Abstract

A novel species of trematode (Szidatitrema yamagutii, Family Cyclocoelidae) was identified in the air sacs of a deceased bearded barbet (Lybius dubius) and a white necked mynah (Streptocitta albicollis) from an indoor aviary at a zoo in Louisiana. A similar air sac trematode (Family Cyclocoelidae) was found post mortem in two Indian Hill mynahs from a zoological facility in Hawaii. At a zoo in Tennessee, a similar trematode (Family Cyclocoelidae) has been seen in ten different species of birds from an indoor aviary. Antemortem diagnosis is challenging. Routine fecal examination is often negative, although sedimentation can increase the likelihood of finding the parasite eggs. The most reliable antemortem test is endoscopy to visualize adult trematodes. Various treatment regimens have been attempted with variable success. These include injectable and nebulized praziquantel and manual removal of parasites from air sacs. Because the trematode completes its life cycle using a snail intermediate host, control of this invertebrate is also important for reducing the parasite burden. This parasite may be more prevalent in captive birds than previously thought and opportunistic screening of birds is recommended.