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

Abstract

Successful programs for ex situ and in situ conservation and management of raptors require detailed knowledge about their pathogens. The purpose of this study was to identify the internal parasites of some captive raptors in Mexico, as well as to verify their impact in the health status of infected birds. Birds of prey were confiscated and kept in captivity at the Centro de Investigación y Conservación de Vida Silvestre (CIVS) in Los Reyes La Paz, Mexico State. For this, fecal and blood samples from 74 birds of prey (66 Falconiformes and eight Strigiformes) of 15 species, juveniles and adults from both sexes (39 males and 35 female), were examined for the presence of gastrointestinal and blood parasites. Besides, the oropharyngeal cavity was macroscopically examined for the presence of lesions compatible with trichomoniasis. Among our results we found that lesions compatible with Trichomonas gallinae infection were detected only in two Red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) (2.7%); nevertheless, infected birds were in good physical condition. Overall, gastrointestinal parasites were found in 10 (13.5%) raptors: nine falconiforms (13.6%) and one strigiform (12.5%), which mainly presented a single type of gastrointestinal parasite (90%). Eimeria spp. was detected in Harris's hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus), Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni), Red-tailed hawk (B. jamaicensis) and Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus); whereas trematodes eggs were found in Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and Swainson's hawk (B. swainsoni). Furthermore, eggs of Capillaria spp. were found in one Swainson's hawk (B. swainsoni), which was also infected by trematodes. Hemoprotozoarian were detected in five (6.7%) falconiforms: Haemoproteus spp. in American kestrel (F. sparverius) and Leucocytozoon spp. in Red-tailed hawk (B. jamaicencis). Despite this, no clinical signs referable to gastrointestinal or blood parasite infection were observed in any birds. All parasites identified were recorded for the first time in raptors from Mexico. Furthermore, this represents the first report for T. gallinae, trematodes, Haemoproteus spp. and Leucocytozoon spp. in raptors from Latin America. Diagnosis and control of parasitic infections should be a part of the routine in health care evaluations for ex situ raptor populations. Finally, this information is also valuable for in situ conservation actions on these birds. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (3): 1265-1274. Epub 2011 September 01.

Parasites of Psittaciformes and Accipitriformes in Paraíba state, northeastern Brazil

“…Damage to the host and symptoms depend on the pathogenicity and intensity of infection and general condition of the animal (immune competence) (GODOY, 2007). Microorganisms of low pathogenicity can ultimately cause severe clinical disease in birds that are immunosuppressed, stressed, or present concomitant diseases SANTOS et al, 2011).…”

“…Several diseases including endoparasitoses affect these birds (GONZÁLEZ-ACUÑA et al, SANTOS et al, 2011). In Brazil, helminths of parrots are well known, especially nematodes of the genus Ascaridia (GODOY, 2007).…”

“…Infections caused by endoparasites with no manifestation of clinical signs are common in these birds (PEREIRA, 2007;SANTOS et al, 2011). However, presence of parasites may become apparent in conditions of stress common in captivity, and gastrointestinal infections may be exacerbated by parasites causing diarrhea, anorexia, weight loss, and death .…”

“…Parasite identification is important for the knowledge of the most common species infecting wild birds in captivity, in addition to aid in the promotion of quick and efficient implementation of control measures SANTOS et al, 2011). In this study, we aimed to identify parasites of captive birds (Psittaciformes and Accipitriformes) in the state of Paraíba, Brazil.…”

“…Although clinical signs of parasitism are infrequent, they may become evident under conditions of stress associated with high parasite loads (FREITAS et al, 2002;SANTORO et al, 2010;SANTOS et al, 2011). In this respect, diagnosis and treatment of parasitic diseases should be part of the routine health care of birds in captivity .…”