The Parasites Recorded From Trichosurus Species (Marsupialia: Phalangeridae).

Abstract

This review outlines the known endoparasites and ectoparasites of the brushtail possums Trichosurus vulpecula and T. caninus in Australia and T. vulpecula in New Zealand. Associated gross and histopathological changes in the host as a result of parasite infection are also described. Protozoan, cestode and nematode endoparasites have been found in both T. vulpecula (4 protozoa, one cestode and 25 nematodes) and T. caninus (2 protozoa, one cestode and 8 nematodes). The trematode Fasciola hepatica has been recorded only from T. vulpecula, in which it is associated with extensive pathological changes in the liver. Numerous species of fleas, ticks and mites occur on T. caninus (one flea, 4 ticks and 9 mites) and T. vulpecula (7 fleas, 11 ticks and 18 mites) in Australia, but only mites (4 species) occur on T. vulpecula in New Zealand. The only parasite with an indirect life cycle that occurs in T. vulpecula in New Zealand is the cestode Bertiella trichosuri. Other parasites that require intermediate hosts to complete their life cycle are absent. Further studies are required to investigate the effects of parasites on the health and fecundity of T. vulpecula and T. caninus in Australia to determine their potential as direct or indirect agents for the biological control of T. vulpecula in New Zealand.