Diagnostic study of external parasites and some intestinal protozoa in Struthio camelus In Al-Diwaniyah Province
Ministry of Education, Open Education College, AL-Qadisiyah Study Center, AL-Diwaniyah 58001, Iraq.
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Life Sciences, 2026, 12(01), 028–032.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjls.2026.12.1.0025
Publication history:
Received on 04 July 2026; revised on 10 August 2026; accepted on 12 August 2026
Abstract:
The ostrich (struthio camelus) is a bird known for its strength and adaptability; however, it is susceptible to various parasitic, bacterial, and viral diseases, which in turn affects ostrich farming and consequently reduces the production of meat, feathers, and hides. This study provides important data about the presence certain species of parasites affecting ostrich.Sixty fecal samples were collected from ostriches in the Diwaniyah Province center and some of its districts and sub-districts to investigate intestinal protozoa.Temporary and permanent slides were prepared, and external parasites were investigated with the naked eye and using a magnifying glass.five species of parasites recorded , including three species of intestinal protozoa Cryptosporidium spp. , Isospora spp., and Eimeria spp., and two species of lice Menacantus stramineus and Menopon gallinae ,The overall infection rate was (53.33%), Cryptosporidium spp. recorded the highest infection rate among the isolated parasites at (34.37%), followed by Eimeria spp. at (15.62%), then Isospora spp. at (9.37%) .As for external parasites, Menacantus stramineus was the most prevalent, with an infection rate of (21.87%) ,followed by Menopon gallinae at (18.75%) .
Keywords:
Struthio Camelus; External; Intestinal Parasites; Iraq.
Full text article in PDF:
Copyright information:
Copyright © 2026 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0