Prevalence of major nematodes and human factors that affect infection in the zebra dove in a closed cage system

Abstract

Background and Aim: Roundworms cause infections in the avian population that lead to illness and poor production. The singing zebra dove is an economically important animal in the Indo-Malay region. The prevalence of these parasitic groups in zebra doves is unknown. This study estimated the prevalence and associated human risk factors of gastrointestinal nematode infections in zebra dove farming. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to April 2021. The study was conducted on 184 doves in three zebra dove farms. Fecal samples were collected from pooled zebra dove droppings. Major proportions and infection intensity of gastrointestinal nematodes were morphologically identified and morphometrically investigated. Associated human factors were assessed through the interview surveys among farmers. Results: Results showed that 36.96% of the zebra doves were infected. The primary nematodes were Ascaridia galli (34.78%), Heterakis gallinarum (6.52%), Trichostrongylus tenuis (2.17%), Syngamus spp. (4.35%), and Amidostomum spp. (2.17%). The primary human factors that contribute to parasitic infection were poor hygiene, food contamination with parasites, and inappropriate deworming. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in the zebra dove in the close cage system. Human factors played key roles as risk factors, and improves farming management will help reduce parasitic infections. However, these nematodes may contribute to poor health status and poor productivity of zebra doves. Further extensive studies on clinical signs and pathological changes should be conducted.

Mixed Eimeria and Cryptosporidium infection and its effects on pathology and clinical outcomes in juvenile Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) cultured in Thailand

“…All parasitic stages, including meronts, gammonts and unsporulated oocysts were quantitatively counted under five non‐overlapping fields of a light microscope; the Nikon advanced upright microscope with a VDO capture digital camera (ECLIPSE Ni‐U) (Nikon, Tokyo, Japan). Prevalence was calculated as described by the previous studies (Ozuni et al., 2021; Suyapoh, Kaewnoi, et al., 2022).…”

“…In 2000, the production of this species was included as a world fishery and aquaculture industry, which has grown 41%, increasing 178 million tons (FAO, 2020); thus, Asian seabass farming has now been recognized as one of the most economically important aquacultures in the world. During the intensive farming practice of Asian seabass, intestinal coccidian infection (coccidiosis) has been reported as the most concerning cause of illness and death, especially in juvenile fish (Gibson‐Kueh, Thuy, et al., 2011; Suyapoh, Kaewnoi, et al., 2022). This disease is frequently caused by an apicomplexan parasite belonging to the genera Eimeria , Goussia , Cryptosporidium and Calyptospora (Certad et al., 2015; Dyková & Lom, 1981; Gibson‐Kueh, Yang, et al., 2011; Whipps et al., 2012).…”

“…Pathological changes of piscine intestinal coccidia are primarily associated with chronic intense inflammation, damaged epithelium, epithelial sloughing and mucoid casting (Lovy et al, 2019;Lovy & Friend, 2015;Marwan & Khidr, 2001). In more severe chronic forms, inflammatory cells extend deeper to the submucosal and muscular layers, causing extensive inflammation and tissue necrosis (Suyapoh, Kaewnoi, et al, 2022). In higher vertebrates, coccidia produces proinflammatory mediators as well as oxidative stress, contributing to severe damage of the epithelium, enhancing more inflammatory injury and pathological anomalies (El-Ghareeb et al, 2023).…”