Postharmostomiasis in wild turkeys in New Mexico

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Wildlife Disease Ecology
• Helminthology

Background:

• Postharmostomum gallinum is a trematode parasite typically found in galliform and columbiform birds.
• Previous reports of P. gallinum in North America are limited, with this study marking the second documented instance in wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo).

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the presence and characteristics of Postharmostomum gallinum in wild turkeys from southeastern New Mexico.
• To investigate potential pathological effects associated with P. gallinum infection in Meleagris gallopavo.

Main Methods:

• Necropsy of five wild turkeys collected in southeastern New Mexico.
• Collection and morphological examination of trematode specimens from the ceca.
• Measurement of P. gallinum body and egg dimensions for comparison with existing literature.

Main Results:

• Seventy-six mature and ten immature specimens of Postharmostomum gallinum were recovered from three of five wild turkeys.
• A concurrent hemorrhagic inflammation of the cecum was observed in the host with the highest parasite intensity.
• Specimens from Meleagris gallopavo were morphologically similar but larger in body and egg size compared to those from Eurasian hosts.

Conclusions:

• This study confirms the second North American record of Postharmostomum gallinum in wild turkeys.
• Evidence suggests local transmission and a potential association between P. gallinum infection and cecal pathology in Meleagris gallopavo.
• The larger morphometric measurements of P. gallinum in these turkeys warrant further investigation into host-parasite dynamics.