Cryptosporidium baileyi infection associated with an outbreak of ocular and respiratory disease in otus owls (Otus scops) in a rehabilitation centre

摘要: Cryptosporidiosis has been reported in more than 30 avian species worldwide. Although some cases of cryptosporidiosis have described captive birds prey the order Falconiformes, to date there no reports disease wild raptors. Here we describe for first time an ocular and respiratory associated with Cryptosporidium baileyi scops owl (Otus scops, order: Strigiformes). Sixteen otus fledglings born during summer 2008 were admitted Torreferrussa Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (Catalonia, northern Spain) July August same year. In middle September, blepharoedema, conjunctival hyperaemia mucopurulent discharge diagnosed unilaterally 75% (12/16) bilaterally 25% (4/16). Moreover, five (31%) developed diffuse epithelial corneal oedema, one (6%) displayed mild anterior exudative uveitis another rhinitis (6%). Two euthanized because severity disease. The histopathology demonstrated cryptosporidia-like structures cells nasal epithelium owl. spp. oocysts (6.5 7.0 x 5.0 5.5 microm) identified by immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) histological sections from eyelids, trachea sinuses swab samples glottis, choanal slit sac. Polymerase chain reaction DNA sequence analysis confirmed presence C. baileyi. Birds treated orally azithromycin (40 mg/kg) once a day 15 days, end treatment all owls tested negative parasites, IFAT, did not display further signs