Mantzios T. DVM, PhD, Unit of Avian Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Sioutas G. DVM, PhD student, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Papadopoulos I. DVM, PhD, Professor, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Renieri T. DVM, Intern, Unit of Avian Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Papathanasiou A. DVM, Intern, Unit of Avian Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Karkas S. DVM, Intern, Unit of Avian Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Simeonidou I. DVM, PhD, Assistant Professor, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Tsiouris V. DVM, PhD, Associate Professor, Unit of Avian Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Introduction
The nematode Cheilospirura hamulosa (C. hamulosa) belongs to the Acuarioidea family and typically parasitizes the gizzard of birds, resulting in severe gross lesions, hemorrhages, or potentially fatal consequences. Case reports concerning pigeons are scarce, and in Greece, there is no official documentation confirming the presence of this parasite. This study aimed to conduct a clinicopathological and parasitological investigation into a case of gizzard parasitism observed in a domestic pigeon flock in Northern Greece.
Materials and methods
In April 2017, 2 dead pigeons from a flock of 212 birds were submitted to the Unit of Avian Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, AUTh. According to the owner, the birds from the flock showed anorexia and depression, while in a 2-week period 4 were found dead. After the clinical and post-mortem examination, samples from the plumage and gizzard of the birds were collected for parasitological examination.
Results
The birds were in a poor nutritional condition with a strong presence of ectoparasites in the plumage. At necropsy, a large number of parasites were found under the koilin layer of the gizzard, while erosions and hemorrhages were noted on the mucosa. Additionally, liver and spleen in both birds appeared enlarged. The parasitological examination of the plumage revealed the presence of lices (Columbicola columbae), while the parasitological examination of the gizzard revealed the presence of white nematodes (m:13-24mm, d:0.3-0.4mm) which were identified as adults C. hamulosa.
Conclusions
This is the first report of the presence of parasite C. hamulosa in Greece.
