Metacercariae (Platyhelminthes: Digenea) in freshwater ornamental fish species in southeastern Brazil: case report Metacercariae (Platyhelminthes: Digenea) in freshwater ornamental fish species in southeastern Brazil: case report

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H.N. DOMINGUEZ
S.C. BALIAN
K.R. TANCREDO
L.M. MARTINS
Pedro Henrique Magalhães Cardoso

Abstract

Metacercariae are digenetic trematode larvae commonly encapsulated in gills, skin, muscles and internal organs and are generally not harmful to animals when in low numbers, but in high infestations can lead to death. The present study reports metacercariae infections in 58 freshwater ornamental fishes from producers in two municipalities of the state of São Paulo (Iguape and Jacareí), Southeastern Brazil. After analysis, 13% of the animals (8/58) had metacercariae encysted in subcutaneous tissue and 43% (25/58) presented metacercariae encapsulated in gills. These results highlight the importance of the Veterinary in the sanitary control of fish, with the ability to identify agents, establish diagnoses and from there develop biosecurity control programs in the production systems of ornamental aquatic organisms, in order to ensure the viability of the fish business, promote animal welfare, reduce manageable losses and contribute to its role for animal and environmental health as a whole.

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How to Cite
DOMINGUEZ, H.; BALIAN, S.; TANCREDO, K.; MARTINS, L.; CARDOSO, P. H. M. Metacercariae (Platyhelminthes: Digenea) in freshwater ornamental fish species in southeastern Brazil: case report: Metacercariae (Platyhelminthes: Digenea) in freshwater ornamental fish species in southeastern Brazil: case report. Revista de Educação Continuada em Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, v. 18, n. 1, p. e37997, 12 Dec. 2019.
Section
ANIMAL NUTRITION AND PRODUCTION