Kerri Morgan

Citation

Thesis Title
Coccidiosis in the Kiwi (Apteryx spp.): Aspects of the Pathology, Epidemiology and Parasite Biology

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Coccidiosis is an important parasitic disease found in all five species of kiwi, particularly in young birds that are captive reared for release to the wild. This research is the first in-depth study of this disease in kiwi and it was found to have the potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality in affected birds. Morphological and molecular techniques identified the causative parasites as multiple species of Eimeria that are specific to kiwi. The life cycle of some of these coccidial species is highly complex and was found to involve both intestinal and extra-intestinal stages, including stages in the kidney and the unusual presence of forms in the liver, spleen and lung. As captive rearing is a principle conservation management tool for kiwi, knowledge of biological aspects of coccidiosis is increasingly important in the veterinary management of this disease.

Supervisors
Associate Professor Maurice Alley
Professor Bill Pomroy
Professor Isabel Castro
Associate Professor Laryssa Howe