Journal article

Publication year: 2002

Pages: 43-52

Journal: Berliner und Münchener Tierärztliche Wochenschrift

Volume number: 115

Issue number: 1-2

ISSN: 0005-9366

Publisher: Schlütersche Verlagsgesellschaft

Abstract: 
In the present paper a general overview on parasites in birds of prey and owls is given. This part is followed by a study investigating the prevalences and species of parasites in free-ranging birds of prey and owls in Berlin and Brandenburg State, Germany. Over a one year period, 84 birds of prey and owls of the following species were examined for the presence of endo- and ectoparasites: Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) (n = 32), Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) (n = 20), Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) (n = 9), Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) (n = 8), Black Kite (Milvus migrans) (n = 4), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) (n = 3), Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) (n = 1), White-tailed-Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) (n = 1), Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) (n = 4), Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) (n = 1) and Barn Owl (Tyto alba) (n = 1). In 97.6% of the cases, ectoparasites (feather mites and hippoboscid flies) were found. Especially eyasses (93.3%) were positive for hippoboscid flies. Trichomonas was detected in 28.6% of all birds of prey and owls examined. A prevalence of 100% was established in the Sparrow Hawks as well as Peregrine Falcons. Leucozytozoon sp. and Hemoproteus sp. as blood parasites were found in 26.9% of the birds in total. Common Buzzards showed the highest prevalence (44.8%). 58.3% of birds examined were positive for endoparasites. Flukes were found in 16.7%, tapeworms in 14.3%, round-worms in 48.8% and acanthocephales in 2.4% of the cases. Interestingly, Tylodelphis clavata (in a Common Buzzard) and Hovorkonema variegatum (in a Goshawk) were found for the first time in raptors. The results of this study underline the importance of a parasitological examination in the process of raptor rehabilitation.

Harvard Citation style: Lierz, M., Göbel, T. and Schuster, R. (2002) Untersuchungen zum Vorkommen von Parasiten bei einheimischen Greifvögeln und Eulen, Berliner und Münchener Tierärztliche Wochenschrift, 115(1-2), pp. 43-52

APA Citation style: Lierz, M., Göbel, T., & Schuster, R. (2002). Untersuchungen zum Vorkommen von Parasiten bei einheimischen Greifvögeln und Eulen. Berliner und Münchener Tierärztliche Wochenschrift. 115(1-2), 43-52.