Presenter(s)
Sophia Cross
Abstract
Cestodes are a class of parasites that are often found in vertebrate animals, specifically ducks. Research conducted by Winona State University students showed that cestodes were the most prevalent type of parasites found within ducks. However, outside research provides controversy as to whether this is actually true. Ducks were dissected by Winona State students over the past seven years, and their internal organs were carefully inspected under a light microscope. Ducks were donated by hunters, mostly harvested along the Mississippi River, from Buffalo City, WI to Winona, MN. Parasites were obtained, stored, and labelled from each duck. A dichotomous key was used to confirm the species, when possible. The average number of cestodes collected from all ducks (n= 177, 17 species) was 28.53 per duck, the largest amount out of all classes of parasites. Nematodes were the least common parasite, with the average being 0.497 per duck. Outside research has shown that cestodes are not the most common parasite found in ducks, with other types of parasites having more frequency. Shockingly, most research studies have concluded nematodes to be the most frequently found parasite species found in ducks in other regions.
College
College of Science & Engineering
Department
Biology
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Kimberly Bates
Location
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Start Date
4-23-2026 1:00 PM
End Date
4-23-2026 2:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
2a=1pm-2pm
Poster Number
11
Comparing dissection vs literature data of cestodes in ducks
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Cestodes are a class of parasites that are often found in vertebrate animals, specifically ducks. Research conducted by Winona State University students showed that cestodes were the most prevalent type of parasites found within ducks. However, outside research provides controversy as to whether this is actually true. Ducks were dissected by Winona State students over the past seven years, and their internal organs were carefully inspected under a light microscope. Ducks were donated by hunters, mostly harvested along the Mississippi River, from Buffalo City, WI to Winona, MN. Parasites were obtained, stored, and labelled from each duck. A dichotomous key was used to confirm the species, when possible. The average number of cestodes collected from all ducks (n= 177, 17 species) was 28.53 per duck, the largest amount out of all classes of parasites. Nematodes were the least common parasite, with the average being 0.497 per duck. Outside research has shown that cestodes are not the most common parasite found in ducks, with other types of parasites having more frequency. Shockingly, most research studies have concluded nematodes to be the most frequently found parasite species found in ducks in other regions.
Comments
Cross, Sophia B