Ectoparasite fauna of domestic waterfowl in the northern region of the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

A study on the ectoparasite fauna of domestic waterfowl (ducks and geese) from the Anatidae family in the northern region of the Republic of Moldova showed that domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus, Linnaeus, 1758) were infested with six species of chewing lice: Trinoton querquedulae, Anatoecus icterodes, Anatoecus dentatus, Anaticola crassicornis, Anaticola anserinum, and Menopon obscurum, as well as the gamasid mite Dermanyssus gallinae. Domestic geese (Anser anser domesticus, Linnaeus, 1758) were found to host ten species of ectoparasites, including eight species of chewing lice: Trinoton querquedulae, Trinoton anserinum, Anatoecus icterodes, Anaticola crassicornis, Anaticola anserinum, Anatoecus adustus, Menopon obscurum, and Lipeurus caponis. In addition, geese were infested with the gamasid mite Dermanyssus gallinae and the argasid tick Argas persicus.These findings indicate a high diversity of ectoparasites infesting domestic ducks and geese in the northern region of the Republic of Moldova, with differences between host species. The presence of lice, mites, and ticks highlights the need for monitoring and controlling ectoparasite populations in order to maintain the health of domestic waterfowl in this region.