Post-Mortem Findings of Ascaridia Species Infection in Shikra (Accipiter badius)

A Shikra (Accipiter badius) weighing 178 grams, and measuring 9 inches (from head to tail) was brought to the Veterinary Clinical Complex at College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, MHOW with a history of lethargy, inability to fly, and gasping. Based on clinical condition and prevailing environmental factors, dehydration and heat stroke were suspected and oral fluid therapy was administered. The following day, the shikra was found deceased and a post-mortem examination was performed. On opening the thoraco-abdominal cavity, congestion in the liver and intestines was observed. Pulmonary haemorrhages were present, with the right lung more severely affected. On opening the oesophagus and gastrointestinal tract, several roundworms were detected in the oesophagus, crop, gizzard, and proximal part of intestine. Microscopic examination of roundworms revealed 3 lips on the cranial end and transverse annulations throughout the length of the worm, characteristic of the Ascaridia species. In conclusion, the cause of death was probably due to roundworm infection, causing anaemia and pneumonia, resulting in hypoxia.