Endoparasite Infections in Pet and Zoo Birds in Italy

Faecal samples were individually collected from pet (n = 63) and zoo (n = 83) birds representing 14 orders and 63 species. All the samples were examined by faecal flotation technique. In a subgroup of samples (n = 75), molecular assays were also used to detect Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia duodenalis cysts. Overall, 35.6% of the birds harboured parasites (42.2% of zoo birds and 27% of pet birds), including Strongyles-Capillarids (8.9%), Ascaridia (6.8%), Strongyles (5.5%), G. duodenalis Assemblage A (5.3%), Coccidia (4.1%), Cryptosporidium (4%), Porrocaecum (2.7%), Porrocaecum-Capillarids (2%), and Syngamus-Capillarids (0.7%). The zoonotic G. duodenalis Assemblage A and Cryptosporidium were exclusively found in Psittaciformes, with prevalences of 10.3% and 7.7% within this bird group. Zoo birds were more likely to harbor mixed infections (OR = 14.81) and symptomatic birds to be parasitized (OR = 4.72). Clinicians should be aware of the public health implications posed by zoonotic G. duodenalis Assemblages and Cryptosporidium species in captive birds

Indagine coprologica sulle parassitosi di specie aviarie esotiche da zoo e da compagnia

Lo scopo della presente indagine è stato quello di monitorare la prevalenza di parassiti intestinali in specie aviarie esotiche, da zoo e da compagnia, tramite la comune tecnica per flottazione. Gli agenti parassitari sono stati identificati in base alle loro caratteristiche morfologiche e morfometriche. Inoltre è stata valutata la prevalenza dell’infezione da Giardia tramite metodica molecolare negli uccelli da zoo. I risultati ottenuti hanno dimostrato che ben il 28.3% degli animali esaminati risultava positivo per una o più specie di parassiti. Inoltre i campioni sono stati raggruppati in base alla loro provenienza ed alla presenza o assenza di sintomi. I gruppi così ottenuti sono stati confrontati con il metodo del chi quadro. Poiché il numero di specie aviarie esotiche tenute come animali da compagnia sta crescendo considerevolmente ed il veterinario libero professionista può essere chiamato sempre più spesso a confrontarsi con le patologie di questi animali, è necessario seguire linee guida precise per la gestione delle parassitosi di questi animali. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in exotic avian species, kept in zoo and as pets, by a routine flotation technique. The parasites were identified according to their morphological and morphometric features. In addition, the prevalence of Giardia was evaluated in zoo birds by a molecular technique. Results showed that a rate as high as 28.3% of the animals examined tested positive for one or more intestinal parasite species. The samples were grouped according to their origin and the presence or absence of symptoms. The groups thus obtained were compared with chi-square method. As the number of exotic avian species kept as pets is progressively increasing and clinicians can more and more often be called to deal with pathologies of these animals, it is mandatory to follow guide lines for the management of parasitoses of exotic birds living in captivity

Endoparasite infections in pet and zoo birds in Italy. The Scientific World Journal 2012

Faecal samples were individually collected from pet (n = 63) and zoo (n = 83) birds representing 14 orders and 63 species. All the samples were examined by faecal flotation technique. In a subgroup of samples (n = 75), molecular assays were also used to detect Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia duodenalis cysts. Overall, 35.6% of the birds harboured parasites (42.2% of zoo birds and 27% of pet birds), including Strongyles-Capillarids (8.9%), Ascaridia (6.8%), Strongyles (5.5%), G. duodenalis Assemblage A (5.3%), Coccidia (4.1%), Cryptosporidium (4%), Porrocaecum (2.7%), Porrocaecum-Capillarids (2%), and Syngamus-Capillarids (0.7%). The zoonotic G. duodenalis Assemblage A and Cryptosporidium were exclusively found in Psittaciformes, with prevalences of 10.3% and 7.7% within this bird group. Zoo birds were more likely to harbor mixed infections (OR = 14.81) and symptomatic birds to be parasitized (OR = 4.72). Clinicians should be aware of the public health implications posed by zoonotic G. duodenalis Assemblages and Cryptosporidium species in captive birds