Parasitosis by helminth species and protozoa in birds of prey

Parasites are amongst the most common problems in the management of captive birds. In spite of the fact that parasites do not usually cause severe damage in a direct manner to their hosts, they may act as coadjuvants of other pathogens such as bacteria and virus either by impairing the host's natural defenses, or by debilitating them when present in great numbers. In other cases, however, parasites cause life-threatening disorders. Thus, parasitic diseases produced by nematodes such as Capillaria spp. and Serratospiculum sp. or protozoa such as Trichomonas gallinae are of great importance in birds of prey. The most important parasites affecting raptors are described in this paper. Their biological cycles, pathogenic role and treatment are discussed. The diagnostic parasitological techniques are also reviewed.