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

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

doi:10.22092/ari.2025.368688.3555

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

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

¹ Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO)

² Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University

³ Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Azad University of Karaj

10.22092/ari.2025.368688.3555

Abstract

Nowadays, considering the development of the ostrich farming industry in the country and the increase in the population of ostrich flocks in different climatic and geographical conditions, it is essential to pay attention to the management of breeding and health care of ostrich flocks. Parasites are a significant threat to health and an obstacle to the development of the ostrich farming industry. Therefore, it is essential to identify parasitic infections in ostrich farms. In the present study, considering the concentration of ostrich farming centers and farms around Tehran, 311 fecal samples were collected from 10 farms in the regions of Varamin, Mallard, Pakdasht, Shahr-e Ray, Kahrizak, Zarandieh, Shahriar and Robat Karim of Tehran province and were examined for parasitic infections using sedimentation and flotation methods. Parasites were identified based on the morphological characteristics of worm eggs and trophozoites and cysts and oocysts of protozoa and with the help of reliable parasitological sources. Finally, the collected information was statistically analyzed. The results showed that 33.44% of ostriches were infected with eight types of helminths and protozoa. Oocysts of Eimeria spp. was found only in immature ostriches, while five helminthic genera and three protozoan genera were identified in adults. Libyostrongylus douglassi was the most prevalent with 11.25% and Codiostomum struthionis was the least prevalent with 0.64%. In conclusion, the prevalence of these infections serves as a warning to this emerging industry. Insufficient knowledge of farmers about parasitic diseases, inadequate health management and lack of preventive measures may exacerbate the risks of infection.

Keywords

Main Subjects