Disease Summary

Alternative Names (Synonyms)

• Subcutaneous Worm Infection
• Guinea worm Infection

Disease Type

Infectious/Non-Infectious Agent associated with the Disease

Infective "Taxa"

• Avioserpens sichuanensis
• Avioserpens mosgovoyi
• Avioserpens taiwana

Non-infective agents

Physical agents

References

Disease Author

Major References / Reviews

Code and Title List

Other References

Code and Title List

Detailed Clinical and Pathological Characteristics

General

Clinical Characteristics

• Fibrous masses either submandibular (main site) or occasionally in the thigh or shoulder areas. Initially soft and painless, later (about one month) becomes hard and painful. Submandibular infections may interfere with swallowing and even cause death from inanition or asphyxiation. Small hole forms for larval release. Sometimes abscessates.
• Ducklings may be thin and show retarded growth.
• In the case of tibiotarsal area infection, a fistula may form and be slow healing, with secondary infection which may be fatal.
• Masses on the legs or shoulders may interfere with limb movement.

(B13.46.w1, B15, B24, B32.33.w13, B37.x.w1, B48.20.w20).

With Avioserpens sichuanensis in domestic ducklings, tumour-like swellings may develop on the head (B15).

Incubation

Mortality / Morbidity

• Common where high population of intermediate host cyclops (B37.x.w1). 
• Usually a benign condition (B10.26.w11). Growth retardation and secondary infections noted (B48.20.w20).
• Avioserpens sichuanensis reported to cause 8-100% mortality in domestic ducklings (B15).

Pathology

• Fibrous masses containing tangled masses of nematode worms, usually under the lower mandible and chin (B10.26.w11, B37.x.w1, B48.20.w20).
• Microfilariae may be found in the blood (B24).

Human Health Considerations

Disease / Agent has been reported in either the wild or in captivity in:

• Domestic ducks Anas platyrhynchos domesticus (Avioserpens taiwana) (B10.26.w11, B13.46.w1, B32.33.w13).
• Domestic duck Anas platyrhynchos domesticus, mottled duck Anas fulvigula, Muscovy duck Cairina moschata (Avioserpens taiwana)(B48.20.w20).
• Mallard Anas platyrhynchos, common merganser Mergus merganser (Avioserpens sp.) (B15).
• Domestic ducklings (Avioserpens sichuanensis, Sichuan province, China) (B15).
• Domestic ducks and wild ducks in former USSR and Far East (Avioserpens mosgovoyi) (B24).

WATERFOWL Host Species List

• Anas fulvigula - Mottled duck
• Anas platyrhynchos - Mallard
• Anas platyrhynchos domesticus  - Domestic duck
• Cairina moschata - Muscovy duck
• Mergus merganser - Common merganser

Disease / Agent has been specifically reported in Free-ranging populations of:

WATERFOWL Host Species List

• Dependent on intermediate host (a cyclops, for Avioserpens taiwana, fish in the case of Avioserpens mosgovoyi)(B10.26.w11, B13.46.w1, B24, B37.x.w1).
• Usually occurs in the dry season in young ducks in marshy areas (Avioserpens taiwana) (B48.20.w20).

Regions / Countries where the Infectious Agent or Disease has been recorded

Regions / Countries where the Infectious Agent or Disease has been recorded in Free-ranging populations

General Information on Investigation / Diagnosis

N.B. May occur in birds recently imported from the Far East (B10.26.w11).

• Physical Examination - General
• Necropsy - General
• Chapter 2 - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Specimen Collection and Preservation
• Chapter 3 - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Specimen shipment
• Appendix A - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Sample specimen history form

Similar Diseases (Differential Diagnosis)

Specific Medical Treatment

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General Nursing and Surgical Techniques

• Treatment and Care - General

Preventative Measures

WATERFOWL

• Treatment and Care - General
• Preventative Medicine for Birds - General

Environmental and Population  Control Measures

WATERFOWL

• Preventative Medicine for Birds - General
• Environmental and Population Management - General