Lena Measures
PhD
Research Scientist (retired), Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maurice Lamontagne Institute
Location
Mont-Joli, Quebec
Keywords
zoonoses, marine mammals, fish, nematodes
Research interests
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is responsible for the management, protection and conservation of marine mammals and their habitats. The Canadian harp seal hunt depends on developing domestic and international markets for various seal products. Subsistence hunting by aboriginal peoples is still important in Labrador, Nunavik, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories as a source of country food. There are concerns about the quality and safety of marine mammal products for consumers, hunters, the public and DFO personnel working with marine mammals. The recovery of marine mammal species at risk is a significant priority within DFO and the role of disease in the health of marine mammal populations has been of management and research interest since the early 1980s. Zoonotic food-borne parasites of concern include Anisakis simplex s.l., Pseudoterranova decipiens s.l., Toxoplasma gondii, Giardia intestinalis, and Trichinella nativa. The lungworms, Otostrongylus circumlitius, Parafilaroides spp., various pseudaliids and the heartworm, Acanthocheilonema spirocauda, can have significant pathologic effects on pinnipeds and cetaceans. Field and laboratory data on these parasites are used in developing management and protective measures for human and animal health and in conservation of healthy and productive marine ecosystems. Bacteria and viruses of concern are also subject to research.
Expertise in
Anisakiasis |
Fishes |
Giardiasis |
Marine Mammals |
Northern/Aboriginal Issues |
Toxoplasmosis |
Trichinellosis |