Centrorhynchus aluconis (Acanthocephala) and other helminth species in tawny owls (Strix aluco) in Great Britain.

ABSTRACT

Observations on the distribution of Centrorhynchus aluconis (Acanthocephala) and 6 other species of helminths in the definitive host Strix aluco, in tawny owl, are presented. Infected owls were collected from 16 sites ranging from Tarbet, Strathclyde, Scotland, to Ewhurst, Surrey, in the south of England. In addition, unidentified cyclophyllidean cestodes were found in the alimentary tract of the tawny owls. Centrorhynchus aluconis was the most prevalent helminth found and had the highest intensity. It appears that C. aluconis is widely distributed in the tawny owls of Great Britain. Porrocaecum spirale (Nematoda) was the second most prevalent species of helminth. This species and C. aluconis are believed to be dependent on shrews (Sorex araneus and Sorex minutus) for their transmission to owls.