Parasitic helminths of free-ranging mink (Neovison vison mink) from southern Florida.

Abstract

Five free-ranging mink, Neovison vison mink, from in or near the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Collier County, Florida (26 degrees 00'N, 81 degrees 25'W), were examined for parasitic helminths. Nine species of helminths were identified (2 trematodes, 5 nematodes, and 2 acanthocephalans). The most prevalent parasites were Molineus patens (4 of 5 mink), mean intensity 173 (range, 12-342); Strongyloides sp. (4 of 5), mean intensity 48 (range, 1-170); Macracanthorhynchus ingens (immature) (4 of 5), mean intensity 2.5 (range, 1-4); and Alaria mustelae (3 of 5), mean intensity 59.3 (range, 11-127). Polymorphus brevis and Dirofilaria lutrae are reported from the mink for the first time.