Reservoir
-
D. immitis:
Although the primary host is the domestic dog, the dog is not the ideal
reservoir for D. immitis because the parasitic infection causes
canine heartworm disease, which is potentially fatal. Other species
can also act as hosts for D. immitis, such as cats, wolves, coyotes,
ferrets, and foxes. These alternate hosts maintain sufficient blood
levels of circulating microfilaria to act as reservoirs for D. immitis.
-
D. repens:
primary
host and reservoir is the dog, and other suitable reservoirs include cats,
foxes, and other carnivorous mammals.
-
D. tenuis:
natural host and reservoir is the raccoon.
-
D. ursi:
nautural host and reservoir is the bear.
-
D. subdermata:
natural host and reservoir is the porcupine.
-
D. striata:
natural hosts and reservoirs include various species of the American wild
cat.
-
D. lutrae:
natural host and reservoir is the American otter.
Return
to Main page