Detection of Diplotriaena spp. in the Abdominal Cavity of the Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) in Central Iran (Isfahan)

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

1 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran

2 Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran

3 Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran

4 Avian Veterinarian, Bird Garden of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

In February 2023, eight common mynas (Acridotheres tristis) were found dead in the Bird Garden of Isfahan. The Mynas had a diet composed of bird pellets, fruits, vegetables, and dates. Post-mortem examination revealed the presence of nematodes in their peritoneal and abdominal cavities. Ascites, necrotic spots in the liver, cardiomegaly, and pericardial effusion were observed in necropsy. Based on their morphological features observed through light microscopy, the nematodes were identified as belonging to the genus Diplotriaena. They had a milky white color, slender, long bodies, simple mouths with no lips, and a pair of chitinous tridents (0.12 mm × 0.02 mm) at their anterior ends. The worms had a body length of 130 mm and a diameter of 0.65 mm. The head had a width measuring 0.3 mm, while the tail was 0.5 mm wide. Although Diplotriaena spp. infections have previously been reported in the north (1), northeast (2), and southeast (3) regions of Iran, to our knowledge, this represents the first record of the nematode in central Iran, specifically in Isfahan, within an aviary housing diverse bird species from around the world.

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