Identification of gastrointestinal parasites in wild birds seized during integrated preventive inspections, Bahia, Brazil.

Abstract

Brazil stands out as the country with the most remarkable biological diversity in the world, underscoring the need for more effective public policies to conserve the environment and combat wildlife trafficking. Trafficked animals, often kept in captivity, are usually maintained under unsanitary conditions, favoring the development of diseases caused by gastrointestinal parasites. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the primary endoparasites found in wild birds seized during trafficking operations as part of Integrated Preventive Inspections (IPIs) in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Fecal samples were collected from 417 seized birds across nine locations in the state of Bahia. The samples were preserved in 10 % formalin solution and processed using the flotation and sedimentation techniques. Three avian orders were represented among the seized individuals: Columbiformes, Psittaciformes, and Passeriformes. The coprological analysis revealed a positivity rate of 54.0 % (225/417), with 94.2 % (212/225) of positive samples containing unsporulated oocysts. Additionally, 5.0 % (11/225) were positive for Dicrocoeliidae eggs, 3.0 % (5/225) for cestode eggs, and approximately 2.0 % (4/225) for trichostrongylid eggs. Acanthocephala eggs, as well as other parasites belonging to the subfamily Capillariinae and the genus Strongyloides, were each detected in only one bird. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive health screening and quarantine of seized birds before reintroduction, employing specific veterinary diagnostic approaches, including coproparasitological examinations, in addition to physical and clinical assessments. Such measures are crucial in preventing the dissemination of parasites to both wild and captive populations. Overall, the study reinforces the relevance of parasitological monitoring in wildlife rescue programs, contributing to the improvement of sanitary management protocols for trafficked wild birds.