Enteric parasites of Egyptian captive birds: A general coprological survey with new records of the species.

A survey was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites from various species of birds housed in a zoological garden in Egypt. A total of 72 faecal samples were collected randomly from studied birds. It was discovered that 63.9% were infected with at least one intestinal parasites, with 27.8% positive for helminths and 36.1% positive with protozoa. Coprological analysis revealed that the fecal samples were infected with different parasite species including 6 nematode eggs or larvae namely Ascaridia spp. (4.1%), Heterakis spp. (8.3%), Capillaria spp. (5.6%), Contracaecum spp. (2.8%), Strongyloides avium (2.8%), Strongyloides pavonis larvae (4.1%), 2 protozoan parasites identified were Eimeria spp. (25%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (11.1%). Strongyloides pavonis, Contracaecum spp. and E. mutica are referred for the first time in Egypt. New host record was established for most of these species. Routine monitoring for the presence of parasites in birds kept in the zoo is imperative in assisting zoo management and implementation of preventive and control measures against the spread of infectious parasitic diseases among birds within the zoo or to humans.