Abstract

For the first time, the faunal complexes of helminths of waterbirds in the Aidar-Arnasay system of lakes in Uzbekistan were studied. The material for this work was collections of parasitic worms of waterbirds obtained during the hunting seasons of 2020-2023. Using parasitological dissection, 326 bird individuals belonging to 31 species and 6 orders (Grebes, Copepods, Flamingiformes, Anseriformes, Craniformes and Charadariformes) were studied. The features of the distribution and ecology of helminths of the studied groups of birds are considered. In total, 79 species of parasites have been registered in the Aidar-Arnasay lake system. Of these, 29 species belong to the class Cestoda, the class Trematoda is represented by 27 species, the class Acanthocephala – by 3 species and the class Nematoda – by 20 species, which are indicated for the study area for the first time. Original data on the structure of the helminth fauna of 6 orders of waterfowl and wading birds are presented. Various routes of transmission of helminths to their hosts, birds, and methods of circulation of the invasion have been elucidated. The life cycles of most species of helminths noted by us involve intermediate (first and second) and reservoir hosts - invertebrate and vertebrate animals. The dietary choices of individual waterbird orders play a significant role in determining the types of parasitic worms that infect them, and are the primary factor in shaping their overall worm population. These processes undeniably take place within a specific timeframe and location, closely regulated by environmental factors.