Eye Fluke (Philophthalmus attenuatus) Infection in a Juvenile Red-billed Gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus)

Authors: Chen Y, Argilla LS
Publication: Kokako, Volume 30, Issue 2, pp 24-29, Dec 2023
Publisher: Wildlife Branch of the New Zealand Veterinary Association

Animal type: Avian, Wildlife
Article class: Clinical Article

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Abstract:

Philophthalmus sp. is a rare but widely distributed group of eye trematodes found in many avian species and occasionally in mammals, including humans. It is increasingly reported in various parts of the world, with identification of new trematode species and new records of clinical infections in different countries. Philophthalmus attenuatus was recently identified as a species of eye trematode that infects the red-billed gull and black-backed gull in New Zealand, however no clinical disease was reported. In January 2023, clinical eye fluke infection was diagnosed in a juvenile red-billed gull from Otago, which presented with marked conjunctival swelling in one eye, following destruction of the other eye, likely due to the same infection. This report is the first known case of significant clinical infection from P. attenuatus in an avian host in New Zealand.

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