Taxonomic status of Syngamus nematodes parasitizing passeriform hosts from Central Europe: Morphological, morphometric and molecular identification

GAPEWORM (SYNGAMUS SPP.) PREVALENCE IN WISCONSIN GREATER PRAIRIE CHICKENS (TYMPANUCHUS CUPIDO PINNATUS)

Under Wisconsin state law, the greater prairie chicken (GRPC; Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus) has been listed as a threatened species since 1976. In 2014-15, we conducted a pilot study to determine the prevalence and intensity of gapeworms (Syngamus spp.) in female Wisconsin GRPCs collected from 2 monitored populations. We captured 62 female GRPCs using walk-in-style traps for females and night lighting for juveniles ≥45 days of age. From these individuals, we collected 15 carcasses of radio-marked birds, most of whom died due to predation events. Through dissection, we identified gapeworm in 20% of examined carcasses and report an intensity ranging between 4 and 74 worms.

Syngamus asphyxiation in a captive ring-necked pheasant

A deceased ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) presented for necropsy following a history of chronic wasting. Necropsy revealed nematodes consistent with the genus Syngamus partially obstructing the trachea. Phylogentic analysis failed to reveal conclusive results regarding the species. Syngamus spp. can cause obstruction of the trachea in several different hosts. Additional genetic data from this taxon would aid in the more precise identification of diagnostic specimens.

Causes of Fatal Cyathostomiasis in Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) from Brazil: Identification of Pathogen and Implications for Management

Fatal infection by Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma) phenisci (Nematoda: Syngamidae), was identified in 2 of 52 brown boobies (Sula leucogaster) collected on beaches in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and admitted to the veterinary clinic for rehabilitation. Both infected birds were in poor physical condition, with atrophied pectoral muscles, and died soon after starting treatment. The parasitological and pathological examination of the carcasses revealed the presence of C. (C.) phenisci in the trachea, resulting in tracheitis, as well as severe parasitic granulomatous bronchopneumonia caused by eggs deposited in the lungs. In our opinion, these serious pathological changes were the primary cause of chronic respiratory illness. This is the first description of fatal cyathostomiasis in a fish-eating avian host caused by infection by a member of the subgenus Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma). Therefore, it is reasonable to consider C. (C.) phenisci to be a real threat to a wide range of their definitive hosts, and cyathostomiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for fish-eating marine birds, even in cases without respiratory signs. This is also the first record of the genus Cyathostoma in Brazil.