Bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections in the ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus)

Abstract

The ostrich is susceptible to microorganisms of bacterial, fungal and parasitic origin. Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis , is dangerous to other livestock and humans. Salmonella is transmitted from rodents or wild bird reservoirs. Pausterellosis caused by Pasteurella multocida results in air sac infections in ostriches. Colibacillosis is caused by Escherichia coli . Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium avium , is very rare in ostriches. Aspergillosis principally afflicts chicks. Zygomycosis, a secondary fungal infection of the upper gastrointestinal tract, is caused by Basidia , Mucor and Rhizopus . Leucocytozoon struthionis and Plasmodium spp. are harmless protozoa transmitted from flying arthropods. The tapeworm, Houttuynia struthionis , is dangerous in young ostriches. The adult ratite fluke ( Philophthalmus gralli ) is transmitted to ostriches following ingestion of infected freshwater crustaceans. Tick infestations of ostrich skin in Africa include Amblyomma spp., Haemaphysalis punctata , Hyalomma spp., Rhipicephalus turanicus and Argus spp. The ostrich quillmite ( Pterolichus bicaudatus ) and louse ( Struthioliperus struthionus ) may lower skin and leather quality via pruritis and/or excessive preening and feather loss. Nemododa infections are rare.

Gastrointestinal nematodes in ostriches, Struthio camelus, in different regions of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

“…The best procedure for avoiding infection and subsequent economic loss is to prevent introduction of the parasites into the flock (CRAIG & DIAMOND, 1996). As a biosafety measure, rearing other birds on the same farm needs to be avoided (COOPER, 2005), given that the potential for cross-transmission among other birds, especially among other ratites, has not been determined .…”

Identification of Ostriches (Struthio camelus) Gastrointestinal Bacterial Flora and Characterization of the Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Salmonella Serovars Isolated from North-West of Iran

“…Meat-producing farm animals, including poultry, pigs and ostriches, can be carriers of Salmonella and can shed them fecally without any signs of disease, which leads to their further spread along the meat chain. 2,10 The lower GIT of most animal species including poultry and ostriches is normally populated by large numbers of microorganisms. 11 Historically, the microbial composition of the GIT of ostriches has not been extensively defined compared to what is known about microorganisms in poultry.…”

Ocorrência de ectoparasitos em avestruzes (Struthio camelus) criadas no semi-árido baiano

“…A presença de ectoparasitos influencia na qualidade do couro e das plumas das aves, por causar destruição dos folículos e das plumas, e como conseqüência, ocorre prurido, bicagem excessiva, perdas das plumas, estresse e predispõe os animais a infecções secundárias (COOPER, 2005 In the period of May to August of 2005, 19 ostrich's farms were visited in the semi-arid area of the Irecê, Bahia, in order to describe the ectoparasites. The African Black ostriches were reared in intensive system, and distributed for age group, in colonies, trio, couple or crèche.…”

“…A presença de ectoparasitos influencia na qualidade do couro e das plumas das aves, por causar destruição dos folículos e das plumas, e como conseqüência, ocorre prurido, bicagem excessiva, perdas das plumas, estresse e predispõe os animais a infecções secundárias (COOPER, 2005 Veterinária, v. 17, n. 3, p.155-157, 2008. Departamento de Patologia e Clínicas, Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Av.…”