ENDOPARASITES OF WILD BIRDS FROM CAMPUS AREA AND ZOOBOTANICAL PARK, AT THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF ACRE, RIO BRANCO - ACRE

Abstract

This study was developed at the Campus (C) and the Zoo-botanical Park (PZ) at the Federal University of Acre, with the purpose of identifying endoparasites in the avifauna of those locations. The birds were captured using 10 mist nets. The nets were set from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.. The faecal samples collected were stored in Merthiolate, Iodine and Formaldehyde (MIF). Willies and direct methods were used for the diagnostic of endoparasites. Two hundred and eighty-seven birds were captured, with 34 recaptures, which resulted in 253 different specimens – 158 on the campus and 95 at the PZ. The birds caught were from 58 different species, belonging to 25 families and 12 orders. Fecal samples from 193 birds belonging to 49 species from 11 orders and 18 families were obtained and analyzed. The following endoparasites were identified: Eimeria sp., Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica, Iodamoeba bütschlii, Isospora sp., Enterobius vermicularis, Heterakis gallinarum, Ascaridia galli, Strongyloides avium, Capillaria spp., Ancylostoma spp., Raillietina sp., Choanotaenia sp., Microphallus sp., and Echinostoma revolutum. Eimeria sp. was the most frequent parasite found in most bird species. The results showed a high level of endoparasitic infection in the aviary community in the two study areas.