Helminthofauna of wetland birds in Uzbekistan

The study of the helminthofauna of birds is not only very interesting from the theoretical aspect, but also has great practical significance, as the obtained knowledge is used to develop measures to combat numerous helminthiases of domestic, commercial and wetland game birds. Some helminthiases of wetland birds are also dangerous for humans. However, these and other issues related to helminthiases of these birds have been poorly studied in Uzbekistan. This work analyses the current state of the helminthofauna of wetland birds from 8 orders – Podicipediformes, Pelecaniformes, Ciconiiformes, Phoenicopteriformes, Anseriformes, Gruiformes, Charadriiformes and Falconiformes, inhabiting wetlands in central, north-eastern and north-western Uzbekistan. Helminths collected from wetland birds in various bodies of water during hunting seasons between 2018 and 2024 were used as material for this research. The large number of highly diverse and extensive habitats in Uzbekistan accounts for the high species diversity of wetland birds in the country. There are more than 500 different water bodies suitable for the habitation of this group of birds. These wetlands are highly important for humans. They provide biological resources to the population, ensure the stability of local climates, and serve as habitats for many sedentary and migratory wetland birds. We surveyed about 40 species of this group of birds from different orders. Our work provides information on the species composition of helminths of wetland birds in Uzbekistan ( Tachybaptus ruficollis , Podiceps cristatus , Podiceps grisegena , Pelecanus onocrotalus , Phalacrocorax carbo , Ph. pygmaeus , Botaurus stellaris , Egretta alba , Ardea cinerea , Phoenicopterus roseus , Anser anser , Anas platyrhynchos , Anas crecca , Netta rufina , Bucephala clangula , Gallinula chloropus , Fulica atra , Porzana porzana , Tringa glareola , Larus ridibundus , Larus hyperboreus , Sterna hirundo , Haliaeetus albicilla , Circus aeruginosus and other). Our studies identified representatives of Cestoda from the genera Diphyllobothrium , Ligula , Digramma , Schistocephalus , Tetrabothrius , Paradilepis , Lateriporus , Anomotaenia , Aploparaksis , C l oacotaenia , Diorchis , Drepanidotaenia , Fimbr i aria , Microsomacanthus , Myxolepis , Flamingolepis , Sobolevicanthus , Wardium and Tatria . Trematodes are represented by the genera Echinostoma , Echinoparyphium , Petasiger , Echinochasmus , Mesorchis , Aporchis , Pegosomum , Cyclocoelum , Notocotylus , Catatropis , Microphallus , Opistorchis , Tanaisia , Plagiorchis , Plagiorchis , Strigea , Cotylurus , Apatemon , Diplostomum , Bilharziella , Trichobilharzia , Ornithobilharzia , Austrobilharzia , Dendritobilharzia , Gigantobilharzia and other. Acanthocephala in our research included representatives of 4 genera : Polymorphus , Centrorhynchus , Mediorhynchus , Filicollis . A large number of genera were recorded among nematodes : Capillaria , Thominx , Strongyloides , Amidostomum , Contracaecum , Ganguleterakis , Tetrameres , Streptocara , Desmidocercella , Paronchocerca , Pharyngosetaria , Avioserpens and other. A total of 138 species of parasites were identified; 42 species from the class Cestoda, 66 Trematoda, 6 Acanthocephala and 24 Nematoda. 35 species had never been recorded in wetland birds in Uzbekistan before. The article also discusses issues related to changes in the faunistic co m plexes of helminths of the studied birds. The work identifies trophic and ecological relationships between helminths and their hosts and specifies the species diversity of parasites of wetland birds in the current ecological background of Uzbekistan. The authors also paid attention to ways birds are infected with helminths in various types of water bodies in Uzbekistan.