Identificación de parásitos gastrointestinales en aves acuáticas de la laguna Yahuarcocha, Imbabura, Ecuador

Parasitism in wild birds is an area of study of vital importance within ecology and animal health. These infections, caused by a variety of parasites, can significantly impact the health, behavior, and dynamics of bird populations. The interaction between parasites and their avian hosts is complex and can be influenced by environmental, genetic, and behavioral factors. Understanding these processes is crucial for wildlife management, biodiversity preservation, and the prevention of zoonotic diseases that can affect humans. Parasitic infections in wild birds are widely distributed globally, with many cases being subclinical due to low parasite concentrations. A total of 48 samples from five species of waterfowl from Yahuarcocha lagoon were analyzed to determine prevalence, infestation intensity, and co-infection of parasite eggs and oocysts in bird feces. Two diagnostic techniques were used: direct coproparasitoscopic method (qualitative) and McMaster technique with Sheater’s solution (quantitative). Four genera of parasites were identified in 23 birds: Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Capillaria sp., and Eimeria spp. The prevalence was estimated at 48 % (23/48), with at least one of the identified genera or species. Host-specific prevalence was 60 % (3/5) in the Common Gallinule; 50 % (9/18) in the Andean Coot; 47 % (8/17) in the Neotropical Cormorant; 40 % (2/5) in the AndeanRuddy Duck; and 33 % (1/3) in the Cattle Egret. Regarding infestation intensity, birds showed average values of 271 (±74) eggs per gram (EPG) of A. galli; 275 (±98) EPG of H. gallinarum; 125 (±25) EPG of Capillaria sp., and 236 (±139) oocysts per gram (OPG) of Eimeria spp. Mixed infections were found in 30.43 % (7/23) of cases, most commonly involving H. gallinarum and Eimeria spp. in two hosts.