Respiratory Nematodiases in Raptors in Quebec

Abstract

This is a retrospective study on wild raptors submitted to the Université de Montréal (Quebec, Canada) from 1989 to 1996. Cyathostoma spp. (Nematoda: Syngamidae) adults and/or eggs were found in air sacs, lungs, bronchi, and trachea of 12 raptors (Falconiformes and Strigiformes) from Quebec, Canada, belonging to eight different species, five of which are first host records for this parasite: barred owl (Strix varia), snowy owl (Nyctea scandiaca), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), and broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypterus). The infection was considered fatal in four birds, while no significant clinical signs were observed in the other cases. Major pathologic changes included diffuse pyogranulomatous air sacculitis, pneumonia, and bronchitis. A few unidentified larval nematodes embedded in a granuloma were found in the lungs of an additional Coopers' hawk (Accipiter cooperii); they were not considered clinically significant. A dead nematode, surrounded by necrotic inflammatory cells, was found in the air sac of a northern goshawk. The presence of nematodes in air sacs or lungs should be considered in wild raptors demonstrating respiratory problems.

Fatal epicarditis in a hen harrier (Circus cyaneus) a red‐listed bird of high conservation concern in Britain associated with Cyathostoma species and Escherichia coli infection

“…To speciate Cyathostoma species, the copulatory bursa of adult males must be identified using light microscopy; however, if no males are present, then identification to genus level is only possible ( Cyathostoma species) (Chitwood and Lichtenfels 1972). C americanum has been associated with diffuse pyogranulomatous air sacculitis, pneumonia and bronchitis (Lavoie and others 1999) and Cyathostoma ( Hovorkonema ) variegatum with thickened air sac walls and granulomatous lesions at sites of infection in raptors (Krone and Cooper 2002). Emaciation and anaemia have been reported in dead wild birds of prey in the winter months with Cyathostoma species infection, however, the authors considered the Cyathostoma species infections to be of limited importance, and that the observed emaciation and anaemia were likely a consequence of starvation (Simpson and Harris 1992).…”

The Value of Endoscopy in a Wildlife Raptor Service

“…4,23,26,30 Treatment with anthelmintics is currently recommended. 26,30 In case of a severe infestation, endoscopic removal of the worms might be considered to avoid profound air sacculitis secondary to parasite death.…”

“…All these conditions can cause moderate to severe nonspecific respiratory signs and require a rapid and accurate diagnosis. [21][22][23][24] Instruments such as biopsy or grasping forceps can be used to retrieve foreign bodies or debride Aspergillus granulomas, following a single or multiple attempts, depending on the size and consistency of the material/tissue. An operating sheath is not commonly used in these situations because of the small tracheal diameter; therefore, the forceps must run along the side of the endoscope in a parallel fashion to reach the material of interest.…”

Taxonomic status of Cyathostoma nematodes (Nematoda: Syngaminae) parasitizing respiratory tracts of birds of prey and owls in Europe and North America: how many species are there?

“…Usually, occurrence of these nematodes is subclinical, but heavy infections are often associated with bacterial and/or fungal infections. Several reports of morbidity and mortality of birds, particularly birds of prey and owls caused by infection of Cyathostoma are available (e.g., Hunter et al, 1993;Lavoie et al, 1999;Krone et al, 2007;Vaughan-Higgins et al, 2013). Thus, understanding of all aspects of ecology and taxonomy of these syngamid nematodes has great practical importance for veterinary and conservation reasons in general.…”

“…(Hovorkonema) variegatum (Creplin, 1849) and C. (Cyathostoma) lari Blanchard, 1849. Moreover, several reports on the occurrence of Cyathostoma nematodes determined only to the genus level in birds of prey and owls are available (e.g., Mumcuoglu & Müller, 1974;Hunter et al,1993;Lavoie et al, 1999;Vaughan-Higgins et al, 2013). Among the mentioned species, C. (Cyathostoma) lari is a typical parasite of gulls, only occasionally reported from birds of prey (Simpson & Harris, 1992).…”