Linguatula serrata prevalence and morphometrical features: an abattoir survey on water buffaloes in Iran

The prevalence and morphometrical characteristics of Linguatula serrata (L. serrata) nymphs in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), livers and lungs of 366 Iranian water buffaloes were investigated. The infestation rate increased with age (P<0.01), but no significant difference was observed between males and females (P>0.1). In this study, 7.65% of animals had L. serrata nymphs with infection rates of 5.73% for MLNs, 1.63% for livers and 0.27% for lungs. Greyish-white coloured nymphs measured 3.5 to 4.5 mm in length, 82 to 84 mm in body segments, 44 to 46 mm in transversely striated spines and 4 mm in oral hooks. The results indicated a high rate of infestation of lymph nodes in buffaloes in Iran. Due to consumption of raw or under-cooked liver and visceral organs of buffaloes by local people, the importance of a thorough inspection at slaughter-time seems imperative.