Additional records of Neopsittaconirmus lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) parasitizing captive parrots

Area of Science:

• Zoology
• Parasitology
• Entomology

Background:

• Chewing lice in the genus Neopsittaconirmus are host-specific parasites of parrots (Psittaciformes).
• These parasites infest both wild and captive bird populations.
• Veterinary practices aim to eradicate parasites from captive birds, but some species persist.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report and discuss new records of two specific Neopsittaconirmus louse species.
• To document the infestation of captive parrots by Neopsittaconirmus gracilis and Neopsittaconirmus vendulae.
• To highlight the spread of these lice to non-natural parrot hosts in captivity.

Main Methods:

• Identification of louse species from infested captive parrots.
• Documentation of geographical locations and host species involved in the infestations.
• Analysis of host-parasite relationships in captive environments.

Main Results:

• Additional records of Neopsittaconirmus gracilis and Neopsittaconirmus vendulae from captive parrots are presented.
• These lice were found infesting various parrot species, including those not naturally parasitized.
• Infestations were reported across multiple continents, including Brazil, Australia, England, Réunion, and the USA.

Conclusions:

• Neopsittaconirmus gracilis and Neopsittaconirmus vendulae demonstrate a capacity to infest a broader range of captive parrot species than their natural hosts.
• The findings underscore the challenges in controlling parasite spread in captive bird collections.
• Continued monitoring is essential to understand and manage the dissemination of these avian parasites.