American Eels from the Shenandoah River Infected by Anguillicola crassus
The recent spread of the swim bladder nematode parasite, Anguillicola crassus, in American eels (Anguilla rostrata) along the Atlantic coast has caused concern among biologists and fishery managers. This study documented the presence of A. crassus in yellow-phase American eels on the Shenandoah River, West Virginia. Two hundred eels were collected at Millville Dam during fall 2006 and summer 2007. Swim bladders were removed and examined for the presence of the adult nematode parasite. The number of adult parasites in each eel was recorded, and prevalence (percent of infected eels),...