‏survey on prevalence of Ectoparasites and Endoparasites in birds of prey in Tehran province

Subject Areas : Pultry Diseases

Mahsa Hatami ¹ , sohrab rasooli ^{2 *} , mehdi rezaei ³

1 - گروه دامپزشکی ارومیه دانشگاه ازاد اسلامی
2 - department of pathobiology, urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University , Urmia Iran
3 - Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran

Received: 2024-09-06 Accepted : 2025-05-01 Published : 2025-05-14

Keywords: Parasite, Dermanyssus gallinae, Capillaria, Heterakis, Goniocotes gallinae,

Abstract :

This study investigates the prevalence of parasites in birds of prey in Tehran Province. Sixty birds, including species like the Long-legged Buzzard, Long-eared Owl, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Egyptian Vulture, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Golden Eagle, Steppe Eagle, and Common Kestrel, were sampled. Skin and feces samples were analyzed using Sheather’s flotation method. The study found high levels of gastrointestinal parasites in Long-legged Buzzards, particularly Heterakis spp. and Capillaria spp., likely due to their diet and habitat. External parasites such as Dermanyssus gallinae (red mite) were also detected, posing health risks in confined environments. Long-eared Owls showed minimal parasitic infections, while unidentified structures in other species like Eurasian Eagle-Owls and Egyptian Vultures suggest the presence of novel parasites. Both Golden Eagles and Steppe Eagles had a notable parasitic load, with several eggs of Heterakis spp. and Capillaria spp. found. Common Kestrels were heavily affected by both internal and external parasites, including Goniocotes gallinae, a feather mite that can harm flight capability and overall health. The study highlights the need for improved parasite management in the conservation efforts of these birds of prey.

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