Comparing the Mini-FLOTAC and centrifugal faecal flotation for the detection of coccidia ( Eimeria spp.) in kiwi ( Apter
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PROTOZOOLOGY - SHORT COMMUNICATION
Comparing the Mini-FLOTAC and centrifugal faecal flotation for the detection of coccidia (Eimeria spp.) in kiwi (Apteryx mantelli) Sarah M. Coker 1,2
&
William E. Pomroy 1 & Laryssa Howe 1 & Kate McInnes 3 & Emilie Vallee 1 & Kerri J. Morgan 1,2
Received: 2 March 2020 / Accepted: 28 September 2020 # Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2020
Abstract Coccidia (Eimeria spp.) in brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli) cause significant morbidity and mortality in captive rearing facilities. Monitoring the abundance of this parasite in individual birds is crucial for successful management of kiwi. This research compares the abilities of centrifugal faecal flotations (CFF) and a modified Mini-FLOTAC protocol to detect oocysts. We hypothesised that the Mini-FLOTAC would detect higher oocyst counts. Kiwi dropping samples (n = 10) were homogenized in MgSO4 (SG 1.28) and oocyst counts made with CFFs and Mini-FLOTAC counting chambers, with three replicates for each method. For CFF, 0.5 g of droppings were examined using standard methods. Mini-FLOTAC counts were made using a modified sample preparation compared with the manufacturer’s protocol but still used a 1:20 dilution of droppings. Oocysts were quantified using light microscopy at ×100–300 magnification. A linear mixed-effects model by REML showed that oocyst per gram estimates via the Mini-FLOTAC method were 3.2 times higher (95% CI 2.4–4.5, p < 0.01) than the CFF results. This increased detection likely represents a more accurate estimation of parasite shedding and should be considered for use in research or applications requiring more accuracy, cost-effectiveness, or accessibility than the CFF provides. Keywords Apicomplexa . Birds . Eimeria spp. . Faecal oocyst count . Mini-FLOTAC . Wildlife
Introduction Brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli), a ratite endemic to New Zealand, are listed as “vulnerable” under the IUCN classification system with an estimated population of 26,550 as of 2015 (BirdLife International 2017). Predation of adults and juveniles by introduced mammals has played a major role in population decline; however, individuals greater than 800-g body weight are far less likely to be preyed upon (McLennan et al. 2004; McLennan et al. 1996). To help kiwi achieve this size, “Operation Nest Egg” (ONE) brings eggs and recently Handling Editor: Julia Walochnik * Sarah M. Coker [email protected] 1
School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
2
Wildbase, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
3
Department of Conservation, PO Box 10-420, Wellington 6143, New Zealand
hatched wild chicks into captivity, where they are raised in a predator-free environment until they reach at least 1 kg before being released (Colbourne et al. 2005). Unfortunately, due to a build-up of environmentally resilient oocysts (Eimeria spp.) in captive facilities, severe morbidity and mortality due to coccidiosis occurs in these captive juvenile kiwi (Williams
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