First detection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) in China.

BACKGROUND: Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a parasite that infects humans and a wide range of other animals. The large migratory waterfowl, the whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus), travels through many cities during its migration and can spread parasites. Despite receiving increasing attention worldwide, there have been no reports of E. bieneusi infection occurring in C. cygnus. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence and genetic characteristics of E. bieneusi in C. cygnus in Sanmenxia, China. METHODS: Altogether, 467 fresh fecal samples were collected in the Swan Wetland Park in Sanmenxia, China. Genomic DNA was extracted from fresh fecal samples (n = 467) and E. bieneusi was identified by nested PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. ITS-positive sequences were aligned and phylogenetically analyzed to determine the genotypes of E. bieneusi. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi in C. cygnus was 7.49% (35/467). Sequencing of the 35 positive samples revealed eight known genotypes (EbpA, EbpC, Henan-III, Henan-IV, BEB6, CD9, Peru6 and PtEb IX) and three novel genotypes (CSW1, CSW2 and CSW3). The phylogenetic tree constructed from the ITS sequences showed that seven genotypes (Peru6, EbpA, EbpC, Henan-III, CSW3, Henan-IV and CSW1) clustered within the zoonotic Group 1 while the remaining novel genotype CSW2 clustered within Group 5. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. bieneusi in C. cygnus. Of public health significance, our results suggest that migratory C. cygnus might play an important role in the water-borne transmission of E. bieneusi. Effective strategies will be necessary to control E. bieneusi infection in C. cygnus, other animals and humans.

Parasitological and molecular survey of scattered parasitism by trichomonads in some avian species in Iran.

Outbreaks of avian trichomonosis are being reported worldwide; meanwhile, the genetic and virulence variations are under investigation. In this study, the occurrence and genetic variability of oral or faecal trichomonads among various avian species were investigated. Samples obtained from either the oropharyngeal cavity, crop/oesophagus, droppings/cloaca, or conjunctival swabs of avian species were inspected for flagellates. Phylogenetic analysis of partial ITS1-5.8s rRNA-ITS2 sequences from selected samples was performed to investigate the genetic diversity of the isolates. Investigation of 737 birds revealed an infection rate of 15.7% in the upper gastrointestinal tract, 7.3% in the faecal samples, and 0.7% involvement of the conjunctiva. Phylogenetic analysis of partial ITS1-5.8s rRNA-ITS2 sequences from selected samples, identified genotypes A and B of Trichomonas gallinae and genogroups A-C and E of Tetratrichomonas gallinarum. A novel ITS genotype of intestinal trichomonads was also detected in hooded crow (Corvus cornix) and common mynah (Acridotheres tristis). In the present study, in addition to Columbiformes and Falconiformes, trichomonads were detected in Passeriformes and Galliformes with the involvement of organs other than the gastrointestinal tract. Genotype A T. gallinae was detected in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica), a laughing dove (Spilopelia senegalensis), a common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), a budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulates), and a canary (Serinus canaria). Distinct genotype B was detected in a common mynah and a budgerigar. Genogroups A-C of T. gallinarum were also demonstrated in Galliformes and Anseriformes. Furthermore, two novel trichomonad ITS genotypes were detected in hooded crows and a common mynah warranting detailed multi-locus molecular analysis.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSITS diversity of trichomonads was shown in various avian species.Diversity of the parasites' target organ and clinical manifestations was demonstrated.Two novel ITS genotype trichomonads from common mynah and hooded crow were identified.

Eucoleus contortus (Nematoda: Capillariidae), a parasite of Cairina moschata domestica (Anseriformes: Anatidae) on Marajó Island, Pará State, in Brazilian Amazon.

The family Capillariidae is one of the most important in the superfamily Trichinelloidea, with 27 genera and more than 300 species parasitizing vertebrates. This study considers the morphology, morphometry and prevalence of Eucoleus contortus parasitizing the Muscovy duck Cairina moschata domestica esophagus from Marajó Island, in State of Pará, Brazil. Morphologically the nematodes had a filiform body, with transversely striated cuticle, long esophagus, divided into two parts, one muscular and another consisting of stichocytes, spicule weakly sclerotized, spiny sheath and pseudobursa present in males. Females had a pre-equatorial vulva, barrel-shaped eggs and were bioperculated. In the northern region of Brazil, the Muscovy duck is an abundant bird, and one of the items in the food supply for human communities. The occurrence of E. contortus adds data to the biodiversity of parasites described in Anseriform birds of the Brazilian Amazon, especially those used as source of protein by human communities of Marajó.

Gastrointestinal helminths and related histopathological lesions in black-necked swans Cygnus melancoryphus from the Carlos Anwandter Nature Sanctuary, Southern Chile / Helmintos gastrintestinais e lesões histopatológicas relacionadas em cisnes de pescoço negro Cygnus melancoryphus do Santuário da Natureza Carlos Anwandter, Sul do Chile

Abstract Black-necked swans are distributed across South America and face conservation problems in Chile according to data of the State institution SAG. The aim of this study was to identify helminths and to assess associated tissue damage via histopathology. A total of 19,291 parasites were isolated from 21 examined birds; 17 species were identified, including nematodes, flukes, and tapeworms. Of these, 12 were new host records, 13 were reported for the first time in Chile, and 5 were new records for the Neotropical region. Further, the flukes Schistosomatidae gen. sp. and Echinostoma echinatum are of zoonotic concern. Regarding histopathology, an inflammatory response was found along the birds' entire digestive tract. Nevertheless, it is difficult to declare that there is a clear association between such lesions and isolated parasites, as other noxa could be responsible as well. Although in some cases there was an evident association, such inflammatory responses and necrosis were minimal, as occurred with Capillaria, Retinometra, Catatropis, Echinostoma, and Schistosomatidae gen. sp. Nevertheless, Epomidiostomum vogelsangi caused granulomatous injuries, an important inflammatory response, and necrosis, but it always circumscribed to superficial layers of the gizzard. Conversely, Paramonostomum was not associated with an inflammatory response despite a high parasitic load.

Resumo O cisne de pescoço negro é distribuído por toda a América do Sul, e enfrenta problemas de conservação no Chile, sendo protegido pela Lei Estadual de Caça. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar helmintos em cisnes e avaliar o dano tecidual por meio de histopatologia. Um total de 19.291 parasitas foi isolado de 21 aves examinadas, sendo 17 espécies identificadas, entre nematóides, trematódeos e tênias. Destes, 12 são novos registros de hospedeiros, 13 são reportados pela primeira vez no Chile, e 5 são novos registros para a região Neotropical. Além disso, os trematódeos Schistosomatidae gen. sp. e Echinostoma echinatum detectados têm importância zoonótica. Em relação à histopatologia, uma resposta inflamatória foi encontrada em todo o trato digestivo. Entretanto, é difícil estabelecer uma associação estrita de tais lesões com parasitas isolados, porque outros fatores também poderiam ser responsáveis. Em alguns casos, houve uma associação óbvia entre parasitas e lesões, embora a resposta inflamatória e a necrose fossem mínimas, como foi o caso dos gêneros Capillaria, Retinometra, Catatropis, Echinostoma e Schistosomatidae gen. sp. Entretanto, Epomidiostomum vogelsangi causou lesões granulomatosas com importante resposta inflamatória e necrose, mas sempre circunscrita às camadas superficiais da moela. Por outro lado, Paramonostomum não foi associado com uma resposta inflamatória óbvia apesar da alta carga parasitária.

Eucoleus contortus (Nematoda: Capillariidae), a parasite of Cairina moschata domestica (Anseriformes: Anatidae) on Marajó Island, Pará State, in Brazilian Amazon / Eucoleus contortus (Nematoda: Capillariidae), um parasito de Cairina moschata domestica (Anseriformes: Anatidae) na Ilha de Marajó, Estado do Pará, na Amazônia Brasileira

Abstract The family Capillariidae is one of the most important in the superfamily Trichinelloidea, with 27 genera and more than 300 species parasitizing vertebrates. This study considers the morphology, morphometry and prevalence of Eucoleus contortus parasitizing the Muscovy duck Cairina moschata domestica esophagus from Marajó Island, in State of Pará, Brazil. Morphologically the nematodes had a filiform body, with transversely striated cuticle, long esophagus, divided into two parts, one muscular and another consisting of stichocytes, spicule weakly sclerotized, spiny sheath and pseudobursa present in males. Females had a pre-equatorial vulva, barrel-shaped eggs and were bioperculated. In the northern region of Brazil, the Muscovy duck is an abundant bird, and one of the items in the food supply for human communities. The occurrence of E. contortus adds data to the biodiversity of parasites described in Anseriform birds of the Brazilian Amazon, especially those used as source of protein by human communities of Marajó.

Resumo A família Capillariidae é uma das mais importantes da superfamília Trichinelloidea, com 27 gêneros e mais de 300 espécies parasitando os vertebrados. Este estudo considera a morfologia, morfometria e prevalência de Eucoleus contortus parasito do esôfago de pato doméstico na Ilha de Marajó, Estado do Pará, Brasil. Morfologicamente os nematódeos apresentaram corpo filiforme, com cutícula estriada transversalmente, esôfago longo, dividido em duas partes, sendo uma muscular e outra formado por esticócitos, espículo fracamente esclerotizado, bainha espinhosa e pseudobursa presente nos machos. Fêmeas com vulva pré-equatorial, ovos em forma de barril e bioperculado. Na região norte do Brasil, o pato doméstico é uma ave abundante, compondo um dos itens do suprimento de alimentos para muitas pessoas. A ocorrência de E. contortus adiciona dados à biodiversidade de parasitos descritos em aves Anseriformes da Amazônia brasileira, em especial as utilizadas como fonte de proteína por comunidades humanas do Marajó.

Helminthes in the Small Intestine of the Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) from the Eastern Murman: Impact on the Host Digestive Activity and Physiological State.

In this ecological and physiological study of the common eider (Somateria mollissima) nesting on the coast of Eastern Murman, the species composition of the bird helminth fauna, as well as the infection quantitative parameters, were determined. The common eider small intestine proved to be infected with trematodes of the genus Microphallus; three species of cestodes, namely, Lateriporus teres (Cestoda: Dilepididae), Fimbriarioides intermedia (Cestoda: Hymenolepididae), and Microsomacanthus diorchis (Cestoda: Hymenolepididae); and one species of acanthocephalan, Polymorphus phippsi (Palaeacanthocephala: Polymorphidae). At the sites of F. intermedia and M. diorchis locations within the intestine, the protease activity was reduced while in the foci infected with acanthocephalan P. phippsi, it was, on the contrary, increased. Glycosidase activity in the intestinal mucosa was reduced as compared to the control in birds infected by the cestodes M. diorchis. Hematological indices of the infected individuals were higher than the control parameters.

Gastrointestinal helminths and related histopathological lesions in black-necked swans Cygnus melancoryphus from the Carlos Anwandter Nature Sanctuary, Southern Chile.

Black-necked swans are distributed across South America and face conservation problems in Chile according to data of the State institution SAG. The aim of this study was to identify helminths and to assess associated tissue damage via histopathology. A total of 19,291 parasites were isolated from 21 examined birds; 17 species were identified, including nematodes, flukes, and tapeworms. Of these, 12 were new host records, 13 were reported for the first time in Chile, and 5 were new records for the Neotropical region. Further, the flukes Schistosomatidae gen. sp. and Echinostoma echinatum are of zoonotic concern. Regarding histopathology, an inflammatory response was found along the birds' entire digestive tract. Nevertheless, it is difficult to declare that there is a clear association between such lesions and isolated parasites, as other noxa could be responsible as well. Although in some cases there was an evident association, such inflammatory responses and necrosis were minimal, as occurred with Capillaria, Retinometra, Catatropis, Echinostoma, and Schistosomatidae gen. sp. Nevertheless, Epomidiostomum vogelsangi caused granulomatous injuries, an important inflammatory response, and necrosis, but it always circumscribed to superficial layers of the gizzard. Conversely, Paramonostomum was not associated with an inflammatory response despite a high parasitic load.

Taxonomic structure of cestodofauna of two species of diving ducks Aythya fuligula and A. marila (Anseriformes: Aythyini) in north-western Poland

Diving ducks Aythyini Delacour et Mayr, 1945 are an interesting object of the parasitological studies because due to living in two environments (aquatic and terrestrial) and migrating over long distances, they can come into contact with many potential hosts for parasites. In the recent years, a decrease in the population of diving ducks has been observed, especially of the tufted duck and the scaup. Both of them remain the most common species found in the region of West Pomerania, so the presented research is limited to the parasitological studies of these two species of ducks. The aim of this study was to determine the taxonomic structure of the cestodofauna of two species of diving ducks, the tufted duck and the scaup, wintering in north-west Poland. The research material consisted of 14,734 tapeworms collected from digestive tracts of 256 birds, 174 tufted ducks Aythya fuligula (Linnaeus, 1758) and 82 scaups A. marila (Linnaeus, 1761). All identified tapeworms obtained from digestive tracts of the hosts belonged to the Hymenolepididae family (order Cyclophyllidea). A total of 25 species of 9 genera were identified in the cestodofauna of the tufted duck, while in the cestodofauna of the scaup: 12 species of 7 genera. During 10 years of studies out of all of the 26 recorded species, 6 have been found in Poland for the first time. Moreover, 13 new, unlisted parasite-host relationships have been identified: 7 in the digestive tract of the tufted duck and 6 in the scaup.

A new species of the quill mite genus Chenophila Kethley, 1970 (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) from the Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris (Menetries) (Anseriformes: Anatidae) in Turkey.

A new species of parasitic mite of the family Syringophilidae (Acariformes: Cheyletoidea), Chenophila marmaronetta sp. nov. is described from the secondary quill feathers of Marmaronetta angustirostris (Menetries) (Anseriformes: Anatidae) from Turkey. This species differs from closely related Ch. platyrhynchos Tymcio et al., 2013 by the presence of 9 chambers in each medial branch of the peritremes (vs 5 chambers in Ch. platyrhynchos), length of the stylophore 220-235 (vs 255-275), and lengths of setae vi, ve, d1 and d2 40-55, 65-70, 90-105 and 170, respectively (vs 65-85, 80-100, 130-170 and 85-150).

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in zoo and domestic animals in Jiangxi Province, China.

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan parasite that infects a wide range of warm-blooded animals throughout the world. In the present study, antibodies to T. gondii were determined using a commercial indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test in wild animals in a zoo. Three of 11 giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) (27%), 1 of 5 wolves (Canis lupus laniger) (20%), 1 of 6 hippopotamuses (Hippopotamus amphibious) (17%), and 2 of 9 tundra swans (Cygnus columbianus) (22%) were found to be positive. No antibodies were detected in leopards (Panthera pardus), wild geese (Anser cygnoides), and Eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus). Domestic species from 13 counties of Jiangxi Province, China were also investigated by an indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test. Thirty-five of 340 goats (10%), 94 of 560 water buffaloes (17%), and 4 of 35 cattle (11%) were found to be seropositive. This is the first report of T. gondii infection in animals kept in zoos and domestic animals in this province.

Spatiotemporal distributions of intestinal helminths in female lesser scaup Aythya affinis during spring migration from the upper Midwest, USA.

We examined the associations between intestinal helminth infracommunity structure and infection parameters and the age, size, and year and region of collection of 130 female lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) during their 2014-2015 spring migrations through the upper Midwest, USA. We identified a total of 647,174 individual helminths from 40 taxa, including 20 trematodes, 14 cestodes, 4 nematodes and 2 acanthocephalans parasitizing lesser scaup within the study area. Lesser scaup were each infected with 2-23 helminth taxa. One digenean, Plenosoma minimum, is reported for the first time in lesser scaup and in the Midwest. Mean trematode abundance and total helminth abundance was significantly less in 2015 than 2014, and we suspect that colder weather late in 2015 impacted the intermediate host fauna and caused the observed differences. Brillouin's species diversity of helminths was greatest in the northernmost region of the study area, which coincides with the range of a non-indigenous snail that indirectly causes annual mortality events of lesser scaup. While host age and size were not determined to be influential factors of helminth infracommunity structure, non-parametric ordination and permutational analysis of co-variance revealed that year and region of collection explained differences in helminth infracommunities. Our results suggest that spatiotemporal variations play an important role in the structure of intestinal helminth infracommunities found in migrating lesser scaup hosts, and may therefore impact host ability to build endogenous reserves at certain stopover locations in the Midwest.

The endogenous development and pathogenicity of Eimeria anseris (Kotlan, 1932) in domestic goslings.

Twenty-one, 25-day-old, artificially reared, coccidia-free goslings (Anser cygnoides var. domestica) were inoculated orally with 0.5 × 104, 1 × 104, or 100 × 104 sporulated oocysts of Eimeria anseris and sacrificed at intervals from 24 to 216 h post-inoculation (HPI). Nine uninfected goslings served as negative controls. Parts of the visceral organs from goslings, including the intestines, kidneys, and liver, were fixed, sectioned, and observed microscopically. The results revealed that two generations of meronts occurred in the life cycle of E. anseris. The first generation of meronts developed at 24-96 HPI and the second generation at 90-128 HPI. Each meront contained 4-10 merozoites. Development of gamonts began at 128 HPI and mature oocysts appeared at 168 HPI. Developmental stages presented mainly in the epithelial cells of crypts and lamina propria in the posterior parts of the jejunum and ileum. Parasites localized mostly in the cytoplasm and occasionally in the nuclei of host cells. Histological lesions were pronounced in the jejunum and ileum. Desquamation and necrosis of the epithelium of intestine and crypts, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and hemorrhage and mucosal edema were associated with aggregates of endogenous stages. The infected goslings mainly showed severe diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and emaciation, suggesting that E. anseris is highly pathogenic in goslings.

First detection of Allobilharzia visceralis (Schistosomatidae, Trematoda) from Cygnus cygnus in Japan.

Adult schistosomes were detected in the veins or capillaries of the large intestine, mesentery, liver, and adrenal glands in eight of 13 whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) examined in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. However, neither eggs nor severe tissue injuries were observed in any of the swans. The schistosomes were definitively identified as Allobilharzia visceralis based on the nucleotide sequences of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Allobilharzia visceralis infections have been reported in whooper swan in Iceland and tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus) in North America. These detections suggest that A. visceralis is distributed extensively along the swan flyways because the swans are migratory birds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of A. visceralis infection in Asia.

Blood Parasites of Blue-winged Teal ( Anas discors ) from Two Migratory Corridors, in the Southern USA.

We collected 180 Blue-winged Teal ( Anas discors ) in September and October 2002 from Florida, US (n=100, representing the eastern migratory corridor) and the Louisiana-Texas, US, border (n=80, representing the western migratory corridor) and examined for blood parasites using thin heart-blood smears. Leucocytozoon simondi, Haemoproteus nettionis, and microfilariae were found in 16, 23, and 27 birds, respectively. Prevalence of L. simondi and H. nettionis did not vary by migratory corridor, but the prevalence of microfilariae was higher in the western corridor (23%) than the eastern corridor (9%). No differences in prevalence of L. simondi, H. nettionis, and microfilariae were observed by host age or sex. The mean density of L. simondi and H. nettionis averaged 1.5±0.3 and 2.3±0.4 (±SE per 3,000 erythrocytes), respectively. Ranked abundance models for main and interactive effects of corridor, age, and sex were not statistically significant for L. simondi or H. nettionis. Low prevalence and abundance of hematozoa in early autumn migrants reflects the likelihood of low exposure probabilities of Blue-winged Teal on the breeding grounds, compared to their congeners.

TOXOPLASMA GONDII ANTIBODY PREVALENCE AND TWO NEW GENOTYPES OF THE PARASITE IN ENDANGERED HAWAIIAN GEESE (NENE: BRANTA SANDVICENSIS).

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite transmitted by domestic cats ( Felis catus ) that has historically caused mortality in native Hawaiian birds. To estimate how widespread exposure to the parasite is in nene (Hawaiian Geese, Branta sandvicensis), we did a serologic survey for T. gondii antibody and genetically characterized parasite DNA from the tissues of dead birds that had confirmed infections by immunohistochemistry. Of 94 geese sampled, prevalence on the island of Kauai, Maui, and Molokai was 21% (n=42), 23% (n=31), and 48% (n=21), respectively. Two new T. gondii genotypes (ToxoDB #261 and #262) were identified by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism from four geese, and these appeared segregated geographically. Exposure to T. gondii in wild nene is widespread and, while the parasite is not a major cause of death, it could have sublethal or behavioral effects. How to translate such information to implement effective ways to manage feral cats in Hawaii poses challenges.

Direct and indirect causes of sex differences in mercury concentrations and parasitic infections in a marine bird.

In many animal species, males and females differ in their levels of contaminants and/or parasitic infections. Most contaminants and gastro-intestinal parasites are obtained through prey ingestion, and thus the causes of sex differences in the distribution of these factors might follow similar pathways. We studied the northern common eider duck (Somateria molissima borealis) as an avian model, and used directed separation path analysis to explore the causes of sex differences in mercury (Hg) and gastro-intestinal helminths. Two trophically transmitted helminths were examined: a cestode (Lateriporus sp.) and an acanthocephalan (Polymorphus sp). We found that the number of Lateriporus sp. varied positively with stable isotope signature (as indicated by δ(15)N in eider breast muscle tissue), and negatively with crustaceans being present in the short term diet. We also found that Polymorphus sp. varied positively with eider tissue stable isotope signature. However, Polymorphus sp. varied negatively with sex indirectly through condition and liver mass. Similarly, Hg concentrations also varied negatively with sex indirectly through condition and liver mass, with both Polymorphus sp. intensity and Hg concentrations significantly higher in males. We found that model fit increased when a negative relationship between the two helminth species was included, suggesting a yet unknown causal mechanism linking these parasites. Our findings suggest that although Hg and gastro-intestinal parasites are both trophically transmitted through the eider's prey items, the factors that contribute towards bioaccumulation of these two burdens differ in source, likely caused by several different factors and may potentially influence each other.

Malófagos (Insecta, Phthiraptera) de marreca caneleira Dendrocygna bicolor (Vieillot, 1816) e marreca piadeira Dendrocygna viduata (Linnaeus, 1766) na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul / Chewing lice (Insecta, Phthiraptera) of the fulvous whistling duck Dendrocygna bicolor (Vieillot, 1816) and white-faced whistling-duck Dendrocygna viduata (Linnaeus, 1766) from Rio Grande do Sul Southern Brazil

Os autores relatam a ocorrência de Acidoproctus rostratus (Rudow, 1866), Holomenopon leucoxanthum (Burmeister, 1838), Trinoton aculeatum (Piaget, 1885), Trinoton querquedulae (Linnaeus, 1758) e Anatoecus dentatus (Scopoli, 1763) em Dendrocygna bicolor (Vieillot, 1816) e Dendrocygna viduata (Linnaeus, 1766); Anatoecus icterodes (Nitzsch, 1818) em D. bicolor e Anaticola chaetodens (Eichler, 1954) em D. viduata . Diferenças significativas na prevalência foram encontradas entre T. aculeatum e T. querquedulae , tanto em D. bicolor quanto em D. viduata , sendo esse achado caracterizado como um evento potencial de colonização. Outras diferenças também foram encontradas para a prevalência e a abundância média de Anatoecus spp. entre D. bicolor e D. viduata. A ocorrência de Trinoton querquedulae em D. bicolor e D. viduata , de Anatoecus dentatus em D. bicolor e de Anaticola chaetodens em D. viduata ¸caracteriza novos hospedeiros para essas espécies de piolhos.(AU)

The authors report the occurrence of Acidoproctus rostratus (Rudow, 1866), Holomenopon leucoxanthum (Burmeister, 1838), Trinoton aculeatum (Piaget, 1885), Trinoton querquedulae (Linnaeus, 1758) and Anatoecus dentatus (Scopoli, 1763) in Dendrocygna bicolor (Vieillot, 1816) and Dendrocygna viduata (Linnaeus, 1766); Anatoecus icterodes (Nitzsch, 1818) in D. bicolor and Anaticola chaetodens (Eichler, 1954) in D. viduata . Significant differences in the prevalence were found between T. aculeatum and T. querquedulae in D. bicolor as well as D. viduata , which is characterized as a potential event of colonization. Significant differences were also found for the prevalence and mean abundance of Anatoecus spp. between D. bicolor and D. viduata. The occurrence of Trinoton querquedulae in D. bicolor and D. viduata , of Anatoecus dentatus in D. bicolor and Anaticola chaetodens in D. viduata characterize new hosts species to these species of lice.(AU)

Nematodes in the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus, 1758) and the common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula Linnaeus, 1758) (Anatidae) from Northern Europe.

There are first data on nematodes of Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus, 1758 (mallard) and Bucephala clangula Linnaeus, 1758 (common goldeneye) from Northern Europe (Ladoga Lake region). The ducks were found to be infected with nine nematode species. A. platyrhynchos hosted eight nematode species and B. clangula was host to four nematode species. All species except Capillaria anatis were found in the region for the first time. Nematodes Amidostomum acutum, Streptocara crassicauda, and Tetrameres fissispina parasitized on both hosts and were the most abundant. The biggest number of parasites revealed was biohelminths with a direct life cycle.

Molecular detection and genotypic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in wild waterfowls in Jilin Province, Northeastern China.

Toxoplasma gondii can infect almost warm-blooded animals, including humans. Limited information about T. gondii infection in wild waterfowls is available in China. The present study was conducted to determine prevalence and genotype T. gondii infection in 11 wild waterfowl species in Jilin Province, northeastern China. A total of 249 wild waterfowls were sampled between April and July 2013 from Jilin Province, and the tissue samples were collected for the detection of T. gondii by a semi-nested PCR targeting the B1 gene. The positive samples were genotyped at 11 genetic markers (SAG1, 5'- and 3'-SAG2, alternative SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, L358, PK1, c22-8, c29-2, and Apico) using multilocus polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technology. The overall prevalence of T. gondii in the wild waterfowls was 7.2% (18/249, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.0-10.4), with the highest prevalence (22.0%, 95% CI 10.5-33.5) in Anas formosa, followed by Anas platyrhynchos (20.0%, 95% CI 6.0-44.0), Falcated teal (12.5%, 95% CI 0.0-35.4), and Fulica atra (4.0%, 95% CI 0.0-11.7). Of 18 positive samples, only 2 samples (TgWfjl1 and TgWfjl2) were genotyped completely, and one genotype, namely ToxoDB #9, was revealed. The result of this survey has implications for better understanding of the genetic diversity of T. gondii in China. This is the first report of prevalence and genotypic characterization of T. gondii in wild waterfowls in northeastern China.

Description of Diorchis thracica n. sp. (Cestoda, Hymenolepididae) from the ruddy shelduck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas) (Anseriformes, Anatidae) in Bulgaria.

Diorchis thracica n. sp. (Cestoda, Cyclophyllidea, Hymenolepididae) is described from the ruddy shelduck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas) (Aves, Anseriformes, Anatidae), collected in the vicinities of Radnevo, Stara Zagora Region, Bulgaria. The new species is differentiated from other members of Diorchis Clerc, 1903 by possessing rostellar hooks with length of 36 µm, a thick-walled cirrus-sac with strong longitudinal muscular fibres in its middle part and a copulatory vagina with two sphincters. Main morphological criteria for distinguishing species of the genus Diorchis are discussed.