Abstract

PARRA-HENAO, Gabriel et al. Detection of ectoparasites in wild birds evaluated in Medellin (Colombia). Rev Colom Cienc Pecua [online]. 2011, vol.24, n.1, pp.29-37. ISSN 0120-0690.

Some arthropod species are vectors of diseases to human's beings, domestic and sylvatic animals acting as biological or mechanical vectors of important pathogens. They produce direct damage due to feeding habits and attachment to different parts of animals and humans bodies. The aim of this study was to identify different species of ectoparasites from wild birds located at "Centro de Atención y Valoración de Fauna Silvestre del area metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá". From October 2006 to November 2007 a descriptive longitudinal study was done in 43 birds infested with ectoparasites. A total of 202 ectoparasites belonging to Diptera and Phthiraptera (Insecta) orders and Parasitiformes mites (Arachnida: Acari) were found.The Phtiraptera order shows the highest diversity with 18 species all of them belonging to Mallophaga group. From Diptera order, one specie was identified and ten larvae from Muscidae family was identified too, from Acari three genera of the Astigmata and Mesostigmata soborders was identified. The results of this study allow us to expand the host range of Bonnetella genera to Ramphastos citroelaemus specie. Also the presence of Menacanthus eurysternus and Colpocephalum turbinatum is registered in Pelecanus occidentalis and Buteo platypterus. The development of microbiological and parasitological studies to identify pathogen species in these ectoparasites is recommended to establish disease transmission risk and prevention and control strategies of zoonotic diseases.

Keywords : arthropods; birds; zoonoses.

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