Identification of a Gastrointestinal Nematode in the Boelen's Python, Morelia boeleni
Assoc Reptilian Amphibian Vet 8[1]:8 Spring'98 Case Report 1 Refs

- A wild-collected Boelen's python, Morelia boeleni, from Wamena, New Guinea, was obtained by the Dallas Zoo Department of Herpetology. Fecal examinations revealed ascarid, strongyle, and Capillaria sp. eggs on flotation. This specimen was treated with 50 mg/kg Panacur PO (in rat) and was dosed again two weeks later. Seven unidentified nematodes (Table 1) were collected from fecal material. All gross nematode specimens were ultimately identified by J.H. Greve, DVM, as Ophidascaris papuanus. To date, O. papuanus has not been collected from any other specimen of M. boeleni in the collection. This described animal continues to eat regularly and appears to be in good health, despite the passage of gross nematodes.