Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Parasite infestation causing death in captive red-rumped parrots
By Hernandez-Urraca, Vanessa et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports·2022·Medical Center for Birds, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Dispharynx nasuta (Nematoda: Acuarioidea: Acuariidae) infestation in exotic red-rumped parrots (Psephotus haematonotus) in captivity in the State of Michoacan, Mexico.
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
A group of six red-rumped parrots in a private aviary in Mexico showed signs of illness, including depression, ruffled feathers, and regurgitation, before tragically dying over the course of a month. A necropsy revealed that the birds had ulcers in their stomachs caused by a type of roundworm called Dispharynx nasuta, which is known to affect birds. This case marks the first report of this parasite in red-rumped parrots and in Mexico. Unfortunately, the parrots did not survive, highlighting the serious threat that this parasite poses to captive birds.
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Abstract
Dispharynx nasuta is a widespread nematode parasite located in the proventriculus. This parasite may cause mortality in free-living birds or in captivity. However, reports of this parasite in psittacines are scarce. In a private aviary, in Zamora, Michoacan, Mexico six red-rumped parrots (Psephotus haematonotus) died in one month, from mid-August to mid-September 2016, and one more specimen died during the examination. Prior to death, the birds presented depression, ruffled feathers, crop atony, and regurgitation. Upon necropsy, ulcers in the proventriculus, and hemorrhagic content associated with the presence of round worms was observed. At histopathology examination, the parasites were identified as Spirurida nematodes, located in the proventricular and ventricular mucosa. Specimens were submitted to the parasitology laboratory of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where the parasites were identified as D. nasuta. This is the first report of D. nasuta in P. haematonotus and the first report of D. nasuta in Mexico.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35012726/