Morishitium polonicum as a Cause of Severe Respiratory Disease in Eurasian Blackbirds (Turdus merula) in Central Italy

Manuela Diaferia, G. Giglia, Maria Teresa Mandara, Giulia Morganti, Renato Ceccherelli , Fabrizia Veronesi*, Elvio Lepri

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Two Eurasian Blackbirds (Turdus merula) from central Italy were found with severe cyclocoelid trematodosis associated with airsacculitis. The birds were submitted with severe respiratory distress; one died shortly after hospitalization, while the second bird was euthanized. At necropsy, a massive presence of cyclocoelid flukes was observed in the coelomic cavity and air sacs of both birds. The air sacs were diffusely opaque, thickened, and covered by scant fibrinous exudate mixed with numerous parasites. Histologically, the air sacs showed diffuse and severe oedema with fibrinous exudate. Diffuse mononucleated and heterophilic infiltration mixed with multiple granulomas contained degenerated trematodes. Morishitium polonicum was identified using morphologic keys and molecular analysis of extracted DNA. Infections caused by M. polonicum are poorly documented in blackbirds and the findings in these birds support the pathogenic role of this trematode as a potential cause of death in blackbirds in Italy. Extended epidemiologic surveys are required to properly assess the potential importance of M. polonicum as a life-threatening pathogen in Blackbird populations.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)906-911
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases
Volume57
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11 Oct 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Internal transcribed spacer 2
  • Italy
  • Morishitium polonicum
  • Respiratory disease
  • Turdus merula

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