Case Report: High burdens of air sac worms (<i>Diplotriaena</i> sp.) in three northern flickers (<i>Colaptes auratus)</i> and a pileated woodpecker (<i>Dryocopus pileatus</i>).

ABSTRACT: Diplotriaena spp. are nematode parasites of the abdominal and thoracic air sacs of numerous avian species worldwide. Dipoltriaena infections are generally subclinical, but high worm burdens can lead to morbidity and mortality. In this case series, Diplotriaena were recovered from a pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) in 2017 and three northern flickers (Colaptes auratus) in 2023 and 2024 from Washington, USA. All four presented to a wildlife rehabilitation center with either respiratory signs or trauma with varied severity. A large number of worms (>44 worms) were surgically removed from the pileated woodpecker. The bird improved and was subsequently released. All three northern flickers were humanely euthanized due to poor prognosis and worsening co

SUBMITTER: Freeman AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11968718 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature