An Analysis of Parasites in Ducks from the Upper Mississippi Flyway: Parasitology Spring 2022 Class Project

Kryzsko Commons Ballroom

The presence of increased parasitic load is associated with mortality in ducks. Ducks in the upper Mississippi Flyaway have not been sampled for a total parasites survey. Sixty-eight ducks were legally harvested from the Winona County, MN and Buffalo and Trempealeau County, WI and donated for research. Each duck was examined for ecto and endoparasites via necropsy. The parasites found in the ducks were then analyzed for species, specific location, sex, size, and type of parasite. The probability of a duck having a parasite was significant p<0.0001. It was observed that female ducks, larger ducks and wood ducks (Aix sponsa) had the greatest amount of endoparasites; note that statistical analysis has not yet been performed and this is an observation. Data will continue to be analyzed as more parasites are identified. This is one part of a class project for Spring 2022 Parasitology class looking at identifying parasites in local waterfowl.