Endoparasite Infections in Pet and Zoo Birds in Italy

Abstract EN

Faecal samples were individually collected from pet (n=63) and zoo (n=83) birds representing 14 orders and 63 species.

All the samples were examined by faecal flotation technique.

In a subgroup of samples (n=75), molecular assays were also used to detect Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia duodenalis cysts.

Overall, 35.6% of the birds harboured parasites (42.2% of zoo birds and 27% of pet birds), including Strongyles-Capillarids (8.9%), Ascaridia (6.8%), Strongyles (5.5%), G.

duodenalis Assemblage A (5.3%), Coccidia (4.1%), Cryptosporidium (4%), Porrocaecum (2.7%), Porrocaecum-Capillarids (2%), and Syngamus-Capillarids (0.7%).

The zoonotic G.

duodenalis Assemblage A and Cryptosporidium were exclusively found in Psittaciformes, with prevalences of 10.3% and 7.7% within this bird group.

Zoo birds were more likely to harbor mixed infections (OR = 14.81) and symptomatic birds to be parasitized (OR = 4.72).

Clinicians should be aware of the public health implications posed by zoonotic G.

duodenalis Assemblages and Cryptosporidium species in captive birds.