Primeiro relato de Ornithonyssus bursa em tucano-toco (Ramphastos toco), Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brasil: relato de caso

Mites can act as ectoparasites of birds, with significant relevance due to the economic and health impacts they cause in production systems. Wild birds are considered potential sources of infestation; however, few studies have documented this in Brazil. Some avian mite species may accidentally parasitize humans, thereby constituting a One Health concern. In this study, mite parasitism is described in four toucan chicks (Ramphastos toco Statius Müller, 1776) that were rescued in the municipality of Araçoiaba da Serra, São Paulo State, Brazil. The animals were referred to the Sorocaba Zoo, where ectoparasites were observed and collected during clinical examination. The specimens were preserved in 70% ethanol and subjected to taxonomic identification, and were identified as Ornithonyssus bursa Berlese, 1888. A total of 35 specimens were collected, with all individuals parasitized, harboring between 4 and 13 mites per host. This study represents the first record of O. bursa parasitizing birds of the order Piciformes. The findings provide additional information on a newly reported host species for O. bursa.