Parasitic ventriculitis caused by Hadjelia truncata in California rock pigeons (Columba livia)

Abstract

Severe ventriculitis and emaciation caused by the infestation of the nematode Hadjelia truncata occurred in meat-type breeder rock pigeons ( Columba livia) in southern and central California. Hadjelia truncata can infest several species of birds, although it has only been reported as pathogenic in pigeons. The factors that contribute to H. truncata pathogenicity are not known. The gross and microscopic pathology caused by the infestation of H. truncata in the ventriculus of pigeons and its morphological identification are presented.