01692nas a2200145 4500008004100000245008800041210006900129300001400198490000700212520112900219100002401348700002301372700002101395856013001416 2018 eng d00aEndoparasites and ectoparasites of rheas (Rhea americana) from South America0 aEndoparasites and ectoparasites of rheas iRhea americanai from S a684 - 6950 v353 a

Abstract. The aim of the present study was to identify the endoparasites and ectoparasites found in Rhea americana in captivity in Brazil. Faecal samples of seven adult rheas were collected and evaluated using the Sheather technique and samples positive for oocysts were submitted to sporulation. Molecular analysis was also performed for diagnosis of the genera Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Entamoeba. Feathers and skin of rheas were analysed for ectoparasites. Eggs of Capillaria sp., Procyrnea sp. and Procyrnea sp.-type and other nematode eggs of the Strongylida order as well as cysts of Entamoeba sp. and oocysts of Isospora rheae and Eimeria sp. were found in the faeces. Six faecal samples (85.7%) were diagnosed as positive for Entamoeba by PCR, and no positive samples for Cryptosporidium or Giardia were detected. Specific malophagous lice classified as Struthiolipeurus nandu were found distributed throughout the animals’ bodies. It was concluded that rheas of the present study were infected enzootically by nematode and protozoan species in addition to being infested with lice

1 aGallo, Samina, S.M.1 aEderli, Nicole, B.1 aOliveira, F.C.R. uhttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/329152252_Endoparasites_and_ectoparasites_of_rheas_Rhea_americana_from_South_America