Report of Craspedorrhynchus macrocephalus (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) Infestation in an Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) from Central Iran

Background: Chewing lice of the genus Craspedorrhynchus (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) are common ectoparasites of large raptors, but records from the Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) are sparse in Iran. Documenting host–parasite associations in wild raptors expands knowledge of parasite host range and informs assessments of avian health risks. Case presentation: In November ۲۰۲۴, an adult female Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) with suspected poisoning was admitted to the Kolah Ghazi Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Isfahan Province, Iran. During clinical examination, multiple ectoparasites were observed on the bird’s feathers. Methods: Feathers bearing ectoparasites were collected and transported to the Parasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University. Specimens were cleared, slide-mounted and examined by light microscopy. Morphological identification was performed using standard taxonomic keys for avian lice. Results: Morphological characters were consistent with Craspedorrhynchus macrocephalus (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera), a species typically associated with large eagles. Conclusion: This record adds to the evidence of C. macrocephalus parasitism in A. heliaca in Iran and underscores the importance of routine parasitological screening during clinical examination of wild birds admitted to rehabilitation facilities.

کلیدواژه ها:

Craspedorrhynchus macrocephalus ، Aquila heliacal ، Eastern Imperial Eagle ، lice ، ectoparasite ، raptor