ABSTRACT
Abstract The common kestrel Falco tinnunculus Linnaeus, 1758, is a widespread raptor, native in Europe, Asia and Africa, and vagrant in the Americas. In the current work, 27 fecal samples were collected from common kestrels kept in the Lisbon Center for Wild Animal Recovery, located at Monsanto Forest Park, Lisbon, Portugal. Five (19%) of them were found to be passing an undescribed species of Caryospora in their feces. The oocysts of Caryospora peneireiroi n. sp. were ellipsoidal with a bilayered wall and measured 47.1 × 37.6 µm with a shape index of 1.25. No micropyle, oocyst residuum or polar granule was present. The sporocysts were subspherical, measuring 25.1 × 24.3 µm. Stieda, sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum was composed of many homogenous globules scattered throughout the periphery of the sporocyst. This is the fourth caryosporan species reported from F. tinnunculus.
Resumo O peneireiro Falco tinnunculus Linnaeus, 1758, é uma ave de rapina com vasta distribuição geográfica, nativa da Europa, Ásia e África, e errante nas Américas. No presente trabalho, 27 amostras de fezes foram coletadas de peneireiros mantidos no Centro de Recuperação de Animais Silvestres de Lisboa, localizado no Parque Florestal de Monsanto, Lisboa, Portugal. Cinco (19%) deles eliminaram uma espécie não descrita de Caryospora em suas fezes. Os oocistos de Caryospora peneireiroi n. sp. foram elipsoides, com parede de dupla camada, medindo 47,1 × 37,6 µm, e índice morfométrico de 1,25. A micrópila, resíduo do oocisto e grânulo polar não foram evidenciados. Os esporocistos foram subesféricos, medindo 25,1 × 24,3 µm. Corpos de Stieda, substieda e parastieda não se manifestaram. Resíduo do esporocisto foi composto de muitos glóbulos homogêneos espalhados por toda a periferia do esporocisto. Essa é a quarta espécie Caryospora descrita de F. tinnunculus.
Subject(s)
Animals , Eimeriidae/isolation & purification , Falconiformes/parasitology , Feces/parasitology , Portugal , OocystsABSTRACT
In recent years haemosporidian infection by protozoa of the genus Plasmodium and Haemoproteus, has been considered one of the most important factors related to the extinction and/or population decline of several species of birds worldwide. In Brazil, despite the large avian biodiversity, few studies have been designed to detect this infection, especially among wild birds in captivity. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. infection in wild birds in captivity in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil using microscopy and the polymerase chain reaction. Blood samples of 119 different species of birds kept in captivity at IBAMA during the period of July 2011 to July 2012 were collected. The parasite density was determined based only on readings of blood smears by light microscopy. The mean prevalence of Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. infection obtained through the microscopic examination of blood smears and PCR were similar (83.19% and 81.3%, respectively), with Caracara plancus and Saltator similis being the most parasitized. The mean parasitemia determined by the microscopic counting of evolutionary forms of Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. was 1.51%. The results obtained from this study reinforce the importance of the handling of captive birds, especially when they will be reintroduced into the wild...
Nos últimos anos infecção por protozoários hemosporídeos dos gêneros Plasmodium e Haemoproteus, tem sido considerada um dos fatores mais importantes relacionados com a extinção e / ou declínio da população de várias espécies de aves em todo o mundo. No Brasil, apesar da grande biodiversidade aviária, poucos estudos foram desenvolvidos para detectar a infecção, especialmente entre as aves silvestres mantidas em cativeiro. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a prevalência de infecção por Plasmodium spp. e Haemoproteus spp. em aves silvestres em cativeiro na Mata Atlântica do sudeste do Brasil, utilizando microscopia convencional e reação em cadeia da polimerase. Amostras de sangue de 119 aves mantidas em cativeiro no Ibama durante o período de julho de 2011 a julho de 2012, foram coletadas. A densidade parasitária foi determinada com base apenas em leituras de esfregaços de sangue por microscopia fotônica. A prevalência média de infecção por Plasmodium spp. e Haemoproteus spp. obtida por exame microscópico de esfregaços sanguíneos e PCR foi semelhante (83,19% e 81,3%, respectivamente), com Caracara plancus e Saltator similis sendo as espécies mais parasitadas. A parasitemia média determinada pela contagem microscópica de formas evolutivas de Plasmodium spp. e Haemoproteus spp. foi de 1,51%. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo reforçam a importância do manejo de aves em cativeiro, especialmente quando serão reintroduzidas na natureza...
Subject(s)
Animals , Bird Diseases/parasitology , Falconiformes/parasitology , Haemosporida/isolation & purification , Passeriformes/parasitology , Plasmodium/isolation & purification , Animals, Wild/parasitology , Malaria, AvianABSTRACT
Raptorial birds harbor a variety of ectoparasites and the mayority of them are host specific. The aim of this study was to identify the ectoparasites of captive birds of prey from Mexico, as well as to verify their impact in the health of infested birds. Raptorial birds were confiscated and kept in captivity at the Centro de Investigación y Conservación de Vida Silvestre (CIVS) in Los Reyes La Paz, Mexico State. Seventy-four birds of prey (66 Falconiformes and eigth Strigiformes) of 15 species were examined for the presence of ectoparasites. We examined both juvenile and adult birds from both sexes. The overall prevalence was 16.2%; 66.7% of raptors were infested with a single type of external parasite. Lice were the most prevalent ectoparasites (91.7%), followed by feather mites and fleas (8.3%). Degeeriella fulva (72.7%), Craspedorrhynchus sp. (45.4%) and Strigiphilus aitkeni (9.1%) (Ischnocera, Philopteridae) were recovered from wings, head and neck regions of red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), Swainson’s hawk (B. swainsoni), Harris’s hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) and Barn owl (Tyto alba). Low lice infestation level was observed. Nymphs and females of feather mites Kramerella sp. (Pterolichoidea, Kramerellidae) were recovered solely from Barn owl (T. alba); while one Caracara (Caracara cheriway) was infested by the sticktight flea Echidnophaga gallinacea (Siphonaptera, Pulicidae). No clinical signs were observed in any infested bird. Probably the periodic use of organophosphorates was responsible of the low prevalence and lice infestation levels. The diversity of external parasites illustrates the importance of detailed revision of incoming and long-term captive raptors as part of responsible captive management. Five new hosts and geographic records are presented. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (3): 1257-1264. Epub 2011 September 01.
Las aves rapaces albergan una gran variedad de ectoparásitos y la mayoría de ellos son específicos de acogida. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar los ectoparásitos de aves de presa en cautiverio en México y verificar su impacto en la salud de las aves. Se estudiaron 74 rapaces (66 Falconiformes y ocho Strigiformes) de 15 especies, juveniles y adultos de ambos sexos que fueron confiscadas y mantenidas en el Centro de Investigación y Conservación de Vida Silvestre (CIVS) en Los Reyes La Paz (20º22’ N, 98º59’ W), estado de México. La prevalencia fue de 16.2%; 66.7% de las rapaces estaban infestadas por un único tipo de ectoparásito. Los piojos fueron los más prevalentes (91.7%), seguidos por los ácaros y las pulgas (8.3%). Los piojos Degeeriela fulva (72.7%), Craspedorhynchus sp. (45.4%) y Strigiphilus aitkeni (9.1%) fueron extraídos de las alas, cabeza y cuello de aguililla cola-roja (Buteo jamaicensis), aguililla migratoria (B. swainsoni), aguililla de Harris (Parabuteo unicinctus) y lechuza de campanario (Tyto alba). El ácaro Kramerella sp. fue extaído de T. alba; mientras que un Caracara (Caracara cheriway) estaba infestado por la pulga Echidnophaga gallinacea. No se observaron signos clínicos en ninguna de las aves infestadas. Probablemente el uso periódico de organofosforatos fue el responsable de la baja prevalencia y de los niveles de ingesta de piojos. La diversidad de ectoparásitos identificados ilustra la importancia de una detallada revisión de las rapaces en cautiverio. Cinco nuevos hospederos y registros geográficos son presentados.
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Male , Ectoparasitic Infestations/veterinary , Falconiformes/parasitology , Flea Infestations/veterinary , Lice Infestations/veterinary , Mite Infestations/veterinary , Ectoparasitic Infestations/epidemiology , Ectoparasitic Infestations/parasitology , Flea Infestations/epidemiology , Lice Infestations/epidemiology , Mexico/epidemiology , Mite Infestations/epidemiologyABSTRACT
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.
El éxito de los programas de conservación de rapaces (ex situ and in situ) requiere de un conocimiento detallado de sus patógenos. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar los parásitos internos de rapaces en cautiverio en México, así como verificar su repercusión en el estado de salud de las aves. Las mismas fueron estudiadas, decomisadas y mantenidas en el Centro de Investigación y Conservación de Vida Silvestre (CIVS) en Los Reyes La Paz, estado de México. Las muestras de heces y sangre de 74 rapaces (66 Falconiformes y ocho Strigiformes) de 15 especies, juveniles y adultos de ambos sexos (39 machos y 35 hembras), fueron examinadas para analizar la presencia de parásitos gastrointestinales y sanguíneos. Asimismo, la cavidad orofaríngea fue evaluada macroscópicamente para verificar la presencia de lesiones compatibles con trichomoniasis. Lesiones compatibles con la infección por Trichomonas gallinae fueron detectadas en dos (2.7%) Buteo jamaicensis; no obstante, las aves infectadas estaban en buena condición física. En general, los parásitos gastrointestinales fueron encontrados en 10 (13.5%) rapaces: nueve (13.6%) Falconiformes y uno (12.5%) Strigiformes; los cuales presentaron un único tipo de parásito gastrointestinal (90%). Eimeria spp. fue detectada en Parabuteo unicinctus, B. swainsoni, B. jamaicensis y Bubo virginianus; mientras que los tremátodos lo fueron en Falco peregrinus y B. swainsoni. Capillaria spp. fue diagnosticada únicamente en B. swainsoni. Los hemoparásitos fueron encontrados en 6.7% de los Falconiformes: Haemoproteus spp. en F. sparverius y Leucocytozoon spp. en B. jamaicencis. No fueron observados signos clínicos relacionados con la infección por los parásitos internos. Todos los parásitos identificados son reportados por primera vez en rapaces de México. De tal manera que, T. gallinae, y los trematódos: Haemoproteus spp. y Leucocytozoon spp. son reportados en rapaces en Latinoamérica por primera vez. El diagnóstico y control de las infecciones parasitarias deberían ser parte de la rutina de los cuidados de salud de poblaciones de rapaces ex situ. Además, la información obtenida es de gran valor para la conservación in situ de estas aves.
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Male , Bird Diseases/parasitology , Falconiformes/parasitology , Strigiformes/parasitology , Bird Diseases/diagnosis , Feces/parasitology , Mexico , Parasitic Diseases, Animal/diagnosis , Parasitic Diseases, Animal/parasitologyABSTRACT
The oocysts of Eimeria falconensis sp. n. is described from the feces of the lanner falcon, Falco biarmicus, from the falcon market in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Sporulated oocysts are ellipsoid in shape, measuring 27.2x18.1 [25.4-29.5x 16.3-20.4] micro m; shape index [length/width ratio] is 1.5 [1.35-1.68 micro m. The oocyst wall is smooth and bi-layered. Mmicropyle and polar granule are present, but an oocyst residuum is absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoid, 11.0 x6.9 [10.1-12.6 x 5.8-7.9] micro m; with shape index of 1.59 [1.43-1.68] micro m, with a smooth single-layered wall and a prominent Stieda body, but there is no substieda body. The sporocyst residuum consists of numerous small granules. Sporozoites are comma-shaped, each contains two refractile bodies
Subject(s)
Falconiformes/parasitology , Feces/parasitologyABSTRACT
This is the first record of Philornis falsificus Dodge & Aitken parasitizing a species of Falconidae.
Este é o primeiro registro de Philornis falsificus Dodge & Aitken parasitando uma espécie de Falconidae.