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Updated: Mar 17, 2026
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Necropsy-based Wild Fish Health Assessment
Published on: September 11, 2018
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SUSPECTED FENBENDAZOLE TOXICITY IN AN AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN (PELECANUS ERYTHRORHYNCHOS)
Summary
A case study reveals fenbendazole toxicity in an American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos). The anthelmintic drug caused severe adverse effects, leading to the bird
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Avian Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Routine examination of a wild-raised American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) during a zoological park quarantine.
- Pelican presented with ascarid-type eggs detected via fecal flotation.
Observation:
- Fenbendazole anthelmintic treatment was initiated at 50 mg/kg p.o. s.i.d. for 5 days.
- Pelican developed lethargy and inappetence on day 3 of treatment.
- The bird was found deceased on day 7 of fenbendazole administration.
Findings:
- Postmortem examination revealed intestinal crypt cell necrosis, stomatitis, and splenic lymphoid depletion.
- Histopathology confirmed findings consistent with fenbendazole toxicity.
- This is the first reported case of fenbendazole toxicity in this species.
Implications:
- Highlights potential adverse reactions to fenbendazole in American white pelicans.
- Suggests a need for careful dosage and monitoring when using fenbendazole in this species.
- Informs veterinary protocols for avian parasite treatment and toxicity assessment.
