Gastrointestinal parasites of owls (Strigiformes) kept in captivity in the Southern region of Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study the gastrointestinal parasitism in 12 adult owls kept in captivity in the Southern region of Brazil. Cloacal contents of the species Rhinoptynx clamator, Tyto alba, Athene cunicularia, Megascops spp., and Bubo virginianus were evaluated. Feces and urine were collected and analyzed by the zinc sulfate centrifugal-flotation method and stained by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique. Eggs of Capillaria spp. and Strongylida, oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp., and Isospora spp. were observed. The birds showed no clinical signs, probably due to the mild nature of the infection.

Health of an ex situ population of raptors (Falconiformes and Strigiformes) in Mexico: diagnosis of internal parasites

“…were recorded for the first time in birds of prey from Mexico. Similar to the report of Baker et al (1996) in raptors from United States, the birds had single infections; whereas the mixed infections were most prevalent in captive strigiforms from Brazil (Silva et al 2009). Coccidia and trematodes were also diagnosed in a coprologic survey of wild and captive falconiforms and strigiformes from United States (Baker et al 1996); whereas Coccidia and Strongylida were found in fecal samples from captive strigiforms from Brazil (Silva et al 2009).…”

“…The knowledge of parasites commonly found in raptors contributes and help ensure prompt, appropriate and judicious control measures (Baker et al 1996, Joseph 2006, Silva et al 2009, Willette et al 2009). Despite this, there are limited studies about the parasites of raptors in Latin America.…”

“…Most studies used samples from necropsies, whereas this study was based in coprologic analysis. With necropsy material, the helminths are most prevalent in wild and captive raptors (Hoberg et al 1989, Ferrer et al 2004a, Ferrer et al 2004b, whereas protozoa are most prevalent in coprologic surveys (Baker et al 1996, Silva et al 2009). Gastrointestinal parasites found in this study are reported in many species of captive and wild raptors worldwide (Greenwood et al 1984, Baker et al 1996, Freitas et al 2002, Silva et al 2009); however, Eimeria spp., trematodes and Capillaria spp.…”

“…Seventy-four fresh fecal samples were collected from newspapers or plastic covers on the cage floor (for 12 hours) (Clyde & Patton 2000, Silva et al 2009). Samples were transported in plastic bags on ice, and kept at 4 o C, for processing generally within one week (Freitas et al 2002).…”

“…Infectious diseases caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, and/or parasitic origin are common in wild and captive birds of prey (Deem 1999, Jones 2006. Though parasites are the most frequent pathogens in raptors, the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts are most commonly affected by nematodes, trematodes, cestodes, acanthocephalans and protozoans (Baker et al 1996, Aguilar 2001, Ferrer et al 2004a, Ferrer et al 2004b, Leppert et al 2008, Silva et al 2009). Overt clinical signs of parasitism are not common, subclinical parasitism may become evident during stress conditions, and heavy infections by gastrointestinal parasites may cause diarrhea, anorexia, emaciation, listlessness, and death (Baker et al 1996, Morishita 1997, Freitas et al 2002, Jones 2006.…”