Prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites in captive birds of Gujarat zoos

Abstract

A total of 106 group faecal samples of different wild birds from Kamal Nehru Zoo, Ahmedabad and Sayyajibaug Zoo, Vadodara, were examined. Out of this 51 (48.11%) were found positive for parasitic infection. Eggs of Ascaris and Capillaria species were observed in 22 (20.75%) and 14 (13.2%) group faecal samples respectively, while the oocyst of Coccidia (Eimeria species) were observed in 19 (17.92%) group faecal samples. Ascardia galli and Cotugnia digonopora were recovered during postmortem of three hariyal pigeon, while only Ascaridia galli was observed in a postmortem of parrot, peacock and cockatiel.