Internal and external parasitic infections in captive psittacine birds

Ascaridia hermaphrodita (Froelich, 1789) and Ascaridia columbae (Gmelin, 1780) in neotropical psittacine birds

Gastrointestinal parasites found in four Neotropical psittacine birds of the species Ara macao, Amazona aestiva, Amazona vinacea and Pionus maximiliani have been reported. The carcasses of the animals were received from commercial breeders and a rehabilitation center for necropsy. In total, 589 parasites were collected during the exams and submitted for morphological analysis and taxonomic identification. Twenty parasites from each host were cleaned with lactophenol and analyzed by light microscopy, while four parasites from each host were prepared for scanning electron microscopy. Tissue samples were forwarded for histological analysis in search of erratic larvae; however, none were found. Parasites from A. macao, A. aestiva and A. vinacea were identified as Ascaridia hermaphrodita, whereas parasites from P. maximiliani were identified as Ascaridia columbae, promoting the first report of A. columbae in P. maximiliani. All birds were kept in enclosures with access to the ground, facilitating parasitism. Pionus maximiliani and A. vinacea were kept together in the same enclosure with high population density. Additionally, synanthropic animals, such as Columbiformes, were observed in the same enclosure, facilitating infection with A. columbae. The identification of Ascaridia species that parasitizes psittacine birds helps to improve prevention and control measures, thus enhancing avian health and welfare.

A survey of parasitic infections in Psittaciformes and Passeriformes in Mashhad, Iran

The health, growth and fertility of avian species can be negatively affected by parasite infection. This survey assesses the presence, variety and distribution of internal and external parasites among parrots and perching birds in Mashhad, Iran. This study examined 751 caged pet birds from different species and regions in Mashhad for faecal samples and 132 oral swabs for digestive tract parasites. Furthermore, skin scrapings were conducted on 14 canaries displaying dishevelled feathers. During the study, mortalities and moribund birds that had been referred underwent necropsies to examine internal parasites. Following the formol ether faecal examination, only one Malango parrot tested positive for Heterakoidea eggs among 751 faecal samples (0.13%). Further, one cockatiel showed evidence of parasitic infection with Eimeria spp. (0.13%). However, neither Cryptosporidium nor Giardia protozoa were detected in the samples (0%). Oral swabs revealed no evidence of Trichomonas (0%). On the other hand, skin scraping revealed the presence of the mite Dermanyssus in 7 out of 14 canaries with dishevelled feathers (50%). Of 25 moribund and weak budgerigars, 2 were infected with Acuaria in their proventriculus (8%). In addition, 3 out of 14 deceased myna birds carried the nematode Diplotriana in their coelomic cavities (21.42%). In conclusion, the rate of internal parasites has been relatively low in ornamental birds of Mashhad, whereas the prevalence of external parasites has been higher.

Erratic migration of Ascaridia hermaphrodita (Nematoda: Ascaridida) in a blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) from illegal wildlife trade: case report

ABSTRACT Ascaridiasis by Ascaridia hermaphrodita is a common parasitic disease in blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) and the contamination occurs by ingestion of eggs. Illegal trade of wild birds can increase the frequency of visceral erratic migration by this parasite. Hence, this report describes the erratic migration of A. hermaphrodita and associated lesions in a blue-fronted Amazon parrot. This is a retrospective study, which originated from several apprehension of illegal birds in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Necropsy revealed intense intestinal ascarid infestation. Hepatic lesions were also observed associated with the parasite migration. Stereoscopy allowed the identification of the morphology of the parasites. Summarizing, this condition in wild birds is not fully understood and may be associated with illegal trade.