Branta Issues > Issue №11 (2008)

Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo L.) as a potential source of the helminthosis spreading in fish, game-birds and fowls

V.V. Kornyushin

Data on helminth fauna of the Cormorant in the Ukraine are summarized. In total 26 helminth species are noted, including 2 species of cestodes, 16 species of trematodes and 8 species of nematodes. The circle of intermediate, supplementary and definitive hosts of these helminthes is analyzed. It is shown that most of them develop with the participation of fishes. On this basis potential role of the Cormorant in helminthosis spreading, dangerous for game-fish, pisciculture, game-birds, fowls, dogs, cats and also for people was estimated. Total helminth fauna of the Cormorant over the whole Palearctic area has been analyzed (78 species are known) in connection with Cormorant's number increase and active distribution over the inland waters of the Ukraine. Significant increase in diversity of helminth fauna of these birds in the Ukraine is prognosticated as well as the increase of their importance in circulation of helminthes, potentially dangerous for fish, other animals and people, in maintenance of invasion focuses.