First report of Saemundssonia lari on yellow-legged gull (larus michahellis) from Iran

Pediculosis caused by chewing lice may pose a threat to domesticated and wild birds' health. These ectoparasites can cause pruritus, poor feather condition and do weaken hosts making them susceptible to other infections. Species of the genus Saemundssonia which are called ecomorphic head lice parasitize a wide range of aquatic birds from the family Laridae. The present report describes a heavy infestation of yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) with Saemundssonia species in Iran. Three yellow-legged gulls that were brought to Mashhad Birds Garden (northeastern Iran) were examined visually for infestation with any ectoparasites and infestation with lice on the head zone was observed. The lice were collected and after clearing in aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide were mounted on slides. The morphological characteristics were used to identify 85 collected lice from three examined birds and they were identified as Saemundssonia lari. The lice of this species parasitize a broad range of host species and it seems to be less host specific. Iran has many aquatic habitats and a few lakes that host many migratory birds annually. The accumulation of these birds in these habitats could spread lice infestations among themselves that negatively affect their health and welfare. Therefore, Periodic checks to identify ectoparasites and other pathogens of migratory birds are quite necessary.