Hookworms (Uncinaria sp.) in Juan Fernandez fur seal pups (Arctocephalus philippii) from Alejandro Selkirk Island, Chile.

Sixty Juan Fernandez fur seal pups (Arctocephalus philippii) found dead on Alejandro Selkirk Island, Chile, during the breeding seasons of 1991 and 1992 were examined for the presence of hookworms (Uncinaria sp.). Hookworms were found in 60% of the pups examined, at a mean intensity of 17 parasites per infected host. Intensity of infection did not differ among years or sexes. There was a significant positive relationship between thickness of subcutaneous fat and number of hookworms.