Isolate and identify of Contracaecum spp. nematodes from some aquatic bird species by using light microscope and scanning electron microscope

Abstract EN

Ninety six aquatic birds were collected and examined for infection with Contracaecum spp.

nematodes in Al-Sanaf marsh, which is located in Thi-Qar province / Southern Iraq, between March to December 2018, The nematodes are fixed in hot 70% ethanol, the lactophenol and glycerine used to clear the internal features and examined by light microscope.

Some samples examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) a Leo1450vp and the images were captured digitally.

The current study showed that 48 out of 96 (50%) aquatic birds were infected with Contracaecum nematodes, Contracaecum microcephalum isolated from four aquatic bird species: Nycticorax nycticorax, Egretta garzetta, Ardae purpurea and Pelecanus onocrolalus, while Contracaecum multipapilatum isolated from two aquatic bird species E.

garzetta and Ardeola ralloides, Contracaecum rudolphii isolated from Phalacrocroax carbo only.