Visceral tetrathyridiosis Mesocestoides sp. (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea) in a wild Barn Owl Tyto alba - a first report and new host record

Abstract

Parasitic diseases are a serious problem in wild animals and a significant burden on wild populations. There is a need for more studies on the topic in India. An adult male Barn Owl presented for post mortem examination revealed hard mass macroscopically with multiple pyogranuloma on liver and lung and histo-pathologically the lung and liver lesion were identified as the second stage of Mesocestoides sp. cestode named Tetrathyridia spp.