The louse Trinoton anserinum (Amblycera: Phthiraptera), an intermediate host of Sarconema eurycerca (Filarioidea: Nematoda), a heartworm of swans.
The role of the louse Trinoton anserinum (F) as an intermediate host of Sarconema eurycerca (Wehr) was investigated in swans. 8.3% of healthy swans carried one to twelve lice per bird, dispersed contagiously. Injured and lead-poisoned swans were more heavily infected. The mouthparts appear designed to penetrate the hosts' skin; the mandibles are robust and asymmetric, and the maxillae have a serrated intercutting surface. 22% fed exclusively on blood and 33% on both blood and feather. All life-cycle stages fed upon blood and the barbs and barbules from down feathers; hooklets from contour feathers were only found in adults. 9% of lice were infected with developing nematode larvae in the head, thorax or abdomen. Lice labelled with Technetium 99 m moved towards the scapulas and the wings. Lice were found to be highly active and were mobile.
Cohen
S
S
Department of Geography, University of Technology, Loughborough, Leics.
Greenwood
M T
MT
Fowler
J A
JA
D000818:Animals; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000635:transmission; D001717:Birds; D005260:Female; D005368:Filariasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission / Q000662:veterinary*; D005370:Filarioidea / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D015994:Incidence; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000502:physiology*; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary; D010373:Lice Infestations / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D008842:Microfilariae / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009068:Movement; D008003:Phthiraptera / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000502:physiology*; D012881:Skin Temperature; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology