Giardia intestinalis in North Island possums, house mice and ship rats

Authors: Brown TJ, Brockie RE, Waddington DC, Kelly PJ, Marino MR
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 40, Issue 1, pp 24-27, Mar 1992
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Possum, Rat, Rodent, Wildlife
Subject Terms: Abdomen, Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Parasites - internal, Protozoa, Zoonosis, Infectious disease, Public health
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: Giardia intestinalis cysts were detected in faeces from 12.9% of 124 brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) trapped in Auckland, Hawke`s Bay, the Wairarapa and Wellington; in faecal material from 61.0% of 77 ship rats (Rattus rattus) from areas of Auckland, Hawke`s Bay and Wellington; and in faecal material from 25.3% of 182 house mice (Mus musculus) from the North Island. Possums and rodents in forested areas of Auckland and Wellington city water catchments were infected. The role of wild animals in maintaining and spreading Giardia in New Zealand is discussed.

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