Parasites of wild and captive nene Branta sandvicensis in Hawaii

The risk of introducing disease or parasites into the wild has long concerned managers involved in the nene recovery programme. In this initial survey helminth eggs were found in samples from 17 of 77 free-ranging geese and 8 of 28 captive geese, giving an overall prevalence of 22%. Six nematodes were identified (Ascaridia, Heterakis, Amidostomum anseris, Trichostrongylus tenuis, Echinuria uncinata and Capillaria) and unidentified cestode eggs were also present. Hawaii is a new geographic record for E. uncinata. Coccidian oocysts were present in 18 of 113 faecal samples. Prevalence was estimated for each of 9 collection sites and was not correlated with bird density. No ectoparasites or haemoparasites were detected in the 5 birds that were examined clinically. A longer term study is needed to confirm the initial suggestion that nene recovery is probably not limited by heavy parasite infection..