ABSTRACT

Ostriches have few endo and ectoparasite agents. These include Houttuynia struthionis, Libyostrongylus douglassii, Chandrella quiscali, Cryptosporidium spp, Isospora struthionis, Struthiolipeurus struthionis, S. nandu, Pterolichus bicaudatus, Gabucinia sculpturata, Dermoglyphus pachycnemi and Hypoboscis struthionis. Furthermore, ostriches can also be infected with other parasites (such as the amoeba, Giardia, Trichomonas, Histomonas spp.), when they are raised along with mammals and other birds. Generally, ostriches are resistant to parasites, but sometimes immunodeficient mature and young ostriches can easily be infected. This review gives up-to-date knowledge about common ostriches for which breeding industries in Turkey have recently been increasing.