ABSTRACT
Escherichia coli is not considered a member of psittacine gut flora and the presence of the bacteria has been associated with enteric disorders, respiratory diseases and septicaemia. This survey determined the gut colonization by Escherichia coli on psittacine birds, raised under different biosecurity levels. The 85 cloacal swabs were examined by bacteriologic cultural methods. The results showed significant differences on E. coli gut colonization, with 20% (10/50) positive psittacine birds on conservationist farms and 80% (28/35) in a recreational zoo. This data suggests the importance of biosecurity level on the sanitary condition, sinced it can be influenced by aviary activity.
KEY WORDS
Psittacine birds;
Escherichia coli
; gut flora; biosecurity