Contracaeciasis in an American white pelican

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Avian Pathology
• Molecular Phylogenetics

Background:

• Avian infections with nematodes can cause significant morbidity and mortality.
• Contracaecum spp. are common gastrointestinal parasites in fish-eating birds.
• Understanding parasite identification and transmission is crucial for wildlife health and public safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the causative agent of clinical signs in an American white pelican.
• To determine the species of Contracaecum identified.
• To assess the potential public health implications of the identified parasite.

Main Methods:

• Necropsy and histopathological examination of the affected pelican.
• Morphological identification of nematodes from the crop and proventriculus.
• Molecular analysis using nucleotide sequencing of the partial cox2 gene for species-level identification.

Main Results:

• Numerous Contracaecum spp. nematodes were found in the proventriculus and crop, associated with proventriculitis.
• Species-level identification confirmed the presence of Contracaecum fagerholmi.
• The study reinforces the high prevalence of Contracaecum infections in piscivorous birds.

Conclusions:

• Contracaecum fagerholmi is identified as the cause of illness in the American white pelican.
• The study underscores the importance of parasite control in wild bird populations.
• Humans consuming uncooked fish are advised to exercise caution due to potential zoonotic transmission of Contracaecum spp.