Our center, under the guidance of Assistant Professor Dr. Hana Hani Al-Saffar, recently hosted a workshop focusing on “The Most Important Parasitic Infections of the Ostrich.” Led by Lecturer Suhad Yassin Jassim and delivered by Dr. Zainab Alwan Makkawi, Head of the Vertebrate Department, the workshop delved into the unique characteristics of ostriches, including their impressive size, distinctive feather coloration, and relatively small wings.
The presentation highlighted the two primary types of parasites affecting ostriches:
Internal parasites: Such as stomach worms, roundworms, and tapeworms, which can cause significant health issues, including emaciation.
External parasites: Including lice and ticks, which can lead to irritation, feather damage, and overall poor health.
The workshop emphasized the importance of understanding these parasites, given the growing popularity of ostrich farming.