Demonstration of endoparasites in birds of the Basle Zoological Garden. What is the role of wild birds as disease carriers?
Wagner, A.; Ruedi, D.
Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 123(9): 467-481
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-7281 PMID: 7302555 Document Number: 176923
In April-May and September 1978, 433 faeces samples were taken from birds in Basle zoo. There were about 790 birds belonging to 185 species in the zoo at the time. 99 samples (23%) were positive for parasites (Nematoda and coccidia). Incidence of infestation was much higher in aviary birds in contact with wild birds (34%) than in those without contact (9%). Nematode infections were frequent (33%) in the former and coccidiosis low (1.3%), whereas in the latter no Nematoda were found and coccidia were found in 15%. Capillaria was the dominant species being found in 51 of 81 faeces samples containing nematode eggs. Fenbendazole treatment (120 ppm in food) was effective against helminths, but not completely effective against Capillaria spp. Nematodes but not coccidia appeared to be transmitted mainly by wild birds. These included pigeons, mallard, black-headed gulls, sparrow, starlings, rooks and crows (occasionally magpies and jays). Of 166 wild birds killed or found dead in the zoo, 33% were infected by endoparasites (coccidia 23% and Nematoda 10%).