Detected helminth species in starlings [sturnus vulgaris, l.)

Abstract

Aim: This study was designed to determine the helminths of starlings [Sturnus vulgaris, L.J. For this purpose, 27 starlings which were shot by hunters in 2007-2009 hunting seasons were sent to parasitology laboratory and they were examined. Materials and Methods: The autopsies of 27 starlings [Sturnus vulgaris, L.J were performed and the helminths were collected from the chest cavity and intestines. After cleaning thoroughly with the physiological saline solution, they were cleared in lactophenol and were examined under the light microscope. The parts which were important to identify were measured. Results: Helminths were found in 5 (18.52%) of 27 starlings. Five nematodes were collected from the chest cavity of one starling. These helminths which were found in Filari-dae family were determined. Male parasite was found only one. Genus and species could not be identified due to one of the spiculums was broken. One Mediorhynchus spp. was identified from Acanthocephalans from the intestine of the different starling. In three different starlings, Hymenolepis spp. eggs were found in their fecal samples. Conclusion: These findings have been determined for the first time in starlings in Turkey. Different studies are needed to helminths which were paratisited in starlings.

Keywords

• sturnusvulgaris
• starling
• mediohrynchusspp.
• helminth
• filariidae