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Avian siblicide is the consequence of extreme sibling aggression in the nest. However, sibling rivalry does not always lead to brood reduction. Depending on the frequency of this behavior in the population and the results of the attacks, siblicide is classified as obligate or facultative. During one breeding season we observed the nests of two different pairs of Black-Chested Buzzard-Eagle in central Chile. The brood size of nests was of 2-3 chicks; then, 5-7 days after hatching, the first sibling aggression were observed in both nests, characterized by vigorous attacks from the both older and younger chick. This behavior extended up to 20-25 days after hatching with no brood reduction. This work represents the first detailed record of sibling aggression in a diurnal raptor in Chile, providing additional evidence for considering the Black-Chested Buzzard-Eagle as a facultative siblicide.

The Diplostomidae Poirier, 1886 is a large, globally distributed family of digeneans parasitic in intestines of their definitive hosts. Diplostomum and Tylodelphys spp. are broadly distributed, commonly reported, and the most often sequenced diplostomid genera. The majority of published DNA sequences from these genera originated from larval stages only, which typically cannot be identified to the species level based on morphology alone. We generated partial large ribosomal subunit (28S) rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) mtDNA gene sequences from 14 species/species-level lineages of Diplostomum, six species/species-level lineages of Tylodelphys, two species/species-level lineages of Austrodiplostomum, one species previously assigned to Paralaria, two species/species-level lineages of Dolichorchis and one unknown diplostomid. Our DNA sequences of 11 species/species-level lineages of Diplostomum (all identified to species), four species/species-level lineages of Tylodelphys (all identified to species), Austrodiplostomum compactum, Paralaria alarioides and Dolichorchis lacombeensis originated from adult specimens. 28S sequences were used for phylogenetic inference to demonstrate the position of Paralaria alarioides and Dolichorchis spp. within the Diplostomoidea and study the interrelationships of Diplostomum, Tylodelphys and Austrodiplostomum. Our results demonstrate that two diplostomids from the North American river otter (P. alarioides and a likely undescribed taxon) belong within Diplostomum. Further, our results demonstrate the non-monophyly of Tylodelphys due to the position of Austrodiplostomum spp., based on our phylogenetic analyses and morphology. Furthermore, the results of phylogenetic analysis of 28S confirmed the status of Dolichorchis as a separate genus. The phylogenies suggest multiple definitive host-switching events (birds to otters and among major avian groups) and a New World origin of Diplostomum and Tylodelphys spp. Our DNA sequences from adult digeneans revealed identities of 10 previously published lineages of Diplostomum and Tylodelphys, which were previously identified to genus only. The novel DNA data from this work provide opportunities for future comparisons of larval diplostomines collected in ecological studies.

Birds of prey harbor a wide spectrum of various parasites, mostly with a heteroxenous life cycle. However, most reports on their parasites come from Europe. Although the Harris’s hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) is a widespread species in America, parasitological surveys on this hawk are mostly focused on coprological findings and ectoparasites, with poor attention paid to helminths. The aim of this study was to gather new and additional data on host-parasite associations for the Harris’s hawk. Twenty-nine birds from central and southern Chile were necropsied. Further, nine birds from a rehabilitation center and 22 museum specimens were inspected for ectoparasites. Sixty-eight percent of birds hosted at least one parasite species. Four lice species, one mite species and eight helminth species (five nematodes, two platyhelminthes and one acanthocephalan) were recorded. Parasitic lice Colpocephalum nanum and Nosopon chanabense, and a nematode Cyathostoma (Hovorkonema) americana were recorded for the first time in raptors from the Neotropics. A feather mite, Pseudalloptinus sp., nematodes, Physaloptera alata and Microtetrameres sp., and a trematode Neodiplostomim travassosi, were recorded for the first time in Chile. The presence of diverse heteroxenous helminths reported here in the Harris’s hawk could be explained by the generalist diet of this raptor. Resumo As aves de rapina representam uma fonte importante de parasitas heteroxenos. Porém, a maioria dos relatos são da Europa. O gavião-asa-de-telha (Parabuteo unicinctus) é uma espécie amplamente distribuída no continente Americano, porém estudos parasitológicos nessas aves têm documentado achados coprológicos e ectoparasitas, com poucos relatos sobre endoparasitas como helmintos. Por essa razão, o objetivo deste estudo foi descrever novas associações parasita-hospedeiro para o gavião-asa-de-telha e rapinantes neotropicais. Vinte nove aves provenientes do centro e sul do Chile foram submetidas à necropsia. Por outro lado, nove aves de um centro de reabilitação e 22 espécimes de museu foram inspecionados em busca de ectoparasitas. Do total de aves, 68,3% foram identificadas como portadoras de pelo menos uma espécie de parasita. Quatro espécies de piolhos, um ácaro e oito helmintos (cinco nematoides, dois platelmintos e um acantocéfalo) foram registrados. Os piolhos Colpocephalum nanum, Nosopon chanabense e o nematóide Cyathostoma (Hovorkonema) americana são reportados pela primeira vez em rapinantes neotropicais. Colpocephalum nanum, N. chanabense, Pseudalloptinus sp., Physaloptera alata, Microtetrameres sp., C. (H.) americana e Neodiplostomim travassosi, são reportados pela primeira vez no Chile. A diversidade de helmintos heteróxenos, identificados neste trabalho, poderia ser explicada devido à dieta geralista do gavião-asa-de-telha.

Guignas (Leopardus guigna) are small felids closely associated with native forest habitats. In fragmented landscapes, they use vegetation corridors and forest remnants to move across the landscape. In these contexts, guignas may increase contact probabilities with domestic animals, being therefore relevant to assess their pathogens and parasites. The aim of this study was to characterize the helminth fauna in the gastrointestinal tract and cardiorespiratory system of guignas from central and southern Chile. Between 2015 and 2018, 33 dead free-ranging guignas were found road-killed or were collected from wildlife rescue centers. Thirty-two gastrointestinal tracts and 32 cardiorespiratory organs were analyzed through direct analysis and artificial digestion. We found 81.8% (27/33) guignas were positive for helminth endoparasites (84.4% (27/32) positive for gastrointestinal parasites, 37.5% (12/32) positive for cardiorespiratory parasites). Fourteen parasites were identified (7 at genus level and 7 at species level), with Angiostrongylus sp., Molineus sp., Oslerus sp. and Troglostrongylus sp. as first records in guignas. The most prevalent parasites were the species Toxascaris leonina, Toxocara cati and Uncinaria stenocephala. Uncinaria stenocephala showed the highest intensity of infection. Multiparasitism was observed in 76% of the animals. Significant differences in richness of endoparasites and prevalence of cardiorespiratory parasites were found between geographic zones; higher values in the southern zone are possibly due to favorable environmental characteristics for endoparasite development. There were no statistically significant differences between sexes. All the parasites found in this study have been previously reported in domestic cats. These results are valuable to understand parasite transmission at the domestic-wildlife interface; the possibility of endoparasite transmission between domestic cats and guignas should be clarified with molecular analysis.

Rhipicephalus sanguineus is a species complex with a challenging diagnosis. There are two main lineages: a temperate lineage—now recognized as R. sanguineus sensu stricto (s.s.)—and a tropical lineage. In the Americas, several studies examined the distribution of both lineages. Meanwhile, in Chile, the distribution of the tropical lineage was reported from 18° to 22° S and R. sanguineus s.s. from 20° to 33° S; the morphological diagnosis located R. sanguineus in south-central Chile. In this study, we assessed the morphological and genetic identity of ticks collected from 47 dogs in southern Chile. Six dogs (12.8%) were parasitized by ticks that were morphologically and genetically assigned to R. sanguineus s.s. This finding would represent the southernmost record of this species in the country, located at over 308 km further south than the previous record, suggesting a latitudinal expansion of its distribution. Experimental studies are further required to understand how this tick survives extreme weather conditions when compared to other R. sanguineus s.s. from lesser latitudes., Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores

Despite the ubiquity of parasitism, the knowledge regarding fossil parasites remains fragmentary. As an example, South American clade Xenarthra was a predominant group of mammals during the Cenozoic; however, its paleoparasitological knowledge has many gaps, with only a few reports in armadillos and fewer in ground sloths. Darwin’s ground sloth (Mylodon darwini) was a mega mammal widely distributed in the Neotropics; however, its parasitic fauna is poorly known with the sole report of unidentified nematode eggs. Thus, this study aimed to determine additional host-parasite associations and to discuss its possible role as a reservoir of zoonotic parasites. Fifty-two coprolites from Cueva del Milodon Natural Monument were analyzed through coprological analysis to determine the presence of parasites. From these, 18 (34.62%) coprolites had parasitic helminth eggs belonging to 6 taxa: Calodium sp., Ascaridida, Hymenolepididae, Anoplocephalidae, Taeniidae, and Digenea. All these findings are new records for this sloth; also, two of them, Calodium sp. and Anoplocephalidae, have represented a risk for the health of ancient humans. Eggs of Calodium were similar to those previously isolated from ancient humans in Patagonia. Thus, Darwin’s ground sloth has represented a potential reservoir of zoonotic helminths, which is interesting considering this species was in close contact with humans in ancient Patagonia. Thus, additional collaboration with paleontologists is highlighted considering the incipient development of paleoparasitology in Chile, which could elucidate the presence of important pathogens, contributing to a better understanding of the evolution and changes in the distribution and virulence of certain parasites through time.

Background Trichinellosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution. It is caused by several species of nematodes in the genus Trichinella. Trichinella spp. are transmitted through predation or carrion consumption and occur in domestic and sylvatic cycles. In humans trichinellosis occurs due to the consumption of raw or undercooked, infected meat and is mainly associated with the household slaughter of pigs or the consumption of game animals without veterinary inspection, a cultural practice that is difficult to resolve. Therefore, knowledge of this parasite’s reservoir is relevant for better implementing public health strategies. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of Trichinella sp. in several carnivore and omnivore vertebrates in central-southern Chile. Methods We collected muscle tissue from a total of 53 animals from 15 species and were digested to detect Trichinella larvae which were further identified to species level using molecular techniques. Results We detected Trichinella larvae in Leopardus guigna (Felidae) and Galictis cuja (Mustelidae). We identified the larvae collected from L. guigna as Trichinella spiralis, but we were unable to molecularly characterize the larvae from G. cuja. This is the first record of Trichinella in a native mustelid of South America and the first record of T. spiralis in L. guigna. This study identified two novel hosts; however, further work is needed to identify the role that these and other hosts play in the cycle of Trichinella in Chile.

Myiopsitta monachus is an invasive psittacine with wide distribution due to the pet trade. Its large communal nests and synanthropic nature contribute to its successful colonization of cities, from where it seems to be expanding in range and numbers. This is relevant with regard to pathogens that invasive species may harbor, especially when host populations thrive. We aimed to identify an abundant mite found in invasive monk parakeet chicks that had been collected in Santiago during 2017 and 2018. Through morphological and molecular identification of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene, we confirmed the presence of Ornithonyssus bursa. This was the first report of this mite in Chile. This mite is common in native and invasive monk parakeet populations and may affect other birds, including domestic fowl. Further, this mite bites people and can be a potential vector of pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. We conclude that this parasite was likely introduced with the parakeet and discuss possible ecological, health and economic consequences of this new potential pest. Resumo Myiopsitta monachus é um psitacídeo invasor amplamente distribuído devido ao tráfico de animais selvagens. Os grandes ninhos comunitários construídos e sua condição de espécies sinantrópicas contribuem para a colonização bem-sucedida das cidades, onde parece estar expandindo sua distribuição e número de indivíduos. Isso é relevante, quando se trata de patógenos que os invasores podem abrigar, especialmente quando as populações hospedeiras prosperam. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar um ácaro abundante, encontrado em filhotes de periquitos-monge introduzidos em Santiago, Chile, coletados durante 2017 e 2018. Por meio da identificação morfológica e molecular do gene do RNA ribossômico 18S, foi confirmada a presença de Ornithonyssus bursa, sendo o primeiro registro para o Chile. Esse ácaro é comum em populações nativas e introduzidas de periquitos-monge e pode afetar outras aves, incluindo aves domésticas. Além disso, esse ácaro pode picar pessoas e pode ser um potencial vetor de patógenos, como bactérias ou vírus. Conclui-se que esse parasita provavelmente foi introduzido com o periquito e foram discutidas as possíveis consequências ecológicas de saúde e econômicas dessa nova praga em potencial.

Trichinellosis is a zoonosis with worldwide distribution. Several hosts have been recognized around the world; however, there is a lack of knowledge of the role of feral mammals in Chile in its transmission. Herein, we tested muscle samples from 555 individuals among American minks (Neovison vison Schreber, 1777. n = 100) and several myomorph rodent species (Muridae and Cricetidae. n = 455) from southern Chile by artificial digestion to detect Trichinella larvae and identified the larvae at the species level through molecular analyses. Rodents were captured in agricultural and wild protected areas of several administrative regions (hereafter: region), while minks were captured in agricultural areas of the Los Rios region. Trichinella spiralis larvae were detected in a synanthropic black rat (0.24%) of the Nuble region and in seven minks (7%) trapped in agricultural areas of the Los Rios region. The present results suggest that T. spiralis circulation is restricted to synanthropic rodents and minks living in agricultural areas where the parasite circulates among domesticated pigs. This study represents the first record of T. spiralis in a mustelid mammal in South America, increasing the number of feral species that could participate in the reservoir.

Trichinellosis is a worldwide disease that is considered emerging and neglected. Several hosts have been recognized around the world, however, there is a lack of knowledge of the role of free-range mammals in Chile. Herein we examined 555 individuals among American minks (Neovison vison Schreber, 1777. n = 100) and several myomorph rodent species (Muridae and Cricetidae. n = 455) from southern Chile with artificial digestion and molecular analyses. Rodents were captured in agricultural and wild protected areas, while minks were captured in mixed agricultural and unprotected wild areas. One rat (0.24%) in the Ñuble Administrative Region and seven minks (8.2%) in the Los Ríos Region were infected with Trichinella spiralis Owen, 1835. Our results suggest that native rodents are of low or null importance in the reservoir of T. spiralis in Chile. Conversely, our results suggest that T. spiralis is circulating in minks, but with low prevalence. Further studies are needed to assess whether minks are maintaining T. spiralis life cycle or are a dead-end host of this parasite in Chile. This study represents the first record of T. spiralis in a mustelid mammal in South America, increasing the number of free-range species that could participate in the reservoir.

Helminths are an important component of biodiversity with over 24,000 species parasitising wild birds globally, with this figure on the rise given the growing interest in wildlife parasitology. The present study aimed to establish an updated baseline of the helminthological surveys on wild birds from Chile. Available publications were reviewed to build a parasite-host association checklist and also to discuss the state of knowledge regarding these parasites. A total of 92 publications were found between the years 1892 and 2019. Regarding helminth parasites, 174 taxa belonging to 3 phyla and 37 families were recorded, 114 taxa were identified at species level, with the rest remaining incompletely described. Also, 4 taxa corresponded to new genera and 16 to new at species for science. The most reported parasites were platyhelminthes (53.9%) followed by nematodes (36.2%) and acanthocephalans (9.2%). Sixty-five avian species from 19 orders have been recorded as hosts, with most of them having been studied only once (64.6%). Out of these, the order Charadriiformes had the highest number of publications (n=23). In the case of the avian species present in the country, 14.2% of native, 40% of endemic and 22.2% of exotic species have been recorded hosting helminths. Regarding heteroxenous parasites, only 2 species have had their life cycles elucidated. Among the methodologies used for parasitic identification, 48.9% of the studies used morphological tools, 5.4% used molecular tools and 4.3% used both tools. For that reason, there are evident gaps in the data concerning the hosts sampled, methodologies and issues related to the biology of parasites such as life cycles, among others. In this sense, the need for specialists and cooperative research becomes indispensable to improve our understanding of helminths.

Parasitological studies of the Franklin's gull, Leucophaeus pipixcan, are scarce, and knowledge about its endoparasites is quite limited. In order to describe its parasitic community, a total of 60 Franklin’s gulls were captured in the coastal area in central Chile, using modified Bal-chatri traps. Ectoparasites were collected from all 60 live individuals through inspection of their plumage, while 30 were examined for endoparasites by standard parasitological necropsy. The prevalence of ectoparasites was 78.3%, including the feather mite Zachvatkinia larica (43.3%) and four species of lice: Actornithophilus piceus lari (15.0%), Austromenopon transversum (6.7%), Quadraceps punctatus (10.0%) and Saemundssonia lari (46.7%). Some 25 of 30 (83.3%) of birds necropsied were parasitized with the following helminths: Aporchis sp. (6.7%), Tetrabothrius cylindraceus (56.7%), Cyclophyllidea gen. sp. (3.3%), Profilicollis altmani (56.7%), Eucoleus contortus (10.0%), Cosmocephalus obvelatus (13.3%), Paracuaria adunca (10.0%), Stegophorus sp. (3.3%) and Tetrameres skrjabini (3.3%). To our knowledge, with the exception of P. altmani, these helminths are reported for first time in the Franklin's gull.

The Neotropic cormorant Nannopterum (Phalacrocorax) brasilianus (Suliformes: Phalacrocoracidae) is widely distributed in Central and South America. In Chile, information about parasites for this species is limited to helminths and nematodes, and little is known about other parasite groups. This study documents the parasitic fauna present in 80 Neotropic cormorants’ carcasses collected from 2001 to 2008 in Antofagasta, Biobío, and Ñuble regions. Birds were externally inspected for ectoparasites and necropsies were performed to examine digestive and respiratory organs in search of endoparasites. Ectoparasites collected were cleared and mounted for identification under a microscope. Fecal samples were also evaluated to determine the presence of protozoan parasites employing a flotation technique. A total of 44 (42.5%) of birds were infested with at least one ectoparasite species, while 77 (96.25%) were carrying endoparasites. No protozoan forms were found after examination. Most prevalent endoparasite species found were Contracaecum rudolphii s. l. (72/80, 90%), followed by Pectinopygus gyroceras (33/80, 41.25%), and Profilicollis altmani (26/80, 32.5%). This is the first report of P. altmani, Baruscapillaria carbonis, Avioserpens sp., Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma) phenisci, and Eidmaniella pelucida in the Neotropic cormorant. These findings also expand the distributional range of Andracantha phalacrocoracis, Paradilepis caballeroi, Hysteromorpha triloba, and P. gyroceras to Chile. O Biguá Nannopterum (Phalacrocorax) brasilianus (Suliformes: Phalacrocoracidae) é amplamente distribuído na América Central e na do Sul. No Chile, as informações sobre parasitos para essa espécie são limitadas a helmintos e nematoides, e pouco se sabe sobre outros grupos de parasitos. Este estudo documenta a fauna parasitária presente em 80 biguás coletados de 2001 a 2008, nas regiões de Antofagasta, Biobío e Ñuble. As aves foram inspecionadas externamente em busca de ectoparasitas; adicionalmente, foram realizadas necropsias para examinar os órgãos digestivos e respiratórios em busca de endoparasitos. Os ectoparasitos coletados foram limpos e montados para identificação ao microscópio. As amostras de fezes também foram avaliadas para determinar a presença de parasitos protozoários, empregando-se uma técnica de flutuação. Um total de 44 (42,5%) aves estavam infectadas com pelo menos um ectoparasito, enquanto 77 (96,25%) estavam portando endoparasito. Nenhuma forma de protozoário foi encontrada após o exame. As espécies de endoparasitos mais prevalentes encontradas foram Contracaecum rudolphii (72/80, 90%), Pectinopygus gyroceras (33/80, 41.25%) e Profilicollis altmani (26/80, 32.5%). Este é o primeiro registro de P. altmani, Baruscapillaria carbonis, Avioserpens sp., Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma) phenisci e Eidmaniella pelucida no biguá. Esses resultados também expandem a distribuição de Andracantha phalacrocoracis, Paradilepis caballeroi, Ascocotyle felippei, Hysteromorpha triloba e P. gyroceras no Chile. Fil: González Acuña, Daniel. Universidad de Concepción; Chile Fil: Llanos Soto, Sebastián. Universidad de Concepción; Chile Fil: Oyarzún Ruiz, Pablo. Universidad de Concepción; Chile Fil: Kinsella, John Mike. Helmwest Laboratory; Estados Unidos Fil: Barrientos, Carlos. Universidad Santo Tomas, Santiago; Chile Fil: Thomas, Richard. Universidad de Concepción; Chile Fil: Cicchino, Armando Conrado. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Biotecnología. Grupo de Entomología Edáfica Bonaerense Suboriental - GENEBSO; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata; Argentina Fil: Moreno, Lucila. Universidad de Concepción; Chile

Native foxes face serious threats related to anthropic activities and the uncontrolled pets. However, the transmission of several pathogens such as parasites by domestic dogs is an important conservation issue with limited attention in Chile. The lack of a proper identification of the helminths of wild canids in the country, based mostly in coprological studies, limited our knowledge in potential interspecific transmission. Thus, the aim of the present survey was to identify the parasitic fauna of two native canids, the Andean fox (Lycalopex culpaeus) (n=49) and Chilla (Lycalopex griseus) (n=17), from several localities in Chile through a complete parasitological survey. Sixteen different species were identified, 9 of which are new host records for Andean fox and two for Chilla fox in South America, and three are recorded for first time in Chile. Also, five of them are of zoonotic concern and six are known to use domestic dogs as their principal hosts. These findings have implications for public health and the conservation of canids whose interspecific transmission of parasites with domestic dogs is confirmed through these findings. The need for an exhaustive surveillance of wild carnivores is emphasized considering these hosts as important sources of micro- and macroparasites. Resumo As raposas nativas enfrentam sérias ameaças devido às atividades antrópicas e contato com animais de estimação sem controle. Entretanto, a transmissão de patógenos, tais como parasitas de cães domésticos, é uma questão importante na conservação das raposas que têm sido pouco abordadas no Chile. A falta de uma identificação adequada dos helmintos de canídeos silvestres no país, que se baseia principalmente, em estudos coprológicos, limita o conhecimento sobre uma potencial transmissão interespecífica de parasitas. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar a fauna parasitária em dois canídeos nativos: a raposa andina (Lycalopex culpaeus) (n = 49) e a raposa chilla (Lycalopex griseus) (n = 17), provenientes de várias localidades do Chile, por meio de um levantamento parasitológico completo. Foram identificadas 16 espécies de parasitas, nove correspondem a novos registros de hospedeiros para a raposa andina e dois para a raposa chilla na América do Sul. Três espécies de parasitas são registrados pela primeira vez no Chile, cinco são motivo de preocupação zoonótica e seis são conhecidos por usar cães domésticos como seus principais hospedeiros. Esses achados têm implicações em saúde pública e na conservação de canídeos, pois confirmam a transmissão interespecífica de parasitas desde cães domésticos. A necessidade de vigilância exaustiva dos carnívoros selvagens é enfatizada considerando-se esses hospedeiros como importantes fontes de micro e macroparasitas.

This research aimed to determine the presence of paramphistomids in cattle slaughtered in a slaughterhouse of the Ñuble Region of Chile, to identify flukes and to analyze the frequency of these parasites in the Maule, Ñuble, and Biobío administrative regions of Chile. Between October of 2016 and April of 2017, rumens of 494 cattle were examined for flukes in the forestomachs. Worms were identified morphologically and, in addition, molecular analysis of the internal transcriber spacer region 2 of the fluke’s DNA was done and phylogenetic analyses were performed with Bayesian inference in 14 worms. The frequency was analyzed by locality (low- or highlands) and age. The overall frequency was 11.24%. The district with the highest frequency of presentation was Chillán Viejo (30.8%). Districts in the lowlands had similar frequencies to those in the mountain lands (p=0.1). The frequency of flukes was significantly higher in adult animals than in young ones (p

Fasciola hepatica is a parasite introduced in America from Europe, being considered of concern for public health and animal production, especially in countries with endemic areas as occur in Chile. In this country, the research has been focused mainly in domestic ruminants, with native and introduced wildlife being largely ignored. Thus, the aim of this study was to report the infection by Fasciola hepatica in an introduced mammal, the European hare, which is distributed along a vast area of the country. One in 42 hares hunted showed histological lesions compatible with F. hepatica, and harbored a parasitic load of 6 liver flukes. This is the first report of this lagomorph acting as host of this helminth in the country and the third in South America. Yet, we found no previous reports regard the pathology of this fluke in the species. Thus, we emphasize the importance of more studies regarding introduced mammals which could be acting as reservoirs for this important fluke.

En Chile los estudios parasitologicos en Anseriformes son escasos, con solo 2 trabajos realizados para el Cygnus melancoryphus Molina, 1792. El objetivo del presente trabajo es contribuir a dicho conocimiento con nuevos registros para este cisne. Se realizo la necropsia parasitaria de los sistemas digestivos de 46 C. melancoryphus recolectados en el Santuario de la Naturaleza Carlos Anwandter. Todas las aves examinadas resultaron positivas con al menos 1 especie de helminto. Las especies identificadas fueron Capillaria sp., Epomidiostomum vogelsangi Travassos, 1937, Hymenolepididae gen. sp., Catatropis verrucosa (Frolich, 1789) Odhner, 1905 y Echinostoma revolutum Frolich, 1802 sensu lato. Catatropis verrucosa y E. revolutum s. l. constituyen nuevos registros tanto para C. melancoryphus como para Chile. Los nematodos registraron una mayor prevalencia respecto a los demas helmintos, probablemente por tener ciclos directos, facilitando su transmision a los cisnes. Los cestodos y trematodos recuperados requieren de invertebrados, renacuajos y peces como hospederos intermediarios. Sin embargo, C. melancoryphus al ser una ave estrictamente herbivora es probable que consuma dichos organismos de forma accidental. Finalmente, se hacen necesarios estudios adicionales que evaluen el impacto de los parasitos en la salud de este cisne amenazado en Chile.

Southern pudu ( Pudu puda Molina, 1782) is the most austral native deer in South America, being distributed in Chile and Argentina, countries where it has conservation issues. Seven lungworms were isolated from the bronchi of one southern pudu from Los Rios region. Such helminths were identified as adult females and males of Dictyocaulus eckerti Skrjabin, 1931, a lungworm isolated in wild and domestic deers from Europe, New Zealand and North America. There are previous reports of unidentified species of Dictyocaulus in P. puda from Southern Chile. However, this is the first record of P. puda acting as a natural host of D. eckerti . Due to the establishment of wild populations of European deers in Southern Chile, sharing grazing places between native and exotic deers could allow for the transmission of such parasites. Thus, the present report highlights the potential additional impact of exotic mammals over this threatened deer.

In a small scale study, 5 specimens belonging to 4 species of Chilean cormorants were studied. From them, the imperial shag, Phalacrocorax atriceps, harboured the nematode Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma) phenisci, meanwhile in the other 3 cormorant species that were necropsied, no parasites were found. All the hosts came from the southern Chile, and were collected during 2013. Only 3 nematodes were found and all of them were inside the trachea; 2 of them were copulating, and the female was ovigerous, meaning that the imperial shag would be a suitable host for this parasite. This is the first record of C. (C.) phenisci in a cormorant. At necropsy, the bird was emaciated, however no lesions were found within the trachea.

Black-necked swans are distributed across South America and face conservation problems in Chile according to data of the State institution SAG. The aim of this study was to identify helminths and to assess associated tissue damage via histopathology. A total of 19,291 parasites were isolated from 21 examined birds; 17 species were identified, including nematodes, flukes, and tapeworms. Of these, 12 were new host records, 13 were reported for the first time in Chile, and 5 were new records for the Neotropical region. Further, the flukes Schistosomatidae gen. sp. and Echinostoma echinatum are of zoonotic concern. Regarding histopathology, an inflammatory response was found along the birds’ entire digestive tract. Nevertheless, it is difficult to declare that there is a clear association between such lesions and isolated parasites, as other noxa could be responsible as well. Although in some cases there was an evident association, such inflammatory responses and necrosis were minimal, as occurred with Capillaria, Retinometra, Catatropis, Echinostoma, and Schistosomatidae gen. sp. Nevertheless, Epomidiostomum vogelsangi caused granulomatous injuries, an important inflammatory response, and necrosis, but it always circumscribed to superficial layers of the gizzard. Conversely, Paramonostomum was not associated with an inflammatory response despite a high parasitic load. Resumo O cisne de pescoço negro é distribuído por toda a América do Sul, e enfrenta problemas de conservação no Chile, sendo protegido pela Lei Estadual de Caça. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar helmintos em cisnes e avaliar o dano tecidual por meio de histopatologia. Um total de 19.291 parasitas foi isolado de 21 aves examinadas, sendo 17 espécies identificadas, entre nematóides, trematódeos e tênias. Destes, 12 são novos registros de hospedeiros, 13 são reportados pela primeira vez no Chile, e 5 são novos registros para a região Neotropical. Além disso, os trematódeos Schistosomatidae gen. sp. e Echinostoma echinatum detectados têm importância zoonótica. Em relação à histopatologia, uma resposta inflamatória foi encontrada em todo o trato digestivo. Entretanto, é difícil estabelecer uma associação estrita de tais lesões com parasitas isolados, porque outros fatores também poderiam ser responsáveis. Em alguns casos, houve uma associação óbvia entre parasitas e lesões, embora a resposta inflamatória e a necrose fossem mínimas, como foi o caso dos gêneros Capillaria, Retinometra, Catatropis, Echinostoma e Schistosomatidae gen. sp. Entretanto, Epomidiostomum vogelsangi causou lesões granulomatosas com importante resposta inflamatória e necrose, mas sempre circunscrita às camadas superficiais da moela. Por outro lado, Paramonostomum não foi associado com uma resposta inflamatória óbvia apesar da alta carga parasitária.