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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Helminth Collection and Identification from Wildlife
Published on: December 14, 2013
Clinical pathological findings in an owl (Athene noctua) with microfilaraemia in Italy
M Bedin1, C Petterino, E Gallo
1Clinica Veterinaria Euganea, Animali da Compagnia ed Animali Esotici, Monselice, PD, Italy. dott.bedin@libero.it
Abstract:
We report the first case of microfilaria infection in a free-flying owl Athene noctua in Italy. A macroparasite, about 10.1-mm long, was observed in the right chamber of the heart. On microscopic examination microfilariae were seen in liver, kidney, myocardium and lungs, although no cellular reaction was present in association with the parasites in any of these tissues. Because of the low pathogenicity of this parasite, infection with microfilaria may be not harmful in wild owls.
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