Pulmonary Verminous Granulomata Caused by Filaroides martis in a Pine Marten (Martes martes) in Central Scotland, UK

ABSTRACT: Filaroides martis is a respiratory parasite that can infect and cause verminous granulomata in the lungs of susceptible mustelid hosts. The parasite is common in American mink (Neogale vison) throughout their range and has been reported in several other mustelid species in Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and New Zealand. Here, we describe F. martis infection and associated verminous granulomata in a juvenile female pine marten (Martes martes) admitted to a wildlife hospital in Scotland, UK. The ecology of F. martis in the UK is poorly understood, but it is possible the parasite was cointroduced with American mink imported to Europe during the early 20th century for use in the fur trade. Further investigation is warranted to better our understanding of the ecology and host effects of F. martis in the UK and further afield.