First Record of Fatal Infestation by Nasal Leeches, Limnatis paluda (Hirudinida, Arhynchobdellida, Praobdellidae), from Cattle in Iran

Background and aim: The location of a leech in the airways such as the nose, throat and larynx can cause respiratory distress, suffocation and even death of its host. Materials and Methods: In July ۲۰۲۲, fifteen cattle from a free-ranging herd in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran, showed clinical signs of oral leech infestation. Among them, ۴-year-old pregnant cow in her third trimester of pregnancy exhibited severe symptoms such as marked discomfort, epistaxis, hemorrhagic sialorrhea, stertorous respiration, and partial anorexia. Results: The hematological analysis revealed mild normocytic normochromic anemia with concurrent mild neutrophilia. The leeches were meticulously extracted, placed in a solution of ۷۰% alcohol. Fresh specimens exhibited a dark green- brown coloration with two orange bands running along both sides of their bodies. Limnatis paluda was identified based on its appearance and the use of diagnostic keys. To address a potential leech infestation, a subcutaneous injection of ivermectin ۱% (۱ ml per ۵۰ kg) was administered. Concurrently, to correct anemia, an intramuscular injection of a phosphorus, vitamin B۱۲ and iron complex (Cyanophryne®; ۲-۳ ml per ۱۰۰ kg) were administered. Conclusion: This is the first report of loss and infestation with L. paluda in pregnant cattle in East Azarbaijan, Iran. Veterinarians are encouraged to consider leech infestations when diagnosing unexplained oral hemorrhages in grazing cattle, especially during the summer months. Further research is needed to map the distribution and prevalence of L. paluda and evaluate its broader impacts on livestock health.

کلیدواژه ها:

Cattle leech ، Hematological analysis ، Hirudiniasis ، Limnatis paluda ، زالوی گاو ، آزمایش هماتولوژیک ، زالو گزیدگی ، لیمناتیس پالودا