Chewing lice Trichodectes pinguis pinguis in Scandinavian brown bears (Ursus arctos)

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2016
Authors:N. Fandos Esteruelas, Malmsten, J., Bröjer, C., Grandi, G., Lindström, A., Brown, P. A., Swenson, J. E., Evans, A. L., Arnemo, J. M.
Journal:International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife
Volume:5
Issue:2
Pagination:134 - 138
Date Published:Jan-08-2016
ISSN:22132244
Keywords:Alopecia, biting lice, brown bear, Swenden, Ursus arctos
Abstract:

n April 2014 and 2015, we noted localized alopecia (neck, forelimbs, and chest) and hyperpigmentation on two adult brown bears (Ursus arctos) captured in central-south Sweden for ecological studies under the Scandinavian Brown Bear Research Project. In spring 2015, a brown bear was shot because of human- wildlife conflict in the same region. This bear also had extensive alopecia and hyperpigmentation. Ec- toparasites were collected from the affected skin areas in all three individuals and preserved in ethanol for identification. Based on morphological characteristics, the lice were identified as Trichodectes spp. and Trichodectes pinguis pinguis. To our knowledge, these are the first reported cases of chewing lice in free- ranging brown bears in Scandinavia.

URL:http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2213224416300074
DOI:10.1016/j.ijppaw.2016.02.002
Short Title:International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife
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