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Caracterização de Infeções Parasitárias em Aves de Rapina Cativas no Parque Temático Puy du Fou, em França
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Abstract(s)
Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar o recenseamento parasitológico completo da coleção de aves
de rapina do parque temático Puy du Fou (França), com especial enfoque na identificação de
nematodes gastrointestinais e hemoprotozoários, e na avaliação da situação epidemiológica do
parque. Foram analisadas amostras fecais e de sangue de 437 aves de 59 espécies de diferentesidades,
sexos e funções (reprodução ou participação em espetáculos), utilizando técnicas de microscopia
convencional. Os dados recolhidos foram submetidos a análise estatística com vista à identificação de
fatores de risco associados ao parasitismo.
Os principais parasitas encontrados foram helmintes Ascaridida e Enoplida, com maior prevalência
registada nos milhafres (Milvus spp.) utilizados em espetáculos, particularmente os milhafres que se
apresentaram com 86,5 % parasitados essencialmente com Ascarididae (Porrocaecum depressum) ou
Enoplida (Capillariidae). Estes apresentaram cargas parasitárias consideravelmente superiores em
comparação com outras categorias de aves. Fazem então parte dos 22,88 % de prevalência de
Capillariidae presentes na falcoaria e dos 21,51 % de prevalência de Ascarididae em toda a falcoaria.
Apesar da presença pontual de cargas parasitárias elevadas, nenhum dos indivíduos examinados
apresentou sinais clínicos associados, sugerindo uma possível adaptação imunológica em contexto de
exposição prolongada. De facto, o valor máximo de OPG para um milhafre foi de 600 para Capillariidae
e 400 para ascarídeos. Em relação aos hemoprotozoários, observou-se a presença de géneros como
Haemoproteus e Plasmodium em esfregaços corados com Diff-Quick®. Estes achados são
particularmente relevantes tendo em conta a ausência prévia de dados sobre a presença destes
agentes no parque e na zona geográfica, e levantam hipóteses sobre a circulação silenciosa de
hemoprotozoários em zonas até agora não documentadas.
A variabilidade na carga parasitária entre espécies e entre indivíduos da mesma espécie parece estar
fortemente relacionada com os diferentes regimes de maneio, exposição ambiental e práticas de
controlo implementadas. Estes resultados contribuem de forma significativa para a compreensão do
equilíbrio parasita-hospedeiro em ambientes de cativeiro, e fornecem bases importantes para a
otimização de estratégias de profilaxia e controlo parasitário em aves de rapina, respeitando o bem
estar animal e a sustentabilidade sanitária dos programas de falcoaria moderna.
This study aimed to carry out a comprehensive parasitological survey of the bird of prey collection at the Puy du Fou Park (France), with a particular focus on the identification of gastrointestinal nematodes and hemoprotozoa, as well as on the assessment of the park's epidemiological situation. Fecal and blood samples were collected from 437 birds representing 59 different species, ages, sexes, and functions (breeding or participation in shows), using conventional microscopy techniques. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis to identify risk factors associated with parasitism. The main parasites identified were helminths of the Ascaridida and Enoplida groups, with the highest prevalence recorded in kites (Milvus spp.) used in shows, of which 86.5% were parasitized primarily with Ascarididae (Porrocaecum depressum) or Enoplida (Capillariidae). These birds displayed significantly higher parasitic loads compared to other categories of raptors. They were among the 22.88% prevalence of Capillariidae and the 21.51% prevalence of Ascarididae detected in the falconry collection. Despite the occasional presence of high parasite loads, none of the individuals examined showed associated clinical signs, suggesting a possible immunological adaptation in the context of prolonged exposure. In fact, the maximum EPG (“eggs per gram”) value for a kite was 600 for Capillariidae and 400 for ascarids. Regarding blood protozoa, the presence of genera such as Haemoproteus and Plasmodium was observed in Diff-Quick® stained blood smears. These findings are particularly relevant given the previous absence of data regarding these agents in the park and on the geographic area and raise hypotheses about the silent circulation of hemoprotozoa in areas previously undocumented. Variability in parasitic load between species and even among individuals of the same species appears to be strongly linked to differences in management practices, environmental exposure, and implemented control measures. These results contribute significantly to understanding the parasite– host balance in captive environments and provide important foundations for optimizing prophylactic and parasitic control strategies in birds of prey, while respecting animal welfare and the sanitary sustainability of modern falconry programs.
This study aimed to carry out a comprehensive parasitological survey of the bird of prey collection at the Puy du Fou Park (France), with a particular focus on the identification of gastrointestinal nematodes and hemoprotozoa, as well as on the assessment of the park's epidemiological situation. Fecal and blood samples were collected from 437 birds representing 59 different species, ages, sexes, and functions (breeding or participation in shows), using conventional microscopy techniques. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis to identify risk factors associated with parasitism. The main parasites identified were helminths of the Ascaridida and Enoplida groups, with the highest prevalence recorded in kites (Milvus spp.) used in shows, of which 86.5% were parasitized primarily with Ascarididae (Porrocaecum depressum) or Enoplida (Capillariidae). These birds displayed significantly higher parasitic loads compared to other categories of raptors. They were among the 22.88% prevalence of Capillariidae and the 21.51% prevalence of Ascarididae detected in the falconry collection. Despite the occasional presence of high parasite loads, none of the individuals examined showed associated clinical signs, suggesting a possible immunological adaptation in the context of prolonged exposure. In fact, the maximum EPG (“eggs per gram”) value for a kite was 600 for Capillariidae and 400 for ascarids. Regarding blood protozoa, the presence of genera such as Haemoproteus and Plasmodium was observed in Diff-Quick® stained blood smears. These findings are particularly relevant given the previous absence of data regarding these agents in the park and on the geographic area and raise hypotheses about the silent circulation of hemoprotozoa in areas previously undocumented. Variability in parasitic load between species and even among individuals of the same species appears to be strongly linked to differences in management practices, environmental exposure, and implemented control measures. These results contribute significantly to understanding the parasite– host balance in captive environments and provide important foundations for optimizing prophylactic and parasitic control strategies in birds of prey, while respecting animal welfare and the sanitary sustainability of modern falconry programs.
Description
Keywords
Aves de rapina Controle de parasitas Doenças parasitárias Infeções parasitárias Profilaxia Puy du Fou Tratamentos Birds of prey Parasitic diseases Parasitic infections Parasite control Prophylaxis Treatments