Geology topics

Sara B. Weinstein

Publications and source records attributed to Sara B. Weinstein.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS2019

Southern California and range‐wide raccoon gastrointestinal helminth database

Local and global measurements of parasite prevalence and abundance are critical for understanding the dynamics that underlie the diversity, distribution, and evolution of infectious diseases. Here, we present a data set of gut helminths found in (1) raccoons throughout their range, based on primary literature from 1925–2017 and (2) raccoons in Santa Barbara County, California, USA surveyed from 2012 to 2015. The range‐wide data set has 1,256 parasite entries from 217 literature sources across three continents and 32 states in the USA. This data set includes a list of all recorded raccoon gut helminths (n = 100) and their presence and prevalence in surveyed raccoon populations. The Santa Barbara data set includes gut helminth data from 182 raccoons from one Southern California County. In addition to the presence and abundance data for 13 parasite species, this data set includes measurements of 7,465 individual raccoon roundworms (Baylisascaris procyonis). For both range‐wide and Santa Barbara data sets, we include information on parasite site of infection in host, sampling method, and sample size. We also provide geographic coordinates for infected raccoon populations (range‐wide database) and individuals (Santa Barbara). In the associated metadata, we include sampling methods and summary figures for both the range‐wide and Santa Barbara raccoon gut helminth records. There are no copyright or proprietary restrictions for research and/or teaching purposes. S. B. Weinstein and J. C. Van Wert contributed equally to this manuscript and are shared first authors.

California↗

USGS2019

Infection at an ecotone: Cross‐system foraging increases satellite parasites but decreases core parasites in raccoons

Ecotones can increase free-living species richness, but little is known about how parasites respond to ecotones. Here we use parasite communities in raccoons (Procyon lotor) to test the hypothesis that parasite communities can be divided into core and satellite species, each with fundamentally different responses to ecotones. We used published parasite surveys to classify parasites as common core or rare satellite species and then surveyed raccoons in coastal California to examine how proximity to two aquatic ecotones altered parasite communities. Raccoons near ecotones had more satellite and fewer core parasite species. Specifically, the marine ecotone increased parasite diversity by adding satellite species to a persistent core community, whereas the freshwater ecotone shifted the community from core to satellite species without a net change in parasite richness. We hypothesize that increased parasite richness at the marine ecotone resulted from increased diet diversity, but that raccoons were sinks for some parasites. Increased exposure to rare parasites at ecotones has implications for wildlife health and provides insight into observed associations between ecotones and emerging disease.

California↗

USGS2018

Fear of feces? Trade-offs between disease risk and foraging drive animal activity around raccoon latrines

Fear of predation alters prey behavior, which can indirectly alter entire landscapes. A parasite-induced ecology of fear might also exist if animals avoid parasite-contaminated resources when infection costs outweigh foraging benefits. To investigate whether animals avoid parasite contaminated sites, and if such avoidance balances disease costs and foraging gains, we monitored animal behavior at raccoon latrines – sites that concentrate both seeds and pathogenic parasite eggs. Using wildlife cameras, we documented over 40 potentially susceptible vertebrate species in latrines and adjacent habitat. Latrine contact rates reflected background activity, diet preferences and disease risk. Disease-tolerant raccoons and rats displayed significant site attraction, while susceptible birds and small mammals avoided these high-risk sites. This suggests that parasites, like predators, might create a landscape of fear for vulnerable hosts. Such non-consumptive parasite effects could alter disease transmission, population dynamics, and even ecosystem structure.

California↗

USGS2017

Seroprevalence of Baylisascaris procyonis infection among humans, Santa Barbara County, California, USA, 2014–2016

Baylisascaris procyonis (raccoon roundworm) infection is common in raccoons and can cause devastating pathology in other animals, including humans. Limited information is available on the frequency of asymptomatic human infection. We tested 150 adults from California, USA, for B. procyonis antibodies; 11 were seropositive, suggesting that subclinical infection does occur.

California↗

USGS2015

How do humans affect wildlife nematodes?

Human actions can affect wildlife and their nematode parasites. Species introductions and human-facilitated range expansions can create new host–parasite interactions. Novel hosts can introduce parasites and have the potential to both amplify and dilute nematode transmission. Furthermore, humans can alter existing nematode dynamics by changing host densities and the abiotic conditions that affect larval parasite survival. Human impacts on wildlife might impair parasites by reducing the abundance of their hosts; however, domestic animal production and complex life cycles can maintain transmission even when wildlife becomes rare. Although wildlife nematodes have many possible responses to human actions, understanding host and parasite natural history, and the mechanisms behind the changing disease dynamics might improve disease control in the few cases where nematode parasitism impacts wildlife.

Trends in Parasitology↗