ABSTRACT

Twelve European pond turtles, Emys orbicularis, collected during 1996-2003 in various areas of the Bursa region were examined for helminths. During dissection, the following organs were surveyed for parasites: alimentary tract, lungs and urinary bladder. The 4 helminth species found were Patagium lazarewi (Digenea), Serpinema microcephalus, Spironoura armenica and Spiroxys contortus (Nematoda). This study that aimed at determining the helminth fauna of vertebrates in Turkey is the first survey on the host, Emys orbicularis. Also, this is the first time that Spiroxys contortus has been found among the helminth fauna of Turkey.

Keywords: Emys orbicularis, Digenea, Nematoda