Haemoparasites in captive birds at Uberlândia zoo, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Haemoparasites are one of the most important groups bird parasites, with emphasis on genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon and Trypanosoma. Zoos sustain different wild animals valuable tools for education conservation species. The conditions captive differ from animals, as zoos have sufficient availability food throughout year, protection against predators veterinary care animals. This study aimed to determine prevalence haemoparasites in birds Sabiá Municipal Park Zoo, municipality Uberlândia, state Minas Gerais, Brazil. Blood samples were collected alveolar vein puncture make blood swabs. material was fixed methanol, stained by GIEMSA technique examined under optical microscope. A total 46 (19 species) analyzed only three individuals (6.52%) positive Plasmodium sp. hosts Pavo cristatus Tyto furcata. low positivity expected, since do not generally present high infection rates among birds. Even if a parasite is pathogenic given species, these reservoirs more vulnerable Differences intensity depend virulence parasite, ability host respond such infections vector availability. rate suggests good health status area.