Atoxoplasmosis in Canaries

Abstract

Atoxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease
of canaries and other passerine birds
caused by the coccidian parasite Atoxoplasma
serini (previously known as
Isospora serini and Lankersterella
garnbami). Coccidia are single celled
parasites that cause intestinal disease.
Unlike other coccidia which complete
their life cycle within the intestines,
Atoxoplasma spread via the blood to
internal organs and, therefore, cause
more serious disease.
With support from the AFA
(American Federation of Aviculture),
we studied this disease in a group of
naturally infected canaries that were
generously donated by a concerned
aviculturist. The main objectives of
our investigations were to: 1)
Characterize the clinical signs in live
birds and the findings at necropsy to
aid avian veterinarians in recognizing
this disease, 2) Investigate methods of
diagnosing infection in live birds, 3)
Determine how long infected birds
shed infectious eggs, and 4) Attempt to
treat infected birds. These investigations
took place during a four year
study period.