Synanthropic birds and parasites

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Avian Ecology
• Wildlife Health

Background:

• Synanthropic birds are increasingly common in urban environments.
• Parasitic infections can negatively impact bird health, behavior, and survival.
• Understanding parasite prevalence in synanthropic birds is crucial for public health and wildlife management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the ectoparasite and helminth fauna of synanthropic birds in Southern Italy.
• To determine the prevalence of specific parasites in yellow-legged gulls, rock pigeons, common kestrels, and carrion crows.
• To contribute to the knowledge of the parasitologic landscape of synanthropic bird populations.

Main Methods:

• Necropsy and parasitologic examination of 60 synanthropic bird carcasses.
• Identification of ectoparasites, including chewing lice and Hippoboscidae flies.
• Detection and identification of endoparasitic helminths (nematodes, cestodes, trematodes, acanthocephalans).

Main Results:

• 100% of examined birds harbored ectoparasites, with chewing lice found on all individuals.
• Pseudolynchia canariensis (Hippoboscidae) were present in 80% of rock pigeons.
• Seven helminth species were identified: three nematodes, one cestode, one trematode, and two acanthocephalans.

Conclusions:

• Synanthropic birds in the Campania region exhibit a high prevalence of both ectoparasites and endoparasites.
• Parasitic infections pose a significant threat to the health and fitness of these bird populations.
• Findings underscore the importance of monitoring parasite dynamics in urban wildlife.