Analyzing White-rumped Vulture breeding behavior using Markovian modeling

Understanding wildlife behavior, including accurate identification, processing, and interpretation of activities or cues, is important to behavioral biology and corresponding conservation strategies. We characterized the breeding activities of the critically endangered White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis following a sequential pattern from courtship to fledging. We recorded 4,160 visual observations of 20 behaviors of eight pairs of White-rumped Vultures from September 2021­April 2022 and constructed Markov chain models to model three composite behaviors (i.e., breeding, foraging, and roosting). We found that vultures at four nests displayed >70% of the time in breeding behavior, and each nest produced offspring, indicating a potential correlation between breeding behavior and successful reproductive outcomes. Our model explained each composite behavior with high accuracy. Identifying behaviors White-rumped Vulture have practical applications for developing management plans for their conservation, including the timing of critical reproductive events. Our findings and approach can improve our understanding of White-rumped Vulture behavioral ecology and conservation and have applications for other species.(AU)

Anestesia regional intravenosa (bloqueio de Bier) em urubu-de-cabeça-preta (Coragyps atratus) submetido à amputação de dígito / Regional intravenous anaesthesia (Bier's block) in black-headed vulture (Coragyps atratus) submitted to digit amputation

Background: The Coragyps atratus flies long distances in search of food and has a marked behaviour of food competition. Since they are frequently found in areas of recent human occupation, they are subject to trauma, which may require surgical interventions. Locoregional blocks are used as part of a balanced-anaesthesia protocol and are currently being evaluated in birds, with brachial plexus block being the main technique described in the literature. However, to our knowledge, this is the first description of intravenous regional anaesthesia (Bier's block) in a vulture. Thus, we aim to report the use of Bier's block with 1% lidocaine, in a black-headed vulture submitted to digit amputation. Case: A black-headed vulture (Coragyps atratus), weighing 2 kg, was rescued and referred to the Veterinary Hospital due to its inability to fly. Physical examination revealed a swollen digit in the right pelvic limb. Radiographic examination confirmed the intermediate phalanx fracture of the 4th digit of the right pelvic limb with signs suggestive of advanced osteomyelitis. The animal was referred to surgery for amputation of the affected digit. Before surgery, water and food were withdrawn for 12 h. Pre-anaesthetic medication consisted of 1 mg/kg midazolam and 0.5 mg/kg morphine intramuscularly (IM). Anaesthetic induction was performed through face mask with isoflurane, followed by orotracheal intubation with a 3 mm-endotracheal tube. Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane through a non-rebreathing circuit in 100% oxygen. Using a multiparametric monitor, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2 ), oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2 ), electrocardiography (ECG), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and core temperature (CT) were evaluated. Antisepsis of the right pelvic limb was performed and an elastic band was applied around the distal region of the affected tibia to serve as a tourniquet. A scalp vein set was used to access the lateral saphenous vein in the region distal to the tourniquet, and 5 mg/ kg lidocaine 1% was injected intravenously. The patient remained stable during the procedure, with no need for analgesic rescue. The tourniquet was gradually released 40 min past its application, being completely removed after 45 min of surgery. The anaesthetic supply was interrupted, with extubation after 4 min; the patient had satisfactory anaesthetic recovery. Discussion: The present report describes the success in using the technique of intravenous regional anaesthesia with 1% lidocaine for digit amputation performed on a specimen of black-headed vulture. The pre-anaesthetic medication provided analgesia, satisfactory sedation for venoclysis, and anaesthetic induction without complications. Anaesthetic induction and maintenance in birds are preferably performed with inhaled anaesthetics, thus the choice of mask induction. Despite the reduction in RR soon after induction, the patient remained on spontaneous ventilation. Bier's block using 5 mg/kg lidocaine showed to be an easy and safe technique in vultures, but doses up to 6 mg/kg lidocaine are not associated with adverse effects in birds. The intravenous regional anaesthesia technique described in this manuscript promoted adequate analgesia for the digit amputation procedure in black-headed vultures and allowed hemodynamic stability without significant anaesthetic complications. Thus, the present report points to the potential use of this locoregional block in other birds.

Automutilação em abutre real (Sarcoramphus papa) mantido em cativeiro / Automutilation in real vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) maintained in captivity / Automutilación en un buitre dorado (Sarcoramphus papa) mantenido en cautividad

O abutre real (Sarcoramphus papa) é um pássaro compacto de cor extraordinária, cabeça nua, possui carúnculas e papilas carnudas vermelhas e alaranjadas em torno do bico, a íris é branca com um anel orbital vermelho. Em cativeiro, o estresse é uma condição bastante observada, o que pode levar a automutilação, podendo evoluir para lesões graves na pele e músculos. O objetivo do presente relato é descrever os procedimentos adotados em um caso de automutilação em Sarcoramphus papa, mantido em cativeiro, e a importância do manejo adequado para essa espécie em cativeiro. Foi atendido em um Hospital Veterinário Universitário, um urubu-rei apresentando ferimento contaminado, com exposição óssea na asa direita. Após tratamento o animal foi encaminhado para uma reserva conservacionista para que fosse condicionada a voltar para seu habitat natural.(AU)

The real vulture is a compact bird of extraordinary color (in adult plumage). Its bare head, as the scientific name suggests, has caricatures and fleshy red papillae applied around the beak, and an iris of the eye is white with a red orbital ring. In captivity, stress is a widely observed condition, which can lead to self-mutilation, which can progress to severe skin and muscle injuries. The purpose of this report is to describe the procedures adopted in the case of automation in Sarcoramphus papa, kept in captivity and with an importance of the appropriate manual for this species in captivity. He was seen at a University Veterinary Hospital, a king vulture showed a contaminated wound, with bone exposure on the right. After treatment or animal was sent to a conservation reserve to be conditioned and return to its natural habitat.(AU)

buitre real (Sarcoramphus papa) es un ave compacta de extraordinario color, cabeza desnuda, tiene carúnculas y papilas rojas y anaranjadas alrededor del pico, el iris es blanco con un anillo orbital rojo. En cautiverio, el estrés es una condición ampliamente observada, que puede llevar a la automutilación, posiblemente evolucionando en lesiones graves de la piel y los músculos. El objetivo del presente informe es describir los procedimientos adoptados en un caso de automutilación en Sarcoramphus papa, mantenido en cautividad, y la importancia del manejo adecuado para esta especie en cautividad. Un buitre real que presentaba una lesión contaminada con exposición ósea en el ala derecha fue tratado en un Hospital Universitario Veterinario. Tras el tratamiento, el animal fue enviado a una reserva de conservación para que pudiera ser acondicionado para volver a su hábitat natural.(AU)

Automutilação em abutre real (Sarcoramphus papa) mantido em cativeiro / Self-mutilation in king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) kept in captivity / Automutilación en buitre real (Sarcoramphus papa) mantenido en cautiverio

O abutre real (Sarcoramphus papa) é um pássaro compacto de cor extraordinária, cabeça nua, possui carúnculas e papilas carnudas vermelhas e alaranjadas em torno do bico, a íris é branca com um anel orbital vermelho. Em cativeiro, o estresse é uma condição bastante observada, o que pode levar a automutilação, podendo evoluir para lesões graves na pele e músculos. O objetivo do presente relato é descrever os procedimentos adotados em um caso de automutilação em Sarcoramphus papa, mantido em cativeiro, e a importância do manejo adequado para essa espécie em cativeiro. Foi atendido em um Hospital Veterinário Universitário, um urubu-rei apresentando ferimento contaminado, com exposição óssea na asa direita. Após tratamento o animal foi encaminhado para uma reserva conservacionista para que fosse condicionada a voltar para seu habitat natural.(AU)

The king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) is a large bird with extraordinary color, bold head, presenting red and orange fleshy papules and papillae around its beak, with white iris and a red orbital ring. In captivity, stress is a condition that is widely observed, which can lead to self-mutilation. Such mutilation, in turn, can progress to severe skin and muscle injuries. The purpose of this report is to describe the procedures adopted in a case of self-mutilation in Sarcoramphus papa, kept in captivity, and the importance of proper management for this species in captivity. The king vulture presenting a contaminated wound with bone exposure on the right wing was treated at a University Veterinary Hospital. After treatment, the bird was sent to a conservation reserve to be conditioned to return to its natural habitat.(AU)

El buitre real (Sarcoramphus papa) es un ave compacta de extraordinario color, cabeza descubierta, tiene carúnculas y papilas carnosas rojas y anaranjadas alrededor del pico, el iris es blanco con un anillo orbital rojo. En cautiverio, el estrés es una condición ampliamente observada, que puede conducir a la automutilación, pudiendo progresar lesiones graves en la piel y músculos. El propósito de este informe es describir los procedimientos adoptados en un caso de automutilación en Sarcoramphus papa, mantenida en cautiverio, y la importancia del manejo adecuado de esta especie en cautiverio. Se atendió en un Hospital Veterinario Universitario, un buitre real presentando una herida contaminada, con exposición ósea en el ala derecha. Luego después del tratamiento, se envió el animal a una reserva de conservación para que fuera condicionado a volver a su hábitat natural.(AU)

Automutilação em abutre real (Sarcoramphus papa) mantido em cativeiro / Self-mutilation in king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) kept in captivity / Automutilación en buitre real (Sarcoramphus papa) mantenido en cautiverio

O abutre real (Sarcoramphus papa) é um pássaro compacto de cor extraordinária, cabeça nua, possui carúnculas e papilas carnudas vermelhas e alaranjadas em torno do bico, a íris é branca com um anel orbital vermelho. Em cativeiro, o estresse é uma condição bastante observada, o que pode levar a automutilação, podendo evoluir para lesões graves na pele e músculos. O objetivo do presente relato é descrever os procedimentos adotados em um caso de automutilação em Sarcoramphus papa, mantido em cativeiro, e a importância do manejo adequado para essa espécie em cativeiro. Foi atendido em um Hospital Veterinário Universitário, um urubu-rei apresentando ferimento contaminado, com exposição óssea na asa direita. Após tratamento o animal foi encaminhado para uma reserva conservacionista para que fosse condicionada a voltar para seu habitat natural.(AU)

The king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) is a large bird with extraordinary color, bold head, presenting red and orange fleshy papules and papillae around its beak, with white iris and a red orbital ring. In captivity, stress is a condition that is widely observed, which can lead to self-mutilation. Such mutilation, in turn, can progress to severe skin and muscle injuries. The purpose of this report is to describe the procedures adopted in a case of self-mutilation in Sarcoramphus papa, kept in captivity, and the importance of proper management for this species in captivity. The king vulture presenting a contaminated wound with bone exposure on the right wing was treated at a University Veterinary Hospital. After treatment, the bird was sent to a conservation reserve to be conditioned to return to its natural habitat.(AU)

El buitre real (Sarcoramphus papa) es un ave compacta de extraordinario color, cabeza descubierta, tiene carúnculas y papilas carnosas rojas y anaranjadas alrededor del pico, el iris es blanco con un anillo orbital rojo. En cautiverio, el estrés es una condición ampliamente observada, que puede conducir a la automutilación, pudiendo progresar lesiones graves en la piel y músculos. El propósito de este informe es describir los procedimientos adoptados en un caso de automutilación en Sarcoramphus papa, mantenida en cautiverio, y la importancia del manejo adecuado de esta especie en cautiverio. Se atendió en un Hospital Veterinario Universitario, un buitre real presentando una herida contaminada, con exposición ósea en el ala derecha. Luego después del tratamiento, se envió el animal a una reserva de conservación para que fuera condicionado a volver a su hábitat natural.(AU)

Automutilação em abutre real (Sarcoramphus papa) mantido em cativeiro / Self-mutilation in king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) kept in captivity / Automutilación en buitre real (Sarcoramphus papa) mantenido en cautiverio

O abutre real (Sarcoramphus papa) é um pássaro compacto de cor extraordinária, cabeça nua, possui carúnculas e papilas carnudas vermelhas e alaranjadas em torno do bico, a íris é branca com um anel orbital vermelho. Em cativeiro, o estresse é uma condição bastante observada, o que pode levar a automutilação, podendo evoluir para lesões graves na pele e músculos. O objetivo do presente relato é descrever os procedimentos adotados em um caso de automutilação em Sarcoramphus papa, mantido em cativeiro, e a importância do manejo adequado para essa espécie em cativeiro. Foi atendido em um Hospital Veterinário Universitário, um urubu-rei apresentando ferimento contaminado, com exposição óssea na asa direita. Após tratamento o animal foi encaminhado para uma reserva conservacionista para que fosse condicionada a voltar para seu habitat natural.(AU)

The king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) is a large bird with extraordinary color, bold head, presenting red and orange fleshy papules and papillae around its beak, with white iris and a red orbital ring. In captivity, stress is a condition that is widely observed, which can lead to self-mutilation. Such mutilation, in turn, can progress to severe skin and muscle injuries. The purpose of this report is to describe the procedures adopted in a case of self-mutilation in Sarcoramphus papa, kept in captivity, and the importance of proper management for this species in captivity. The king vulture presenting a contaminated wound with bone exposure on the right wing was treated at a University Veterinary Hospital. After treatment, the bird was sent to a conservation reserve to be conditioned to return to its natural habitat.(AU)

El buitre real (Sarcoramphus papa) es un ave compacta de extraordinario color, cabeza descubierta, tiene carúnculas y papilas carnosas rojas y anaranjadas alrededor del pico, el iris es blanco con un anillo orbital rojo. En cautiverio, el estrés es una condición ampliamente observada, que puede conducir a la automutilación, pudiendo progresar lesiones graves en la piel y músculos. El propósito de este informe es describir los procedimientos adoptados en un caso de automutilación en Sarcoramphus papa, mantenida en cautiverio, y la importancia del manejo adecuado de esta especie en cautiverio. Se atendió en un Hospital Veterinario Universitario, un buitre real presentando una herida contaminada, con exposición ósea en el ala derecha. Luego después del tratamiento, se envió el animal a una reserva de conservación para que fuera condicionado a volver a su hábitat natural.(AU)

Occurrence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in scavenging black vultures (Coragyps atratus) in Brazil / Ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em urubus (Coragyps atratus) do Brasil

This is the first report of Toxoplasma gondii infection in black vultures (Coragyps atratus), which are obligate scavengers found throughout the Americas. Serum samples from 121 wild black vultures caught in urban areas of the city of São Paulo, Brazil, were tested for the presence of T. gondii antibodies using the modified agglutination test (MAT; cutoff point 1:5). T. gondii antibodies were found in 16 birds (13.2%), with titers of 1:5 (6 birds), 1:10 (8 birds), and 1:20 (2 birds).(AU)

Este é o primeiro relato de infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em urubus (Coragyps atratus) que são aves carniceiras obrigatórias, encontradas no continente americano. Amostras de soro de 121 urubus, capturados em área urbana da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil, foram testadas quanto à presença de anticorpos anti-T. gondii pelo teste de aglutinação modificada (MAT, ponto de corte de 1:5). Anticorpos foram encontrados em 16 (13,2%) aves com títulos de 1:5 (6 aves), 1:10 (8 aves) e 1:20 (2 aves).(AU)

Occurrence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in scavenging black vultures (Coragyps atratus) in Brazil / Ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em urubus (Coragyps atratus) do Brasil

This is the first report of Toxoplasma gondii infection in black vultures (Coragyps atratus), which are obligate scavengers found throughout the Americas. Serum samples from 121 wild black vultures caught in urban areas of the city of São Paulo, Brazil, were tested for the presence of T. gondii antibodies using the modified agglutination test (MAT; cutoff point 1:5). T. gondii antibodies were found in 16 birds (13.2%), with titers of 1:5 (6 birds), 1:10 (8 birds), and 1:20 (2 birds).(AU)

Este é o primeiro relato de infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em urubus (Coragyps atratus) que são aves carniceiras obrigatórias, encontradas no continente americano. Amostras de soro de 121 urubus, capturados em área urbana da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil, foram testadas quanto à presença de anticorpos anti-T. gondii pelo teste de aglutinação modificada (MAT, ponto de corte de 1:5). Anticorpos foram encontrados em 16 (13,2%) aves com títulos de 1:5 (6 aves), 1:10 (8 aves) e 1:20 (2 aves).(AU)

Factors influencing the selection of communal roost sites by the Black Vulture Coragyps atratus (Aves: Cathartidae) in an urban area in Central Amazon

Increasing populations of the Black Vulture, Coragyps atratus (Bechstein, 1793) and the capacity this bird has to live near humans has resulted in vulture-human conflicts. These conflicts increase the need for the effective management of vultures. Improved understanding of communal roosting dynamics is a key aspect of vulture biology that provides information for effective management that can mitigate conflicts. Here we investigated factors influencing roosting site selection by Black Vultures in Manaus. We monitored 40 native vegetation remnants (VR), visiting each VR twice (two independent observers) between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. once every two-three months from June to November 2011. Using maximum-likelihood analysis and information-theoretic multimodel inference, we investigated the effects of VR covariates (size, shape, and location relative to feeding sites, to thermal power plants, and to other VRs) on VR occupancy by roosting Black Vultures. Distance to feeding sites (mainly garbage-dumping sites) was identified as the most important covariate (model-averaged = -0.62, SE = 0.26) and the other variables had no significant effects. Our results indicate that Black Vultures adjusted to the nearest possible roost to the food source to reduce the cost of movement. This suggests that reducing Black Vulture access to food through simple waste management and sanitation policies, including public education, may help reduce vulture-human conflicts in Manaus.

Factors influencing the selection of communal roost sites by the Black Vulture Coragyps atratus (Aves: Cathartidae) in an urban area in Central Amazon

Increasing populations of the Black Vulture, Coragyps atratus (Bechstein, 1793) and the capacity this bird has to live near humans has resulted in vulture-human conflicts. These conflicts increase the need for the effective management of vultures. Improved understanding of communal roosting dynamics is a key aspect of vulture biology that provides information for effective management that can mitigate conflicts. Here we investigated factors influencing roosting site selection by Black Vultures in Manaus. We monitored 40 native vegetation remnants (VR), visiting each VR twice (two independent observers) between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. once every two-three months from June to November 2011. Using maximum-likelihood analysis and information-theoretic multimodel inference, we investigated the effects of VR covariates (size, shape, and location relative to feeding sites, to thermal power plants, and to other VRs) on VR occupancy by roosting Black Vultures. Distance to feeding sites (mainly garbage-dumping sites) was identified as the most important covariate (model-averaged = -0.62, SE = 0.26) and the other variables had no significant effects. Our results indicate that Black Vultures adjusted to the nearest possible roost to the food source to reduce the cost of movement. This suggests that reducing Black Vulture access to food through simple waste management and sanitation policies, including public education, may help reduce vulture-human conflicts in Manaus.

Factors influencing the selection of communal roost sites by the Black Vulture Coragyps atratus (Aves: Cathartidae) in an urban area in Central Amazon

Increasing populations of the Black Vulture, Coragyps atratus (Bechstein, 1793) and the capacity this bird has to live near humans has resulted in vulture-human conflicts. These conflicts increase the need for the effective management of vultures. Improved understanding of communal roosting dynamics is a key aspect of vulture biology that provides information for effective management that can mitigate conflicts. Here we investigated factors influencing roosting site selection by Black Vultures in Manaus. We monitored 40 native vegetation remnants (VR), visiting each VR twice (two independent observers) between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. once every two-three months from June to November 2011. Using maximum-likelihood analysis and information-theoretic multimodel inference, we investigated the effects of VR covariates (size, shape, and location relative to feeding sites, to thermal power plants, and to other VRs) on VR occupancy by roosting Black Vultures. Distance to feeding sites (mainly garbage-dumping sites) was identified as the most important covariate (model-averaged = -0.62, SE = 0.26) and the other variables had no significant effects. Our results indicate that Black Vultures adjusted to the nearest possible roost to the food source to reduce the cost of movement. This suggests that reducing Black Vulture access to food through simple waste management and sanitation policies, including public education, may help reduce vulture-human conflicts in Manaus.

Factors influencing the selection of communal roost sites by the Black Vulture Coragyps atratus (Aves: Cathartidae) in an urban area in Central Amazon

Increasing populations of the Black Vulture, Coragyps atratus (Bechstein, 1793) and the capacity this bird has to live near humans has resulted in vulture-human conflicts. These conflicts increase the need for the effective management of vultures. Improved understanding of communal roosting dynamics is a key aspect of vulture biology that provides information for effective management that can mitigate conflicts. Here we investigated factors influencing roosting site selection by Black Vultures in Manaus. We monitored 40 native vegetation remnants (VR), visiting each VR twice (two independent observers) between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. once every two-three months from June to November 2011. Using maximum-likelihood analysis and information-theoretic multimodel inference, we investigated the effects of VR covariates (size, shape, and location relative to feeding sites, to thermal power plants, and to other VRs) on VR occupancy by roosting Black Vultures. Distance to feeding sites (mainly garbage-dumping sites) was identified as the most important covariate (model-averaged = -0.62, SE = 0.26) and the other variables had no significant effects. Our results indicate that Black Vultures adjusted to the nearest possible roost to the food source to reduce the cost of movement. This suggests that reducing Black Vulture access to food through simple waste management and sanitation policies, including public education, may help reduce vulture-human conflicts in Manaus.

Factors influencing the selection of communal roost sites by the Black Vulture Coragyps atratus (Aves: Cathartidae) in an urban area in Central Amazon

Increasing populations of the Black Vulture, Coragyps atratus (Bechstein, 1793) and the capacity this bird has to live near humans has resulted in vulture-human conflicts. These conflicts increase the need for the effective management of vultures. Improved understanding of communal roosting dynamics is a key aspect of vulture biology that provides information for effective management that can mitigate conflicts. Here we investigated factors influencing roosting site selection by Black Vultures in Manaus. We monitored 40 native vegetation remnants (VR), visiting each VR twice (two independent observers) between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. once every two-three months from June to November 2011. Using maximum-likelihood analysis and information-theoretic multimodel inference, we investigated the effects of VR covariates (size, shape, and location relative to feeding sites, to thermal power plants, and to other VRs) on VR occupancy by roosting Black Vultures. Distance to feeding sites (mainly garbage-dumping sites) was identified as the most important covariate (model-averaged = -0.62, SE = 0.26) and the other variables had no significant effects. Our results indicate that Black Vultures adjusted to the nearest possible roost to the food source to reduce the cost of movement. This suggests that reducing Black Vulture access to food through simple waste management and sanitation policies, including public education, may help reduce vulture-human conflicts in Manaus.

Health assessment of raptors in triage in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

Falconiformes (n=82), Strigiformes (n=84) and Cathartiformes (n=14) at a triage center (CETAS-Belo Horizonte, IBAMA, Brazil) were examined between 2008 and 2010 . No bird was reactive at hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) for antibodies against Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Mg). Two Caracara plancus (2/68) had HI titers (16-32) against Newcastle disease virus. No Chlamydophila psittaci DNA was detected in the liver (PCR; n=95). Blood smears (Giemsa; n=89) and spleen fragments (PCR; n=82) were 13.5% and 8.5% positive, respectively, for Haemoproteus only. Necropsy of Cathartiformes (n=10), Falconiformes (n=42) and Strigiformes (n=57) showed that trauma injuries were the main cause (63.3%) of admission and death, being fractures (38.5%) of the thoracic limbs (57.1%) the most frequent. Nematode (12.8%), cestode (1.8%), trematode (0.9%), and acanthocephalan (2.7%) parasite infections were relevant. Mites (Acari) were the most frequent (17.4%) external parasites, particularly Ornithonyssus sylviarum in Asio clamator and Amblyomma cajennense in Tyto alba. Chewing lice (10.1%) and Pseudolynchia spp. (9.2%) were also found. Histomonas spp. (6.4%) was found in the ceca of Bubo virginianus, Athene cunicularia, Tyto alba, and Asio clamator, but not in Falconiformes or Cathartiformes. Trichomonas spp. (oral cavity, pharynx and upper esophagus; 9.1%) was detected in Falconiformes and Strigiformes, but not in Cathartiformes. Trichomonas spp. were found in A. cunicularia, Asio clamator, Glaucidium brasilianum and Tyto alba (Strigiformes), and in Rupornis magnirostris, Milvago chimachima, Falco femoralis, Falco sparverius and Caracara plancus (Falconiformes). Coccidia (9.1%) (Sarcocystis spp., 6.4%) and mycosis were observed in most Tyto alba (70%). The evaluated Orders may not pose risks for commercial poultry production. Habitat loss and urban adaptation may be increasingly affecting raptors.

Health assessment of raptors in triage in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

Falconiformes (n=82), Strigiformes (n=84) and Cathartiformes (n=14) at a triage center (CETAS-Belo Horizonte, IBAMA, Brazil) were examined between 2008 and 2010 . No bird was reactive at hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) for antibodies against Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Mg). Two Caracara plancus (2/68) had HI titers (16-32) against Newcastle disease virus. No Chlamydophila psittaci DNA was detected in the liver (PCR; n=95). Blood smears (Giemsa; n=89) and spleen fragments (PCR; n=82) were 13.5% and 8.5% positive, respectively, for Haemoproteus only. Necropsy of Cathartiformes (n=10), Falconiformes (n=42) and Strigiformes (n=57) showed that trauma injuries were the main cause (63.3%) of admission and death, being fractures (38.5%) of the thoracic limbs (57.1%) the most frequent. Nematode (12.8%), cestode (1.8%), trematode (0.9%), and acanthocephalan (2.7%) parasite infections were relevant. Mites (Acari) were the most frequent (17.4%) external parasites, particularly Ornithonyssus sylviarum in Asio clamator and Amblyomma cajennense in Tyto alba. Chewing lice (10.1%) and Pseudolynchia spp. (9.2%) were also found. Histomonas spp. (6.4%) was found in the ceca of Bubo virginianus, Athene cunicularia, Tyto alba, and Asio clamator, but not in Falconiformes or Cathartiformes. Trichomonas spp. (oral cavity, pharynx and upper esophagus; 9.1%) was detected in Falconiformes and Strigiformes, but not in Cathartiformes. Trichomonas spp. were found in A. cunicularia, Asio clamator, Glaucidium brasilianum and Tyto alba (Strigiformes), and in Rupornis magnirostris, Milvago chimachima, Falco femoralis, Falco sparverius and Caracara plancus (Falconiformes). Coccidia (9.1%) (Sarcocystis spp., 6.4%) and mycosis were observed in most Tyto alba (70%). The evaluated Orders may not pose risks for commercial poultry production. Habitat loss and urban adaptation may be increasingly affecting raptors.

Health assessment of raptors in triage in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

Falconiformes (n=82), Strigiformes (n=84) and Cathartiformes (n=14) at a triage center (CETAS-Belo Horizonte, IBAMA, Brazil) were examined between 2008 and 2010 . No bird was reactive at hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) for antibodies against Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Mg). Two Caracara plancus (2/68) had HI titers (16-32) against Newcastle disease virus. No Chlamydophila psittaci DNA was detected in the liver (PCR; n=95). Blood smears (Giemsa; n=89) and spleen fragments (PCR; n=82) were 13.5% and 8.5% positive, respectively, for Haemoproteus only. Necropsy of Cathartiformes (n=10), Falconiformes (n=42) and Strigiformes (n=57) showed that trauma injuries were the main cause (63.3%) of admission and death, being fractures (38.5%) of the thoracic limbs (57.1%) the most frequent. Nematode (12.8%), cestode (1.8%), trematode (0.9%), and acanthocephalan (2.7%) parasite infections were relevant. Mites (Acari) were the most frequent (17.4%) external parasites, particularly Ornithonyssus sylviarum in Asio clamator and Amblyomma cajennense in Tyto alba. Chewing lice (10.1%) and Pseudolynchia spp. (9.2%) were also found. Histomonas spp. (6.4%) was found in the ceca of Bubo virginianus, Athene cunicularia, Tyto alba, and Asio clamator, but not in Falconiformes or Cathartiformes. Trichomonas spp. (oral cavity, pharynx and upper esophagus; 9.1%) was detected in Falconiformes and Strigiformes, but not in Cathartiformes. Trichomonas spp. were found in A. cunicularia, Asio clamator, Glaucidium brasilianum and Tyto alba (Strigiformes), and in Rupornis magnirostris, Milvago chimachima, Falco femoralis, Falco sparverius and Caracara plancus (Falconiformes). Coccidia (9.1%) (Sarcocystis spp., 6.4%) and mycosis were observed in most Tyto alba (70%). The evaluated Orders may not pose risks for commercial poultry production. Habitat loss and urban adaptation may be increasingly affecting raptors.(AU)

Avaliação da técnica de eletroestimulação para colheita de sêmen em diversas ordens de aves

A criação de aves em cativeiro pode ser uma ferramenta importante de auxílio à conservação de espécies ameaçadas de extinção. No entanto, a reprodução natural em cativeiro nem sempre é viável, e os animais que se encontram pareados muitas vezes não oferecem descendentes geneticamente interessantes para a manutenção da espécie em longo prazo. Na tentativa de contornar tais problemas, biotécnicas como a colheita de sêmen, inseminação artificial e criopreservação de gametas podem ser ferramentas interessantes no manejo genético de populações ex situ e in situ. Nesse sentido, a padronização de uma técnica de colheita de sêmen, bem como o conhecimento sobre parâmetros seminais das diferentes espécies são de extremo valor para programas de reprodução assistida. Por se tratar de espécies silvestres, a colheita por eletroestimulação encaixa-se bem às necessidades devido ao fato de não exigir treinamento prévio dos animais e ser de rápida execução. Neste trabalho verificamos a importância deste método na colheita de sêmen de animais não condicionados, visto que a pré-estimulação resultou em amostras seminais apenas em Anseriformes, e, já a eletroestimulação, possibilitou a obtenção de sêmen em todas as ordens em que foi testada, em pelo menos uma espécie de cada ordem. Observou-se uma tendência a sazonalidade da produção espermática para a maioria das espécies em que foi possível obter amostras de sêmen, sendo que apenas urubu rei, cisne do pescoço preto e pato coscoroba tiveram amostras em três ou quatro estações do ano. Por fim, oferecemos alguns dados a respeito das características seminais encontradas nessas espécies. Acreditamos que os resultados dessa pesquisa servirão como base não apenas para o estabelecimento de programas de inseminação artificial, como também para a formação de bancos de germoplasma para espécies raras ou ameaçadas no Brasil.

Breeding birds in captivity can be an important tool to aid conservation of endangered species. However, the natural reproduction in captive is not always viable, and animals that are matched often do not offer genetically interesting offspring to maintain the species in the long term. In the attempt to overcome these problems, biotechniques such as semen collection, artificial insemination and gamete cryopreservation can be interesting tools for the genetic maintenance of ex situ and in situ populations. In this regard, the standardization of a semen collection technique and the knowledge of seminal parameters for different species are extremely valuable for assisted reproduction programs. Since those are wild species, semen collection by electro stimulation fits well into the needs due to the fact that it does not require prior training of animals and the execution is fast. In this work we verified the importance of this method in the collection of semen from unconditioned animals, since pre-stimulation resulted in seminal samples only in Anseriformes, and the electrical stimulation enables obtaining semen of all orders that were tested in at least one species of each order. Seasonality of sperm production was observed for most of the species from which it was possible to obtain semen samples. Only vulture king, black neck swan and coscoroba duck had samples at three or four seasons of the year. Finally, we offer some data about the seminal characteristics found in these species. We believe that the results of this research will serve as a basis not only for the establishment of artificial insemination programs, but also for the formation of germplasm banks for rare or endangered species in Brazil.

DIAGNÓSTICO DE DOENÇAS EM AVES SILVESTRES E ORNAMENTAIS

Doenças relacionadas ao manejo estão entre as principais causas de perdas na criação de aves silvestres ou ornamentais em cativeiro. Apesar da urgência em dominar a conservação de espécies em cativeiro, pouco se sabe sobre os fatores limitantes a esses projetos.O objetivo desse trabalho é descrever a ocorrência de enfermidades em aves silvestres em cativeiro, por meio da análise anatomopatológica, microbiológica, molecular, imuno-histoquímica, apresentando os fatores predisponentes observados. Os três artigos apresentados nesse trabalho abordam as causas de perdas em criatórios ou em iniciativas independentes de reabilitação de aves silvestres. O primeiro trabalho discute a casuística de perdas em um plantel de uma diversidade de aves silvestres, incluindo passeriformes, galiformes e musofagiformes. Foram registradas28 mortes em cinco anos de estudo, em que se constatou que as categorias de maior risco foram as aves jovens e as recém introduzidas, com 40% e 28% das mortes, respectivamente. Além disso, se observou que, quanto à causa, 21% das mortes foram secundárias a infestações parasitárias, e que, excetuando-se três casos de mortes decorrentes de doenças da senescência, todas as demais puderam ser atribuídas a inadequações do manejo. O segundo trabalho relata a ocorrência de um surto de micoplasmose por Mycoplasmagallisepticum afetando 12 perdizes chukar, 12 pavões, 19 galinhas ornamentais e 46 exemplares de quarto espécies de faisões, dentre as quais, 36 aves morreram, em um grande aviário comercial. Em um outro evento no mesmo plantel, foi diagnosticada motalidade de 19 perdizes chukar em um grupo de 27, decorrente de histomoníase. Identificaram-se, em ambos os surtos, falhas na realização de quarentena, administração de anti-helmínticos, vacinação, assim como superlotação e higiene inadequada dos recintos. No último trabalho são apresentados casos de osteodistrofia de origem nutricional em cinco aves de rapina jovens, sendo um urubu-de-cabeça-preta, um carcará e três suindaras. Todas as aves foram abondonadas pelos pais e mantidas em cativeiro por criadores leigos, que lhes ofertaram exclusivamente carne desossada ou comida caseira. O diagnóstico dos casos apresentados foi baseado no histórico clínico, nos achados de necropsia e histopatologia, aliado a técnicas complementares.Tendo em vista os resultados obtidos, é possível concluir que o diagnóstico de doenças em aves silvestres em cativeiro e a manutenção de registros sanitários dos planteis pode auxiliar na implementação de programas de conservação de aves silvestres bem estruturados e com grandes chances de sucesso.

Management-related diseases are among the main causes of losses in wildor ornamental birdpropagatig projects. Despite the urgency in dominate the conservation of species in captivity, still little isknown about the limiting factors to these initiatives. The aim of this study is to describe the occurrence of diseases in wild birds in captivity through the anatomopathological, microbiological, molecular and immunohistochemical analysis, relating them to the predisposing factors. The three papers presented in this study address the causes of losses in aviaries or independent wild bird rehabilitation initiatives. The first study discusses the bird losses in a varied flock of wild birds, including passerines, galliformes and musofagiformes. Twenty-eight deaths were recorded in five years of study, where the highest risk categories were young and newly introduced birds, with 40% and 28% of deaths, respectively. In addition, it was observed that 21% of the deaths were secondary to parasitic infestations, and that, except for three cases of deaths due to senescence diseases, all the others were attributed to management inadequacies. The second study reports the occurrence of an outbreak of mycoplasmosis by Mycoplasma gallisepticum affecting 12 chukar partridges, 12 peacocks, 19 ornamental chickens and 46 specimens of four species of pheasants, of which 36 birds died in a large commercial aviary. In another event in the same establishment, the morality of 19 chukar partridges was diagnosed in a group of 27, due to histomoniasis. Failure to perform quarantine, administration of anthelmintics, vaccination, as well as overcrowding and inadequate hygiene of the enclosures were identified in both outbreaks. In the last study,five cases of nutritional osteodystrophyin birds of prey are reported in chicks of a black-headed vulture, a caracara and three barn owls. All the birds were abandoned by the parents and kept in captivity by lay creators, who fed them an all-meat diet or homemade food. The diagnosis of all cases presented in this study was based on the clinical history, on necropsy and hitopathology findings, allied to complementary techniques. Considering the results, we conclude that the diagnosis of diseases in wild birds in captivity and to mantain a sanitary record of the flocks can help in the implementation of well planned and successfull wild bird conservation programs.

EFEITO DO EXTRATO HIDROALCOÓLICO DE Anthurium affine, SCHOTT MILHO DE URUBU EM MODELOS EXPERIMENTAIS PARA ESTUDO DE DERMATITE EM CAMUNDONGOS

A ocorrência de dermatites é relativamente elevada nos animais domésticos em especial de cães, com tratamentos onerosos e recidivas constantes, dessa forma busca-se alternativas de tratamento com custo mais acessível e eficaz no âmbito da medicina veterinária. Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a composição fitoquímica do extrato hidroalcoólico de folhas do Anthurium affine, Schott, milho de urubu, avaliando-se os níveis de toxicidade celular e sistêmica e resposta inflamatória em modelo de implante de algodão subcutâneo, além de avaliar os efeitos do extrato hidroalcóolico em modelo experimental de dermatite em camundongos. Após um processo de triagem, amostra de folhas da planta foi colocada para maceração em solução hidroalcoólica a 70%(400mL) por sete dias. Após esta etapa alíquotas do extrato foram utilizadas para a realização dos ensaios de fitoquímica. A citotoxicidade foi avaliada em culturas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae e a toxicidade sistêmica em modelo de atividade espontânea com camundongos. A atividade antinflamatória foi dimensionada em modelo de implante de algodão subcutâneo e o modelo de dermatite foi confeccionado com aplicação tópica de acetona e hidróxido de sódio a 2,5% em área previamente tricotomizada no dorso dos animais, ambas com avaliações bioquímicas, hematológicas e histopatologicas. Como resultado, para uma concentração do extrato de 85 mg/mL; obteve-se resposta positiva para taninos, flavonóides, alcalóides e saponinas, na avaliação fitoquímica. Nos testes de citotoxicidade, não foram observadas alterações significativas na taxa de crescimento celular, embora na concentração de 10,75 mg/mL ocorreu diminuição importante no número de células. Quanto a toxicidade sistêmica, na condição aguda, não foram observados óbitos até a concentração de 2913,6mg/Kg embora tenham ocorrido efeitos do tipo dose dependente; essas respostas que são excitatórias e depressoras sobre o SNC, assim como as respostas sobre o SNA ocorreram de forma característica conforme a dose empregada. O extrato de A. affine na dose de 145,75mg/Kg inibiu a cascata de eventos associados à resposta pró-inflamatória de forma significativa (p<0,05), interferindo sobre os mecanismos de sinalização, indução, produção e liberação de leucócitos, com elevação na taxa de albumina. Verificou-se também que o extrato interferiu sobre os eventos relacionados com os mecanismos de reorganização de áreas injuriadas, afetando a infiltração de células do tipo polimorfonucleares e mononucleares, assim como os mecanismos de sinalização envolvidos nos processos de formação de crosta, organização angiogênica e de distribuição dos fibroblastos.

The ocurrence of dermatitis is relatively high in domestic animals, especially dogs, with expensive treatments and constant recurrences. In this way, alternative treatments with more accessible and effective costs are sought in the field of veterinary medicine. This study intended to verify the phytochemical composition of the hydroalcoholic extract of Anthurium affineSchott leafs, the vulture corn, evaluating the levels of sytstemic and cellular toxicity and inflammatory response in a subcutaneous cotton implant model, besides evaluating the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract in a experimental model of dermatitis in mice. After a screening process, samples of the plants leafs were put to maceration in a hydroalcoholic solution at 70% (400mL) by seven days. After this stage, aliquots of the extract were used for phytochemical assays. The cytotoxicity was evaluated in tilths of Sacaromices cerevisiae and the systemic toxicity in a model of spontaneous mice activity. The anti-inflammatory activity was scaled-out in a subcutaneous cotton implant model, and the dermatitis model was made with topical application of acetone and sodium hydroxide at 2.5% in a previously trichotomized area in the animals back, both with biochemical, hematological and histopathological evaluations. As a result, for a extract concentration of 85 mg/mL, it was obtained a positive response for tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins in the phytochemical evaluation. In the tests for cytotoxicity, no significative alterations on the cell growth were noticed, although in the 10,75 mg/mL concentration it has occurred an important cell decrease. As for the systemic toxicity, in the acute condition, no deaths were observed until the 2913,6mg/Kg concentration, although it has occurred dose-dependent effects; this responses that are excitatory and depressant about the CNS in the same way that the responses on the ANS has occurred characteristically according to the employed dose. The A. affine extract on the 145,75mg/Kg dose has inhibited the cascade effect associated to the proinflammatory response in a significative way (p<0,05), interfering on the leukocytes signaling, induction, production and release mechanisms, with an high albumin rate. This study also verified that the extract has interfered with the reorganization mechanisms of injured areas, affecting the infiltration of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells and the signaling mechanisms of the incrustation processes, angiogenic organization and distribution of fibroblasts.

Heteroantagonismo entre estirpes de Enterobacter agglomerans isoladas de urubu (Coragyps atratus) como produtoras e Pseudomonas aeruginosa como reveladoras / Evaluation of the heteroantagonism between Enterobacter agglomerans strains isolated from vulture (Coragyps atratus) for production and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as developed

Avaliou-se o heteroantagonismo entre Enterobacter agglomerans isolada do trato gastrintestinal de urubu (Coragyps atratus) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa isoladas do ambiente hospitalar. Foram utilizados o método de sobrecamada ou lento e a técnica direta ou de poços. Pelo método da sobrecamada, de 196 testes realizados para pesquisa da atividade antagonista, foi detectada a presença de halos de inibição relacionados ao fenômeno de heteroantagonismo em 118 deles (60,2 por cento). Pelo método de poços, obtiveram-se resultados semelhantes. As sete amostras de E. agglomerans foram capazes de realizar heteroantagonismo nas condições testadas, que foram detectados pela formação de halos claros de inibição. O extrato de levedura adicionado a 1 por cento no meio de cultura foi um suplemento adequado para a demonstração do antagonismo.(AU)

The heteroantagonism between Enterobacter agglomerans, isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of American vulture Coragyps atratus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from a hospital environment was evaluated. The slow (layer) and the wells (direct) techniques were tested, using agar and soy tryptone broth pH 7.3 at 37ºC. Through the slow method from 196 tests, inhibition growth halos, related heteroantagonism phenomenon observed in 118, corresponding to 60.2 percent positive results. Equivalent positive results were detected using wells (direct) methodology. The seven samples of E. agglomerans tested were capable of revealing heteroantagonism in the experimental conditions; antagonism reveled by the presence of a clear growth inhibition halo. The added 1 percent yeast extract to media was adequate for revealing antagonisms best.(AU)