Capillariasis in a vulture guinea fowl

A case of capillariasis was diagnosed in a 5-yr-old male vulture guinea fowl (Acryllium vulturinum) with clinical signs of weakness, anorexia, and vomition. Necropsy revealed that the bird was severely emaciated and the liver was congested. The entire mucosa of the crop and esophagus was severely thickened as a result of the presence of fibrinonecrotic white plaques mixed with numerous nematodes. Histopathology of the crop and esophagus revealed multifocal areas of necrosis of the mucosa, severe inflammation, and squamous cell hyperplasia. Numerous nematode adults, larvae, and eggs consistent with the morphology of Capillaria sp. were found within the mucosa. The nematodes were identified as Capillaria contorta. Similar cases of capillariasis have been diagnosed in other vulture guinea fowl.