The proventriculi of 11 Eurasian cranes (Grus grus) from central Iran were examined for the existence of parasitic helminths. Preliminary reports suggested that the death of these birds was related to untimely cold weather. Nine proventriculi (82%) were heavily infected by the nematode Tetrameres grusi. Glandular structure of the infected proventriculi was replaced by epithelial atrophy but significant inflammatory reactions were not observed in any of the infected organs. In serious infections, the nematode produced vast structural and functional changes, causing organ dysfunction and glandular necrosis. The coincidence of heavy helminth infection at times of environmental stress may lead to debilitation, wasting, and perhaps mortality in migratory cranes.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 April 2006
Tetrameres (Tetrameres) grusi (Shumakovich, 1946) (Nematoda: Tetrameridae) in Eurasian Cranes (Grus grus) in Central Iran
G. R. Mowlavi,
J. Massoud,
I. Mobedi,
M. J. Gharagozlou,
M. Rezaian,
S. Solaymani-Mohammadi
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Vol. 42 • No. 2
April 2006
Vol. 42 • No. 2
April 2006
Eurasian crane
Grus grus
helminth infection
Iran
proventricular worm
Tetrameres grusi