A Survey of the Helminths and Ectoparasites of Roof and Cotton Rats in Brazos County, Texas

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Abstract
From Feb., 1948, to Mar., 1949, 102 roof rats, Rattus rattus frugivorus, and 30 cotton rats, Sigmodon hispidus hispidus, were examined. The roof rats harbored the following helminths and ectoparasites: Hymenolepis diminuta, Cysticercus fasciolaris, Oochoristica ratti, Syphacia obvelata, Mastophorus muris var. muris, Liponyssus bacoti, Atricholaelaps megaventralis, Polyplax spinulosa, Leptopsylla segnis, Xenopsylla cheopis, and Echidnophaga gallinacea. The cotton rats: Monoecocestus sigmodontis, Raillietina bakeri, C. fasciolaris, Longlstriata adunca, M. muris var. muris, M. muris var. ascaroides, Hoplopleura hirsuta, Atricholaelaps glasgowi, L. bacoti (nymphs), Amblvomma americanum (larvae), and E. gallinacea. There was no significant overlapping of parasites in the 2 spp. of rats. Differences in the incidence of parasites in S. hispidus, R. rattus, and R. novegicus are correlated with differences in habits of the hosts.