Gastrointestinal Helminths of Common Buzzard (Buteo Buteo) in Kermanshah, Western Iran Publisher



Vafaei MR ; Safaie M ; Askari Z ; Mirjalali H ; Bizhani N ; Mowlavi G ; Kazemirad E
Source: Journal of Parasitic Diseases Published:2026

Abstract

Parasites of wild birds, especially raptors, have rarely been reported in Iran. This study presents the gastrointestinal helminth parasites of the Common buzzard (Buteo buteo) from Kermanshah province, western Iran. Between January 2022 and December 2023, fecal specimens (n = 4) and intestinal contents (n = 5) were collected from Common buzzards in the protected area of the Provincial Environment Kermanshah, west of Iran. Fecal samples were obtained from four live birds, whereas intestinal contents were examined in five birds that had been severely injured and either died or were euthanized due to poor health conditions. The small and large intestines were opened longitudinally and examined under a stereomicroscope. All the samples were analyzed microscopically using the sedimentation technique, and parasites were identified based on their morphological characteristics. Helminths and eggs were detected in five of nine (55.5%) examined buzzards. Adult helminths were identified in three samples: one with an Acanthocephala, one with an Ascaridida nematode, and one with a cestode. Helminth eggs were detected in two samples: Trichuridae eggs in one, Acanthocephala eggs in another. This study provides the first record and evidence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in Common Buzzards (Buteo buteo) from western Iran. These findings highlight the importance of routine health screening of birds in captivity and rehabilitation centers at the time of admission and during treatment. However, given the relatively small number of birds examined, the results should be interpreted cautiously and may not fully represent the broader population. Further studies with larger sample sizes, accompanied by molecular methods, are recommended to clarify the diversity and epidemiology of helminth infections in raptors in this region. © Indian Society for Parasitology 2026.