Masked Owl - Nswfmpa.org

Probably involves insect as an intermediate host. The adults are found in small nodules inthe mouth and pharynx.TreatmentPainting the adults with levamisole and then physically removing them one by one seemsto be the only effective treatment.GapewormLife cycleEggs are swallowed coughed up and passed in faeces. They can be directly infective orpass through a transport host such as an earthworm. The eggs hatch in the gastrointestinaltract, and the larvae migrate through the bloodstream to the lungs and then to theproximal trachea.TreatmentIvermectin can be used to kill the worms, allowing there manual removal, sometimes berepeated by tracheal flushes. Mebendazole and fenbendazole have also been effective.ControlExclusion of intermediate hosts by concreting aviary floor, roof aviary to exclude faecalcontaminating by wild birds, and maintain a dry clean environment will minimize accessof birds to this parasite.8.5 Quarantine Requirements• Quarantine should last for 30 days.• The first thing to do when a Masked Owl comes into quarantine is check for I.Dand the sex of animal. And start a record sheet for the owl.• Whilst owl is in quarantine monitor food in/out.• Begin conditioning of owl.The following are recommendations for appropriate testing procedures for diseases ofowls while held in quarantine.1. Faecal examination, direct and flotation, for trichomonads, other motile protozoa andcoccidia2. Check for ectoparasites, especially Amblyomma sp. ticks that can be vectors ofcowdriosis-heartwater. If present, treat with an acaricide.3. Carry out appropriate serological tests for chlamydiosis (psittacosis) and if positive,confirm by cloacal swab cultures. If culture is positive, the bird must be treated if ofconservation value or destroyed if not.4. Faecal cultures for Salmonella sp. and Campylobacter sp.5. Collect samples (choanal and cloacal swabs) for virus isolation from all incomingbirds. All virus isolation tests should be negative in birds destined for release or entry intocaptive breeding flocks.36