Presenter(s)
Madison Becker, Emma Harms, Maggie Kramer, Miana Risser, and Sammy Schneider
Abstract
Most ducks can be separated into two categories, dabblers or divers, depending on their feeding guild. Dabbler ducks are surface feeders and consume vegetation while diver ducks feed below the surface and consume aquatic animals. The Echinostoma species present in ducks may vary depending on their feeding guild. Three species of ducks from various regions of Wisconsin were donated by hunters for examination of endoparasites, particularly those from the genus Echinostoma. The sites of collection included Trempealeau, Marionette, and Onalaska. One species of dabbler duck, Gadwall (Mareca strepera), and two species of diver ducks, Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) and Canvasback (Aythya valisineria), were examined. Through dissection of the ducks, parasites were obtained and examined for morphological differences. Species of Echinostomas were identified microscopically through staining and slide mounting of the parasites. Once identified, it will be determined if the feeding methods impact the type of parasites the ducks will harbor.
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
55
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Morphological Identification of Echinostomas Found Within Dabbler and Diving Ducks
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Most ducks can be separated into two categories, dabblers or divers, depending on their feeding guild. Dabbler ducks are surface feeders and consume vegetation while diver ducks feed below the surface and consume aquatic animals. The Echinostoma species present in ducks may vary depending on their feeding guild. Three species of ducks from various regions of Wisconsin were donated by hunters for examination of endoparasites, particularly those from the genus Echinostoma. The sites of collection included Trempealeau, Marionette, and Onalaska. One species of dabbler duck, Gadwall (Mareca strepera), and two species of diver ducks, Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) and Canvasback (Aythya valisineria), were examined. Through dissection of the ducks, parasites were obtained and examined for morphological differences. Species of Echinostomas were identified microscopically through staining and slide mounting of the parasites. Once identified, it will be determined if the feeding methods impact the type of parasites the ducks will harbor.
Comments
Schneider, Sammy; Harms, Emma; Risser, Miana M; Kramer, Maggie; Becker, Madison K