Human & Veterinary Respiratory Physilogy_DR.E.Muralinath_Associate Professor....
Ornithostrongylus
1. Arsalan Khan
2014-ag-1451
MPhil (Clinical Medicine & Surgery)
Semester 2nd
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad Pakistan
Avian Parasitology PARA 702
Ornithostrongylus
2. Introduction
Ornithostrongylus is a round worm, belonging to
phylum Nematoda
Firstly reported by Stevenson in 1904. His paper
reported the destruction of greater portion of flock of
fancy pigeons in Washington D.C
It is found in the small intestine, crop and
proventiculus of pigeon causing enteritis and anemia
It is a blood sucking parasite
3. Classification
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Nematoda
Class Secernentea
Family Ornithostrongylidae
Genus Ornithostrongylus
Specie Ornithostrongylus quadriradiatus
4. Morphology
These are blood sucking parasites having reddish color
and can be seen with the naked eye
Adult worms measure upto 2.5 cm
Its body is covered with cuticle and head region
cuticle is slightly inflated
Spicules are 150-160 µm long and curved terminating
in three pointed processes
Telamon is 57-70 µm long with a longitudinal process
extending backward and forward along the dorsal wall
of the cloaca and two lateral processes forming a
partial ring through which the spicules protrude
5. Life cycle
Oval eggs of the parasite are voided in the droopings
of affected birds
These eggs hatch in 19-24 hours
3-4 more days are required for the young larvae to
become infective by twice molting
When these larvae are swallowed by the pigeon, they
mature in the small intestines and female worms
begin to deposit eggs 5-6 days after the larvae are
ingested
6. Pathogenesis
Worms burrow into the intestinal mucosa and cause
catarrhal enteritis which results in debilitating
diarrhea and interfere with the normal functions of
the intestines
Necrosis of superficial intestinal villi and sloughing of
villi
These are blood sucking parasites, so associated with
anemia and emaciation of the birds
Severe infections lead to death
7. Signs and symptoms
Birds become droopy, have ruffled feathers with head
and neck retracted
Birds remain squatting on the ground rather than
standing
Food is taken sparingly and frequently regurgitated
Birds drink excessive amount of water
There is pronounced greenish diarrhea and birds loose
weight rapidly
Death is preceded by prostration and difficult rapid
breathing
8. Postmortem lesions
Intestines of the birds are markedly hemorrhagic and
have green mucoid content with masses of cast off
membrane tissues
10. Control
Keeping the pens of birds dry and clean
Improve hygiene and sanitary conditions
Drinking troughs should be exposed to sun
Separate immediately the infested birds
12. Spicules: these are chitinized and move out of the
cloaca and inserted into the genital pore of the female
Telamon: Thickening of anterior cloacal wall that act
as accessory guiding structure for spicules
Sqautting: sitting position on feet with knees bent
