LEVANTAMENTO PARASITOLÓGICO EM CODORNAS JAPONESAS(Coturnix coturnix japonica), CRIADAS NO SETOR DE AVICULTURA DA UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DA PARAÍBA, CAMPUS II - AREIA - PB.

Abstract

Although the endo and ectoparasites are recognized as important causes of damage to the poultry industry, little is known about the action and main species that affect the commercial flocks of quails. As a result the present study was carried out and aimed to identify species of endo and ectoparasites in quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) reared in the poultry sector of the Federal University of Paraíba. In total, 10 birds were examined. To search hemoparasites, blood smears were prepared and stained with hematoxylin method - eosin. To evaluate the presence of intestinal endoparasites, slides were prepared and stained by Ziehl-Nielsen technique. In order to search eggs and larvae of nematodes in intestinal contents, the qualitative method of simple flotation in saturated sugar solution was adopted. The presence of ectoparasites was determined by visual inspection of the feathers surface of the quails. The collected specimens were kept in an appropriate recipient and then classified. All birds examined were negative for hemoparasites. While in six samples of intestinal contents (60%) were identified Cryptosporidium spp. Neither eggs nor larvae of nematodes were identified. Lipeurus Caponis louce species was identified on the inner surface of the wings and in the neck of the two birds. The absence of eggs and larvae of nematodes and the low frequency of ectoparasites could be a consequence of the biossecurity measures applied to the quail farming studied. Among the measures adopted it is worth mentioning the cleaning and disinfection of the cages and facilities, weekly removal of waste and worming. However, the high frequency of Cryptosporidium spp. indicates that, somehow, these protozoa were being transmitted for quails, possibly by wild birds that routinely visit the interior of facility.