[Helminths of pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) detected by necropsy and faecal examination in Samsun, Turkey].

OBJECTIVE This study was performed at the Gelemen Pheasant Procreation Farm affiliated to the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, Ministry of Forest and Water Affairs. METHODS A total of 203 faecal samples and 17 necropsies were examined. RESULTS In the faecal examination, Capillaria spp. accounted for 28.6% and Heterakis spp. for 17.2% of eggs; in necropsy, Capillaria annulata (17.6%), C. bursata (35.3%), C. caudinflata (23.5%), C. contorta (64.7%), C. obsignata (5.9%) and Heterakis gallinarum (58.8%) were detected. DISCUSSION Syngamus trachea, often reported in helminths in pheasant, could be found neither upon faecal examination nor on necropsy. CONCLUSION This study is the first extensive research to identify helminths of pheasants in Turkey. Capillaria bursata, C. caudinflata, C. contorta, C. obsignata and H. gallinarum are the first reports from pheasants in Turkey.