[Role of birds in the epizootology of trichinosis in arctic marine mammals].

Studies were conducted to investigate viability and preservation of the invasive properties in the larvae of reference (T2) and arctic strains of Trichinella nativa after their passage through the avian digestive system. It is shown that there is a rapid expulsion of the bulk of helminths due to the fact that quail intestinal cells secrete abundant mucus in response of parasite infestation. The environmentally deposited heminths preserve their infestative properties for a long time, suggesting the mechanical transmission of trichinosis by birds to marine animals (fishes, crustacean, and pinnipeds).