Presenter(s)
Emma Davis, Sam Emery, Mackenzie Kastner, Ellie Sampson, and Jaelyn Then
Abstract
Echinostoma species are zoonotic intestinal trematodes that infect vertebrates through the consumption of infected aquatic intermediate hosts. Echinostomiasis in waterfowl can cause intestinal damage, weight loss, poor condition, reduce survival, and reproduction. The differences in the feeding habits of dabbling and diving ducks may impact their diet, so it can be assumed that these differences would impact the Echinostoma species that they harbor. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the dabbling ducks and diving ducks in Wisconsin host the same Echinostoma species, using molecular techniques. We compared one Gadwall (Maraca strepera) a dabbling duck from Trempealeau, WI, one Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) a diving duck from Marinette, WI, and one Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) a diving duck from Onalaska, WI, in different regions of Wisconsin to determine whether feeding guild is associated with differences in parasite species. This was done by amplifying and sequencing two gene regions, 28S and ND1 to compare genetic identities of the Echinostoma in the ducks.
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 2:00 PM
End Date
4-23-2026 3:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
2b=2pm-3pm
Poster Number
14
Using Molecular Techniques to Determine the Different Echinostoma Species Found in the Diving Ducks and Dabbling Ducks of Wisconsin
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Echinostoma species are zoonotic intestinal trematodes that infect vertebrates through the consumption of infected aquatic intermediate hosts. Echinostomiasis in waterfowl can cause intestinal damage, weight loss, poor condition, reduce survival, and reproduction. The differences in the feeding habits of dabbling and diving ducks may impact their diet, so it can be assumed that these differences would impact the Echinostoma species that they harbor. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the dabbling ducks and diving ducks in Wisconsin host the same Echinostoma species, using molecular techniques. We compared one Gadwall (Maraca strepera) a dabbling duck from Trempealeau, WI, one Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) a diving duck from Marinette, WI, and one Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) a diving duck from Onalaska, WI, in different regions of Wisconsin to determine whether feeding guild is associated with differences in parasite species. This was done by amplifying and sequencing two gene regions, 28S and ND1 to compare genetic identities of the Echinostoma in the ducks.
Comments
Davis, Emma R; Emery, Sam T; Kastner, Mackenzie L; Sampson, Ellie; Then, Jaelyn