Ascarisspp. andCapillaria caudinflatainfections in captive-bred crested ibis (Nipponia nippon) in China

Abstract

Crested ibis (Nipponia nippon), an endan gered native bird, was called the "precious stone" of oriental birds. N. nippon was considered a critically endangered species in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and a first-class national protected animal in China. The Chinese government had exerted considerable effort to protect the N. nippon population. An effective approach to increase the number of these birds was captive breeding. However, several pathogens, including parasites, could jeopardize the health of this species. The present study used the fecal flotation method to determine prevalence of intestinal parasites in fresh stool samples by wet mount smearing and iodine staining. Samples were obtained from 63 randomly selected crested ibis bred in Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescuing and Breeding Research Center in Zhouzhi County, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China. In the 63 captive individuals, 38 were found positive for intestinal parasites (60.3%, 38/63). Of positive birds, high prevalence of Ascaris spp. (84.2%, 32/38) and Capillaria caudinflata (50.0%, 19/38) were detected. Coccidea (7.8%, 3/38), Fasciolidae (23.7%, 9/38), Blastocystis spp. (15.8%, 6/38), and Entamoeba histolytica (7.8%, 3/38) showed relatively low prevalence rates. This study focuses on the morphological identification of Ascaris spp. and C. caudinflata and their transmission in the N. nippon population. We introduce strategies to improve the breeding management of the birds, enhance their health, and stimulate population productivity.

Genetic Diversity and Differentiation at Structurally Varying MHC Haplotypes and Microsatellites in Bottlenecked Populations of Endangered Crested Ibis

“…By analyzing the genomes of 57 historic and 8 modern samples, a recent study revealed ancestral loss of genetic variation and high deleterious mutation owing to genetic drift and inbreeding depression in current populations [32]. There have been a growing number of reports regarding various infections [33,34,35,36] and high mortality [29,33] in this bird, indicating frequent threats from pathogens and undetermined fitness. However, there has not yet been any large-scale genetic assessment on Nini populations.…”

Free-ranging avifauna as a source of generalist parasites for captive birds in zoological settings: An overview of parasite records and potential for cross-transmission

“…Few studies have carried out experimental procedures or statistical analyses to prove the cross-transmission of parasites between captive and free-ranging individuals [ 43 , 44 ]. The majority of recent studies simply describe parasites in fecal samples or on postmortem examination [ 27 , 45 – 47 ]. This review identifies parasite species that have been reported in both zoo birds and free-ranging avifauna.…”

“…In captive breeding centers in China, more than half of Asian crested ibis ( Nipponia Nippon ) were positive for Ascaris spp. and C. caudinflata by coprological examination [ 45 ]. Zhang at al.…”

“…Zhang at al. [ 45 ] concluded that birds themselves were a source of secondary infection due to the presence of parasite eggs in feces, and primary infections were associated with the provision of contaminated food (i.e., mudfish acting as mechanically carriers for Ascaris sp.). Thus, preventative husbandry measures should include food inspection and additional biosecurity measures.…”

Genome Resequencing Reveals Congenital Causes of Embryo and Nestling Death in Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon)

“…Conversely, previous research related to the crested ibis focused on external factors such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites that influence survival, and incorporated microsatellite markers, major histocompatibility complex loci, and defensins that only provide limited genomic information for the development of particular measures for species conservation (Zhang et al. 2004, 2006, 2015; He et al. 2006; Xi et al.…”