Dispharynx nasuta (Nematoda: Acuarioidea: Acuariidae) infestation in exotic red-rumped parrots (Psephotus haematonotus) in captivity in the State of Michoacan, Mexico

• Published in: Veterinary parasitology (Amsterdam) Vol. 27; p. 100669
• Main Authors: Hernandez-Urraca, Vanessa, Sanchez-Godoy, Felix D., Hernandez-Velasco, Xochitl
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.01.2022
• Subjects: Animals; Bird Diseases - epidemiology; Bird Diseases - parasitology; Dispharynx nasuta; Mexico - epidemiology; Nematoda; Nematodes; Parasitic proventriculitis; Parrots; Psephotus haematonotus; Psittacine birds; Spirurida; Mexico; Nematodes; Psittacine birds; Psephotus haematonotus; Dispharynx nasuta; Parasitic proventriculitis
• ISSN: 2405-9390; 2405-9390
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100669

Dispharynx nasuta is a widespread nematode parasite located in the proventriculus. This parasite may cause mortality in free-living birds or in captivity. However, reports of this parasite in psittacines are scarce. In a private aviary, in Zamora, Michoacan, Mexico six red-rumped parrots (Psephotus haematonotus) died in one month, from mid-August to mid-September 2016, and one more specimen died during the examination. Prior to death, the birds presented depression, ruffled feathers, crop atony, and regurgitation. Upon necropsy, ulcers in the proventriculus, and hemorrhagic content associated with the presence of round worms was observed. At histopathology examination, the parasites were identified as Spirurida nematodes, located in the proventricular and ventricular mucosa. Specimens were submitted to the parasitology laboratory of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where the parasites were identified as D. nasuta. This is the first report of D. nasuta in P. haematonotus and the first report of D. nasuta in Mexico. •This is the first report of Dispharynx nasuta in Mexico.•This is the first report of Dispharynx nasuta in Psephotus haematonotus hosts from Mexico.•Dispharynx nasuta may cause severe lesions and high mortality in P. haematonotus in captivity.