Some Parasites (Apicomplexa, Trematoda, Nematoda, Acanthocephala, Phthiraptera) of the Common Great Horned Owl, Bubo virginianus virginianus (Aves: Strigiformes: Strigidae), from Southeastern Oklahoma

Abstract

A common great horned owl, Bubo virginianus virginianus was found dead on the road near Idabel, McCurtain County, Oklahoma; it was salvaged and examined for parasites. The following parasites were found: a coccidian, Eimeria megabubonis, a trematode, Neodiplostomulum sp., ova of a nematode, Capillaria sp., an acanthocephalan, Centrorhynchus spinosus, and a chewing louse, Colpocephalum brachysomum. All parasites are reported from Oklahoma for the first time. More importantly, it shows that utilizing select road-killed specimens that could otherwise not be collected alive because of state and federal regulations is worthwhile for parasitological examination, and can yield new scientific information.