Identificação de parasitos gastrointestinais em aves silvestres apreendidas em fiscalizações preventivas integradas, Bahia, Brasil

Abstract

Brazil stands out as the country with the greatest biological diversity in the world, underscoring the urgent need to implement more effective public policies for environmental conservation and combating wildlife trafficking. Animals that are victims of trafficking, meaning those kept in captivity, often live in unsanitary conditions, which fosters the development of diseases caused by gastrointestinal parasites. This study aimed to identify the main endoparasites found in wild birds seized during Integrated Preventive Inspections (Fiscalizações Preventivas Integradas - FPI) in the state of Bahia, with a focus on evaluating their zoonotic potential and the possible introduction of pathogenic agents into the environment. Fecal samples were collected from 417 birds seized in nine locations in Bahia. The samples were preserved in 10% formalin solution and processed using simple flotation and spontaneous sedimentation techniques. Three bird orders—Columbiformes, Psittaciformes, and Passeriformes—accounted for 90.5% (391/432) of the animals examined in the study. The analysis of the samples revealed a positivity rate of 54.0% (225/417), with more than 94.0%, or 212 of the 225 positive samples, containing unsporulated oocysts. Additionally, 5.0% (11/225) were positive for Platynosomum sp., 3.0% (5/225) showed Choanotaenia spp. eggs, and around 2.0% (4/225) contained trichostrongylid eggs. Acanthocephalan eggs and other parasites, such as Capillarinae and Strongyloides sp., were observed in only one bird each. These findings highlight the importance of assessing and quarantining seized birds before their release, along with performing complementary tests, to prevent the spread of parasites to wild birds and bird breeders. Further research is necessary to determine whether these infections originate naturally or result from trafficking, as well as to establish best practices for pre-release evaluations.