Renal trematodiasis in captive double-toothed barbets (Lybius bidentatus).

Abstract

Two double-toothed barbets (Lybius bidentatus) were swallowed and regurgitated by a snake within a free-flight aviary. Trematodes were observed histopatholgically within the renal pelvises and proximal ureters with associated mucosal hyperplasia and mild heterohistiocytic inflammation in both birds. Trematodes were identified as Tanaisia (Tamerlania) zarudnyi, which have a life cycle involving terrestrial snails. Trematodes have been reported within kidneys in several orders of birds, including the Columbiformes, Passeriformes, Stercorariidae, Anseriformes, Galliformes, and Piciformes. Snails were not uncommon within the barbets' aviary and may have been the source of exposure. Renal trematodiasis is probably an incidental finding in these birds because there were no clinical signs and the birds lacked pronounced histologic lesions in the kidney that would be associated with ureteral or pelvic obstruction.