وحیده مهدوی فرد - Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran.
فریبرز شریعتی شریفی - Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran.
مریم گنجعلی - Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran.
محمد جهان تیغ - Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran.
خولیو لوپز آبان - Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Spain.

Several species of ectoparasites infect birds. These parasites that are considered arthropods include: mites, ticks, lice, bugs, fleas, mosquitoes, and flies. This study aimed to identify the ectoparasites species on ornamental birds and determine their prevalence in Zabol and Zahedan in the northern part of Sistan and Baluchestan. A total of ۳۱۸ birds were examined and inspected for ectoparasites. Parasites were collected by forceps and stored in ۷۰% ethanol. In parallel to the identification of their species, the samples were cleared in ۱۰% KOH following which light microscopy was used to identify the parasites according to their morphological characteristics and the descriptive keys proposed for each species. The overall prevalence of ectoparasites in birds was ۲۱.۷%. The ectoparasites were identified as Menopon gallinae, Menacanthus stramineus, Columbicola columbae, Goniodes pavonis, Myrsidea fasciata, an unknown species from philopetrus genus Argas reflexus, Pseudolinchya, and Culicoides. So far few studies have been performed on parasites in birds in Sistan and Baluchestan. Identification of parasites (such as lice in birds) in any region of the country helps us to improve our knowledge about parasitic fauna in this area.

ectoparasites, ornamental birds, Sistan and Baluchestan