title: Endohelminths of European pond turtle Emys orbicularis in Southwest Iran.
abstract: Very little is known about parasitic diseases of European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) in Iran. The objective of this study is to examine parasitic fauna of European pond turtles collected from Fars province, southwest Iran. Carcasses of turtles (n = 52) which died during dredging procedure are collected from earthen fishery basins in Zarghan region. They have been died earlier during dredging procedure in different farms. Three species of helminths in total were found in gastrointestinal tract, including two nematodes (Serpinema microcephalus and Falcaustra araxiana) and one digenean trematod (Telorchis assula). Large intestines of all examined turtles were infected by F. araxiana (100 %, Mean intensity = 18) and this nematode were also found in gastric nodules. Nine turtles (17.3 %, 3 male, 6 female, Mean intensity = 3) were infected with Serpinema microcephalus. T. assula were found in 25 turtles (48.07 %, 5 male, 20 female, mean intensity = 5). Helminths were not found in any examined organs and no ectoparasite found eighter. F. araxiana is the most prevalent nematode in European pond turtles. Detection of Serpinema.microcephalus is in agreement with the fact which this parasite is common parasite of turtles in all over the world. T. assula might be transmitted between variety of reptiles so presence of the trematod should be considered as a risk factor for other reptiles.
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Hossein
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shayegh
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rajabloo
authors.affiliation: Department of Aquatic Animal Health & Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Amin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gholamhosseini
authors.affiliation: Department of Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Amir
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mootabi Alavi
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Parisa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Salarian
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zolfaghari
keywords: Emys orbicularis; European pond turtle; Falcaustra araxiana; Serpinema microcephalus; Telorchis assula