Larval Anisakis simplex (Nematoda: Ascaridoidea) Infection in the Musculature of Atlantic Cod, Gadus morhua, from Newfoundland and Labrador

Abstract

Larvae of Anisakis simplex were found in the flesh of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, collected in 21 regions around Newfoundland and Labrador during 1985–87. Prevalence and abundance increased with cod size and varied geographically; cod off Labrador had the fewest larvae whereas those from the south coast of Newfoundland were the most heavily infected. Most larvae (~95%) occurred in flesh surrounding the body cavity (napes), with a significantly higher percentage of the nematodes (~58%) in the flesh on the left side. In 505 cod in which all tissues were examined, 85.6, 10.8, and 3.5% of the A. simplex resided in the body cavity and viscera, napes, and fillets, respectively. Cod surveyed tended to have more A. simplex in the musculature than those from other areas off eastern Canada, but are lightly infected compared with most other Atlantic cod stocks. The examination method (candling combined with slicing) recovered, on average, 42% of the A. simplex present in the flesh; consequently, infection statistics reported here are underestimates. Numbers of A. simplex in cod off Labrador and eastern Newfoundland are similar to those observed during 1947–53, but the abundance of A. simplex appears to have increased among cod from NAFO Subdivision 3Pn.