INFECTION OF BROWN TROUT WITH DIPHYLLOBOTHRIUM-DENDRITICUM PROCERCOIDS

The aims of this experimental study were to develop a practical method of controlling the number of Diphyllobothrium dendriticum procercoids delivered to a fish host; to examine the effect of different procerco id doses (3, 7 and 15) on the plerocercoid level in fish; and to exami ne the potential mortality caused by plerocercoids. The experiment was terminated after 2 months. The prevalence of infection at the lowest dose level, 17.2%, was statistically significantly lower than at mediu m and high levels, 63.3% and 56.7%, respectively. The mean intensity i ncreased slightly along with the dosage. The contribution of D. dendri ticum to the death of a few fish could not be proved. It is concluded that the present method is practical for use in larger experiments as well. (C) 1997 Australian Society for Parasitology. Published by Elsev ier Science Ltd.