Under Wisconsin state law, the greater prairie chicken (GRPC; Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus) has been listed as a threatened species since 1976. In 2014–15, we conducted a pilot study to determine the prevalence and intensity of gapeworms (Syngamus spp.) in female Wisconsin GRPCs collected from 2 monitored populations. We captured 62 female GRPCs using walk-in-style traps for females and night lighting for juveniles ≥45 days of age. From these individuals, we collected 15 carcasses of radio-marked birds, most of whom died due to predation events. Through dissection, we identified gapeworm in 20% of examined carcasses and report an intensity ranging between 4 and 74 worms.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2021 |
|---|---|
| Title | Gapeworm (Syngamus spp.) prevalence in Wisconsin greater prairie chickens (Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus) |
| DOI | 10.1645/19-138 |
| Authors | Jacob A Shurba, Rebecca A. Cole, Matthew Broadway, Constance Roderick, Jason D. Riddle, Shelli A. Dubay, Scott D. Hull |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | Journal of Parasitology |
| Index ID | 70222115 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | National Wildlife Health Center |