Avian parasitology

Avian parasitology is the study of parasites that live on or inside birds, affecting their health and behavior. These parasites include external ones like mites, lice, and ticks, as well as internal ones such as worms and protozoa. They can cause discomfort, weakness, and disease, potentially leading to poor survival or reproduction. Understanding these parasites helps in managing bird health, especially in wild populations, poultry, and pet birds. Researchers study how parasites spread, their life cycles, and ways to prevent or treat infestations to ensure birds remain healthy and thrive.