Presence of encysted immature nematodes in a released whooping crane (Grus americana). |
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Authors: | A Varela J M Kinsella M G Spalding |
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Institution: | Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, Massachusetts 01604, USA. |
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Abstract: | Numerous nematode cysts were observed throughout the mesentery and on the surface of gastrointestinal organs in a whooping crane (Grus americana) that was found dead in a central Florida marsh. Morphology of the excysted nematodes most closely resembled third-stage larvae in the order Spirurida but were not similar to any species previously reported in whooping cranes. Evidence presented suggests that the larvae may be Physocephalus sexalatus, a swine spirurid in the subfamily Ascaropsinae that is commonly found encapsulated in birds, amphibians, and reptiles. We suspect that the whooping crane may potentially serve as a transport host for this parasite. |
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