A survey to identify the important macroparasites of rock partridge (Alectoris graeca saxatilis) in Trentino, Italy

A preliminary survey of the intestinal helminth community of rock partridge (Alectoris graeca saxatilis) was undertaken in the Italian province of Trentino where the host population exhibits cyclic fluctuations in abundance. Six helminth species were recorded from 38 rock partridge intestines collected during the hunting season between October and November 1994. Nematoda were the most prevalent (53%) with lower prevalence of Trematoda (11%) and Cestoda (8%). Ascaridia compar (Schrank, 1790) and Heterakis tenuicauda Linstow, 1883, were identified as the component species (each with prevalence > 10%) in the helminth intestinal community of rock partridge in Trentino. Both of these species exhibit an aggregated distribution.