Gastrointestinal parasites and their prevalence in the Arabian red fox (Vulpes vulpes arabica) from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The gastrointestinal parasites and prevalence of infestation in the Arabian red fox Vulpes vulpes arabica Thomas, were investigated at the King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre (KKWRC) in Thumamah, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia. Faecal samples were collected from 58 wild caught foxes while under anaesthesia and examined for gastrointestinal parasites stages. Male and female foxes were infected with three major groups of parasites; cestodes, nematodes, protozoa as well as an acanthocephalan. Faecal analyses revealed that 22 foxes (37.9%) were infected with two different Isospora spp. and three (5.2%) with an undescribed Eimeria sp., 12 (20.7%). Nine individuals (15.5%) harboured hookworms, (Trichosomoides sp.), two (3.5%) were infected with Trichuris sp. (probably Trichuris vulpes) and one individual (1.7%) with Taenia sp. (probably Taenia hydatigena). Carcasses of five male and three female foxes were necropsied. Four of the necropsied carcasses yielded Ancylostoma caninum, two each harboured Pterygodermatitis affinis, T. vulpes and Macracanthorhynchus catalinus, in six foxes Joyeuxiella echinorynchoides was found. Five and four foxes were infected with T. hydatigena and Diplopylidium n?lleri, respectively. The possible role of the Arabian red fox as an intercalary host essential for the life cycle of Trichosomoides sp., common to the Libyan jird, Meriones libycus, in particular and the importance of this species as a vector for zoonotic infections and in the spread of other parasites to wild and domestic animals in general is discussed.     

Parasites of cetaceans stranded on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica

Information regarding parasitic fauna of cetaceans from Costa Rica is provided for the first time. A total of 25 stranded dolphins and whales were examined between 2001 and 2009, including striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) (n=19), pantropical spotted dolphin (S. attenuata) (n=2), spinner dolphin (S. longirostris) (n=1), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) (n=1), dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima) (n=1) and Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) (n=1). Pathological findings associated with the parasites are also presented. In the most representative dolphin species, S. coeruleoalba, the prevalence of parasites was 89.5%; moreover, all examined specimens of S. attenuata, S. longirostris, T. truncatus and Z. cavirostris presented parasites. No parasites were recovered from K. sima. Fourteen helminth taxa were identified, including six species of cestodes (Strobilocephalus triangularis, Tetrabothrius forsteri, Trigonocotyle sp., Phyllobothrium delphini, Monorygma grimaldi, Tetraphyllidea gen. sp. plerocercoid), four digeneans (Nasitrema globicephalae, Brachycladium palliatum, B. pacificum and Oschmarinella albamarina) and four nematodes (Anisakis spp., Halocercus lagenorhynchi, Halocercus sp. and Crassicauda anthonyi). A commensal crustacean, Xenobalanus globicipitis, was also identified. All identified parasites representing new geographic records for the Pacific coast of Central America and new host records are presented. Parasitological information is valuable for conservation of cetaceans in Pacific coast of Costa Rica.     

Internal parasites of possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) from Kawau Island, Chatham Island and Stewart Island

As part of a search for pathogens that might be useful agents for biological control of possums, the three largest offshore islands of New Zealand that still have possums were surveyed to determine the pathogens present in these isolated populations. Brushtail possums from Kawau Island (n = 158), Chatham Island (n = 214) and Stewart Island (n = 194) were examined for internal parasites. Possums from Kawau Island were infected with Eimeria spp. (16.7%), Bertiella trichosuri (5.2%) and Purustrongyloides trichosuri (15.5%). No Paraustrostrongylus trichosuri or Trichostrongylus spp. were found. Possums from Chatham Island were infected with Eimeria spp. (10.9%). Bertiella trichosuri (3.6%), T colubriformis (6.6%), T retortaeformis (1%) and T. vitrinus (0.5%). No Parastrongyloides or Paraustrostrongylus spp. were found. Possums from Stewart Island were infected only with Eimeria spp. (4.6%). Because of their paucity of some parasites, the opportunity exists to use these offshore islands to study the introduction and spread of a parasite into a possum population, and what technology would be required to bring it to hyperendemicity.     

Genetic resistance to gastrointestinal nematode parasites in Rh?n sheep following natural infection.

Genetic parameters of resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes were estimated in Rh?n sheep, a local sheep breed in Germany. In the first year, a total of 131 lambs (born between January and February 1998) from five rams were evaluated. Faecal egg counts (FEC) (n=1528) were measured in all lambs every 2 weeks until 4 months of age and every 4 weeks until 12 months of age in female lambs. In the second year, a total of 129 lambs (born between January and February 1999) from the same rams were evaluated. FEC (n=645) were measured in the lambs every 4 weeks until 5 months of age. Blood was taken in both years at the time of faecal sampling from the jugular vein and haematocrit was measured. Heritabilities for log(10)(FEC+25) were between 0.11 and 0.44. Heritabilities for the corresponding haematocrits were between 0.19 and 0.26 depending on the number of samples taken in account. A significant negative correlation was estimated for the parameters of FEC and daily weight gain (r=-0.57). The results confirm the feasibility of genetic selection in Rh?n sheep for resistance to nematode parasites in an environment where Trichostrongylus spp./Teladorsagia spp., Haemonchus contortus and Cooperia spp. are the dominant species. Breeding decisions can be based on one or two samples depending on the mean values and ranges of FEC and haematocrit, respectively.     

Helminth parasites of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Sebele, Gaborone, Botswana

Twelve adult domestic pigeons from Sebele, Gaborone, Botswana, were examined for the presence of helminth parasites. The cestode genus Raillietina and two species of nematodes, Dispharynx spiralis and Ascaridia columbae were recovered. Most pigeons (75 %) were infected with Raillietina spp. often in concurrence with A. columbae.     

Prevalence of common gastrointestinal nematode parasites in scavenging pigs of different ages and sexes in eastern centre province, Burkina Faso

The range and infestation intensities of gastrointestinal parasitic nematode species depend on the type of swine production system. The present study focused mainly on nematodes of veterinary importance in scavenging pigs in Burkina Faso, and aimed at determining the prevalence of gastro-intestinal nematode parasites by means of faecal egg per gram (EPG) counts. Between November 2001 and October 2002, faecal samples from 383 pigs of different sexes and ages (< 5 months, 5-12 months and > 12 months) were collected from the rectum and examined for gastrointestinal nematodes parasites using the Mc Master method. Of the 383 pigs examined, 91% were infected by one or more parasites. Ascaris suum (40%; 100-1 400 EPG) was the most prevalent parasite followed by Strongyloides ransomi (21%; 100-4200 EPG), Oesophagostomum spp. (18%; 100-1000 EPG), Hyostrongylus rubidus (11%; 100-1 800 EPG), Globocephalus spp. (10%; 100-400 EPG) and Trichuris suis (1 %; 100-200 EPG). The prevalence was significantly higher in female pigs (n = 239) than in males. In addition, females excreted significantly (P < 0.05) more eggs in their faeces than males, except in the case of Globocephalus spp. The age of the animal had no effect on the prevalence of A. suum whereas there were significant differences in age categories concerning S. ransomi, H. rubidus, Oesophagostumum spp. and Globocephalus spp. Unexpectedly, the high prevalence of these common parasites was not accompanied by elevated EPG values, which suggests the existence of moderate infestations. The present work indicates that the common nematode infestations in pigs do not necessarily need a systematic herd anthelmintic treatment, as only a small number of worms is required to induce immunity. A further study is needed to formulate appropriate and cost-effective strategies for the control of gastro-intestinal nematode parasites in pigs in Burkina Faso.     

Prevalence, lesions, and differential diagnosis of Ollulanus tricuspis infection in cats

Ollulanus tricuspis were found in the stomachs of 26 of 201 cats which were mainly from Washington and Idaho. Twenty-four of the cats were from research or commercial breeding colonies (catteries) and two were pets. Twenty-seven percent of colony cats were infected with O. tricuspis, whereas only 2% of the pet cats were infected. No consistent clinical signs were seen. Histologically there was a significant increase in fibrous connective tissue in the lamina propria and in the number of lymphoid follicles and globule leukocytes in the gastric mucosa of infected cats. Histologic examination revealed no parasites in 13 of the 26 infected cats. The 26 infected cats were identified by examination of stomach washings. An additional 21 cats had larvae of other nematodes in their stomachs. These nematode larvae need to be differentiated from O. tricuspis.     

Internal parasites of possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) from Kawau Island,Chatham Island and Stewart Island

As part of a search for pathogens that might be useful agents for biological control of possums, the three largest offshore islands of New Zealand that still have possums were surveyed to determine the pathogens present in these isolated populations. Brushtail possums from Kawau Island (n = 158), Chatham Island (n = 214) and Stewart Island (n = 194) were examined for internal parasites.

Possums from Kawau Island were infected with Eimeria spp. (16.7%), Bertiella trichosuri (5.2%) and Parastrongyloides trichosuri (15.5%). No Paraustrostrongylus trichosuri or Trichostrongylus spp. were found. Possums from Chatham Island were infected with Eimeria spp. (10.9%). Bertiella trichosuri (3.6%), T. colubriformis (6.6%), T. retortaeformis (1%) and T. vitrinus (0.5%). No Parastrongyloides or Paraustrostrongylus spp. were found. Possums from Stewart Island were infected only with Eimeria spp. (4.6%).

Because of their paucity of some parasites, the opportunity exists to use these offshore islands to study the introduction and spread of a parasite into a possum population, and what technology would be required to bring it to hyperendemicity.     

Prevalence of selected species of internal parasites in equids at necropsy in central Kentucky (1995-1999)

A survey to determine current prevalence of several species of endoparasites in equids (n=350) at necropsy was conducted at the Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center in central Kentucky (1995-1999). Thelazia lacrymalis were found in 42% of the 1- to 4-year olds (n=132), which was the only age group examined for these parasites. Five- to 30-year olds (n=157), examined for Onchocerca spp. worms/lesions, had a prevalence of 24%. In > or =1-year olds (n=324), the infection rate for Gasterophilus intestinalis was 12% for second instars and 14% for third instars and for Gasterophilus nasalis was 2% for second instars and 2% for third instars. For Anoplocephala perfoliata (n=268 equids), prevalence was 52%. Data were compiled for the equids according to breed, age, sex, month of necropsy, and number of parasites. Arterial lesions caused by migrating Strongylus vulgaris larvae were observed in a low number (3 of 52) of equids. Specific examination for Parascaris equorum revealed that 46% of 13 weanlings and 10% of 20 older horses were infected. Anoplocephala magna were found in one of the weanlings. Compared to previous studies (about 15-25 years ago) in Kentucky, the present survey indicated the genera Onchocerca and Gasterophilus greatly declined but Thelazia, Anoplocephala, and Parascaris did not.     

Effects of supplemental feeding on gastrointestinal parasite infection in elk (Cervus elaphus): preliminary observations

The effects of management practices on the spread and impact of parasites and infectious diseases in wildlife and domestic animals are of increasing concern worldwide, particularly in cases where management of wild species can influence disease spill-over into domestic animals. In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, USA, winter supplemental feeding of Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus) may enhance parasite and disease transmission by aggregating elk on feedgrounds. In this study, we tested the effect of supplemental feeding on gastrointestinal parasite infection in elk by comparing fecal egg/oocyst counts of fed and unfed elk. We collected fecal samples from fed and unfed elk at feedground and control sites from January to April 2006, and screened all samples for parasites. Six different parasite types were identified, and 48.7% of samples were infected with at least one parasite. Gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes (Nematoda: Strongylida), Trichuris spp., and coccidia were the most common parasites observed. For all three of these parasites, fecal egg/oocyst counts increased from January to April. Supplementally fed elk had significantly higher GI nematode egg counts than unfed elk in January and February, but significantly lower counts in April. These patterns suggest that supplemental feeding may both increase exposure and decrease susceptibility of elk to GI nematodes, resulting in differences in temporal patterns of egg shedding between fed and unfed elk.     

Common internal parasites found in the stomach, large intestine, and cranial mesenteric artery of thoroughbreds in Kentucky at necropsy (1985 to 1986)

A total of 278 Thoroughbreds (less than 1 to 31 years old) were examined at necropsy (July 9, 1985, to Feb 2, 1986) in Kentucky for various internal parasites. Examination was not made of all the horses for each of the parasites. Specific parasites recovered from the stomach of foals (n = 30) and yearlings and older horses (n = 96) and percentage (in parentheses) of each age category infected, respectively, were as follows: Gasterophilus intestinalis 2nd instar (53% and 32%) and 3rd instar (37% and 24%); G nasalis 2nd instar (7% and 8%) and 3rd instar (7% and 10%); Habronema spp immature (7% and 13%); H muscae (3% and 8%); Draschia megastoma (3% and 5%) and lesions (0% and 2%); and Trichostrongylus axei (0% and 3%). Parasites in the large intestine included Anoplocephala perfoliata, which was found in the cecum of 30% of the foals (n = 87) and in 60% of the yearlings and older horses (n = 186). Probstmayria vivipara and immature Oxyuris equi were not found in the colon and rectum of any of the horses (n = 53 foals and n = 101 yearlings and older); mature O equi were not sought. Examination of the cranial mesenteric artery for Strongylus vulgaris revealed immature and/or mature specimens in 9% of foals (n = 87) and 14% of yearlings (n = 44); lesions of S vulgaris were present in 25% of foals (n = 87) and 34% of yearlings (n = 44).     

Parasites in Kentucky Thoroughbreds at necropsy: emphasis on stomach worms and tapeworms

A total of 363 Thoroughbreds (62 males, 292 females, and 9 geldings), 1 to 26 years of age, were examined at necropsy for internal parasites for about a 12-month period from February 1981 through February 1982. Emphasis was on examining the stomach for nematodes and the small intestine and cecum for tapeworms. Parasites recovered from the stomach and infection rates were: Habronema spp--immature (24%), H muscae--adult (38%), Draschia megastoma--immature (13%), D megastoma--adult (62%), and Trichostrongylus axei--adult (4%); lesions caused by D megastoma were found upon gross observation in 58% of the stomachs. The tapeworm, Anoplocephala perfoliata, was recovered from 54% of the horses; A magna was not found. There was no obvious difference in infection rates of the stomach worms and tapeworms according to age or sex of the horses. Seasonal differences were apparent only for immature Habronema spp and immature D megastoma for which infection rates began increasing in June, peaking in October, and declining thereafter. Presence of 4 additional species of parasites was recorded, but only a cursory examination was made for them. These were the large strongyles, Strongylus vulgaris, S edentatus, and S equinus, from the cecum and a filariid, Setaria spp (probably S equina), from the abdominal cavity, for which recovery rates from the horses were 8%, 8%, 1%, and 7%, respectively.     

Coprological analyses on apparently healthy Alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex) from two Swiss colonies

To provide baseline parasitological data for health surveillance in free-ranging Alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex), we assessed the endoparasite population and level of parasitism in apparently healthy ibex. Faecal samples from 148 ibex were collected between 2006 and 2008 in two different Swiss ibex colonies. They were analysed by coprology, including combined sedimentation/flotation method, sedimentation method, Baermann funnel technique and Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Gastrointestinal parasites and lungworms were identified in 100% and 81.8% of the examined animals, respectively. Highest prevalences were recorded for gastrointestinal strongylids other than Nematodirus/Marshallagia spp. (100%), Eimeria spp. (100%), Muellerius spp. (79.8%) and Nematodirus/Marshallagia spp. (79.0%). We report for the first time Cryptosporidium sp. in free-ranging Alpine ibex and Cystocaulus spp. in free-ranging ibex from Switzerland. On average, ibex were infected with 3.9 different parasites taxa (range: 1-8). Parasite prevalence and diversity varied significantly between sexes, study sites and seasons. Parasite egg output was low in 95.7% and moderate in 5.3% of the samples. Overall, the results indicate that Alpine ibex are widely infected with endoparasites and suggest that multiple infections are very common in apparently healthy populations. Furthermore, our data underline the potential influence of factors such as sex, study site and season on parasitological findings.     

Lung worm (Marsupostrongylus spp.) infection in common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula)

Marsupostrongylus spp. are the metastrongyloid nematodes most commonly associated with verminous pneumonia in Australian marsupials. Currently, there is a scarcity of information regarding this parasite in the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Thirty-four free-living possums submitted to two wildlife hospitals in Sydney, Australia, between 2008 and 2015 were diagnosed with verminous pneumonia on postmortem examination. The majority of possums presented ill with multiple comorbidities. However, only five cases had clinical signs of respiratory disease. Necropsy and histopathology revealed extensive lung lesions characterised by diffuse, mixed interstitial infiltrates of macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells with mild to marked concentrations of eosinophils. Bronchopneumonia, pulmonary oedema, interstitial fibrosis, atelectasis and type II pneumocyte hyperplasia were also present in most cases. Adult nematodes, first-stage larvae and embryonating eggs were present in the large airways and alveolar spaces. The parasites were definitively identified as Marsupostrongylus spp. in eight cases with presumptive diagnoses based on histopathological characteristics reached in a further 26 cases. Twenty-nine of the 34 affected possums were adults with no sex predisposition. A review of the brushtail possum records at Taronga Wildlife Hospital from 1999 to 2015 revealed no lungworm infections were reported in the 45 possums examined before 2008. However, between 2008 and 2015, 30 of 47 possums (63.8%) examined were diagnosed with metastrongyloid lungworms. This case series is the first detailed report of Marsupostrongylus nematodes in common brushtail possums and highlights the clinical and pathological features, along with epidemiological findings.     

Zoonotic intestinal parasites and vector-borne pathogens in Italian shelter and kennel dogs

This study investigated the presence of zoonotic parasites and vector-borne pathogens in dogs housed in kennels and shelters from four sites of Italy. A total of 150 adoptable dogs was examined with different microscopic, serological and molecular methods.Overall 129 dogs (86%) were positive for one or more parasites and/or pathogens transmitted by ectoparasites. Forty-eight (32%) were positive for one infection, while 81 (54%) for more than one pathogen. The most common zoonotic helminths recorded were hookworms, roundworms and Capillaria aerophila, followed by mosquito-borne Dirofilaria spp. and Dipylidium caninum. One hundred and thirteen (77.9%), 6 (4.1%) and 2 (1.4%) dogs were positive for Rickettsia spp., Leishmania infantum and Anaplasma spp., respectively.The results show that dogs living in rescue facilities from the studied areas may be infected by many zoonotic internal parasites and vector-borne pathogens, and that control measures should be implemented.     

Gastrointestinal parasites of working donkeys of Ethiopia

The general prevalence and population composition of gastrointestinal and pulmonary helminths of working donkeys were studied. For the purpose 2935 working donkeys were coprologically examined for nematode and cestode, and 215 donkeys for trematode infections. Seven donkeys that died due to various health problems or were euthanased on a welfare ground were necropsied and the parasites were recovered and identified to the species level. The study was conducted during the periods 1996-1999. Coprological examination revealed 99% strongyle, 80% Fasciola, 51% Parascaris, 30% Gastrodiscus, 11% Strongyloides westeri, 8% cestodes and 2% Oxyuris equi infection prevalence. Over 55% of donkeys had more than 1000 eggs per gram of faeces (epg). Forty two different species of parasites consisting of 33 nematodes, 3 trematodes, 3 cestodes and 3 arthropod larvae were identified from postmortem examined donkeys. Among the nematodes 17 species of Cyathostominae and 7 species of Strongylinae were identified. Other parasites identified include, Habronema muscae, Draschia megastoma, Trichostrongylus axei, Strongyloides westeri, Anoplocephala perfoliata, Anoplocephala magna, Anoplocephaloides (Paranoplocephala) mamillana, Parascaris equorum, Fasciola hepatica, Fasciola gigantica, Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus, Dictyocaulus arnfieldi, Oxyuris equi, Probstmayria vivipara, Gasterophilus intestinalis, Gasterophilus nasalis, Rhinoestrus uzbekistanicus and Setaria equina. This study revealed that working donkeys in Ethiopia are infected with a range of helminths and arthropod larvae, which are representatives of the important pathogenic parasites found in equids worldwide.     

荣昌县生猪肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

目的摸清重庆市荣昌县生猪的肠道寄生虫感染情况,从而为有效防控猪的肠道寄生虫感染提供依据。方法荣昌是我国著名地方猪“荣昌猪”的故乡,我国养猪大县之一,作者于2007年4月至2007年11月,在该县20个镇选择具有代表性的规模化猪场、散养户和屠宰场,对种公猪、母猪、仔猪及肥育猪肠道寄生虫感染情况和屠宰场宰杀的肥猪肠道寄生虫虫体感染情况进行了调查。共检查了832份集约化饲养猪的粪便、l133份农户散养猪的粪便,并检查了200头屠宰肥猪的肠道。结果13．1％的集约化饲养猪感染猪蛔虫,5．4％感染猪鞭虫．14．6％感染食道口线虫,14．8％感染球虫（包括艾关尔球虫及等孢球虫）,3．6％感染结肠小袋纤毛虫。对散养猪．这些数值分别是6．7％,4．8％,23．2％,13．8％,及4．9％。4％的宰杀肥猪检出猪蛔虫,3．5％检出猪鞭虫,52．0％感染食道口线虫。混合感染很常见。结论本项调查表明,荣昌生猪的寄生虫感染较为严重,应引起有关方面的足够重视。应尽快开展猪肠道寄生虫感染的综合防控工作,以保障养猪业的健康快速发展。     

Seasonal occurrence and distribution of Gasterophilus intestinalis and Gasterophilus nasalis in the stomachs of equids in Texas

Stomachs of 271 horses and ponies from 2 sources were evaluated for the presence of Gasterophilus intestinalis and G nasalis larvae, through 2 overlapping 12-month periods of bot fly activity in southern Texas. Equids (n = 140) from one source had nearly 96% of their stomachs infected, whereas equids (n = 131) from another source had 44% of their stomachs infected by Gasterophilus spp. Seasonal dynamics of the bot infection indicated the highest average number of bot larvae per infected stomach occurred in the winter and spring. The smallest average number of bots per infected stomach occurred in the fall. Higher percentages of early (2nd instar plus young 3rd instar) larvae of G intestinalis were observed in the fall in equids from both sources. The late (more fully developed older 3rd instar) G intestinalis larvae outnumbered the early larvae in the winter, spring, and summer. Seasonal variation in numbers and development status of the larvae was consistent with the largest period of adult bot fly activity occurring during the fall. The 2 species of bots had different predilection sites of attachment. Gasterophilus intestinalis larvae concentrated in the nonglandular portions of the stomach near the margo plicatus on the cranial (parietal) surface of the stomach and in the most dorsal extent of the saccus cecus. Gasterophilus nasalis larvae attached almost exclusively in the first ampulla of the duodenum. Predilection sites for both Gasterophilus spp occurred in dorsally positioned areas in the alimentary tract favoring increased availability of oxygen.     

尧山白山羊肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

为了解河南省尧山白山羊肠道寄生虫感染情况,本试验采用离心沉淀法、卢戈氏碘液染色法、饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法对河南省鲁山县某羊场尧山白山羊的63份新鲜粪便样品进行检查。结果共查出17种肠道寄生虫,总感染率为98.4%,分别为艾美耳球虫(9种)、隐孢子虫、贾第虫、阿米巴原虫、圆线虫、细颈线虫、鞭虫、莫尼茨绦虫和吸虫,其中以球虫感染率最高,为95.2%。对检出球虫进行种类鉴定,发现9种艾美耳属球虫,多呈混合感染,最多可达5种。结果表明,该品种羊肠道寄生虫较为普遍,且存在人兽共患寄生虫,应加强其综合防控措施。     

Acuaroid nematodes in the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in the south of Spain

The prevalence, intensity and abundance of acuaroid nematodes were determined in the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in Andalusia, Spain. Acuaroid nematodes were present in 26/41 (63.4%) of birds examined. The most common species belonged to the genus Synhimantus subgenus Synhimantus (56%): S. (S.) laticeps (36.5%), S. (S.) robertdollfusi (24.3%) and a single specimen of a third, unknown, Synhimantus (S.) spp., unlike any other described previously (2.4%). Other species identified were Synhimantus (Dispharynx) spp. (2.4%), S. (D.) nasuta (4.8%), Desportesius spinulatus (9.7%) and Skrjabinoclava spp. (2.4%). This is the first record of these three species in F. tinnunculus, but the latter two are considered to be accidental parasites in birds of prey.