Investigation into the prevalence of Serratospiculum spp. in wild falcons of the greater Sydney region.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of Serratospiculum spp. in falcons in the greater Sydney region. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study; a total of 57 falcons entering wildlife rehabilitation in Sydney and surrounding areas between 2017 and 2019 were recruited into the study. Presence of Serratospiculum spp. eggs in faeces using faecal wet prep technique was used as an indicator of infection. RESULTS: Evidence of Serratospiculum spp. infection was detected in 10 out of 57 falcons, (18%). There was no significant correlation with body condition score or age group. PCR analysis of a representative nematode in a Brown Falcon (Falco berigora) was revealed to be Serratospiculum tendo. CONCLUSION: Serratospiculum spp are present in 18% of falcons coming into care in the Sydney region. The prevalence in this study is similar to that found in other parts of the world. This study provides evidence of the importance of faecal testing and treatment of falcons in a rehabilitation setting.