Helminth Parasites of Grey Kangaroos, Macropus Giganteus Shaw and M. Fuliginosus (Desmarest), in Eastern Australia.

Abstract

In a survey in eastern Australia, 104 Macropus giganteus and 40 M. fuliginosus were examined at autopsy for helminths. 32 species of nematodes (28 strongyloids 2 oxyuroids and 2 filarioids) and 6 species of anoplocephalid cestodes were found. Most species occurred in both hosts. The most prevalent and numerous nematode in both species was Rugopharynx australis which reached numbers up to 290 000 in M. fuliginosus. Pharyngostrongylus kappa was also common and widespread but occurred only in M. giganteus. The most striking stomach worms were Labiostrongylus kungi and L. bipapillosus which occurred in both hosts. Various Cloacina spp. were found, some specific to one host, others occurring in both. Other species of stomach nematodes were relatively uncommon. The parasites of the small intestine were 2 species of Globocephaloides, 2 of Triplotaenia and 2 of Progamotaenia. 2 other species of the latter genus occurred in the bile ducts. The large intestine harboured 6 species of nematodes, including Macropoxyuris spp. which were very numerous in both hosts. The 2 species of filariids found (both in Macropus giganteus) were Breinlia mundayi (new host record) in the abdominal cavity and Dirofilaria roemeri in the connective tissues.