Incidence and treatment of serratospiculosis in falcons from Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Serratospiculum species were diagnosed in 1360 of 7200 falcons examined over a period from September 2003 to September 2008. The incidence of serratospiculosis was higher in saker falcons (Falco cherrug) and peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus). Serratospiculosis was diagnosed singly in 467 falcons, and in combination with other internal parasites in 893 falcons. Of the falcons diagnosed with only serratospiculosis, 286 showed no clinical signs and 181 showed mild to moderate clinical signs, including dyspnoea. In 126 of the symptomatic falcons, other signs were reported that were difficult to detect on clinical examination. These included inappetence, unsatisfactory weight gain and rapid exhaustion. Fenbendazole at 30 mg/kg bodyweight orally for five to eight days was effective in eliminating eggs and larvae in faeces. No side effects were noticed during or after fenbendazole treatment.