UNAIR NEWS 鈥 A group of students from the XLV Cohort, Tandem 3, of the Veterinary Professional Education Programme (PPDH) at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH), 东京热 (UNAIR), who were undertaking their Parasitology rotation, successfully identified a gastrointestinal nematode infestation in an owl. The finding was based on a faecal sample collected in the Gembong Sawah area of Surabaya on Thursday (July 23, 2026). The sample was subsequently analysed at the Veterinary Parasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 东京热 (UNAIR).
The identification formed part of the students’ clinical training while also supporting wildlife health surveillance in urban environments. Through the early detection of parasites, the students contributed to protecting wildlife health and maintaining ecosystem balance by applying the One Health approach.
鈥淭hrough the early identification of parasites in wildlife, we hope to provide valuable scientific information to support animal health surveillance while helping to maintain ecosystem balance,鈥 said Vania Athalia Indarto Putri, a student from the XLV Cohort, Tandem 3, of the Veterinary Professional Education Programme (PPDH) at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH), 东京热 (UNAIR).
Morphological identification of the parasite
The students examined the faecal sample using three diagnostic methods: direct smear, sedimentation, and flotation. The flotation method produced the clearest results by separating the parasite eggs from faecal debris, making them easier to identify under a microscope.
Microscopic examination revealed that the Subulura sp. eggs were symmetrically oval in shape with a double-contoured shell. They lacked both an operculum and polar plugs and contained fully developed larvae, indicating that they were embryonated. Digital measurements showed that the eggs measured 84.55 碌m in length and 58.77 碌m in width, consistent with the reported morphological characteristics of the species.
鈥淭he morphological characteristics of parasite eggs are essential for confirming the identity of the parasite, thereby enabling an accurate and reliable diagnosis,鈥 Putriexplained.
Supporting wildlife health surveillance
Biologically, adult Subulura sp. worms inhabit the caecum and large intestine of owls and have an indirect life cycle involving insects, such as cockroaches and beetles, as intermediate hosts. Heavy infestations may cause enteritis, impaired nutrient absorption, weight loss, and an increased risk of secondary infections.
Through these findings, the PPDH students from FKH UNAIR also contributed to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Going forward, they will continue examining faecal samples from various animal species to support the diagnosis of parasitic diseases while providing valuable clinical learning opportunities for PPDH veterinary interns.
鈥淓arly detection of diseases in wildlife is an essential component of the One Health approach. We hope that faecal sample examinations will continue to support the diagnosis of parasitic diseases while enhancing the competencies of PPDH veterinary interns,鈥 Putriconcluded.
Author: Dheva Yudistira Maulana
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
