Avian Parasites

Air sac trematodiasis is a respiratory disease in birds caused by cyclocoelid trematodes. It has been documented across various avian taxa, with captive passerines and wild wading birds most frequently affected. Multiple zoological institutions have reported cases, sometimes resulting in significant mortality. Like other trematodes, this parasite requires an intermediate host, specifically snails, to complete its life cycle. We hypothesize that snails found within an aquatic and semi-aquatic environment in the aviaries at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (DAK) serve as intermediate hosts for the trematodes responsible for avian air sac trematodiasis. These snails likely carry the parasite in its metacercarial stage, which is ingested during feeding, allowing the parasite to infect the bird. This study aims to identify the snail species present in the aviaries and any trematodes they may harbor, and to determine which species may be responsible for air sac trematodiasis. Understanding the parasite’s life cycle will support the development of management protocols to control the intermediate host and reduce infection risk. Snails were collected and identified to species. They were examined for internal parasites and compared to trematode adults through PCR. Bird fecal samples were screened for trematode ova by fecal sedimentation and any recovered eggs morphologically characterized and compared to trematode adults by PCR. Results from this study will help identify intermediate host(s) and the species of trematode responsible for air sac trematodiasis in these aviaries and enhance the fecal-based microscopic diagnostic screening involving detection of ova.