Endoparasites of birds of paradise in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

General endoparasitiasis in 16 species of captive birds of paradise (BOP) in Papua New Guinea ranged from 60.0 to 79.6% during 1977, 1978, 1981, 1983 and 1984. Percent prevalence of the three major groups of parasites during thefive survey years was as follows: haematozoa, 36.7–53.0%; coccidia, 42.2–63.3% and helminths, 35.6–67.3%. Percent prevalence of blood parasites in the years 1977 and 1984 was: Haemoproteus 14.3, 20.0; Plasmodium 10.2, 4.5; Haemoproteus or Plasmodium 18.4, 8.9; Leucocytozoon 6.1, 6.7; Trypanosoma 8.2, 6.7; microfilaria 10.2, 4.5. Oocysts of Eimeria paradisaeai, Isospora raggianai and I. volki were common, as were oocysts morphologically distinct from these three species. The most frequently observed cestode eggs belonged to Raillietina and Biuterina species. Eggs of Strongyloides, Capillaria, Syngamus and Trichuris species of nematodes were also recovered. The Magnifident Bird of Paradise ( Diphyllodes magnificus) had the highest mean eggs per gram (EPG) during the five survey years, except in 1978 when the highest mean was recorded from the Lesser Bird of Paradise ( Paradisaea minor). Highest mean oocysts per gram (OPG) for the first 3 years were also recorded from D. magnificus, but Paradisaea raggiana had the highest mean OPG in 1983 and 1984. Possible causes for the greatest prevalence of endoparasites in the birds during 1977 and 1984, despite their having been regularly treated prophylactically, are considered.