Libyostrongylus douglassii (Strongylida: Trichostrongylidae) in ostrich (Struthio camelus) farms from Colombia

Abstract

Ostrich farming is an important livestock industry in different world regions with a diverse offer of products and services. In Colombia, as in other countries, this market led the importation of animals from countries like Canada, United States of America and South Africa for breeding objectives. With the animals, specific pathogens for these ratites could be introduced. Libyostrongylus spp. is a strongylid nematode with worldwide distribution, which can induce a severe disease and mortality in infected animals. Limited studies in Colombia have identified parasites in ostrich farming systems. The aim of this study was to identify parasites of the genus Libyostrongylus to a species level in faecal samples from ostrich farms in three departments of Colombia. Five ostrich farms from Boyacá, Meta and Tolima were sampled in 2011 and in 2013 to obtain fresh faecal samples which were further processed by flotation tests for egg visualization and faecal culture for infective larvae identification by morphological and morphometric parameters. One from the five farms, located in Meta department, was positive for strongylid eggs in both sampling periods. After faecal culture, infective larvae were identified as Libyostrongylus douglassii. These results corroborate previous records of Libyostrongylus in ostrich farms from Meta and confirms, for the first time, infection by L. douglassii in ratites from this region. Further studies must identify associated determinants for infection and its effects on the flock health and production.