Inter-Research > DAO > v79 > n1 > p37-45  
DAO
Diseases of Aquatic Organisms

via Mailchimp

DAO 79:37-45 (2008)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/dao01901

Anguillicola crassus infection in Anguilla rostrata from small tributaries of the Hudson River watershed, New York, USA

L. S. Machut1,2,*, K. E. Limburg1

1Environmental and Forest Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, New York 13210, USA
2Present address: Tunison Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences, US Geologic Survey, 3075 Gracie Road, Cortland, New York 13045-9391, USA

ABSTRACT: We studied the invasion of the exotic nematode parasite Anguillicola crassus in the American eel Anguilla rostrata using tributaries of the Hudson River estuary. Yellow-phase American eels were sampled from 6 tributaries, and their swim bladders were examined for nematode infection. Prevalence averaged 39% with an intensity of 2.4 nematodes per eel. Parasite distribution was not significant along a latitudinal gradient; on the other hand, physical barriers (dams and natural waterfalls) significantly reduced infections upstream. Urbanization may increase the susceptibility of eels to infection; we found significantly elevated infection rates when urbanized lands exceeded 15% of the tributary catchment area. Yellow-phase eel condition was not affected by parasite infection. The invasion of the entire Hudson River watershed is ongoing and therefore will continue to be a management concern. Further analysis of the parasite–host interaction in North America is warranted.


KEY WORDS: Anguilla rostrata · Anguillicola crassus · Parasite · Barriers · Urbanization


Full text in pdf format
Cite this article as: Machut LS, Limburg KE (2008) Anguillicola crassus infection in Anguilla rostrata from small tributaries of the Hudson River watershed, New York, USA. Dis Aquat Org 79:37-45. https://doi.org/10.3354/dao01901

Export citation
Share:    Facebook - - linkedIn

 Previous article Next article