The role of different age and sex groups of Callorchinus ursinus in the life cycle of Uncinaria lucasi

Abstract

One of the most pathogenic helminth species for the young of the northern fur seal (Callorchinus ursinus) is the nematode (Ancylostomatidae family) Uncinaria lucasi. The ecology of the definitive host determines the adaptation of the parasite to the host, the development of additional transmission mechanisms. The main adaptation of the parasite to the host is the ability of invasive larvae to settle in the tissues of all sex and age groups of the seal herd, which makes it possible to avoid wintering in the ground. At present, the fate of these larvae is unknown, as well as the role of each of the age groups of seals in the implementation of the life cycle of this helminthiasis, in connection with which the purpose of the work was to determine the role of the sex and age groups of the seal herd to maintain the hostparasitic system of the seal – uncinaria. The study found that female northern fur seals are a mandatory link in the life cycle of U. lucasi and they should be considered as.