Case # 6: Geese from TexasCase # 6: Geese from TexasPurvis et al. 1997Purvis et al. 1997

Neil Schock

Matt Igleski

Study HostsStudy Hosts

22 White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons)

24 Snow Geese (Chen caeulescens)

10 Canada Geese (Branta canadensis)

n= 56

MethodsMethods

• Shot with a rifle

• December-February: ‘91- ‘92, ‘92- ‘93

• Froze esophagus, proventriculus, and gizzard

• Examined for gross lesions with dissecting scope

SymptomsSymptoms

• Virtually every bird had:– Gross mucosal erosion– Pigment deposition

• No signs of significant tissue damage

• No gross tissue damage

• No correlation of host weight and parasite abundance

DiagnosisDiagnosis

• What is the disease?– Cause of death?– Symptoms indicative of?– Host?

• Management implications?

Diagnosis: AnswerDiagnosis: Answer

Gizzard worm

ManagementManagement

• Possibly density dependent – So limiting densities could slow transmission

• ?

Exam questionExam question

What organs were examined for general helminth surveys?

esophagus, proventriculus, and gizzard