First report of Synhimantus laticeps in long-eared owl in Serbia.

Abstract

Thirteen owl species occur in Serbia, all legally protected, with several species considered endangered. Many populations have decline due to loss of breeding sites and hunting grounds. The long-eared owl (Asio otus) is a medium-sized owl distributed in northern part in Serbia (Vojvodina). A dead owl was admitted to Department of Forensic Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade. Necropsy revealed around 50 nematodes in the oral cavity, esophagus, and stomach. The worms were examined and measured by using light microscopy, photographed and morphologically analyzed leading to their identification as Synhimantus (Synhimantus) laticeps. Histological, radiological, and virological examinations were performed; radiological and virological findings were unremarkable, and histological examination did not reveal specific microscopic lesions. This study provides a full diagnostic research and approach to S. laticeps infestation in owl. To the authors' best knowledge, this represents the first documented report of Synhimantus laticeps in a long-eared owl (Asio otus) from Serbia. Although studies on the helminth fauna of owls have been conducted in other European countries, published data specifically documenting this parasite in Serbia are lacking.