Metazoan parasite fauna of the American mink (Neogale vison) in comparison with the closely related European mink (Mustela lutreola) in Europe.

Abstract

The American mink Neogale vison is native to North America and was introduced to Europe at the beginning of the twentieth century. Although N. vison is not yet listed as an invasive species in Europe, it is suspected of having negative impacts on native ecosystems. The native European mink Mustela lutreola is considered highly endangered in Europe and the population is continuously declining. It is assumed that the American mink is having an impact on the remaining populations. 50 American mink from Central Europe (Hesse/Germany) were comprehensively examined parasitologically through necropsy and fecal analysis. Further, an extensive literature search on parasitization was done to compare the American and European mink in Europe. Nine parasite species (two ecto- and seven endoparasites) could be identified parasitizing N. vison in this study. Through necropsy, the highest prevalence was achieved by Ixodes ticks with > 65.0%, the most common endoparasite was Isthmiophiora melis with 24.0%. Capillaria putorii and C. aerophila were detected in American mink in Germany for the first time by this investigation. The literature search resulted in the identification of 65 parasite species in twelve European countries for N. vison and 37 parasite species in six European countries for M. lutreola. Neogale vison is superior in body size, establishing well in Europe, appears to carry a more diverse parasite fauna and seems to be in direct competition to the disappearing European mink.