Gastrointestinal parasites in captive and free-ranging birds and their posible cross-transmission at the Bristol Zoo Gardens

Description: Abstract: Gastrointestinal parasites are commonly reported in wild birds, but the parasite transmission among avifauna in zoological settings remains poorly understood. A survey was undertaken to investigate the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in captive and free-ranging birds at Bristol Zoo Gardens between May and July 2016. A total of 348 samples from 32 avian species were examined using the Mini-FLOTAC technique. Parasitism was detected in 31% (45/145) of the captive birds? samples and in 65.5% (133/203) of the free-ranging birds? samples. Parasites of captive individuals included: ascarids (Heterakis sp. and other morphotypes), capillarids, oxyurids, strongyles, a trematode, and protozoans (Eimerira sp, Isospora spp., Cariospora sp., and Entamoeba spp.). Likewise, parasites of free-ranging birds comprised: ascarids (Ascaridia sp., Porrocaecum spp., and other morphotypes), capillarids, oxyurids, strongyles, cestodes (Choanotaenia sp, Hymenolepis spp, and other morphotypes), a trematode, protozoans (Eimeria spp., Isospora spp., Entamoeba spp.) and unidentified parasitic forms. Similar types of parasites were detected in captive and free-ranging birds, but only capillarids of the corvids Azure-winged magpies (Cyanipica cyana)

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