Trematodes of free range reared guinea fowls (Numida meleagris Linnaeus, 1758) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: morphology and pathology

An investigation on the digenetic trematodes parasitizing free range reared guinea fowls was conducted in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, based o n clinical examination, necropsies and histopathological findings in 36 gui nea fowls. Parasites, prevalence and intensity of infection were, respectiv ely: Paratanaisia bragai, 61.1% and 31 ( in each kidney); Athesmia heterole cithodes, 8.3% and 38; Conspicuum conspicuum, 2.8% and 1. A. heterolecithod es was highly pathogenic to guinea fowls, causing severe hepatic lesions. H owever, C. conspicuum and P. bragai were less pathogenic in the considered intensities of infection. This is the first time that these parasite specie s have been reported in Brazilian guinea fowls.