Choanotaenia spp. infestation of australian finches (estrildidae)

Abstract

Mortality of 2 to 5% was reported in young adult finches (Emblema, Poephila, Neochmia and Chloebia spp.) from aviaries in Victoria, Australia. Affected birds were depressed and had severe diarrhoea for 2 to 4 days before death. Lesions found on gross postmortem examination were marked distension of the duodenum by 20 to 40 cestodes (Choanotaenia spp.) and fluid-filled distal intestines. Histological examination of the duodenum revealed enteritis. The heavy cestode infection was considered the cause of the diarrhoea and deaths. Oral treatment of remaining finches in two aviaries with praziquantel was associated with cessation of mortality. Specific identification of the cestodes was not possible due to the condition of the specimens and the confused taxonomy of some Australian species of the genus. Control of the internal parasites, and of intermediate hosts in the environment, is important in captive finch management. © 1984, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.