Survey on parasitic infections in captivity and Wild birds of prey

Italy represents an important bridge for many species of migratory birds of prey. Moreover, several sedentary species remain in the territory throughout the year. Inaddition to wildlife, it is possible to maintain in captivity birds of prey with C.I.T.E.S. regulation: in parks, in falconry centres, in breeding with release program or in bird-care centres. In spite of their impact on biology and on sanitary status, knowledge on the parasitic infection in birds of prey is scant; particularly for Italian wild and domestic populations, few data are available in literature (Papini et al., 2012). Since the importance of parasitic diseases is notable and since the possession of raptors in captivity is increasing, the aim of the present work was to investigate on parasitic infections in birds of prey, with special emphasis in those kept in captivity. From July 2015 to January 2016, 72 stool samples and 34 samples of whole blood in EDTA were collected from four centres in northern Italy from 27 Accipitridae, 1 Cathartidae, 15 Falconidae and 25 Strigidae and 4 Tytonidae. Individual data and information related the management were collected. Copromicroscopic analyses were performed using FLOTAC® technique (Cringoli et al., 2010) with the flotation solution S8 (Potassium iodomercurate, PS=1440). Blood smears were prepared for Giemsa 5% stain in order to detect haemoparasites. Additionally, plasma samples were tested for antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii with a commercial direct agglutination test (ToxoScreen DA; BioMérieux). General linear model was performed in order to evaluate risk factors associated to the presence of parasitic elements in faeces with SPSS v.20. Thirty faecal samples resulted to be positive for parasitic elements (P=41.7%). Particularly, 30.5% of animals resulted to be infected by nematodes, 18.05% by protozoa, 5.5% by trematodes and 2.8% by cestodes. Ten birds showed co-infection with more than one taxa involved. Concerning risk factor analysis, hybrids resulted to be more at risk of infection (p-value=0.009; OR=100.633) than wild species. Feeding with fresh meat enhances the risk of infection (p-value=0.023; OR= 35.441) than the feeding with frozen meat. Finally the risk of infection rises in adults in comparison to the young animals (pvalue=0.020; OR=15.2). Any difference was not recorded between wild birds (5 positive specimens out of 14 examined, P=35.7%) and animals in captivity (26 positive specimens out of 58 examined, P=44.8%). Analysis of blood smears allowed the detection of Leucocytozoon in one specimen and Haemoproteus/Plasmodium in six birds. Three animals resulted to be infected by T. gondii. Measures of preventive medicine should be systematically applied: hygienic measures, control measures to prevent the access of species vectors of parasites to the centers, an annual parasitological screening followed by an adequate parasites control plan (Cooper, 2002). Cooper 2002. Birds of Prey, Health and Diseases. Oxford, Blackwell Science Ltd Cringoli et al., 2010 Nat Protoc. 5:503-515 Papini et al., 2012. Sci World J. 1-9