NEW RECORDS OF PARASITES IN CAPTIVE CANARIES (SERINUS CANARIA) IN ITALY

Few data are available worldwide on parasite infections of canaries (Serinus canaria), although they are highly popular pet and aviary birds. In this study, 188 canaries of various age, including 134 live and 54 deceased birds, from three Italian aviaries were examined for parasite infections and associated lesions. Ectoparasites were collected directly from infected animals, fixed and microscopically identified at the species level. For the search of endoparasites,individual and pooled faecal samples were quali-quantitatively analysed by flotation test and by a modified McMaster method. Isolated coccidian oocysts were microscopically identified at the species level after sporulation in 2% K2Cr2O7. Deceased animals were necropsied and analysed by parasitological and histopathological techniques. Coccidia were isolated in all examined aviaries (overall prevalence 35.6%, 67/188). After sporulation, Isospora canaria, Isospora serini and Isospora serinuse were identified. Higher infection intensity and clinical disease were observed mainly during the moulting period. Histopathology revealed associated moderate to severe degree of lympho-plasmacityc enteritis with high percentages of macrophages filled by merozoites. In I. serini-infected birds, cells containing coccidian stages were found also in extraintestinal organs, as lungs, liver, spleen and pancreas. No other endoparasites were found. About ectoparasites, the blood-sucking mite species Ornithonyssus sylviarum and the chewing louse species Menacanthus eurysternus (Syn. M. spinosum) were identified in all (78) examined birds from an examined aviary. This study is the first record of Isospora serinuse, Ornithonyssus sylviarum and Menacanthus eurysternus in Italy.