Prevalence of blood parasites in Japanese wild birds

The prevalence of blood parasites was investigated in 701 Japanese wild birds for 13 years from January, 1988 to March, 2001. Most of the injured or sick birds were caught in the suburbs of Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture and brought to the zoo for clinical care. Among all the birds examined, 10.6% were infected with hematozoa belonging to three genera as Plasmodium (1.7% of the samples), Haemoproteus (5.1% of the samples) and Leucocytozoon (4.6% of the samples), and two birds (0.29% of the samples), a Japanese grosbeak (Coccothraustes personatus) and a dusky thrush (Turdus naumanni), were infected with microfilariae. Mixed infection with Leucocytozoon sp. and Haemoproteus sp. was observed in 6 individuals of 4 species and that with Leucocytozoon sp. and microfilariae was observed in 2 individuals of 2 species of bird. Relatively high positive rates were 75%(3/4) in the scops owl (Otus scops), 71.4% (10/14) in the ural owl (Strix uralensis), 57.7% (15/26) in the jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos), 57.1% (4/7) in the black-tailed gull (Larus crassirostris), 55.6% (5/9) in the brown hawk owl (Ninox scutulata), 41% (16/39) in the carrion crow (Corvus corone) and 24.1% (7/29) in the night heron (Nycticorax nicticorax).     

Syngamiasis in juvenile American robins (Turdus migratorius), with a note on the prevalence of other fecal parasites

Of 105 juvenile American robins (Turdus migratorius L.) examined for fecal parasites, 77.1% were infected with one or more species of endoparasite. Syngamus sp. was the most commonly encountered parasite, found in 57.1% of the birds. There was a significant association between the presence of Syngamus sp. eggs in feces and signs of respiratory-tract disease. A single oral dose of fenbendazole (100 mg/kg of body weight) eliminated Syngamus sp. infection from all of 18 birds treated, yet 10 of 16 untreated controls apparently were "self-cured" over the 12-day period of observation.     

Prevalence of haematozoa in birds of prey in Catalonia, north-east Spain.

Blood samples from birds of prey, 95 Strigiformes and 190 Falconiformes, were examined for the presence of haematozoan parasites. The birds had been admitted to a raptor recovery centre in Catalonia, north-east Spain. Parasites were counted in positive smears. A second blood sample was obtained from 99 birds at least seven days after their arrival at the centre. Haematozoa were detected in all seven species of Strigiformes and in nine of 19 species of Falconiformes. The overall prevalences in the two groups were significantly different, 30.5 per cent and 46.3 per cent in the nocturnal and diurnal raptors, respectively. Eleven species of haematozoan parasites were identified. The genus most commonly detected in members of the nocturnal Strigiformes was Leucocytozoon, followed by Haemoproteus, Plasmodium and Trypanosoma. In the diurnal Falconiformes only Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus were detected. The highest infection rates were found in Accipiter nisus (sparrow hawks), Accipiter gentilis (goshawks) and Athene noctua (little owls). Relapses were detected in 9 per cent of the birds sampled twice. The highest intensity of infection (6.2 per cent) was observed in a Buteo buteo (buzzard) infected with Haemoproteus.     

Occurrence of parasites in indigenous birds of prey and owls

In the present paper a general overview on parasites in birds of prey and owls is given. This part is followed by a study investigating the prevalences and species of parasites in free-ranging birds of prey and owls in Berlin and Brandenburg State, Germany. Over a one year period, 84 birds of prey and owls of the following species were examined for the presence of endo- and ectoparasites: Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) (n = 32), Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) (n = 20), Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) (n = 9), Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) (n = 8), Black Kite (Milvus migrans) (n = 4), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) (n = 3), Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) (n = 1), White-tailed-Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) (n = 1), Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) (n = 4), Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) (n = 1) and Barn Owl (Tyto alba) (n = 1). In 97.6% of the cases, ectoparasites (feather mites and hippoboscid flies) were found. Especially eyasses (93.3%) were positive for hippoboscid flies. Trichomonas was detected in 28.6% of all birds of prey and owls examined. A prevalence of 100% was established in the Sparrow Hawks as well as Peregrine Falcons. Leucozytozoon sp. and Hemoproteus sp. as blood parasites were found in 26.9% of the birds in total. Common Buzzards showed the highest prevalence (44.8%). 58.3% of birds examined were positive for endoparasites. Flukes were found in 16.7%, tapeworms in 14.3%, round-worms in 48.8% and acanthocephales in 2.4% of the cases. Interestingly, Tylodelphis clavata (in a Common Buzzard) and Hovorkonema variegatum (in a Goshawk) were found for the first time in raptors. The results of this study underline the importance of a parasitological examination in the process of raptor rehabilitation.     

Phylogenetic comparison of Leucocytozoon spp. from wild birds of Japan

Eight species of Japanese birds were found to be infected with Leucocytozoon species using microscopic analysis. We used PCR and sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (cyt b) to compare the genetic background among these detected protozoa species. In 20 individuals of 22 samples, a single amplified band was detected from 6 of 8 bird species; 9 Japanese rock ptarmigans (Lagopus mutus japonicus), 4 large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos), 2 carrion crows (C. corone), 2 scops owls (Otus scops), 1 Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata), and 2 brown-eared bulbuls (Hypsipetes amaurotis), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the partial cyt b sequences revealed that all Leucocytozoon isolates in Japan closely grouped with other Leucocytozoon species previously reported in the literature. Among the Japanese isolates, the phylogenetic tree suggested that L. lovati from the Japanese rock ptarmigan may be basal to the parasites found in other bird species. Our study is the first to identify the molecular relationships among Leucocytozoon parasites in the avifauna of Japan.     

Helminth parasites in the intestinal tract of indigenous poultry in parts of Kenya

A study was carried out on 456 indigenous poultry intestinal specimens from various towns in Kenya to determine the occurrence and distribution of helminth parasites in the intestinal tract of the birds. Of the specimens examined, 414 had parasites whereas the remaining 42 had none, which is an infection rate of 90.78%. The main species of helminths found in the intestines were Raillietina sp. (47.53%), Heterakis gallinarum (21.33%), Ascaridia galli (10.03%), Strongyloides avium (9.96%), Choanotaenia infundibulum (4.61%), Cotugnia digonopora (3.6%), Capillaria sp. (1.5%), Trichostrongylus tenius (1.04%) and Syngamus trachea (0.40%). Most helminths were present in both the mid- and hindguts. Syngamus trachea and C. digonopora were only found in the foregut and midgut, respectively. Although chickens from which the specimens were collected appeard healthy, the high prevalence of helminthiasis observed shows the poor level of helminth infection control practiced by the indigenous poultry keepers in the country, which might affect the health status of the birds and their growth rates. Poultry keepers should be encouraged to prevent, control and treat such cases.     

Blood parasites of some West African rainforest birds

A total of 969 birds representing 121 species of 21 families from the West African nations of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast were examined for haematozoa using thin blood smears; 277 individuals (28.6%) harbored blood parasites. The parasites identified included species of Haemoproteus (7.7% prevalence), Plasmodium (10.7%), Leucocytozoon (4.6%), and Trypanosoma (7.3%). In addition, microfilariae of filariid nematodes were present in 3.6% of the individuals examined. The birds were collected over a period of 12 years, from 1989-2001, from rainforest and ecotone habitats. We report a relatively high prevalence of parasites in colonial nesting birds, and two species of ground nesting birds. In addition, we compared data from bird species collected at a site identical to a previously published study, and did not find significant differences in parasite prevalence between the two years constituting two different seasons. Our results are also compared to other studies in Africa that implement similar and different methodologies.     

肉牛肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

为了解南乐县肉牛寄生虫感染情况,笔者随机选取4个规模化肉牛养殖场的共226份粪样进行寄生虫感染情况调查。结果共检出4种寄生虫的虫卵和卵囊,其中原虫2种(球虫、隐孢子虫),线虫2种（类圆线虫、鞭虫）。检测结果发现162份粪便样品为寄生虫阳性,寄生虫总感染率为71.68％(162／226),4个肉牛场的隐孢子虫平均感染率为4.42％,球虫平均感染率为51.12％,鞭虫平均感染率为15.84％,类圆线虫平均感染率为15.49％。本次调查发现肉牛寄生虫混合感染现象比较严重,混合感染的病例占总感染病例的63.58％,其中球虫、鞭虫和类圆线虫混合感染的病例占总感染病例的34.56％。调查还发现肉牛寄生虫感染率呈现随着年龄的增加而降低的趋势。     

Parasitic infections of the grey-breasted helmet guinea-fowl (Numida meleagris galeata) in Nigeria

The major helminth parasites found in wild, semi-wild and golden Sovereign stock guinea fowl were Heterakis gallinarum, Ascaridia galli, Capillaria caudinflata, Raillietina tetragona and R. echinobothrida, while Eimeria species was the most important gastro-intestinal protozoan parasite. The incidence of the latter was higher in the semi-wild stock than in the wild stock. Necropsy of dead guinea-fowl indicated that A. galli, H. gallinarum and Eimeria species were indeed responsible for their deaths, especially in the young birds. Parasites found in blood smears were Leucocytozoon sp., Plasmodium sp. and Aegyptianella pullorum. The only tick found, Argas persicus, was on a few semi-wild stock, while lice of genus Damalinia were found only on wild birds.     

Health status of northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) in eastern Kansas

The health status of wild northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) from Lyon County, Kansas, was evaluated by conducting comprehensive health assessments on 25 birds. Gross lesions indicative of avian pox, ulcerative enteritis, and quail bronchitis were not present. Serologic tests for antibodies to Salmonella pullorum, Salmonella gallinarum, Pasteurella multocida, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, and avian adenoviruses were all negative. Intestinal coccidia (Eimeria spp.) were found in 36% of the birds. Only three species of helminth parasites were found: Dispharynx nasuta in two birds, Cyrnea colini in one bird, and larval Physaloptera sp. in four birds. Arthropod parasites (ticks, lice, mites, and/or chiggers) were present on 96% of the birds examined. Compared with wild bobwhite populations in the southeastern United States, the diversity, prevalence, and intensities of microbial and parasitic agents were low.     

Detection of zoonotic intestinal parasites in public parks of Spain. Potential epidemiological role of microsporidia

Several studies have demonstrated that the soil of public parks presents an important source of infection which has a significant impact on public health. Children are the main group affected by accidentally ingestion of contaminated soil. This study was performed in order to identify the presence of zoonotic parasites in dog and cat faecal and soil samples from public parks of Madrid, Spain. Six hundred twenty-five and seventy-nine soil and faecal samples (presumably from dogs and cats) respectively were collected from 67 parks. Intestinal parasites were identified in 27 parks (40.3%), which were contamined with Giardia sp. (19.4%), microsporidia (19.4%), Toxocara spp. (16.4%), Cryptosporidium sp. (6%), Entamoeba histolytica (3%) and Ancylostomidae (3%). Combinations of two or more intestinal parasites were found in 11 parks, and it was common to find Giardia and microsporidia together in samples. Intestinal parasites were detected in 18% (112/625) of soil samples. The most frequent parasite species found in the examined soil samples were Toxocara spp. (16.4%), followed by Giardia sp. (4.5%) and Strongyloides sp. larvae (3%). The zoonotic parasites found in the 79 faecal samples were Giardia sp. (17.7%), Cryptosporidium sp. (9%), E. histolytica (2.5%), Trichuris vulpis (1.3%), Toxascaris leonina (1.3%) and microsporidia spores (28%). Microsporidia characterization by amplification of DNA confirmed 10 samples as positive, eight for E. bieneusi and two for E. hellem by PCR. The role of those parasites in the environment are discussed.     

The helminth fauna of indigenous white storks (Ciconia ciconia)

120 carcasses of white storks originating from the federal countries Saxonia-Anhalt and Brandenburg where examined between 1994 and 2000 for internal parasites. The established parasite spectrum consisted of 8 trematode (Tylodelphis excavata, Chaunocephalus ferox, Cathemasia hians, Echinostoma revolutum, Echinoparyphium sp., Monilifer spinulosus, Ignavia ciconiae and Brachylaimus sp.), 4 cestode (Anomotaenia discoidea and 3 Hymenolepidae species) and at least 3 nematode species (Capillaria spp., Syngamus palustris and Contracaecum microcephalum). 5 of the helminths are considered to be stork specific. Considering host age groups the highest percentage of infected birds was found in adults.     

Trichomonas gallinae in budgerigars and columbid birds in Perth, Western Australia

Objective To estimate the prevalence of infection with Trichomonas gallinae and other parasites of the alimentary tract in psittacine and columbid birds in Perth and to determine in vitro the effectiveness of drugs commonly recommended for treating trichomoniasis.
Design and procedures Samples of crop contents were collected from aviary flocks of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) and other psittacine and columbid birds in both private and commercial collections in Perth. Similar samples from wild Senegal doves (Streptopelia senegalensis) also were collected. Crop contents were examined and cultured for Trichomonas gallinae and in vitro studies were conducted on the susceptibility of isolates to several drugs used commonly. Other parasites also were detected by faecal examination and/or necropsy.
Results T gallinae was recovered from birds in 1 of 13 private collections of budgerigars (2/289 birds in total). Direct wetmount examination of crop fluid identified 36.4% of samples at four commercial bird dealers which were later determined by culture to contain T gallinae . The prevalence of T gallinae infection ranged from 0 to 11.4% in budgerigars. The prevalence of T gallinae infection in wild Senegal doves was 46% and from one flock of racing pigeons was 59%. The in vitro minimum lethal concentrations of metronidazole, dimetridazole and ronidazole ranged from 40 to 96, 30 to 80 and 40 to 92 μg/mL respectively for six isolates of T gallinae . Other alimentary parasites detected during the survey included Spironucleus sp (syn Hexamita sp), coccidia, Ascaridia platycerci and Raillietina sp.
Conclusions Thirteen budgerigar flocks belonging to members of avicultural societies in Perth had a low prevalence of trichomoniasis and other parasitic infections. The dose rate currently recommended for ronidazole may not result in complete protozoacidal activity against T gallinae infection.     

Ectoparasites on birds (Passeriformes, Charadriiformes) migrating through the Moravian gateway

The birds migrating through the entrance to the Moravian Gate were subjected to a three-year ectoparasitological study. The studied 24 bird species had three species of louse flies (Diptera, Hippoboscidae ), 31 species of biting lice (Mallophaga), two species of fleas ( Aphaniptera ) and one species of ticks (Acarina, Ixodidae). In Czechoslovakia the biting lice Quadraceps connexus were detected for the first time to be present on phalarope ( Phalaropus lobatus ) and Menacanthus sp. were found for the first time as parasites of reed warbler ( Acrocephalus arundinaceus ). The study also included the determination of the population density of parasites in the attacked birds and the frequency of the occurrence of ectoparasites in 150 specimens of the five most widespread species of reed birds. Louse flies occurring almost in a third of the birds (32% frequency) can be considered as the most important group of summer ectoparasites of the birds living at localities overgrown with reeds . Biting lice occurred at a 6% frequency, and fleas and ticks were even less abundant.     

上海市部分鸟类寄生蠕虫感染情况调查

为了解上海市鸟类寄生虫感染现状,于2012年从上海市部分花鸟市场分批购买了11科21种103只鸟,采用完全剖检法对鸟类消化道及各脏器进行寄生虫检查。结果显示,有14种33只鸟检出蠕虫,鸟种类的蠕虫感染率为66．67％（14／21）,鸟个体的蠕虫感染率为32．04％（33／103）,其中黄鹂、灰背鸫、灰喜鹊、丝光椋鸟、喜鹊、野鹌鹑等6种鸟的检出率较高,感染率为60％～100％。在检出蠕虫的14种33只鸟中,共检获蠕虫932条,其中从9种16只鸟检获吸虫268条,从8种17只鸟检获绦虫631条,从7种12只鸟检获线虫17条,从4种7只鸟检获棘头虫16条。在检获的932条蠕虫,分别来自肺脏、肾脏、肝脏（胆囊）、肠道,而在心脏、气管、胃、皮下等组织器官未检出蠕虫。肠道是寄生虫寄生的主要场所,从27只鸟的肠道检获746条蠕虫,分别占阳性鸟和蠕虫数的81．82％（27／33）、80．04％（746／932）;其次为肝脏（胆囊）,从8只鸟的肝脏（胆囊）检获182条蠕虫．分别占阳性鸟和蠕虫数的24．24％、19．53％。在感染强度上,野鸽子和鸟灰鸫的蠕虫感染强度最高,平均每只分别检出171条和123条,其次为灰背鸫（53条／只）。调查结果表明,上海市鸟类寄生虫的种类多,且蠕虫的各大类（吸虫、绦虫、线虫、棘头虫）均有检出,依据检获的虫体数量,绦虫和吸虫是鸟类的主要寄生虫,调查结果为初步掌握上海市鸟类寄生虫的感染现状、做好鸟类寄生虫病的防控提供了基础数据。     

动物园鸟类肠道寄生虫感染情况调查及治疗效果分析

应用离心沉淀法和饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法对郑州市动物园鸟类进行肠道寄生虫感染情况调查。对62种鸟类共110份粪便样品进行调查,查出2种寄生虫,寄生虫总感染率为20%,球虫和毛细线虫的感染率分别为18.08%和3.64%。此次调查寄生虫总感染率比2004年降低了40.31%,感染强度也明显降低;与2006年和2007年的感染情况基本一致,表明对动物园鸟类肠道寄生虫应进行长期监控。     

Blood parasites of imported psittacine birds.

Of 117 imported psittacine birds examined for the presence of blood parasites, 18 (15-3 per cent) were found to be infected. The most common parasites were microfilaria and Haemoproteus, but Aegyptianella and a Trypanosoma sp were also observed. Haemoproteus handai was diagnosed in several birds and for the first time in lesser sulphur-crested cockatoos. The significance of the parasites observed is discussed and also that of other haematozoa recorded from psittacines but not found during the present survey.     

Avian malaria in captive psittacine birds: detection by microscopy and 18S rRNA gene amplification

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to estimate the occurrence of malaria infection among captive psittacine birds (n=127) from three zoological gardens in Brazil. Malaria infection was evaluated by the association of direct examination of blood smears with amplification of the 18SSU rRNA gene of the Plasmodium genus, demonstrating an overall occurrence of 36%. Most infected bird species were Amazona aestiva (28/73), Ara ararauna (6/10), and Amazona amazonica (3/10). The low parasitemias observed among the infected birds suggest a chronic infection. The sequence analyses of 10 isolates indicate a potential occurrence of four distinct Plasmodium lineages. These findings provide new data on malarial infection in captive psittacine birds, and emphasize the need for better control of importation and exportation of these birds.     

The prevalence of blood parasites in helmeted guineafowls, Numida meleagris, in the Kruger National Park

Bloodsmears were taken from separate groups of five helmeted guineafowls, Numida meleagris, shot at approximately monthly intervals at Skukuza and near Lower Sabie in the Kruger National Park during the period August 1988 to August 1990. Ninety-eight (86%) of 114 guineafowls had single or multiple infections of Aegyptianella sp., Haemoproteus pratasi, Hepatozoon sp., Leucocytozoon neavei, Plasmodium circumflexum and Trypanosoma numidae. The apparent seasonal prevalence of Aegyptianella sp., H. pratasi and L. neavei, the three most commonly occurring parasites (42%, 49% and 56% of birds infected respectively), is probably dependent on the presence of their respective vectors.