Avian mycobacteriosis in a naturally infected captive nocturnal curassow (Nothocrax urumutum)

A senile female nocturnal curassow (Nothocrax urumutum) kept under human care was found dead. Grossly, the lungs were congested and had a nodule with 2.0 cm in diameter adhered to the left lung. Histologically, there were multifocal to coalescent areas of necrosis characterized by deposition of amorphous and eosinophilic material with large amount of cellular debris, surrounded by numerous epithelioid macrophages, multinucleated Langhans giant cells, occasional lymphocytes and plasma cells. Ziehl-Neelsen stained sections demonstrated myriad of intralesional alcohol-acid resistant bacilli (BAAR). DNA extracted from lung samples were evaluated by nested polymerase chain reaction resulting in mycobacterial DNA identification. This is the first reported case of mycobacteriosis in a nocturnal curassow.(AU)

Reproduction phenology of a high conservation priority cracid - the Bare-faced Curassow (Crax fasciolata; Aves, Galliformes, Cracidae)

Knowledge of the reproductive biology of Bare-faced Curassows (BFC) from their natural habitats is very limited. Our study covers a two-and-a-half year breeding phenology on BFC in the northern Pantanal (Mato Grosso State, Brazil) with the main objective of collecting information on reproduction biology to contribute to future conservation management strategies of this cracid, which received a recent status of "High Conservation Priority". The study was conducted at the SESC Pantanal, Baía das Pedras, Mato Grosso, Brazil (16°29′55″S, 56°24′46″W), a private protected area of approximately 4,200 ha. Between July 2015 and December 2017, 37 sampling locations were monitored with camera traps placed in a regular grid with a spacing of 1 km. Offspring were detected at least once at 8 locations, namely, in March, April, and May 2016 and in June, July, October, and November 2017, always together with parent(s). Territorial overlap between different family groups was detected. The camera trap dataset was supplemented by data from Citizen Science Projects (i.e., eBird) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Based on feather developmental stages and body size, offspring were classified into different age classes. Age determination indicates that breeding occurs year-round in the northern Pantanal region, supported by eBird and GBIF data. The use of a grid-based design for future camera-trapping studies of BFCs is strongly recommended. Our study is of biological relevance for conservation management projects since data were collected in an area with low anthropogenic disturbance and intact ecosystem services.(AU)

The rarest of the rare: rediscovery and status of the critically endangered Belem Curassow, Crax fasciolata pinima (Pelzeln, 1870)

The Belem Curassow (Crax fasciolata pinima) is one of the most endangered birds in South America, without sightings of birds in the wild for 40 years. This subspecies is nationally and internationally classified as critically endangered and close to extinction, suffering from poaching and deforestation in its range. Here we present new records of free-living individuals made on three indigenous lands in Pará and Maranhão states: in part of Terra Indígena Mãe Maria, Bom Jesus do Tocantins, Pará; in locations within the Reserva Biológica do Gurupi/Terra Indígena Alto Turiaçu, Centro Novo do Maranhão, Maranhão; and around the Terra Indígena Rio Pindaré, Alto Alegre do Pindaré, Maranhão. We also provide recommendations to protect this bird via a dedicated conservation program which includes finding new individuals in non-sampled areas (north of BR-222), estimating population size, enhancing taxonomic and natural history knowledge, capturing wild animals in order to start urgent ex situ conservation programs, and developing environmental awareness programs with the local and indigenous populations.

The rarest of the rare: rediscovery and status of the critically endangered Belem Curassow, Crax fasciolata pinima (Pelzeln, 1870)

The Belem Curassow (Crax fasciolata pinima) is one of the most endangered birds in South America, without sightings of birds in the wild for 40 years. This subspecies is nationally and internationally classified as critically endangered and close to extinction, suffering from poaching and deforestation in its range. Here we present new records of free-living individuals made on three indigenous lands in Pará and Maranhão states: in part of Terra Indígena Mãe Maria, Bom Jesus do Tocantins, Pará; in locations within the Reserva Biológica do Gurupi/Terra Indígena Alto Turiaçu, Centro Novo do Maranhão, Maranhão; and around the Terra Indígena Rio Pindaré, Alto Alegre do Pindaré, Maranhão. We also provide recommendations to protect this bird via a dedicated conservation program which includes finding new individuals in non-sampled areas (north of BR-222), estimating population size, enhancing taxonomic and natural history knowledge, capturing wild animals in order to start urgent ex situ conservation programs, and developing environmental awareness programs with the local and indigenous populations.(AU)

Thromboembolic encephalitis secondary to bacterial valvular endocarditis in a red-billed curassow (Crax blumenbachii)

A case of bacterial (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) valvular endocarditis in a red-billed curassow is described. A traumatic fracture in one limb of the bird was considered the port of entry for the bacterium, followed by septicemia and seeding of the heart valve. Brain embolism resulting from detached thrombus fragments followed.

Thromboembolic encephalitis secondary to bacterial valvular endocarditis in a red-billed curassow (Crax blumenbachii)

A case of bacterial (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) valvular endocarditis in a red-billed curassow is described. A traumatic fracture in one limb of the bird was considered the port of entry for the bacterium, followed by septicemia and seeding of the heart valve. Brain embolism resulting from detached thrombus fragments followed.(AU)

Physiologic parameters in female Red-billed curassows (Crax blumenbachii) in rehabilitation / Parâmetros fisiológicos em fêmeas de Mutum do Sudeste (Crax blumenbachii) em reabilitação

The present paper reports blood gas analysis, hematologic and micro bacteriologic information on four female Red-billed curassows, rescued from illegal wild animal trading, that were undergoing habilitation for reintroduction into the wild through Projeto Centrofauna/Botucatu-SP. There is a lack of physiological data on this species, endemic to the region of Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica), now under threat of extinction. This lack of information makes the clinical evaluation of these birds very difficult and has a direct and adverse effect on any of these birds received for medical treatment in hospitals, veterinary clinics and centers for research and conservation, as well as in reintroduction centers.(AU)

O presente artigo reporta dados inéditos de análise hemogasométrica, hematológica e bacteriológica de quatro fêmeas de Mutum do Sudeste, resgatadas do tráfico ilegal de animais silvestres e em processo de habilitação e reintrodução para vida-livre pelo Projeto Centrofauna, Botucatu/SP. Na literatura há uma falta de dados fisiológicos sobre esta espécie, endêmica da região da Mata Atlântica e ameaçada de extinção. Esta falta de informação faz com que avaliações clínicas nesta espécie aviária sejam muito difíceis de interpretar, causando um efeito direto e negativo nestas aves para a realização de tratamento médico em hospitais, clínicas veterinárias, centros de pesquisa e/ou conservação, bem como centros de reintrodução.(AU)

Conservação de germoplasma de cracídeos ameaçados por meio de transplantes interespecíficos de células germinativas

Resumo: Na área da biologia da conservação, a capacidade de criopreservar e reviver espécies raras e ameaças é fundamental para a preservação da diversidade genética. Neste sentido, uma abordagem inovadora é utilizar animais hospedeiros estéreis ou parcialmente estéreis para o transplante de células germinativas. Essa tecnologia já foi utilizada anteriormente em mamíferos, porém é de particular importância para aves cuja criopreservação de espermatozoides, oócitos e embriões são ineficientes devido à alta susceptibilidade ao congelamento e a grande quantidade de vitelo. Contudo, a recuperação eficiente do genótipo do doador e a transmissão da linha germinativa a partir dos animais hospedeiros ainda são áreas que precisam ser mais aprofundadas. Dessa forma, nosso grupo de pesquisa vem estudando um método simples, barato e seguro para suprimir a espermatogênese endógena em pintos recém-nascidos através do uso de doses fracionadas de bussulfano. Portanto, foi possível demonstrar através do ganho de peso, consumo de ração, hematócrito, dosagem hormonal, coleta de sêmen, histologia testicular, imunofluorescência, imunohistoqúimica e genética que injeções repetidas (20 mg /kg ou levemente superior) de bussulfano podem ser utilizadas na supressão da espermatogênese endógena e, podem ser empregadas com sucesso no transplante xenogênico de SSC em espécies de aves. Embora testes de progênie não ainda não tenham sido realizados, nossos resultados também indicam que, após esse regime de quimioterapia, algumas células germinativas oriundas de cracídeos foram capazes de sobreviver a manipulação e congelamento e se mantiveram viáveis por até 120 dias após o transplante xenogênico em galos domésticos.

Abstract: In the field of conservation biology, the ability to freeze and revive rare and threatened species is critical for the preservation of genetic diversity. In this regard, an innovative approach is to use sterile or partially sterile host animals for germ cell transplantation. This technology has been used previously in mammals, but is of particular importance for birds whose cryopreservation of sperm, oocytes and embryos are inefficient due to their high susceptibility to freezing and large amount of yolk. However, the efficient recovery of donor genotype and germline transmission to host animals are areas that still need to be further addressed. Thus, our research group has been developing a simple, inexpensive and safe method to suppress endogenous spermatogenesis in newly hatched chicks by using fractionated doses of busulfan. Our findings demonstrated through survival, body weight, feed intake, hematocrit test, testosterone measurement, semen analysis, testicular histology, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis that fractionated administration of busulfan (20 mg / kg or slightly higher) can be employed to suppress endogenous spermatogenesis in newly hatched chicks, and can be successfully applied in xenogeneic SSC transplantation in birds. Although progeny tests have not yet been performed, our data also indicate that following this chemotherapy regimen curassow germ cells were capable of withstanding processing and cryopreservation, and remained viable for up to 120 days after xenogeneic transplantation to chicken recipients.

Some virulence genes of Escherichia coli isolated from cloacal swabs of healthy Alagoas Curassows (Pauxi mitu) in Brazil / Alguns genes de virulência de Escherichia coli isoladas de mutuns-do-nordeste (Pauxi mitu) sadios no Brasil

Birds of the Cracidae family (curassows, guans, and chachalacas) are endemic of the Neotropics and 50 species are currently classified. Brazil has 22 species, seven of which are considered threatened. The Alagoas Curassow (Pauxi mitu) species is considered extinct in the wild; but about 120 birds are alive in captivity. Conservation of this species depends entirely on correct management. Health reports of both wildlife and captive curassows are rare. In this study the presence of Escherichia coli was evaluated in 23 healthy Alagoas Curassows from two private breeding centres. E. coli was isolated from cloacal swabs, and the presence of genes encoding cytotoxic necrotising factor 1 (cnf1), alpha-haemolysin (hly), aerobactin (iuc), serum resistance (iss) and the following adhesions: S fimbriae (sfa), pili associated with pyelonephritis (pap) and temperature-sensitive haemagglutinin (tsh) were investigated. E. coli was isolated from 78.3% (18/23) of the birds, and the percentage of curassows colonized by E. coli was similar between the two facilities. From the 22 E. coli isolates, 15 (68.2%) were positive for at least one virulence factor by PCR, and the most frequently found gene was iss (50%). No curassows had clinical signs of disease. Nevertheless, the presence of some E. coli strains may be a concern to the wildlife in captivity. Additional health surveillance studies are essential to guarantee successful conservation programmes for threatened cracids in Brazil.(AU)

Aves da família Cracidae (mutuns, jacutingas e aracuãs) são endêmicas da região Neotropical com 50 espécies atualmente classificadas. O Brasil possui 22 espécies nesta família e sete delas são consideradas ameaçadas de extinção. O mutum-do-nordeste (Pauxi mitu) é considerado extinto na natureza, no entanto, aproximadamente 120 indivíduos são mantidos em cativeiro. A conservação desta espécie depende inteiramente de um manejo correto. Informações sobre o status sanitário de mutuns são raras, tanto em vida livre quanto em cativeiro. Neste estudo a presença de Escherichia coli foi avaliada em 23 mutuns-do-nordeste sadios de dois criatórios particulares. E. coli foi isolada a partir de suabes cloacais, em seguida, foi avaliada a presença de genes que codificam fator citotóxico necrotizante 1 (cnf1), alfa-hemolisina (hly), produção de aerobactina (iuc) e resistência sérica (iss) e genes que codificam os seguintes fatores de virulência: fímbria S (sfa), pili associado à pielonefrite (pap) e hemaglutinina termosensível (tsh). E. coli foi isolada de 78,3% (18/23) das aves e o percentual de mutuns positivos para E. coli foi semelhante entre as duas criações. De 22 isolados de E. coli, 15 (68,2%) foram positivos para pelo menos um fator de virulência pela PCR e o gene mais frequente foi o iss (50%). Nenhuma ave apresentava sinal clínico de doença, no entanto, a presença de determinadas cepas de E. coli pode representar uma preocupação em relação às aves silvestres mantidas em cativeiro. Estudos adicionais de monitoria do status sanitário do plantel são essenciais para garantir o sucesso de futuros programas de conservação de cracídeos ameaçados no Brasil.(AU)

Origem e distribuição da artéria celíaca em mutuns dos gêneros Crax e Mitu / Origin and distribution of the celiac artery in curassow of the genera Crax and Mitu

Este trabalho objetivou descrever a origem e a distribuição dos ramos da artéria celíaca em 19 aves dos gêneros Crax e Mitu, oriundas do Criatório Científico e Cultural de Poços de Caldas, doadas após óbito natural. Para o preenchimento do sistema vascular foi utilizada solução aquosa de látex corado, seguido de imediata fixação em solução aquosa de formol a 10%. Posteriormente, dissecaram-se os colaterais responsáveis pela irrigação do canal alimentar, fígado, baço e pâncreas. A artéria proventricular dorsal foi o primeiro ramo emitido antes da bifurcação da artéria celíaca em ramos esquerdo e direito. O ramo esquerdo enviou as artérias gástrica dorsal, proventricular ventral (e seus ramos ventriculares), gástrica ventral, gástrica esquerda e pilóricas para a junção ventrículo-duodenal, além de ramos ao esôfago e pericárdio. A artéria hepática esquerda foi ramo da artéria gástrica ventral ou da gástrica esquerda. O ramo direito emitiu grande número de artérias esplênicas, a artéria duodenojejunal, qual formou anastomoses em arcada com os ramos oriundos da artéria mesentérica cranial, artéria duodenal para o segmento inicial do duodeno e artéria hepática direita. Os ramos vesiculares foram oriundos da artéria hepática direita ou da artéria pancreáticoduodenal e, em um caso, uma artéria esplênica irrigou a região dorsal do ventrículo. Em seu segmento terminal, o ramo direito dividiu-se em artérias gástrica direita e pancreaticoduodenal, a qual ainda enviou a artéria ileocecal para o segmento final de íleo e ceco esquerdo. Quando comparados estes achados com os gêneros Gallus e Anas, notaram-se semelhanças em quase toda a distribuição da artéria celíaca, a não ser pela modificação da artéria esofágica como primeiro ramo enviado, bem como a distribuição exclusiva da artéria ileocecal para o ceco esquerdo e, a emissão de um ramo esplênico pela artéria gástrica dorsal.

This study describes the origin and distribution of branches of the celiac artery in 19 birds of the genera Crax and Mitu, originated from the breeding facility Scientific and Cultural of Pocos de Caldas, donated after natural death. To fill the vascular system it was used aqueous solution of colored latex, followed by immediate fixation in aqueous 10% formaldehyde. Subsequently, dissected to the side responsible for irrigation of the alimentary canal, liver, spleen and pancreas. The proventricular dorsal artery was issued before the first branch of the bifurcation of the celiac artery branches into left and right. The branch has sent the left gastric arteries dorsal, ventral proventricular (and its ventricular branches), ventral gastric, left gastric and pyloric junction to the ventriculo-duodenal, and branches to the esophagus and pericardium. The left hepatic artery was a branch of the ventral gastric artery or left gastric arteries. The right branch has issued a large number of splenic artery, the artery duodenojejunal, which formed in arcade anastomoses with the branches from the cranial mesenteric artery, duodenal artery to the initial segment of the duodenum and right hepatic artery. Vesicular branches came from the right hepatic artery or pancreaticoduodenal artery and in one case a splenic artery irrigated the dorsal region of the ventricle. In its terminal segment, the right branch was divided into right gastric and pancreaticoduodenal arteries, which also sent the ileocecal artery for the final segment of ileum and cecum left. When comparing these findings with the genera Gallus and Anas, similarities are noted in almost the entire distribution of the celiac artery, unless the modification of the esophageal artery as first branch sent, as well as the exclusive distributor of ileocecal artery to the left cecum and the issue of a splenic branch by the artery dorsal gastric.