[The case of acaridosis in African ostrich (Struthio camelus) breeding]

The aim of the study was to determine a reason for failing health eondition and deaths among the ostriches in the newly-established breeding farm situated within the boundaries of Toruń Voivodship. Both initial observations and examinations of three alive and two dead birds presupposed an appearance of ectoparasitical disease. The autopsies were performed and the specimens for bacteriological and parasitological studies were subsequently obtained. The ectoparasitically-directed studies were the only positive result; the individuals of Cnemidocoptes mutans and unrecognised Acarina species were found. Although the overall treatment (Ivomec) and breeding-rooms extermination of vermin (Neguvon 2%) were held, health conditions of the ostriches failed to improve and, as a result, all the birds died. The breeding farm was closed down wich the owner having suffered financially. The study allowed to draw conclusions concerning reasons for Acarina invasion and subsequent deaths among the birds.