Report of ectoparasites in captive birds and their control

Abstract

Mexico is found in the top 10 countries worldwide that export wild birds. While there is an increasing demand for owning birds among Mexicans, there is insufficient information on how to appropriately care for them. Mexico is home to approximately 1,060 of the world’s bird species, roughly 10%. Removal of these birds from their natural habitat for commercial purposes without regulation is a practice widely undertaken in the country. As a result of the lack of knowledge and irresponsible practices while keeping these birds in captivity, their well-being is not maintained. They therefore become susceptible to the proliferation of external arthropod parasites, called ectoparasites. Ectoparasites can cause disease in humans, domestic and wild animals by acting as a reservoir for important pathogens that can transmit zoonotic infections. In this work, clinical cases of domestic birds obtained from Veterinarians of the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara that were infected by ectoparasites were reviewed. In all the cases analyzed, the presence of the ectoparasite Knemidokoptes spp., cause of scabies, was found. The most commonly used treatment for elimination of parasitosis is topical Ivermectin, and the main risk factor identified is the lack of cleanliness in bird housing. A timely treatment for these parasitic infections is able to prevent the death of these birds. Additionally, a proper diet and carrying out a necessary prophylactic method for each species will improve their quality of life in captivity.