Original scientific paper

The first report of severe intestinal capillariosis caused by Baruscapillaria obsignata in farmed helmeted guinea fowls (Numida meleagris).

Rajamani Barathidasan ; Avian Diseases Section, Division of Pathology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
Shambu D. Singh ; Avian Diseases Section, Division of Pathology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
Vasudevan Gowthaman ; Avian Diseases Section, Division of Pathology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
Annamalai Latchumikanthan ; Avian Diseases Section, Division of Pathology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
Kuldeep Dhama orcid.org/0000-0001-7469-4752 ; Avian Diseases Section, Division of Pathology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Capillarid worms are known to cause severe infection of the gastrointestinal tract and mortality, especially in Galliformes. In the present study, guinea fowl carcasses received from an organized poultry farm were investigated for the cause of death. The clinical history reported included reduced feed intake, diarrhea, lethargy and weakness in the flock. On necropsy examination, excess catarrhal exudate in the duodenal lumen (catarrhal enteritis), diphtheritic membrane formation, petichiae or ecchymotic haemorrhages on the mucosa of the duodenum were consistent findings. Mucosal scrapings and worms collected from dead birds examined microscopically revealed the presence of numerous thin adult worms, larvae, and barrel-shaped eggs with prominent bipolar plugs consistent with the morphology of Capillaria spp. Histopathologically, duodenal epithelial desquamation, mucosal thickening, blunting and clubbing of villi, goblet cell hyperactivity, and prominent thickening of the tunica muscularis were observed. Severe intestinal capillariosis resulted in reduced appetite, poor nutrient absorption, unthriftiness, diarrhea, and finally the death of the birds. This paper highlights the importance of regular screening and deworming in farmed guinea fowls. This appears to be the first report with regard to the intestinal form of capillariosis caused by Baruscapillaria obsignata in farmed helmeted guinea fowls.

Keywords

Baruscapillaria obsignata; capillariosis; duodenum; guinea fowls; India

Hrčak ID:

128647

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/128647

Publication date:

10.10.2014.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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