Wood duck nest survival and duckling recruitment is minimally affected by interspecific brood parasitism from hooded mergansers and black-bellied whistling-ducks.

In the southeastern United States, wood ducks (Aix sponsa) have historically experienced interspecific brood parasitism (IBP) primarily from hooded mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus), but the recent northward expansion of black-bellied whistling-ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis) has added a new complexity to these interactions. We monitored nest boxes in Louisiana to evaluate the influence IBP had on wood duck daily nest survival rate (after, DSR) and duckling recruitment. We monitored 1,295 wood duck nests from 2020-2023 and found 112 (8.7%) were parasitized by hooded mergansers and 148 (11.5%) by whistling-ducks. Parasitic egg-laying by hooded mergansers lowered wood duck DSR, while DSR for nests parasitized by whistling-ducks was comparable to clutches containing only wood duck eggs. We considered the wood duck capture histories of 2,465 marked female ducklings and 540 banded adult females to estimate a duckling recruitment probability for the entire study period. We recaptured 50 ducklings as adults; 6 (12.0%) hatched from clutches parasitized by hooded mergansers, 1 (2.0%) from a clutch parasitized by a whistling-duck, and 43 (86.0%) from clutches containing only wood duck eggs. The duckling recruitment probability was 0.039 (95% credible interval = 0.028, 0.051). Nest initiation date had a negative effect on recruitment, wherein most recruits hatched from nests initiated earlier in the season. Given only ~9% of wood duck nests contained hooded merganser eggs, we conclude IBP writ large had no detrimental effect on DSR at a population level. The lower DSR of clutches parasitized by hooded mergansers is potentially linked to a high abundance of early-season parasites that produce "dump nests" and these clutches are often abandoned without being incubated. Despite ongoing parasitism by hooded mergansers and the range expansion of whistling-ducks, wood duck productivity in Louisiana appears to be minimally affected by interspecific brood parasitism.

Characterization of Echinostoma spp. (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae Looss, 1899) infecting ducks in south-eastern Australia.

Waterbirds, are one of the popular game animals and are of significant relevance to parasite spread due to their ability to fly and migrate great distances in relatively short periods of time. In Australia, however, the knowledge of parasites infecting native waterbirds is lacking with some of the last reports occurring over 50 years ago. The study aimed to characterise Echinostoma spp. infecting wild native Australian ducks found in the southern regions of the Murray Darling Basin (MDB). Ducks (n = 98) were collected from southern New South Wales within the MDB catchment. Three different species of native ducks were found including Anas superciliosa (n = 37), Anas gracilis (n = 47) and Chenonetta jubata (n = 14), of which 4.3 %, 2.7 % and 7.1 %, respectively, were found to be infected with adult stages Echinostoma spp. Examination of the parasites revealed the presence of two morphotypes. The 18S, 28S and ITS rRNA as well as the mitochondrial nad1 genes were sequenced for representative isolates of the two morphotypes. These sequences were then compared with existing sequences of Echinostoma spp. available in the GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS region indicated that the two morphotypes were genetically distinct. Although there are comparable sequences of Echinostoma spp. in Australia these morphotypes appear to be genetically distinct. Based on their distinct morphology and genetics we suggest that these two morphotypes are previously undescribed in Australia. This study sheds light on the presence of Echinostoma parasites in native Australian waterbirds and highlights the need for further research to better understand the diversity and prevalence of these parasites in the region.

First molecular insights into gastrointestinal helminths of domestic birds in the Caspian Sea Littoral of Iran with an emphasis on the One Health concern.

The current investigation was carried out during the period from July 2022 to March 2023, aiming to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in domestic birds collected from traditional markets in Guilan province. One hundred forty-eight domestic birds, including chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), greylag geese (Anser anser), and domestic turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo domesticus) were examined. Totally, 42.56% of the investigated birds were positive for helminthic parasites. Morphological analysis revealed varying infection rates among birds: Echinostoma revolutum (5.40%), Hypoderaeum conoideum (2.02%), Cloacotaenia megalops (0.67%), Hymenolepididae family (4.05%), Ascaridia galli (16.89%), and Heterakis gallinarum (4.72%). The investigation involved molecular analysis of the 18S and ITS1 + 5.8S + ITS2 rRNA gene regions. The findings indicated that the 18S region of nematode isolates exhibited a similarity of 92 to 100% with sequences in the GenBank, whereas trematode and cestode isolates showed a gene similarity ranging from 88 to 99%. The ITS regions of nematode, trematode, and cestode isolates exhibited genetic similarities ranging from 87 to 100%, 73-99%, and 75-99%, respectively. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis confirmed the categorization of the identified species within the Ascaridiidae, Heterakidae, Hymenolepididae, and Echinostomatidae families, indicating their close affinity with previously documented species. Implementing precise control measures such as consistent monitoring, adequate sanitation protocols, and administering anthelmintic treatments is crucial for effectively managing parasitic infections in free-range and backyard poultry farms. Additionally, conducting further surveys is advisable to assess the impact of these parasites on the health and productivity of poultry in the investigated area.

A new nematode of the family Capillariidae identified in Cairina moschata (Linnaeus) on Marajó Island in the Brazilian Amazon.

Capillaria Zeder, 1800, parasitizes the organs and tissues of several hosts, including the domestic duck Cairina moschata (Linnaeus). This article describes a new species of Capillaria in domestic ducks identified based on morphological studies and molecular analyses of the ribosomal RNA gene. Thirty-eight specimens of C. moschata from the municipality of Soure, Marajó Island, Pará, Brazil. The organs of the birds' digestive tract were analyzed under a stereomicroscope to confirm the parasitic infection, after which the collected nematodes were identified by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and molecular analysis. Capillariids parasitized the intestine and cecum of the examined birds. These parasites had three bacillary bands and a pair of elongated precloacal papillae on the tail. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the new species formed a sister clade with Capillaria spinulosa (Linstow, 1890), as described in Indonesia and Japan. Based on morphological distinctions and molecular data, Capillaria cairina n. sp. can be considered a new parasite species of C. moschata in the Brazilian Amazon.

Evaluation of the host specificity of Eimeria uekii and Eimeria raichoi for Japanese rock ptarmigans by oocyst transfer to taxonomically related birds.

Eimeria spp. are protozoan parasites that are commonly found in a broad range of vertebrate hosts. These parasites generally exhibit strict host specificity, but some Eimeria spp. can infect groups of closely related species such as species within a genus or family. Compared with Eimeria spp. that infect livestock, limited information is available about such infections in wild animals including data on host specificity, virulence, and prevalence. The Japanese rock ptarmigan, Lagopus muta japonica, is an endangered bird belonging to the family Phasianidae, order Galliformes, and inhabits only alpine areas of Japan. In conservation efforts for these birds, two Eimeria spp., E. uekii and E. raichoi, were frequently detected. Here, we examined cross-transmission of the parasites to other bird species to characterize their infectivity as well as the development of experimental bird models to contribute to conservation programs by the oocyst transfer. Consequently, among the examined eight bird species (chickens, Japanese pheasants, turkeys, chukar partridges, quails, helmeted guineafowls and ducks), only turkeys (family Phasianidae, order Galliformes) could be infected with E. raichoi. However, the number of oocysts per feces was relatively low, and few parasites in the intestinal mucosa could be found by histopathological analyses. These results might indicate that E. uekii and E. raichoi are highly adapted to Japanese rock ptarmigans that inhabit the alpine zone although further studies are anticipated.

Duck body condition affects the number of parasites in the gastrointestinal tract, as evaluated with the Akaike information criterion.

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the body condition, and the number of parasites in the gastrointestinal tract of the tufted duck (Aythya fuligula), using the Akaike information criterion. Absolute and relative measurements of 197 ducks were taken. Liver mass was positively associated with the number of parasites in the duodenum (ß = 0.5). Heart mass affected positively the number of parasites in the rectum (ß = 2.3), the number of nematodes in the jejunum (ß = 7.45), the total number of trematodes (ß = 1.7), their number in the ceca (ß = 7.3) and rectum (ß = 4.2), and the number of cestodes in the ceca (ß = 8.2). Beak length influenced the number of nematodes in the rectum (ß = 1.7). Left tarsometatarsus length (ß = 1.4) and relative head height (ß = -2.0) affected the number of trematodes in the ceca. Tail length influenced negatively the number of cestodes in the ileum (ß = -0.2). Similarly, a ratio of body mass to body length was negatively associated with the total number of parasites (ß = -0.1), their number in the ceca (ß = -0.2) and rectum (ß = -0.3), the total number of trematodes (ß = -0.3), and their number in the ceca (ß = -0.5) and rectum (ß = -0.4). A ratio of keel-skin length to keel length affected differently the total number of parasites in the ceca (ß = 9.1), the number of nematodes in the jejunum (ß = -17.9) and the number of trematodes in the duodenum (ß = -5.8). A ratio of fat mass to body length affected the number of cestodes in the jejunum (ß = 1.8). The present study indicates some morphological and anatomical parameters that may be useful for determining the correlation between the body condition and the level of parasitic infection.

A relatively high zoonotic trematode prevalence in Orientogalba ollula and the developmental characteristics of isolated trematodes by experimental infection in the animal model.

BACKGROUND: Food-borne parasitic diseases decrease food safety and threaten public health. The snail species is an intermediate host for numerous human parasitic trematodes. Orientogalba ollula has been reported as intermediate hosts of many zoonotic trematodes. Here, we investigated the prevalence of zoonotic trematodes within O. ollula in Guangxi, China, and assessed their zoonotic potential. METHODS: Snails were collected from 54 sites in 9 cities throughout Guangxi. The snail and trematode larvae species were determined by combining morphological characteristics and molecular markers. The trematodes prevalence and constituent ratio were calculated and compared among different habitat environments. Phylogenetic trees of the trematode species were constructed using the neighbor-joining method with nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences. The developmental cycles of the isolated trematodes were examined by experimental infection in ducks. The developmental characteristics of Echinostoma revolutum was recorded by dissecting infected ducklings from 1-day post infection (dpi) to 10 dpi. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of trematode larvae was 22.1% (1818/8238) in O. ollula from 11 sample sites. Morphological together with molecular identification, showed that E. revolutum, Australapatemon sp., Hypoderaeum conoideum, Pharyngostomum cordatum, and Echinostoma sp. parasitized O. ollula, with the highest infection rate of E. revolutum (13.0%). However, no Fasciola larvae were detected. The trematodes prevalence and constituent ratio varied in two sub-biotypes (P < 0.01). A neighbor-joining tree analysis of ITS2 sequences resulted in distinct monophyletic clades supported by sequences from isolated larvae with high bootstrap values. Ducklings exposed to O. ollula infected with Echinostoma sp., E. revolutum, and H. conoideum larvae were successfully infected. The animal model for Echinostoma revolutum was successfully established. E. revolutum matured from larvae to adult at 10 dpi in the intestine of the duck, and the developmental characteristics of E. revolutum were characterized by the maturation of the reproductive and digestive organs at 6-8 dpi. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a high prevalence of zoonotic trematodes in O. ollula from Guangxi, China. Existing trematodes infection in animals and human clinical cases, coupled with the wide geographical distribution of O. ollula, necessitate further evaluations of the potential risk of spillover of zoonotic infection from animal to human and vice versa.

A PRÉCIS AND CHECKLIST OF HELMINTH PARASITES FOR 14 SPECIES OF WATERFOWL FROM THE CHIHUAHUA DESERT IN THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO.

A précis of helminth parasite infections and a host-parasite checklist are presented for the following 14 species of waterfowl from the Chihuahua Desert in the United States and Mexico: Chen rossii, Chen caerulescens, Anas platyrhynchos, Anas diazi, Anas acuta, Anas strepera, Anas americana, Anas clypeata, Anas cyanoptera, Anas crecca, Bucephala albeola, Oxyura jamaicensis, Fulica americana, and Podiceps nigricollis. There was a total of 127 species of helminths recovered from the 14 species of waterfowl. Total abundance, which included data available for 12 species of waterfowl, was 134,202 (mean = 11,184, median = 1,376, and 95% confidence limit [CL] = 14,485). Mean species richness ranged from 1.5 in Ross's goose, C. rossii, to 4.3 in the bufflehead, B. albeola. Host mean abundance ranged from 7.5 in the Mexican duck, A. diazi, and green-winged teal, A. crecca, to a high of 811 for the ruddy duck, O. jamaicensis. Ninety-one percent of the helminth species were generalists. Most specialists were associated with the American coot, F. americana (7), and the eared grebe, P. nigricollis (5). Percent helminth species contribution was cestodes 45%, nematodes 25%, trematodes 22%, and acanthocephalans 8%. The most commonly occurring helminth species among the 14 host species were the trematode Notocotylus attenuatus (12), the cestode Cloacotaenia megalops (10), the acanthocephalan Corynosoma constrictum (9), and the nematode Capillaria anatis (6). Low ingestion of invertebrates may have contributed to the lower number of helminth species and abundance in wintering and spring dabbling ducks (Anatini). Wild dabbling ducks ranging in age from 6 mo to 8 yr and 8 mo were infected with helminth parasites. Helminth parasite data from resident and nesting hosts and pre-fledged young birds indicated as many as 43 helminth life cycles may be occurring in the Chihuahua Desert. Host-parasite species checklists are included.

Lesions caused by anisakid and capillariid in Cairina moschata raised on Marajó island, state of Pará, Brazil / [Lesões por anisakideos e capillariideos em Cairina moschata criados na Ilha de Marajó, estado do Pará, Brasil]

The Muscovy duck is a commercially important bird on the island of Marajó usually raised in a peculiar system that includes supplying fish viscera to the birds under semi-extensive farming conditions. This enables a risk of contamination and losses in the production of these birds, resulting from injuries caused by helminth infections, especially nematodes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the histopathological changes caused by nematodes of the genera: Eucoleus, Anisakis and Contracaecum. Thirty-three ducks with lesions in the esophagus and ventricle were analyzed. Histopathological exams showed a mild inflammatory infiltrate in the submucosa of the esophagus caused by the fixation of E. contortus and third stage larvae of Anisakis sp., and we recorded third stage larvae of Contracaecum sp. parasitizing the ventricle, this being the first record of this parasite in ducks in Brazil.(AU)

O pato doméstico é uma ave amplamente comercializada na Ilha de Marajó, com um peculiar manejo que inclui a oferta de vísceras de peixes aos animais em criações semiextensivas, propiciando, assim, risco de contaminação e perdas na produção dessas aves decorrentes de lesões oriundas de infecções por helmintos, especialmente os nematódeos. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se avaliar as alterações histopatológicas causadas por nematódeos dos gêneros: Eucoleus, Anisakis e Contracaecum. Foram analisados 33 patos, e três exemplares apresentaram lesões no esôfago e no ventrículo. Exames histopatológicos demonstraram discreto infiltrado inflamatório na submucosa do esôfago ocasionado pela fixação de E. contortus e larvas de terceiro estágio de Anisakis sp., bem como foram registradas larvas de terceiro estágio de Contracaecum sp. parasitando o ventrículo, sendo esse o primeiro registro desse parasito em patos no Brasil.(AU)

DESCRIPTION AND PHYLOGENETIC AFFINITIES OF A NEW SPECIES OF NEOPSILOTREMA (DIGENEA: PSILOSTOMIDAE) FROM LESSER SCAUP, AYTHYA AFFINIS (ANSERIFORMES: ANATIDAE).

Neopsilotrema is a small genus of psilostomid digeneans parasitic in the intestine of birds in the Palearctic and Nearctic. At present, the genus includes 4 species: Neopsilotrema lisitsynae from the Palearctic and Neopsilotrema affine, Neopsilotrema lakotae, and Neopsilotrema marilae from the Nearctic. Herein, we describe a new species, Neopsilotrema itascae n. sp., from lesser scaup Aythya affinis collected in Minnesota. The species can be distinguished from congeners on the basis of the ventral sucker:oral sucker width ratio, body width:length ratio, and cirrus sac size, along with other characters. We generated new 28S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and NADH dehydrogenase (ND1) mitochondrial DNA sequence data of a variety of psilostomids from the Palearctic and Nearctic along with sequences of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (ITS1 + 5.8S + ITS2) from 3 Neopsilotrema species. The molecular phylogenetic affinities of a variety of psilostomid taxa were studied using 28S sequence data. The 28S sequences of psilostomids demonstrated 1-7.9% intergeneric divergence, whereas the sequences of ND1 had 17.7-34.1% intergeneric divergence. The interspecific divergence among members of Neopsilotrema was somewhat lower (0.2-0.5% in 28S; 0.3-0.4% in ITS; 12-15.7% in ND1). Our comparison of DNA sequences along with morphologic study suggests Holarctic distribution of N. lisitsynae.

Identification of the avian tracheal trematode Typhlocoelum cucumerinum (Trematoda: Cyclocoelidae) in a host-parasite-environment system: diagnosis, life cycle and molecular phylogeny.

Typhlocoelum cucumerinum is a tracheal parasite of birds widely distributed across the globe. Nevertheless, aspects of the biology of this cyclocoelid are still poorly understood. Herein, we report the finding of T. cucumerinum in definitive and intermediate hosts from an urban waterbody of Brazil. The parasite was initially detected during the necropsy of domestic Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) found dead in the locality. Coproparasitological tests in live animals revealed that 12/47 (25.53%) Muscovy ducks and 2/8 (25%) mallards (Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos) were infected with T. cucumerinum. Moreover, rediae and metacercariae morphologically similar to T. cucumerinum were found in 3/248 (1.33%) Biomphalaria straminea collected in the same waterbody frequented by the birds. The conspecificity between the adult and the larval stages was confirmed molecularly (100% similarity in Cox-1). Moreover, the phylogenetic position of T. cucumerinum was determined for the first time based on partial fragments of the 28S, Cox-1 and Nad-1 genes. The species grouped with other members of the subfamily Typhlocoelinae with sequences available, but the data obtained do not support the distinctiveness of the genera Typhlocoelum and Tracheophilus. Further studies involving a broader range of species can result in taxonomic rearrangements in Typhlocoelinae.

Echinostoma miyagawai Ishii, 1932 (Echinostomatidae) from Ducks in Aceh Province, Indonesia with Special Reference to Its Synonymy with Echinostoma robustum Yamaguti, 1935.

Adult echinostomes having 37 collar spines collected from the intestine of Pitalah ducks in Aceh Province, Indonesia in 2018 were morphologically and molecularly determined to be Echinostoma miyagawai Ishii, 1932 (Digenea: Echinostomatidae). Among 20 ducks examined, 7 (35.0%) were found to be infected with this echinostome, and the number of flukes collected was 48 in total with average 6.9 (1-17) worms per duck. The adult flukes were 7.2 (6.1-8.5) mm in length and 1.2 (1.0-1.4) mm in width (pre-ovarian or testicular level) and characterized by having a head collar armed with 37 collar spines (dorsal spines arranged in 2 alternating rows), including 5 end group spines, and variable morphology of the testes, irregularly or deeply lobed (3-5 lobes) at times with horizontal extension. The eggs within the worm uterus were 93 (79-105) µm long and 62 (56-70) µm wide. These morphological features were consistent with both E. miyagawai and Echinostoma robustum, for which synonymy to each other has been raised. Sequencing of 2 mitochondrial genes, cox1 and nad1, revealed high homology with E. miyagawai (98.6-100% for cox1 and 99.0-99.8% for nad1) and also with E. robustum (99.3-99.8% for nad1) deposited in GenBank. We accepted the synonymy between the 2 species and diagnosed our flukes as E. miyagawai (syn. E. robustum) with redescription of its morphology. Further studies are required to determine the biological characteristics of E. miyagawai in Aceh Province, Indonesia, including the intermediate host and larval stage information.

Helminths of the mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus, 1758 from Austria, with emphasis on the morphological variability of Polymorphus minutus Goeze, 1782.

The mallard Anas platyrhynchos is the most abundant water bird species in Austria, but there is no record of its helminth community. Therefore, this work aimed to close that gap by recording and analysing the parasite community of a large number of birds from Austria for the first time. A total of 60 specimens shot by hunters in autumn were examined for intestinal parasites. The following taxa were recovered (prevalence given in parentheses): Cestoda: Diorchis sp. (31.7%) and Fimbriarioides intermedia (1.7%); Acanthocephala: Filicollis anatis (5%), Polymorphus minutus (30%) and one cystacanth unidentified (1.7%); Trematoda: Apatemon gracilis (3.3%), Echinostoma grandis (6.7%), Echinostoma revolutum (6.7%) and Notocotylus attenuatus (23.3%); Nematoda: Porrocaecum crassum (1.7%) and one not identified (1.7%). The frequency distribution of parasites showed a typical pattern in which 39 birds (65%) were either not parasitized or were harbouring up to five worms, whereas more intense infestations occurred in a lesser number of hosts. Compared to other studies from central and eastern Europe, an extremely depauperate helminth community, particularly of the cestodes and nematodes, was found. Polymorphus minutus was observed as having highly variable morphology and, therefore, molecular genetic characterization by DNA barcoding was carried out. Species identification was confirmed by comparing data with the reference cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene sequence from P. minutus available in GenBank.

First case of Plasmodium relictum lineage pGRW11 infection in a captive-bred common eider (Somateria Mollissima) in Europe.

A 4-year-old, female common Eider (Somateria mollissima) was presented for mild lethargy with no previous medical history. Numerous intraerythrocytic, round-shaped inclusions were visualized on blood smears, later morphologically identified as Plasmodium relictum parasites. Despite oral doxycycline treatment, clinical condition declined 48 h later. Supportive care was initiated, but the bird died rapidly. Necropsy revealed acute, internal hemorrhages (lungs, air sacs) and subcutaneous, diffuse cervical hematoma, associated with resuscitation attempts. Marked, multicentric amyloidosis (kidney, liver, spleen) was the main histological finding. Molecular analysis identified lineage pGRW11 of P. relictum. This is the first reported case of P. relictum lineage pGRW11 infection in a common Eider. This report describes the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and associated pathological findings of infection by P. relictum lineage pGRW11 in a common Eider.

Migratory routes, domesticated birds and cercarial dermatitis: the distribution of Trichobilharzia franki in Northern Iran.

BACKGROUND: One of the major migration routes for birds going between Europe and Asia is the Black Sea-Mediterranean route that converges on the Volga Delta, continuing into the area of the Caspian Sea. Cercarial dermatitis is a disorder in humans caused by schistosome trematodes that use aquatic birds and snails as hosts and is prevalent in areas of aquaculture in Northern Iran. Before the disorder can be addressed, it is necessary to determine the etiological agents and their host species. This study aimed to document whether domestic mallards are reservoir hosts and if so, to characterize the species of schistosomes. Previous work has shown that domestic mallards are reservoir hosts for a nasal schistosome. RESULTS: In 32 of 45 domestic mallards (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) (71.1%), the schistosome Trichobilharzia franki, previously reported only from Europe, was found in visceral veins. Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis confirmed the species designation. These findings extend the range of T. franki from Europe to Eurasia. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of cercarial dermatitis in Iran is high in areas of aquaculture. Previous studies in the area have shown that domestic mallards are reservoir hosts of T. regenti, a nasal schistosome and T. franki, as shown in this study. The genetic results support the conclusion that populations of T. franki from Iran are not differentiated from populations in Europe. Therefore, the schistosomes are distributed with their migratory duck hosts, maintaining the gene flow across populations with compatible snail hosts in Iran.

TITLE: Routes migratoires, oiseaux domestiques et dermatite cercarienne : répartition de Trichobilharzia franki dans le nord de l'Iran. ABSTRACT: Contexte : L'une des principales voies de migration des oiseaux à destination et en provenance de l'Europe et de l'Asie est la route mer Noire-Méditerranée qui converge vers le delta de la Volga et se poursuit dans la région de la mer Caspienne. La dermatite cercarienne est une affection causée chez l'homme par des trématodes Schistosomatidae utilisant des oiseaux aquatiques et des mollusques comme hôtes, qui est répandue dans les zones d'aquaculture du nord de l'Iran. Avant de pouvoir lutter contre cette parasitose, il est nécessaire de connaître les agents étiologiques et leurs espèces hôtes. Ce travail vise à documenter si les canards domestiques sont des hôtes réservoirs et si oui, à caractériser les espèces de schistosomes. Des travaux antérieurs ont montré que les canards domestiques sont des hôtes réservoirs pour un schistosome nasal. Résultats : Chez 32 de 45 canards domestiques (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) (71,1 %), le schistosome Trichobilharzia franki, précédemment signalé uniquement en Europe, a été trouvé dans les veines viscérales. L'identification de l'espèce a été vérifiée par une analyse morphologique et phylogénétique moléculaire. Cela étend l'aire de répartition de l'Europe à l'Eurasie. Conclusion : La dermatite cercarienne est répandue dans les zones d'aquaculture en Iran. Des travaux antérieurs dans la région ont montré que les canards domestiques sont des hôtes réservoirs de T. regenti, un schistosome nasal et de T. franki, comme le montre cette étude. Les résultats génétiques soutiennent que les populations de T. franki d'Iran ne sont pas différenciées des populations d'Europe. Par conséquent, les schistosomes se dispersent avec leur hôte canard lors de la migration, maintenant un flux génétique entre les populations avec des mollusques hôtes compatibles en Iran.

It is marine: distinguishing a new species of Catatropis (Digenea: Notocotylidae) from its freshwater twin.

The morphology of sexual adults is the cornerstone of digenean systematics. In addition, life cycle data have always been significant. The integration of these approaches, supplemented with molecular data, has allowed us to detect a new species that many researchers may have previously seen, but not recognized. Sexual adults from common eiders that we found in northern European seas were extremely similar to other notocotylids, but the discovery of their intermediate host, a marine snail, revealed the true nature of this material. Here we describe sexual adults, rediae and cercariae of Catatropis onobae sp. nov. We discuss how 'Catatropis verrucosa' should be regarded, justify designation of the new species C. onobae for our material and explain why it can be considered a cryptic species. The phylogenetic position of C. onobae within Notocotylidae, along with other evidence, highlights the challenges for the taxonomy of the family, for which two major genera appear to be polyphyletic and life cycle data likely undervalued.

Epidemiologic significance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in turkeys, ducks, ratites and other wild birds: 2009-2020.

Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. Wild and domestic avian species are important in the epidemiology of T. gondii infections because felids prey on them and excrete millions of oocysts in the environment, disseminating the infection. Herbivorous birds are also excellent sentinels of environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts because they feed on the ground. Toxoplasma gondii infections in birds of prey reflect infections in intermediate hosts. Humans can become infected by consuming undercooked avian tissues. Here, the authors reviewed prevalence, persistence of infection, clinical disease, epidemiology and genetic diversity of T. gondii strains isolated from turkeys, geese, ducks, ratites and avian species (excluding chickens) worldwide 2009-2020. Genetic diversity of 102 T. gondii DNA samples isolated worldwide is discussed. The role of migratory birds in dissemination of T. gondii infection is discussed.

New records of helminth parasites of nine species of waterfowl in Mexico, and a checklist of the helminth fauna of Anatidae occurring in Mexican wetlands.

Wild and domestic populations of waterfowl garner economic benefits, as they are hunted for human consumption or as a recreational activity. Waterfowl migrate to their wintering grounds in Mexican wetlands where habitat conditions are more favourable. In this study, we present a list of helminth species sampled from the gastrointestinal tract of 59 wild birds belonging to the family Anatidae in three localities of Mexico, and a checklist of the helminth parasite fauna of the members of the family in the whole country, built from literature records. After helminthological examination, 25 taxa were identified: eight trematodes; four cestodes; 12 nematodes; and one acanthocephalan. Obtained records dated from 1943 to 2019. Our literature search yielded 563 records corresponding to 95 parasite taxa: 38 trematodes, 24 cestodes, 23 nematodes and ten acanthocephalans. In Mexico, 17 anatid species have been studied for helminths. Records correspond to 55 locations from 20 Mexican states. An insight gained from the collated literature and recent records was that trematodes represent the most diverse parasite group in anatids in Mexico. We briefly discuss that the information about helminths parasitizing waterfowl will be useful for understanding the effect of habitat loss and pollution of wetlands where migratory birds spend the breeding season, for addressing ecological programs aimed to guarantee the health and conservation of North American migratory birds or the effect of bird migration in the composition of the helminth parasite communities, and for freshwater biologists interested in the understanding of freshwater ecosystem health.

On the potential role of Mergus merganser as transport hosts for Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae.

Transmission paths in the distribution of proliferative kidney disease (PKD) of salmonids are still largely unknown. In this study, the role of goosander (Mergus merganser) as possible transport host for Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae through faeces was examined. Goosander fledglings were fed exclusively with diseased brown trout (Salmo trutta fario). In all trout used for feeding, intratubular sporogonic stage of the parasite was confirmed histologically. Between one to 10 hours post-feeding, the goosander faeces were sampled and tested for T. bryosalmonae DNA. In qPCR, only DNA fragments were found, and in conventional PCR, no amplification was confirmed. Therefore, we hypothesize that the role of goosander as transport hosts for T. bryosalmonae via their faeces can be neglected.

[Characterization of Echinostoma miyagawai in domestic ducks in Wuhu City].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the morphological characteristics of Echinostoma miyagawai in domestic ducks in Wuhu area, and to explore the feasibility of the cytochrome oxidase subunit-1 (Cox1) gene as a molecular marker for the identification of E. miyagawai. METHODS: E. miyagawai was isolated from free-ranged domestic ducks in Wuhu area, and the parasites were stained and identified. In addition, the mitochondrial Cox1 gene of E. miyagawai was amplified using a PCR assay, and the amplification product was sequenced and aligned with the GenBank database to yield the homology for the identification of parasite species in combination with morphological findings. Intra-species comparison was done based on the Cox1 gene sequence. RESULTS: The prevalence of E. miyagawai infection was 16.67% in domestic ducks in Wuhu area, and the adult E. miyagawai was 6.6 to 13.2 mm in length. The size of the E. miyagawai Cox1 gene was approximately 660 bp, which had a 99.68% homology to the E. miyagawai accessed in GenBank. The morphological findings were in agreement with molecular identification. CONCLUSIONS: E. miyagawai infection is common in domestic ducks in Wuhu area, and the mitochondrial Cox1 gene is a feasible marker of intra- and inter-species molecular identification of Echinostoma.