 |
Gunn,
A., T. Leighton and G. Wobeser. 1991. Wildlife diseases and parasites
in the Kitikmeot Region, 1984-90. 51 pp.
ABSTRACT
Our
report compiles information on wildlife health in the Kitikmeot Region
(1984-90) based on 117 diagnoses determined for samples provided by
hunters. We also report the
results of systematic surveys of certain parasites in muskoxen (Ovibos
moschatus) and caribou (Rangifer tarandus).
Most (48%) of the diagnoses were for brucellosis in caribou. our
interviews of hunters in Pelly Bay, Spence Bay and Gjoa Haven on their
traditional knowledge of brucellosis describe the high incidence of
brucellosis in caribou of the eastern Kitikmeot as a recent phenomenon. The prevalence of parasites in caribou and muskoxen monitored
during annual caribou and muskox collections reveal relatively low
parasite burdens. Parasitic
infections with clinically manifested signs were uncommon for Dictvocaulis
sp.lungworm and Besnoitia
sp. in both caribou and muskoxen.
The exception was a prevalence of 90% for an as yet undescribed
protostrogylid lungworm in the muskox population west of Coppermine.
|
