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Helminth Collection and Identification from Wildlife
Published on: December 14, 2013
Heartworm in a mute swan (Cygnus olor)
N D de Bruijn1, F C Velkers, A Gröne
1Animal Health Service (GD), P.O. Box 9, 7400 AA Deventer, The Netherlands.
Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde
|January 22, 2010
Summary
A mute swan (Cygnus olor) died from heartworm (Sarconema eurycerca) infection. This case highlights the first documented instance of this parasite in a mute swan in The Netherlands.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Parasitology
- Avian Medicine
Background:
- Mute swans (Cygnus olor) are susceptible to various diseases.
- Heartworm infections can cause significant pathology in avian species.
Observation:
- A severely emaciated mute swan presented with myocardial hemorrhages.
- Necropsy revealed adult Sarconema eurycerca in the right ventricular free wall.
Findings:
- Histopathology showed migratory tracts, necrotic debris, and inflammation associated with filarial nematodes.
- Adult female nematodes contained numerous microfilariae.
Implications:
- This is the first reported case of Sarconema eurycerca in a mute swan in The Netherlands.
- Highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in avian mortality cases.
- Informs wildlife rehabilitation and veterinary diagnostics for swans.
