Molecular Detection of Cryptosporidium Parvum in Raptors (Accipitridae and Falconidae) From Western Iran Publisher Pubmed



Vafaei MR ; Safaie M ; Javanmard E ; Mirjalali H ; Mohebali M ; Mowlavi G ; Kazemirad E
Source: Veterinary Research Communications Published:2026

Abstract

Cryptosporidium is a genus of protozoan parasites that infects humans and a wide range of animals. Considering the zoonotic transmission of cryptosporidiosis and the role of raptors in its spread, this study aimed to identify Cryptosporidium parvum in wild raptors using molecular methods. Fecal samples were collected from 15 raptors at wildlife recovery centers in Kermanshah (western Iran) between February 2022 and August 2024. The birds belonged to four species representing two different families: Accipitridae, including the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), and Falconidae, including the Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), the Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni), and the Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus). Oocysts of Cryptosporidium were identified in two fresh intestinal contents (mucosal scrapings). Upon DNA extraction, the expected 18 S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene fragment was amplified and sequenced. Cryptosporidium parvum was identified in two bird species, the Common Kestrel (F. tinnunculus) and the Lanner Falcon (F. biarmicus) (2/15 birds, 13.33%). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. parvum in raptors in Iran. The detection of C. parvum in two raptors indicates its presence in these hosts, but further epidemiological and subtype analyses are needed to clarify any potential role in transmission. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2026.