Parasites of Psittaciformes and Accipitriformes in Paraíba State, Northeastern Brazil

In this study, we investigated the presence of gastrointestinal helminths in 97 captive birds (Psittaciformes and Accipitriformes) necropsied between June and December 2011 in the state of Paraiba, Brazil. Forty-three birds were infected. Psittaciformes were infected by nematode Ascaridia hermaphrodita (97.6%) and cestode Raillietina sp. (2.4%). A. hermaphrodita was found in all species of parrots and Raillietina sp. was found only in Amazona aestiva. A. hermaphrodita was the cause of death, by intestinal obstruction, in 14 of the 40 birds investigated. Accipitriformes were infected by nematode Synhimantus (Synhimantus) rectus (100%) and acantocephalan Centrorhynchus tumidulus (50%). In Brazil, Diopsittaca nobilis and A. aestiva are reported for the first time as hosts of A. hermaphrodita and Raillietina sp., respectively. We concluded that Psittaciformes and Accipitriformes in captivity are affected by nematodes, cestodes and acanthocephalans and that implementation of control measures is essential. Resumo Este estudo objetivou-se investigar a presença de parasitos gastrointestinais em aves de cativeiro da Ordem Psittaciformes e Accipitriformes no estado da Paraíba-Brasil. Foram necropsiadas 97 aves durante o período de junho a dezembro de 2011. Em 43 (44.3%) aves, foi detectada a presença de nematóides, cestóides e/ou acantocéfalos. A prevalência de parasitos gastrointestinais em Psittaciformes foi de 45.6% (41/88) e os helmintos identificados foram Ascaridia hermaphrodita (Ascaridoidea, Ascarididae) (40/41, 97.6%) e Raillietina sp. (Cyclophyllidea, Davaineidae) (1/41, 2.4%). A. hermaphrodita foi encontrada em todas as espécies de papagaios e Raillietina sp. foi encontrada apenas na Amazona aestiva. Em aves Accipitriformes, a prevalência foi de 22.2% (2/9) e os helmintos identificados foram Synhimantus (Synhimantus) rectus (Spirurida, Acuariidae) (2/2, 100%) e Centrorhynchus tumidulus (Acanthocephala, Centrorhynchidae) (1/2, 50 %). Todos os parasitos encontrados neste estudo são relatados pela primeira vez em aves Psittaciformes e Accipitriformes no estado da Paraíba. No Brasil, Diopsittaca nobilis e A. aestiva são apresentados pela primeira vez como hospedeiros da A. hermaphrodita e Raillietina sp., respectivamente. Concluiu-se que aves Psittaciformes e Accipitriformes de cativeiro são afetadas por nematóides, cestóides e acantocéfalos, e que a implementação de medidas de controle é imprescindível. Parasitic infections are one of the major health problems of wild birds kept in captivity (RITCHIE et al., 1994; GÓMEZ-PUERTA et al., 2008; OLIVEIRA et al., 2011). 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 …

Parasitic infections are one of the major health problems of wild birds kept in captivity (RITCHIE et al., 1994;GÓMEZ-PUERTA et al., 2008;OLIVEIRA et al., 2011).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 (OLIVEIRA et al., 2011;SANTOS et al., 2011).
Birds of prey are at the top of food chain and are divided in two groups: diurnal (Accipitriformes, Falconiformes) and owls (Strigiformes) (SANMARTÍN et al., 2004;PEREIRA, 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 (SANTOS et al., 2011).
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 (OLIVEIRA et al., 2011;SANTOS et al., 2011).In this study, we aimed to identify parasites of captive birds (Psittaciformes and Accipitriformes) in the state of Paraíba, Brazil.
The birds analyzed were from the Center for Wildlife Screening (Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres -CETAS) of the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Instituto Brasileiro de Meio Ambiente e Recursos Naturais Renováveis -IBAMA).The CETAS is an agency responsible for receiving animals handed by the population and/or seized from animal trafficking.These animals are taken to these centers with a recovery purpose and are later sent to zoos that receive particular species or freed in nature.All animals were analyzed on the premises of CETAS located in the municipality of Cabedelo, Paraíba state.
In this study, 14 birds parasitized by A. hermaphrodita died due to parasite infection intensity.Ritchie et al. (1994) reported that ascariasis stands out as one of the most common gastrointestinal parasitic infections in psittacines and is associated with clinical signs such as weight loss, anorexia and, in severe cases, death.González-Acuña et al. ( 2007) and Hodová et al. (2008) reported intestinal obstruction by A. hermaphrodita as a cause of death in parrots.Hodová et al. (2008) obtained 242 specimens of helminths in necropsied psittacines.González-Acuña et al. (2007) observed severe lesions, with congestion of the intestinal mucosa and increased mucus production.
The prevalence of helminths in birds of prey (22.2%) in this survey was lower than that found in Italy by Santoro et al. (2010), who, through necropsy, reported prevalence of 95% in free-living rapine birds.On the other hand, by fecal examination,  In Europe, prevalence of 22.2% was observed for C. tumidulus.Centrorhynchus are considered common helminths in birds of prey, with prevalence ranging from 1.1% in Germany (KRONE, 2000) to 63.6% in Spain (SANMARTÍN et al., 2004) and 100% in Italy (SANTORO et al., 2010).
In the current study, the intensity of infection by S. rectus was low.Santoro et al. ( 2010) considered intestinal obstruction as a cause of death in the birds studied, which differs from this study.According to these authors, Synhimantus spp.and S. laticeps were associated with erosion and ulcers in the gastric mucosa, whereas infections with more than 100 specimens of Centrorhynchus spp.were associated with enteritis, diarrhea, cachexia, intussusception, and death.On the other hand, Kinsella et al. (1995) reported no injuries related to the presence of Synhimantus sp., S. hamatus, and C. kuntz in birds of prey in the United States, but called attention to the potential pathogenicity of C. kuntz, especially in young birds.
Little is known about the pathogenic effects of parasites in birds of prey (SANTORO et al., 2010).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 (SANTOS et al., 2011).
All parasites identified in this study were the first record in Psittaciformes and Accipitriformes in captivity in the state of Paraíba.In Brazil, D. nobilis and A. aestiva are presented for the first time as hosts of A. hermaphrodita and Raillietina sp., respectively.Helminth infections in wild birds kept in captivity should be prevented because, in great quantities, they can be lethal to these animals.
Melo, C.M.F.et al.Rev. Bras.Parasitol.Vet.Santos et al. (2011) determined prevalence of 13.5% in birds of prey in captivity in Mexico.