Abstract

Pets have been associated with emotional and physical benefits for their owners, and among these, ornamental birds can bring positive influences on quality of life. On the contrary, they harbor pathogenic micro-organisms of public health importance. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the presence of Salmonella spp. and intestinal parasites in 52 samples of excreta of passerines and parrots from breeders in the city of Umuarama, Paraná. Conventional procedures for isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. were used. Colonies suspected with the genus Salmonella were tested serologically for flagellar H antigen and somatic antigen O. Faecal samples were also subjected to sedimentation and centrifugal flotation with zinc sulfate techniques to identify gastrointestinal parasites. Out of 52 excreta samples examined, 7 samples revealed large number of coccidian oocysts per field, highlighting the need to implement preventive measures to reduce the number of oocysts eliminated in animals. All samples were negative for the presence of Salmonella spp. Despite the lack of positive results for Salmonella spp. in samples of excreta of the birds in this study, control measures should be taken so that they are not a source of risk to human health.

Key words: Salmonella, coccidia, passerines, psittacines, zoonosis.