A preliminary investigation on the effects of parasitism of domestic ducklings by Theromyzon rude (Hirudinoidea: Glossiphoniidae)

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Abstract
Domestic ducklings (499–580 g) were parasitized experimentally with the temporary ectoparasitic blood sucking leech Theromyzon rude (Baird, 1869) (Glossiphoniidae). Compared with the unparasitized control group of ducklings, the parasitized ducklings showed significant differences in live body weight, and the mean weights of the thymi, spleen, and liver. Histopathologically the only evidence of the parasitism was congestion of the vessels of the lamina propria and erythrocytes in the lumen; microscopically no ulceration or inflammation of the mucosa of the nares was visible. An antigenic reaction against T. rude was also detected.

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