Hibernation

[Cliff Monahan]

We are trying to incorporate aspects of wildlife parasitology into the 
veterinary parasitology courses, hoping to engender an appreciation of 
the host/parasite relationships that began well before domestication of 
animals. One good question came up and I'm completely at a loss for good 
examples: what do the parasites of hibernating animals do during 
hibernation to keep from debilitating the host during its repose? I 
assume a mutual hypobiosis, but don't have more than 'gut' feelings on 
the subject. Please, any good examples would be greatly appreciated and I 
promise to give ample credit to whomever can give me some good 
parasitological tidbits to fuel the interest of the students. Much 
obliged.

Cliff