Air sac worms (Serratospiculum) in falcons
Other names: Lung worms، Chest worm، Air sac worms، Filaria (an imprecise folk name)
Symptoms
- Poor flight endurance
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
- Sometimes no signs
- Complications: air sacculitis, pneumonia and secondary aspergillosis
Diagnosis
Faecal test for parasite eggs (embryonated eggs); endoscopy shows the worms in the air sacs.
Treatment
Ivermectin proved effective in captive peregrines in Switzerland (no eggs in the faeces after 10 days). Sometimes the worms are removed by endoscope. The vet determines the dose. Treatment must be under the supervision of a veterinarian specialised in birds of prey; doses are determined by weight, species and examination results.
Prevention
Faecal test of new wild birds (especially migratory) before mixing them; periodic testing twice a year.
Season
Common in newly trapped wild birds (autumn season); in the UAE 760 worms from 112 falcons were studied by origin.
Treatment and doses are decided by an avian vet after an exam; Zajel does not publish doses.