a high parasitic load, which could influence which ducks are targeted by hunters specifically for meat.
