Brachylaima virginianum explained

Brachylaima virginianum is a fluke of the genus Brachylaima that infects the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) throughout its range. It has also been found in young black bears (Ursus americanus)^[1] and in marsh rice rats (Oryzomys palustris), both from Florida.,^[2] and from raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Kentucky.

Literature cited

• Foster, G.W., Cunningham, M.W., Kinsella, J.M. and Forrester, D.J. 2004. Parasitic helminths of black bear cubs (Ursus americanus) from Florida (subscription required). The Journal of Parasitology 90(1):173–175.
• Kinsella, J.M. 1988. Comparison of helminths of rice rats, Oryzomys palustris, from freshwater and saltwater marshes in Florida. Proceedings of the Helminthological Society of Washington 55(2):275–280.
• Cole R.A. and Shoop W.L. 1987. Helminths of the raccoon (Procyon lotor) from Western Kentucky. The Journal of Parasitology 73(4):762-768.

Notes and References

1. Foster et al., 2004, p. 174
2. Kinsella, 1988, table 1