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The role of parasite fecundity and longevity in the success of Trichostrongylus tenuis in low density red grouse populations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

J. L. Shaw  and
R. Moss
J. L. Shaw
Affiliation:
1Zoology Department, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB9 2TN, Scotland
R. Moss
Affiliation:
2lnstitute of Terrestrial Ecology, Hill of Brathens, Banchory, Kincardineshire AB3 4BY, Scotland
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Summary

The prevalence of the caecal threadworm Trichostrongylus tenuis in red grouse in the north of Scotland was high despite low grouse densities. Prevalence, intensity and aggregation of threadworms was higher in old than in young grouse. Infections were long-lasting: populations of adult worms could survive for over 2 years in grouse, with little mortality. Parasite egg output decreased with the age of a worm population, largely as a result of a decrease in the fecundity of ageing female worms. Seasonal variations in worm fecundity were also evident.However, there was no evidence of an intensitydependent decrease of worm fecundity with increasing worm numbers in either captive or wild grouse. The long life and high reproductive capacity of T. tenuis probably contribute to its effective transmission and high prevalence.

Keywords

Trichostrongylus tenuisred grousefecunditylongevity
Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 99 , Issue 2 , October 1989 , pp. 253 - 258
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1989

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