Hanington’s team has made significant advances in DNA technology since 2015, specifically with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), which now allows for more direct and accurate swimmer’s itch risk assessment by counting the actual number of cercariae in a standard water sample. Patrick Hanington from the University of Alberta (Edmonton), will work to determine (a) the current schistosome parasite diversity (species richness and relative abundance) on Higgins Lake, (b) how schistosome populations have changed over time, (c) the presence and impact of the newly discovered schistosome species, and (d) changes in snail densities over time.ĭr. Scientists from Freshwater Solutions, working in collaboration with Dr. In 2020 the Higgins Lake Foundation will fund additional research using a different scientific approach. Biologists have also engaged in research, education and control of the parasitic larvae. Beginning in the 1980’s on Higgins Lake, common merganser ducks, a prime host of at least one schistosome species, were harassed/relocated in an effort to break the cycle. For some time, the use of copper sulfate to kill snail populations was considered a remedy, but its use was discouraged due to long term negative impacts. ![]() The Swimmers’ Itch cycle was first documented in 1928 when it was discovered that the parasites (called schistosome cercariae) are passed from bird to snail to human. The Higgins Lake community has battled Swimmers’ Itch for decades.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |