Extraintestinal isosporoid coccidian causing atoxoplasmosis in captive green-winged saltators: Clinical and hematological features1

Abstract

Populations of green-winged saltators, Saltator similis, are decreasing especially becauseof illegal trade and infectious diseases. We describe natural cases of an extraintestinalisosporoid coccidian in caged S. similis, and suggest the need of preventive measures inhandling these birds. Nonspecific clinical signs were seen in all of them, however, intracytoplasmicAtoxoplasma sp. was found in peripheral blood, reinforcing the idea of systemicisosporosis. Leukocytosis with high number of heterophils and monocytes suggested thatatoxoplasmosis in green-winged saltators can progress as an acute disease. The birds showedclinical improvement after treatment. Handling recommendations were proposed toupgrade hygienic conditions of the facilities. We concluded that nonspecific symptoms andan acute inflammatory process can be associated with atoxoplasmosis in young S. similis. We emphasize the importance of blood smear to detect merozoites.