We are a diagnostic Veterinary Laboratory. We are receiving
increased numbers of Emu and Ostrich specimens. Recently we
received feces from a 11 month old Ostrich. This bird has lost
weight in the two months the owner has had it. Out of 20 in a
group, three are losing weight and are less than a year old. We
performed a ZnSO4 flotation and found many round amoeba
cysts.(Two sizes: one was approx. 15x15u and the other approx.
8.5x8.5u). Also we saw a few ova that were oval, no pigment, and
measure approx. 42ux68u. Is there an amoeba (Entamoeba?) that
may cause intestional disease? Does anyone have an idea what the
other ova be?
