Gastrointestinal Parasitism in Stone Martens (Roundworms)
Gastrointestinal parasitism caused by roundworms (nematodes) is a very common infestation in stone martens, whether wild or brought into wildlife care centres. These parasites live in the stomach or intestines of the animal. They feed on b...
What is it?
Gastrointestinal parasitism caused by roundworms (nematodes) is a very common infestation in stone martens, whether wild or brought into wildlife care centres.
These parasites live in the stomach or intestines of the animal. They feed on blood or digestive contents, which can weaken the stone marten, especially young animals or those already in poor condition.
Most wild stone martens carry some level of worms without significant health problems. Disease occurs when the parasite load becomes too high, or when the animal is already weakened by other factors (injury, illness, stress, young age).
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
Signs are not always visible, especially in healthy adults.
When infestation is severe, the following may be observed: dull, lackluster coat, a swollen belly especially in young animals, diarrhea or soft stools sometimes streaked with mucus, occasional vomiting, gradual weight loss despite maintained appetite or conversely loss of appetite, general fatigue and lack of energy.
In young stone martens, heavy infestation can slow growth and cause a rough, unkempt coat.
In some cases, adult worms may be visible in vomit or faeces, which is quite an indicative sign.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
Several families of roundworms (nematodes) can colonize the stone marten's digestive tract, particularly ascarids (similar to those in dogs and cats) and sometimes hookworms or other nematodes depending on the region.
Infection usually occurs through ingestion of eggs present in the environment (soil, prey, contaminated water) or by eating prey that are themselves infected, such as rodents.
Transmission can also occur from mother to offspring, before or after birth depending on the parasite in question.
Young stone martens and weakened, injured, or stressed individuals are most susceptible to severe infestations.
Crowding in wildlife care centres or captive settings increases the risk of reinfection.
A soiled environment, a diet based on uncontrolled prey, and a weakened immune system also favour the development of high parasite loads.
Transmission
Infection mainly occurs by oral route: ingestion of eggs present in soil, on prey, or in an environment contaminated with infested faeces. Some parasites can also pass from mother to young.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The veterinarian relies on the animal's history, a general clinical examination, and above all a faecal analysis (faecal flotation) to identify the type or types of worms present and assess the severity of the infestation.
In some cases, direct observation of worms in the faeces or vomit already provides strong diagnostic evidence, but laboratory confirmation remains useful for choosing the most appropriate treatment.
Treatment
Treatment is based on administering broad-spectrum antiparasitic drugs effective against roundworms, under veterinary prescription and monitoring.
Nutritional support and sometimes rehydration may be necessary if the animal is weakened by the infestation.
Faecal examination after treatment verifies the effectiveness of deworming.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
For stone martens admitted to care centres or held in captivity (rehabilitation before release), regular deworming with appropriate antiparasitic products under veterinary supervision is recommended.
Maintaining good enclosure hygiene, regularly cleaning bedding areas, and preventing the accumulation of faeces helps limit reinfection risk.
For wild stone martens, no prevention is possible; parasitism is part of their natural ecology and is generally only problematic if the animal becomes weakened.
Possible complications
In young animals or those severely weakened, a heavy infestation can cause anaemia, severe dehydration, marked growth delay, or even intestinal obstruction in extreme cases where a mass of worms blocks the digestive tract.
When to see a veterinarian
Worms visible in vomit or faeces.
Persistent diarrhoea or abnormal faeces in a rescued stone marten.
Progressive weight loss despite retained appetite.
Swollen abdomen associated with lethargy in a young animal.
General listlessness with no other apparent cause.
Transmission to humans
Some roundworms found in wild mustelids, particularly certain roundworm species, may potentially infest humans through accidental ingestion of eggs present in contaminated surroundings. The risk remains low with simple hygiene precautions: washing hands after handling a wild animal or its environment, and avoiding contact with droppings.
Prognosis
The outlook is generally good when the infestation is detected and treated promptly, especially in animals monitored regularly in wildlife care centers.
In young animals or those already weakened, severe untreated infestation can have more serious consequences, and in extreme cases may be fatal.
Frequently asked questions
Do all pine martens have worms?
The vast majority of wild stone martens harbor a certain level of roundworms without this causing any major health problems. This is a natural situation in wild carnivores. Problems arise mainly if the parasitic load becomes too heavy or if the animal is weakened.
Can you catch worms from a marten?
The risk exists but remains low. Certain parasites from stone martens can theoretically infest humans through accidental ingestion of eggs present in soil or a contaminated environment. Washing your hands after any contact with a wild animal or its environment is sufficient precaution in most cases.
How can I tell if my rescued stone marten has worms?
The signs are not always visible. A dull coat, a bloated belly, diarrhea or progressive weight loss can be clues. The only reliable way to confirm and identify the type of worms is a stool analysis performed by a veterinarian.
Is deworming necessary before releasing a rehabilitated stone marten?
Yes, it's a common practice in wildlife care centers. Appropriate deworming before release allows the animal to leave in better condition, without being weakened by an excessive parasitic load accumulated in captivity.
References
ESCCAP — European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites
WOAH — Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (ex-OIE)
CDC — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 26 August 2026
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