Oxyspiruriasis in zoo birds

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Avian Health
• Wildlife Disease

Background:

• Oxyspiruriasis is an infection caused by the eyeworm Oxyspirura mansoni.
• This parasite affects various bird species, impacting their ocular health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report cases of Oxyspirura mansoni infection in three pheasant species at Zoo Negara Malaysia.
• To document treatment and control strategies for avian eyeworm infections.

Main Methods:

• Clinical cases of Oxyspiruriasis were identified in golden, silver, and common pheasants.
• Affected birds were treated with 0.5% iodine or 0.5% lysol solutions.
• Supportive care included antistress and vitamin powders; intermediate hosts (Surinam cockroaches) were removed.

Main Results:

• Oxyspirura mansoni infection was confirmed in Chrysolophus pictus, Lophura nycthemera, and Phasianus colchicus.
• Treatment with iodine or lysol was administered.
• The golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) was identified as a new host for O. mansoni in peninsular Malaysia.

Conclusions:

• Oxyspiruriasis poses a threat to pheasant populations in zoological settings.
• Effective treatment and integrated control measures, including intermediate host elimination, are crucial.
• Continued surveillance is necessary to monitor the spread of O. mansoni in new avian hosts.