Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infection of Ostriches From Breeding Farms in Tehran Province, Iran

Mohammadi, Ahmadreza; Dalimi, Abolhossein; Motamedi, Gholamreza; Motamedi, Ali

doi:10.32598/ARI.81.4.3555

Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infection of Ostriches From Breeding Farms in Tehran Province, Iran

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

¹ Department of Poultry Vaccines Research and Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.

² Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

³ Department of Parasitic Diseases, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran,

⁴ Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Karaj Ka.C., Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran.

10.32598/ARI.81.4.3555

Abstract

Introduction: Parasites are a significant health threat and an obstacle to the development of the ostrich farming industry. Therefore, identification of parasitic infections in breeding farms is essential.
Materials & Methods: This study examined 311 fecal samples from 10 farms in Tehran Province for parasitic infection using sedimentation and flotation methods.
Results: Results revealed that 33.44% of both adult and immature ostriches were infected with eight types of helminthic and protozoan parasites. Eimeria spp. was the only infection found in immature ostriches, while five helminthic and three protozoan genera were identified in adults. Libyostrongylus douglassi had the highest prevalence at 11.25%, and Codiostomum struthionis had the lowest at 0.64%.
Conclusion: Overall, the prevalence of these infections serves as a warning for this emerging industry. Insufficient breeder knowledge about parasitic diseases, inadequate health management, and a lack of preventive measures may worsen the infection risks.

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