Trichinella spiralis in Iowa Wildlife during the Years 1953 to 1961

Abstract

Studies have been made on the sylvatic occurrence of T. spiralis in wildlife of Iowa. During the 1953-61 period examinations were made of 7,078 wildlife specimens, representing approximately 44 species. Trichinae have been found in 14 species, namely rat, mink, fox, opossum, raccoon, striped skunk, spotted skunk, coyote, badger, beaver, least weasel, wolverine, fox squirrel, and horned owl. Two or more infected species have been obtained from 11 of 12 primary sampling areas with a maximum of seven reservoir species from a central Iowa area.