Eustrongylidiasis in eastern great blue herons (Ardea herodias).

The nematode Eustrongylides ignotus was found in peritoneal lesions of several great blue herons (Ardea herodias) submitted for necropsy from a wildlife rehabilitation center in northern Delaware. Prior to death, signs of disease included ataxia, emaciation, weakness, and anemia. Blood collection was not uniformly performed, but in cases where it was performed, affected birds demonstrated abnormal clinical hematology. Postmortem findings included numerous lesions associated with verminous peritonitis. Significant histologic granulomatous response to the presence of these organisms was noted, particularly in the proventricular specimens. Other organs involved included intestine, spleen, pancreas, and liver.