Prevalence and Intensity of Gastrointestinal Helminths in Captive Birds at FUNAAB Zoological Park, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Abstract

Gastrointestinal helminth infections pose significant health challenges to captive avian species, particularly in zoological settings where confinement may enhance exposure to parasitic stages. This study assessed the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal helminths among selected captive birds at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) Zoological Park, Nigeria. Six avian species; Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus), White Geese (Chen caerulescens), Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus), Mallard Duck (Anas platyrhynchos), Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina), and Pea Hen (Pavo cristatus), were monitored for 5 week. Fresh fecal samples were collected weekly and examined using standard flotation techniques to detect helminth eggs. Helminth infections were recorded in three of the six bird species: Mallard Duck (100%), Common Ostrich (20%), and Crowned Crane (20%), indicating a substantial level of gastrointestinal parasitism within the population. Ascaridia galli was identified in the Common Ostrich during the third week of sampling, while Ascaris spp. eggs were detected in the Mallard Duck during the first week, after which the bird died. Ascaridia eggs were also detected in the Crowned Crane during the second week. No helminth infections were observed in the White Goose, Grey Parrot, or Pea Hen throughout the study period. Infection intensity varied among the infected species, with the highest egg count recorded in the Common Ostrich. The occurrence of helminth‑associated mortality highlights the potential health risks posed by gastrointestinal parasites in captive birds. Continuous parasitological surveillance, improved enclosure hygiene, and species‑specific deworming programmes are recommended to reduce infection risks and enhance avian health management in zoological parks.