Levantamento parasitológico em Coragyps atratus Bechstein, 1793 (Cathartiformes, Cathartidae) de vida livre no Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga e análise de potencial risco biológico para a saúde animal e ambiental

Abstract

Coragyps atratus is a vulture belonging to the Cathartidae family. Its geographic distribution covers the whole American continent and is especially abundant in areas of cities and farms, avoiding regions with dense forest. Due to its eating habits involving mainly decaying carcasses, this species is constantly exposed to pathogens. In addition, among the health problems that are found in birds, it is possible to highlight the parasitic infections that can generate health risk for the individual, as well as to cause a potential biological risk for others of the same species or of different species, considering also the risk of zoonoses due to their proximity to humans. The objective of this research is to perform a survey of parasites in individuals found in the Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga and to relate their presence with animal health and public health, since little is known about the health profile of this species. Through the capture of 119 specimens of wildlife black vultures, photographic records of the region of the vulture's head were made, weighing and marking of all individuals. Fecal and regurgitant samples were collected and analyzed to search for endoparasites and analysis of feathers and body for ectoparasites. Ectoparasites were registered with mites (Cathartacarus coragyps), mallophages (Falcolipeurus sp. and Colpocephalum sp.), a low number of ticks (Amblyomma sculptum) and hematophagous flies (Ornithoctona erythrocephala). In endoparasites, eggs of trematodes, low amount of coccidia, a larva and a nematode egg were recorded. The black vultures presented a difference in parasite incidence between young and adult individuals with trematodes, being higher in adults and coccidia in juveniles. Through the analysis of the dry and rainy season from February 2018 to January 2019, it is possible to observe a higher parasitic infestation of mites and malophagous during the dry season. The present study contributed to the knowledge of the health profile of the species Coragyps atratus, suggesting not being a vulture with potential biological risk for environmental and animal health, in addition, it provides support for management protocols.