Salmonella Pullorum em criação de galinhas caipiras no Oeste da Bahia, Brasil / Salmonella Pullorum in a free-range chicken farm in Western Bahia, Brazil

Background: Industrial poultry farming has developed progressively in Brazil, conferring the country a prominent position on the national and international scene. Likewise, alternative poultry farming is an important economic activity for small-scale family farmers. However, shortcomings related to sanitary management lead to increased occurrence of avian diseases, such as those caused by Salmonella spp. Despite salmonellosis has been described in industrial establishments, reports in alternative farms are less common, therefore the objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of salmonellosis in free-range chickens in the municipality of Barra, Western Bahia, Brazil. Cases: The poultry farmer reported the occurrence of diarrhoea in his chicken flock since the acquisition of the batch of chicks. Initially, carrying out the medicinal treatment of the birds, there was clinical improvement, however, successive recurrences of clinical signs occurred, such as diarrhoea, apathy, anorexia, and death of some birds. Upon learning about the case, an epidemiological investigation of the flock was carried out, and it was noted that some of the birds were retracted, apathetic, anorexic, and a lot of diarrheic faeces of a yellowish-white appearance were also observed. The entire flock had a history of vaccination against diseases: newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, gumboro disease, and fowlpox. For better evaluation, five birds were necropsied, enabling the observation that the animals had a good body score. However, the necropsy revealed lesions such as splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and enteritis in the three birds initially analysed (Animals 1, 2, and 3). The other birds (Animals 4 and 5) were submitted to evaluation for Eimeria sp. oocysts by means of scrapings from the intestinal mucosa, and there were no structures compatible with oocysts. Faecal samples were collected from another six birds in the flock for coproparasitological examination, and the presence of oocysts was not detected. Finally, sera from 20 birds in the flock were collected for the Rapid Serum Agglutination Test (SAR) for the detection anti-Salmonella Pullorum antibodies. Discussion: The diagnosis was based on clinical evaluation, post mortem pathological findings of the necropsied birds, epidemiological data and confirmed with SAR testing, whereby 11 birds were seropositive for Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Pullorum. The prevalence of S. Pullorum is poorly described in alternative farming. Based on the farmer's report, it is believed that the chicks were purchased already infected, because birds from the same batch, also purchased by neighbouring producers, showed the same clinical signs. The unsatisfactory sanitation in the flock was another factor that may have favoured the persistence of the bacteria, since, the lack of removal of organic matter is a source of nutrients for microorganisms, and this may have favoured the multiplication and maintenance of the bacteria in the down feathers, feed, and water. The elimination of S. Pullorum through the faeces, in addition to the density of the birds, may have led to transmission to the other healthy birds. However, the knowledge and adoption of prophylactic measures in free-range chicken farms is a crucial factor in minimizing the occurrence of outbreaks and thus avoiding a future public Health Problem.

Marek's disease in roosters in the Potiguar semi-arid region

Background: Marek's disease (MD) is a transmissible disease in chickens caused by Gallid alphaherpesvirus 2 (GaHV-2). The infection is characterized by lymphocyte cellular infiltrates in peripheral nerves and other organs and tissues, including the skin; which can lead to dysfunction causing progressive asymmetric paresis and complete spastic paralysis of body extremities. Dermatitis and cardiac myositis caused by GaHV-2 in free-range chickens has rarely been described in Brazil. This reports the occurrence of the disease with a confirmatory molecular diagnosis in free-range poultry showing signs of dermatitis, poor performance, and cachexia and no mortality in the semi-arid Potiguar region. Cases: Twenty roosters of the Shamo lineage, among a brood of 42 birds, had a history of progressive weight loss and skin lesions. Two birds with poor body condition, erythema, and scaling of the skin in the head and cervical regions were sent for clinical care. All birds were between 12 and 18 months of age and were vaccinated against Newcastle disease and Fowlpox with only a few receiving vaccines against MD and Gumboro disease. According to the owner's report, some birds were previously kept outdoors, and when they were transferred to a small shed with little air circulation, they began to develop clinical signs after approximately 15 days. The first signs of the disease were also reported to have appeared 2.5 months before clinical care and, in the meantime, several treatments were instituted without success. Owing to the general condition of the animals and inconclusive clinical suspicion, the birds were subjected to euthanasia and necropsy. Tissue samples were collected for histopathological and polymerase chain reaction analyses to search for the GaHV-2 DNA meq gene. The main clinicopathological findings were erythema (47%, 20/42) and desquamation of skin and mild, prominent white multifocal areas in the heart. Histopathology revealed infiltration of pleomorphic lymphoblastic cells in the skin, heart, and sciatic nerve. The amplification of the L-meq and meq oncoprotein genes in these organs and in the liver, confirmed the infection by GaHV-2, consistent with that of a field strain. Discussion: MD was confirmed based on the macroscopic and histological lesions, and with the detection of GaHV-2 DNA in the affected tissues. The unusual clinical presentation represented an initial challenge for diagnosis. The clinical history was important to lead to the suspicion of MD, as roosters initiated clinical signs 15 days after they were transferred to a small shed with poor air circulation. This probably favored the high viral concentration and disease transmission among susceptible birds in the brood because the feather follicle is the primary site of viral replication for transmission; and desquamation of infected epithelial cells favor airborne horizontal transmission to susceptible chickens. The roosters had not been vaccinated against MD, which probably favored the infection, as vaccination is known to be a fundamental approach for MD control for effective growth of the poultry industry. Clinical findings and lesions, together with viral molecular detection, were fundamental for the diagnosis, a premise for the application of adequate prevention and control measures for the disease in breeding. This is the first report of MD with a confirmatory molecular diagnosis in northeastern Brazil.

Pathological, molecular and phylogenic study of fowlpox virus in domesticated chickens of Tikrit City, Iraq / Estudo patológico, molecular e filogenético do vírus da varíola aviária em frangos de corte domesticados da cidade de Tikrit, Iraque

Fowlpox virus (FPV) is one of the viruses affecting chickens worldwide, causing pathological and economic losses in the poultry industry. Viral lesions are easily recognizable by the eye and usually appear in the featherless areas, especially the head. Moreover, the virus could lead to blindness and mortality in some cases. This study diagnosed the suspected fowlpox cases, identified and classified the causative agent. We also analyzed the differences and similarities of closely related viruses at the neighboring and regional countries. Fifty samples were collected from three locations of Tikrit city from the domesticated chickens, which showed cutaneous lesions. Virus DNA was extracted directly from tissue samples before the nested PCR technique was performed. The virion core protein (P4b) gene is partially sequenced and analyzed with routine histological sectioning. Results showed that the virus causes pock lesions of dermal hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis. Hyperplasia and congestion of the chorioallantoic membrane were also recorded. The study also showed that the DNA of FPV could be extracted directly from animal tissue without further purification. The sequence analysis showed that the FPV was confirmed in all samples clustered in clade A identical with Iranian and Egyptian isolates. In conclusion, this study approved that the virus belongs to the classical dermal type of poxviruses and the short genetic distances between viruses related to closely neighboring countries. We also concluded that the conservative P4b gene included mutation sites that make this gene practical for diagnosing the virus and phylogenetic analysis.(AU)

O vírus da varíola aviária (VVA) é um dos vírus que acometem os frangos de corte em todo o mundo, causando perdas patológicas e econômicas na indústria aviária. As lesões causadas pelo vírus são facilmente reconhecidas pela observação visual e usualmente aparecem nas áreas do corpo das aves livres de penas, especialmente na cabeça. Além disso, em alguns casos a doença pode provocar a cegueira e a mortalidade de animais acometidos. O presente trabalho foi delineado para diagnosticar casos suspeitos de varíola aviária, identificar o agente causal e classificá-lo. Adicionalmente foram analisadas diferenças e similaridades com outros vírus estreitamente relacionados em localidades vizinhas e regionais. Cinquenta amostras foram colhidas em três localidades da cidade de Tikrit de frangos de corte, domesticados, que apresentavam lesões cutâneas. O DNA do vírus foi extraído diretamente das amostras de tecidos antes que a técnica de PCR fosse realizada. As proteínas do core do vírus, gene (P4b), foram parcialmente sequenciadas de analisadas em secções da rotina histológica. Os resultados obtidos revelaram que o vírus causa lesões variólicas com hiperplasia dermal e hiperqueratose. A hiperplasia e a congestão da membrana corioalantóica também foram registradas. O estudo também revelou que o DNA do VVA pode ser extraído diretamente de tecidos animais sem a realização de uma pré-purificação. A análise sequencial revelou que o VVA foi confirmado em todas as amostras agrupando-se em uma classe A, idêntica com isolados iranianos e egípcios. A conclusão obtida foi que o presente trabalho confirmou que o vírus pertence ao tipo dérmico clássico dos poxvirus e que as curtas distâncias genéticas entre os vírus relacionados são encontrados em países vizinhos. Também foi concluído que o gene conservador P4b inclui pontos de mutação que o tornam um gene prático para diagnosticar o vírus em análises filogenéticas.(AU)

Pathological, molecular and phylogenic study of fowlpox virus in domesticated chickens of Tikrit City, Iraq / Estudo patológico, molecular e filogenético do vírus da varíola aviária em frangos de corte domesticados da cidade de Tikrit, Iraque

Fowlpox virus (FPV) is one of the viruses affecting chickens worldwide, causing pathological and economic losses in the poultry industry. Viral lesions are easily recognizable by the eye and usually appear in the featherless areas, especially the head. Moreover, the virus could lead to blindness and mortality in some cases. This study diagnosed the suspected fowlpox cases, identified and classified the causative agent. We also analyzed the differences and similarities of closely related viruses at the neighboring and regional countries. Fifty samples were collected from three locations of Tikrit city from the domesticated chickens, which showed cutaneous lesions. Virus DNA was extracted directly from tissue samples before the nested PCR technique was performed. The virion core protein (P4b) gene is partially sequenced and analyzed with routine histological sectioning. Results showed that the virus causes pock lesions of dermal hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis. Hyperplasia and congestion of the chorioallantoic membrane were also recorded. The study also showed that the DNA of FPV could be extracted directly from animal tissue without further purification. The sequence analysis showed that the FPV was confirmed in all samples clustered in clade A identical with Iranian and Egyptian isolates. In conclusion, this study approved that the virus belongs to the classical dermal type of poxviruses and the short genetic distances between viruses related to closely neighboring countries. We also concluded that the conservative P4b gene included mutation sites that make this gene practical for diagnosing the virus and phylogenetic analysis.(AU)

O vírus da varíola aviária (VVA) é um dos vírus que acometem os frangos de corte em todo o mundo, causando perdas patológicas e econômicas na indústria aviária. As lesões causadas pelo vírus são facilmente reconhecidas pela observação visual e usualmente aparecem nas áreas do corpo das aves livres de penas, especialmente na cabeça. Além disso, em alguns casos a doença pode provocar a cegueira e a mortalidade de animais acometidos. O presente trabalho foi delineado para diagnosticar casos suspeitos de varíola aviária, identificar o agente causal e classificá-lo. Adicionalmente foram analisadas diferenças e similaridades com outros vírus estreitamente relacionados em localidades vizinhas e regionais. Cinquenta amostras foram colhidas em três localidades da cidade de Tikrit de frangos de corte, domesticados, que apresentavam lesões cutâneas. O DNA do vírus foi extraído diretamente das amostras de tecidos antes que a técnica de PCR fosse realizada. As proteínas do core do vírus, gene (P4b), foram parcialmente sequenciadas de analisadas em secções da rotina histológica. Os resultados obtidos revelaram que o vírus causa lesões variólicas com hiperplasia dermal e hiperqueratose. A hiperplasia e a congestão da membrana corioalantóica também foram registradas. O estudo também revelou que o DNA do VVA pode ser extraído diretamente de tecidos animais sem a realização de uma pré-purificação. A análise sequencial revelou que o VVA foi confirmado em todas as amostras agrupando-se em uma classe A, idêntica com isolados iranianos e egípcios. A conclusão obtida foi que o presente trabalho confirmou que o vírus pertence ao tipo dérmico clássico dos poxvirus e que as curtas distâncias genéticas entre os vírus relacionados são encontrados em países vizinhos. Também foi concluído que o gene conservador P4b inclui pontos de mutação que o tornam um gene prático para diagnosticar o vírus em análises filogenéticas.(AU)

Fatores de risco associados com a presença de infecções virais em aves domésticas na região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Risk factors associated with the presence of viral diseases in domestic poultry in the Southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Background: The introduction of any infectious agent into an industrial or subsistence farm worries agribusiness owners in Brazilbecause it reduces product quality and increases treatment costs, although most diseases are untreatable, thus causing economic losseswith morbidity and mortality. Therefore, an epidemiological survey of viral diseases associated with poultry was developed by performing a detailed description of the risk factors that may be related to existing diseases using domestic poultry sample data recordedin the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory (LRD) of College of Veterinary Medicine of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), RioGrande do Sul, Brazil, from 2000 to 2016.Materials, Methods & Results: Epidemiological and clinical-pathological data were collected and then compared with disease databy multivariate analysis using statistical EpiInfo version 6.04 and Microsoft Office Excel 2010 software. The frequencies and 95%confidence intervals (CI), association measures (odds ratio=OR and relative risk=RR), Chi-square test, and the results consideredsignificant with a value of P ≤ 0.05 were described. A total of 410 samples of domestic poultry were tested, and the results showed66 (16.1%) viral diseases. The following conditions were the most commonly found diseases in this study: Mareks disease (42.4%),Infectious bursal disease (31.8%), Avian leukosis (16.6%), Avian pox (7.5%) and Avian infectious bronchitis (1.5%). In this articlewe discuss the most frequent viral diseases: Mareks disease (DM) and Gumboro disease. It was also possible to conclude that birdswith Mareks disease presented higher odds of developing nerve, tegumentary and locomotors signs (P ≤ 0.05). As well as, morelikely to present tumoriform lesions in the liver, spleen, kidneys and heart P ≤ 0.05, as well as lesions in the proventriculus, musclelesions and in the sciatic nerve P ≤ 0.05. Laying poultry...(AU)

Fatores de risco associados com a presença de infecções virais em aves domésticas na região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Risk factors associated with the presence of viral diseases in domestic poultry in the Southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Background: The introduction of any infectious agent into an industrial or subsistence farm worries agribusiness owners in Brazilbecause it reduces product quality and increases treatment costs, although most diseases are untreatable, thus causing economic losseswith morbidity and mortality. Therefore, an epidemiological survey of viral diseases associated with poultry was developed by performing a detailed description of the risk factors that may be related to existing diseases using domestic poultry sample data recordedin the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory (LRD) of College of Veterinary Medicine of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), RioGrande do Sul, Brazil, from 2000 to 2016.Materials, Methods & Results: Epidemiological and clinical-pathological data were collected and then compared with disease databy multivariate analysis using statistical EpiInfo version 6.04 and Microsoft Office Excel 2010 software. The frequencies and 95%confidence intervals (CI), association measures (odds ratio=OR and relative risk=RR), Chi-square test, and the results consideredsignificant with a value of P ≤ 0.05 were described. A total of 410 samples of domestic poultry were tested, and the results showed66 (16.1%) viral diseases. The following conditions were the most commonly found diseases in this study: Marek’s disease (42.4%),Infectious bursal disease (31.8%), Avian leukosis (16.6%), Avian pox (7.5%) and Avian infectious bronchitis (1.5%). In this articlewe discuss the most frequent viral diseases: Marek’s disease (DM) and Gumboro disease. It was also possible to conclude that birdswith Marek’s disease presented higher odds of developing nerve, tegumentary and locomotors signs (P ≤ 0.05). As well as, morelikely to present tumoriform lesions in the liver, spleen, kidneys and heart P ≤ 0.05, as well as lesions in the proventriculus, musclelesions and in the sciatic nerve P ≤ 0.05. Laying poultry...

Outbreak of cutaneous form of avian poxvirus disease in previously pox-vaccinated commercial turkeys / Surto de bouba aviária na forma cutânea em perus comerciais previamente vacinados

This study describes an outbreak of avian poxvirus disease in previously pox-vaccinated turkeys in Brazil. The turkeys had suggestive gross lesions of cutaneous avian poxvirus in the skin of the head and cervical area without changes in the flock mortality rates. In the slaughterhouse, 30 carcasses were removed from the slaughter line to collect tissue from cutaneous lesions for histological analyses and characterization of the virus. The virus was identified by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequent gene sequencing. Acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, and hydropic degeneration were seen on skin histopathology. Eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies (Bollinger) on keratinocytes were observed in 46.6% of the samples. Avian poxvirus DNA was detected on PCR in 83.3% of the total samples. PCR associated with histopathology had 93.3% of positivity for avian poxvirus. In the phylogenetic study, samples show 100% matching suggesting that the outbreak occurred by a single viral strain and was different from those strains affecting other wild birds such as canaries and sparrows. A single mutation (Adenine for Guanine) was detected in our study's strain and in the strains of turkey, chickens, and vaccine strains published in GenBank. Also, when the sequence strain of the present study and sequences from GenBank of canarypox and sparrowpox strains were aligned, a Thymine was found replacing the Adenine or Guanine. The in ovo vaccination method as single-use in turkeys of this study apparently did not provide adequate protection against avianpox disease, but additional vaccination administered by wing-web when turkeys were 45-60 days old in the new flocks controlled the disease. In the subsequent year, new cases of this disease were not found. It was not possible to confirm the source of the virus strain, but infection with a field strain derived from chickens is one possibility, considering the poultry farm population in the area and biosecurity aspects. For wide characterization of avipoxvirus and differentiation among strains, the complete sequence of the viral genome is required.(AU)

Este estudo descreve um surto de bouba aviária em perus previamente vacinados contra poxvirus aviário no Brasil. Os perus apresentaram lesões macroscópicas, sugestivas de bouba aviaria cutânea, na pele da cabeça e região cervical sem alteração nas taxas de mortalidade do lote. No abatedouro, 30 carcaças foram retiradas da linha de abate para coleta de dois fragmentos de pele com lesões para análise histológica e caracterização do vírus. A identificação do vírus foi realizada por PCR convencional e posterior sequenciamento. No exame histopatológico das lesões de pele, houve acantose, hiperqueratose e degeneração hidrópica. Corpúsculos de inclusão intracitoplasmáticos eosinofílicos (Bollinger) foram encontrados em 46,6% das amostras. A técnica de PCR detectou o DNA do vírus da bouba aviária em 83,3% do total de amostras. PCR associado com a histopatologia resultou em 93,3% de positividade para o vírus da bouba aviária. No estudo filogenético, as sequências resultaram em 100% de identidade, sugerindo que o surto ocorreu por uma única estirpe de vírus diferenciada das outras estirpes que acometem canários e pardais. Uma única mutação (Adenina para Guanina) foi detectada nas estirpes deste estudo e nas sequências de perus, galinhas e estirpes vacinais publicadas no GenBank. Além disso, quando a sequência da estirpe do presente estudo e as sequências das estirpes de canarypox e sparrowpox foram comparadas, a Timina foi encontrada em substituição a Adenina ou Guanina. A vacinação in ovo em dose única utilizada nos perus deste estudo aparentemente não forneceu proteção adequada contra a doença causada pelo poxvirus aviário. Entretanto, a revacinação na membrana da asa em perus com 45-60 dias de idade dos novos lotes controlou a doença. No ano subsequente, novos casos desta doença não foram registrados. Não foi possível confirmar a origem da estirpe viral, mas estirpes de campo oriundas de galinhas seria uma possibilidade, considerando a população na área e os aspectos de biosseguridade. Para caracterização ampla do avipoxvirus e diferenciação entre as estirpes, a sequência completa do genoma viral é requerida.(AU)

Outbreak of cutaneous form of avian poxvirus disease in previously pox-vaccinated commercial turkeys / Surto de bouba aviária na forma cutânea em perus comerciais previamente vacinados

This study describes an outbreak of avian poxvirus disease in previously pox-vaccinated turkeys in Brazil. The turkeys had suggestive gross lesions of cutaneous avian poxvirus in the skin of the head and cervical area without changes in the flock mortality rates. In the slaughterhouse, 30 carcasses were removed from the slaughter line to collect tissue from cutaneous lesions for histological analyses and characterization of the virus. The virus was identified by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequent gene sequencing. Acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, and hydropic degeneration were seen on skin histopathology. Eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies (Bollinger) on keratinocytes were observed in 46.6% of the samples. Avian poxvirus DNA was detected on PCR in 83.3% of the total samples. PCR associated with histopathology had 93.3% of positivity for avian poxvirus. In the phylogenetic study, samples show 100% matching suggesting that the outbreak occurred by a single viral strain and was different from those strains affecting other wild birds such as canaries and sparrows. A single mutation (Adenine for Guanine) was detected in our study's strain and in the strains of turkey, chickens, and vaccine strains published in GenBank. Also, when the sequence strain of the present study and sequences from GenBank of canarypox and sparrowpox strains were aligned, a Thymine was found replacing the Adenine or Guanine. The in ovo vaccination method as single-use in turkeys of this study apparently did not provide adequate protection against avianpox disease, but additional vaccination administered by wing-web when turkeys were 45-60 days old in the new flocks controlled the disease. In the subsequent year, new cases of this disease were not found. It was not possible to confirm the source of the virus strain, but infection with a field strain derived from chickens is one possibility...(AU)

Este estudo descreve um surto de bouba aviária em perus previamente vacinados contra poxvirus aviário no Brasil. Os perus apresentaram lesões macroscópicas, sugestivas de bouba aviaria cutânea, na pele da cabeça e região cervical sem alteração nas taxas de mortalidade do lote. No abatedouro, 30 carcaças foram retiradas da linha de abate para coleta de dois fragmentos de pele com lesões para análise histológica e caracterização do vírus. A identificação do vírus foi realizada por PCR convencional e posterior sequenciamento. No exame histopatológico das lesões de pele, houve acantose, hiperqueratose e degeneração hidrópica. Corpúsculos de inclusão intracitoplasmáticos eosinofílicos (Bollinger) foram encontrados em 46,6% das amostras. A técnica de PCR detectou o DNA do vírus da bouba aviária em 83,3% do total de amostras. PCR associado com a histopatologia resultou em 93,3% de positividade para o vírus da bouba aviária. No estudo filogenético, as sequências resultaram em 100% de identidade, sugerindo que o surto ocorreu por uma única estirpe de vírus diferenciada das outras estirpes que acometem canários e pardais. Uma única mutação (Adenina para Guanina) foi detectada nas estirpes deste estudo e nas sequências de perus, galinhas e estirpes vacinais publicadas no GenBank. Além disso, quando a sequência da estirpe do presente estudo e as sequências das estirpes de canarypox e sparrowpox foram comparadas, a Timina foi encontrada em substituição a Adenina ou Guanina. A vacinação in ovo em dose única utilizada nos perus deste estudo aparentemente não forneceu proteção adequada contra a doença causada pelo poxvirus aviário. Entretanto, a revacinação na membrana da asa em perus com 45-60 dias de idade dos novos lotes controlou a doença. No ano subsequente, novos casos desta doença não foram registrados. Não foi possível confirmar a origem da estirpe viral, mas estirpes de...(AU)

Proposal of a Standard for the Condemnation for Turkey Carcasses Due to Fowlpox

This study aimed at proposing a new technical criteria for condemnation of turkey carcasses due to fowlpox in turkeys as a contribution for the work of the Brazilian Federal Meat Inspection Service. Skin samples from 30 carcasses of a flock of 840 turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), previously vaccinated for fowlpox and slaughtered in June 2013, were collected. Samples were submitted to histological examination under light microscopy. The virus was identified using standard PCR techniques. The main histological findings were hyperplasia and hydropic degeneration of the epithelium and the presence of intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies. PCR results yielded 83.3% positive and 16.7% negative samples. Fowlpox virus is species specific, and there are no reports of its occurrence in mammals. The macroscopic and microscopic findings of the skin lesions do not justify the total condemnation of carcasses of poultry affected with fowlpox, except in cases of cachexia or repulsive appearance, as established by SIF regulation.

Proposal of a Standard for the Condemnation for Turkey Carcasses Due to Fowlpox

This study aimed at proposing a new technical criteria for condemnation of turkey carcasses due to fowlpox in turkeys as a contribution for the work of the Brazilian Federal Meat Inspection Service. Skin samples from 30 carcasses of a flock of 840 turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), previously vaccinated for fowlpox and slaughtered in June 2013, were collected. Samples were submitted to histological examination under light microscopy. The virus was identified using standard PCR techniques. The main histological findings were hyperplasia and hydropic degeneration of the epithelium and the presence of intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies. PCR results yielded 83.3% positive and 16.7% negative samples. Fowlpox virus is species specific, and there are no reports of its occurrence in mammals. The macroscopic and microscopic findings of the skin lesions do not justify the total condemnation of carcasses of poultry affected with fowlpox, except in cases of cachexia or repulsive appearance, as established by SIF regulation. (AU)

Infecção por pox vírus e Aspergillus fumigatus em Bubo virginianus (Coruja jacurutu) / Avipoxvirus infecction in Bubo virginianus (great horned owl)

Este trabalho descreve um caso de infecção mista por pox vírus e Aspergillus fumigatus em Bubo virginianus (coruja jacurutu). A ave, um macho adulto, foi encaminhada ao Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre do Instituto de Biologia da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (NURFS/CETAS/UFPEL). Apresentava bom estado corporal, estava ativa, porém com incapacidade de voo. Após três dias apresentou lesões crostosas e de aspecto verrucoso na superfície dorsal das patas. Havia, também, nódulos de mesmo aspecto na pálpebra esquerda e na cera. A ave morreu após 15 dias de sua chegada ao NURFS e foi necropsiada no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LRD/UFPel). Histologicamente, as lesões verrucosas caracterizavam-se por hiperplasia do epitélio e nas células das camadas basal, espinhosa, granular e córnea havia corpúsculos de inclusão intracitoplasmáticos do tipo Bollinger. Na microscopia eletrônica foram visualizadas partículas virais características de pox vírus, incluindo Bubo virginianus como um hospedeiro do vírus. Havia, ainda, infiltrado inflamatório de células mononucleares e focos de colônias bacterianas na derme. Nos pulmões havia congestão e presença de granulomas com hifas fúngicas, que pela técnica de Grocott, apresentaram ramificação dicotômica compatível com Aspergillus spp., identificado na cultura como A. fumigatus. O diagnóstico de infecção por avipoxvirus pode contribuir para estudos relacionados com a ocorrência desta doença nas populações de vida livre e como informação auxiliar para o manejo e conservação desta espécie. Sugere-se, ainda, a inclusão do uso de raios-X nos protocolos de centros de reabilitação como o diagnostico de aspergilose em aves rapinantes com bom estado corporal, porém incapazes de voar.(AU)

This paper describes a case of mixed infection by pox virus and Aspergillus fumigatus in Bubo virginianus (Owl Jacurutu). An adult male Bubo virginianus was referred to the Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (NURFS/CETAS/UFPEL). The owl was active and had a good body condition but with flight disability. After three days of their admission at NURFS the owl developed crusty and verrucous lesions at the dorsal surface of their feet. Also it had nodes on the left eyelid and cera with the same aspect. The owl died 15 days after its arrival. Necropsy and histopatological examination were carried out. The warty lesions had hyperplasia of the epithelium and intracytoplasmic Bollinger-like inclusion bodies in the basal, spinal, granulosa layer and cornea. Viral particles characteristic of pox viruses were shown by electron microscopy. This case includes Bubo virginianus as a host of the avipoxvirus. There were also a mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltrate and bacterial colonies in the dermis. In the lugs, there was congestion and presence of granulomas with intralesional fungal hyphae. With the Grocott stain those structures showed dichotomous branching which was later identified in mycological culture as characteristic for A. fumigates. The diagnosis of avipoxvirus infection can contribute to studies related to the occurrence of this disease in free-living populations and as auxiliary information for the management and conservation of this raptor species. It is also suggested to include the use of X-rays in rehabilitation center protocols as screening test to diagnose aspergillosis in birds of prey with good body condition but inability to fly.(AU)

Infecção por pox vírus e Aspergillus fumigatus em Bubo virginianus (Coruja jacurutu) / Avipoxvirus infecction in Bubo virginianus (great horned owl)

Este trabalho descreve um caso de infecção mista por pox vírus e Aspergillus fumigatus em Bubo virginianus (coruja jacurutu). A ave, um macho adulto, foi encaminhada ao Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre do Instituto de Biologia da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (NURFS/CETAS/UFPEL). Apresentava bom estado corporal, estava ativa, porém com incapacidade de voo. Após três dias apresentou lesões crostosas e de aspecto verrucoso na superfície dorsal das patas. Havia, também, nódulos de mesmo aspecto na pálpebra esquerda e na cera. A ave morreu após 15 dias de sua chegada ao NURFS e foi necropsiada no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LRD/UFPel). Histologicamente, as lesões verrucosas caracterizavam-se por hiperplasia do epitélio e nas células das camadas basal, espinhosa, granular e córnea havia corpúsculos de inclusão intracitoplasmáticos do tipo Bollinger. Na microscopia eletrônica foram visualizadas partículas virais características de pox vírus, incluindo Bubo virginianus como um hospedeiro do vírus. Havia, ainda, infiltrado inflamatório de células mononucleares e focos de colônias bacterianas na derme. Nos pulmões havia congestão e presença de granulomas com hifas fúngicas, que pela técnica de Grocott, apresentaram ramificação dicotômica compatível com Aspergillus spp., identificado na cultura como A. fumigatus. O diagnóstico de infecção por avipoxvirus pode contribuir para estudos relacionados com a ocorrência desta doença nas populações de vida livre e como informação auxiliar para o manejo e conservação desta espécie. Sugere-se, ainda, a inclusão do uso de raios-X nos protocolos de centros de reabilitação como o diagnostico de aspergilose em aves rapinantes com bom estado corporal, porém incapazes de voar.(AU)

This paper describes a case of mixed infection by pox virus and Aspergillus fumigatus in Bubo virginianus (Owl Jacurutu). An adult male Bubo virginianus was referred to the Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (NURFS/CETAS/UFPEL). The owl was active and had a good body condition but with flight disability. After three days of their admission at NURFS the owl developed crusty and verrucous lesions at the dorsal surface of their feet. Also it had nodes on the left eyelid and cera with the same aspect. The owl died 15 days after its arrival. Necropsy and histopatological examination were carried out. The warty lesions had hyperplasia of the epithelium and intracytoplasmic Bollinger-like inclusion bodies in the basal, spinal, granulosa layer and cornea. Viral particles characteristic of pox viruses were shown by electron microscopy. This case includes Bubo virginianus as a host of the avipoxvirus. There were also a mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltrate and bacterial colonies in the dermis. In the lugs, there was congestion and presence of granulomas with intralesional fungal hyphae. With the Grocott stain those structures showed dichotomous branching which was later identified in mycological culture as characteristic for A. fumigates. The diagnosis of avipoxvirus infection can contribute to studies related to the occurrence of this disease in free-living populations and as auxiliary information for the management and conservation of this raptor species. It is also suggested to include the use of X-rays in rehabilitation center protocols as screening test to diagnose aspergillosis in birds of prey with good body condition but inability to fly.(AU)

First phylogenetic analysis of Avipoxvirus (APV) in Brazil / Primeira análise filogenética de Avipoxvirus (APV) no Brasil

This study represents the first phylogenetic analysis of avian poxvirus recovered from turkeys in Brazil. The clinical disorders related to fowlpox herein described occurred in a turkey housing system. The birds displaying characteristic pox lesions which were observed on the neck, eyelids and beak of the turkeys. Four affected turkeys were randomly chosen, euthanized and necropsied. Tissues samples were submitted for histopathological analysis and total DNA was further extracted, amplified by conventional PCR, sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. Avian poxviruses specific PCR was performed based on P4b core protein gene sequence. The histological analysis revealed dermal inflammatory process, granulation tissue, hyperplasia of epithelial cells and inclusion bodies. The P4b gene was detected in all samples. Sequencing revealed a 100% nucleotide and amino acid sequence identity among the samples, and the sequences were deposited in GenBank®. The four Avian poxviruses fragments sequenced in this study clustered along the A1 clade of avipoxviruses, and were classified as Avipoxvirus (APV). Additional studies, such as virus isolation, PCR and sequencing includinga large number of specimens from the Brazilian turkey production must be conducted due to the hazardous risk that poxvirus infections may cause to the Brazilian poultry production scenario, given that Brazil's turkey production attracts attention due to its economic importance worldwide. Our findings point to the need to identify the prevalence of APV in Brazilian turkey production, to perform risk assessment studies and continued surveillance of APV infections in both wild and commercial avian species.(AU)

Este trabalho representa a primeira análise filogenética de Poxvirus aviário detectado em perus no Brasil. Os distúrbios clínicos relacionados com bouba aviária aqui descritos ocorreram em um sistema de alojamento de perus. As aves apresentaram lesões características de varíola observadas no pescoço, pálpebras e bico das aves. Quatro perus com sinais característicos foram escolhidos aleatoriamente, sacrificados e submetidos à autópsia. Amostras de tecido foram submetidas à análise histopatológica e o DNA total foi extraído, amplificado por PCR convencional e os amplicons foram sequenciados e analisados ​​filogeneticamente. A PCR específica para Poxvírus aviário foi realizada com base na seqüência do gene da proteína do núcleo P4b. A análise histológica revelou um processo inflamatório dérmico, tecido de granulação, hiperplasia de células epiteliais e corpúsculos de inclusão. O gene P4b foi detectado em todas as amostras. O sequenciamento revelou uma identidade entre nucleotídeos e aminoácido de 100% entre as amostras e as sequências foram depositadas no GenBank®. Os quatro fragmentos de poxvírus aviário sequenciado neste estudo foram agrupados no clado A1 de avipoxvirus e foram classificados como Avipoxvirus (APV). Estudos adicionais, como isolamento viral, PCR e sequenciamento, incluindo um grande número de perus da produção brasileira devem ser conduzidos devido ao grave risco que a infecção por poxvírus pode causar ao cenário de produção avícola brasileira, tendo em vista que a produção brasileira de perus atrai atenção devido a sua importância mundial. Nossos resultados apontam para a necessidade de identificar a prevalência da APV na produção de peru no Brasil, para realizar estudos de avaliação de risco e continuada monitoração de infecções por APV nas espécies de aves comerciais e silvestres.(AU)

Lesões cutâneas tipo tumorais associadas à infeção por avipoxvirus em uma marreca-cabocla (Dendrocygna autumnalis)

The fowlpox, also known as contagiosum epithelioma, is caused by a poxvirus of the genus Avipoxvirus and affects both domestic and wild birds. The disease has two forms cutaneous and diphtheria. In March 2008 the sector of rehabilitation of wild birds from Mangual das Garças Park, located in Belém, Pará attended a duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) that had nodular lesions in regions of the wing devoid of feathers. The lesions consisted of two large cutaneous tumor-like nodules that measured 4,2 x 3,8 cm and 2,8 x 2,2 cm in length and width, respectively. The nodules were surgically removed, fixed in 10% formalin, processed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Histopathology showed acanthosis and expressive hyperkeratosis, some cells showed spongiosis. The confirmatory diagnosis of fowlpox was established by the pathognomonic sign of the presence of large intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion corpuscles (Bollinger bodies) in epithelial cells. This is the first report of poxvirus infection in a wild bird in the State of Pará, Brazil.

O setor de reabilitação de aves selvagens do Parque Mangual das Garças, localizado em Belém, Pará, recebeu um espécime de Marreca-cabocla (Dendrocygna autumnalis). O animal apresentava lesões nodulares em regiões desprovidas de penas na asa, que consistiam de dois grandes nódulos cutâneos de aspecto tumoral, que mediram 4,2 x 3,8 cm e 2,8 x 2,2 cm de comprimento e largura, respectivamente. Os nódulos foram removidos cirurgicamente, fixados em formol a 10%, e as amostras foram processadas para histopatologia, coradas pela hematoxilina-eosina. Na análise histopatológica, observaram-se acantose e expressiva hiperceratose; várias células mostraram espongiose. O diagnóstico da bouba foi estabelecido pelo sinal patognomônico da presença de grandes corpúsculos de inclusão eosinofílicos intracitoplasmáticos (corpúsculos de Bollinger) nas células epiteliais da lesão tumoral. Este é o primeiro relato de infecção por poxvírus em ave selvagen no Estado do Pará, Brasil.

Lesões cutâneas tipo tumorais associadas à infeção por avipoxvirus em uma marreca-cabocla (Dendrocygna autumnalis) / Cutaneous tumor-like lesions associated with infection by avipoxvirus in a Dendrocygna Autumnalis

The fowlpox, also known as contagiosum epithelioma, is caused by a poxvirus of the genus Avipoxvirus and affects both domestic and wild birds. The disease has two forms cutaneous and diphtheria. In March 2008 the sector of rehabilitation of wild birds from Mangual das Garças Park, located in Belém, Pará attended a duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) that had nodular lesions in regions of the wing devoid of feathers. The lesions consisted of two large cutaneous tumor-like nodules that measured 4,2 x 3,8 cm and 2,8 x 2,2 cm in length and width, respectively. The nodules were surgically removed, fixed in 10% formalin, processed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Histopathology showed acanthosis and expressive hyperkeratosis, some cells showed spongiosis. The confirmatory diagnosis of fowlpox was established by the pathognomonic sign of the presence of large intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion corpuscles (Bollinger bodies) in epithelial cells. This is the first report of poxvirus infection in a wild bird in the State of Pará, Brazil.

O setor de reabilitação de aves selvagens do Parque Mangual das Garças, localizado em Belém, Pará, recebeu um espécime de Marreca-cabocla (Dendrocygna autumnalis). O animal apresentava lesões nodulares em regiões desprovidas de penas na asa, que consistiam de dois grandes nódulos cutâneos de aspecto tumoral, que mediram 4,2 x 3,8 cm e 2,8 x 2,2 cm de comprimento e largura, respectivamente. Os nódulos foram removidos cirurgicamente, fixados em formol a 10%, e as amostras foram processadas para histopatologia, coradas pela hematoxilina-eosina. Na análise histopatológica, observaram-se acantose e expressiva hiperceratose; várias células mostraram espongiose. O diagnóstico da bouba foi estabelecido pelo sinal patognomônico da presença de grandes corpúsculos de inclusão eosinofílicos intracitoplasmáticos  (corpúsculos de Bollinger) nas células epiteliais da lesão tumoral. Este é o primeiro relato de infecção por poxvírus em ave selvagen no Estado do Pará, Brasil.

Lesões cutâneas tipo tumorais associadas à infeção por avipoxvirus em uma marreca-cabocla (Dendrocygna autumnalis) / Cutaneous tumor-like lesions associated with infection by avipoxvirus in a Dendrocygna Autumnalis

The fowlpox, also known as contagiosum epithelioma, is caused by a poxvirus of the genus Avipoxvirus and affects both domestic and wild birds. The disease has two forms cutaneous and diphtheria. In March 2008 the sector of rehabilitation of wild birds from Mangual das Garças Park, located in Belém, Pará attended a duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) that had nodular lesions in regions of the wing devoid of feathers. The lesions consisted of two large cutaneous tumor-like nodules that measured 4,2 x 3,8 cm and 2,8 x 2,2 cm in length and width, respectively. The nodules were surgically removed, fixed in 10% formalin, processed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Histopathology showed acanthosis and expressive hyperkeratosis, some cells showed spongiosis. The confirmatory diagnosis of fowlpox was established by the pathognomonic sign of the presence of large intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion corpuscles (Bollinger bodies) in epithelial cells. This is the first report of poxvirus infection in a wild bird in the State of Pará, Brazil.(AU)

O setor de reabilitação de aves selvagens do Parque Mangual das Garças, localizado em Belém, Pará, recebeu um espécime de Marreca-cabocla (Dendrocygna autumnalis). O animal apresentava lesões nodulares em regiões desprovidas de penas na asa, que consistiam de dois grandes nódulos cutâneos de aspecto tumoral, que mediram 4,2 x 3,8 cm e 2,8 x 2,2 cm de comprimento e largura, respectivamente. Os nódulos foram removidos cirurgicamente, fixados em formol a 10%, e as amostras foram processadas para histopatologia, coradas pela hematoxilina-eosina. Na análise histopatológica, observaram-se acantose e expressiva hiperceratose; várias células mostraram espongiose. O diagnóstico da bouba foi estabelecido pelo sinal patognomônico da presença de grandes corpúsculos de inclusão eosinofílicos intracitoplasmáticos  (corpúsculos de Bollinger) nas células epiteliais da lesão tumoral. Este é o primeiro relato de infecção por poxvírus em ave selvagen no Estado do Pará, Brasil.(AU)

DOENÇAS DE PSITTACIFORMES NA REGIÃO CENTRAL DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL

Esta tese objetivou o estudo de doenças de Psittaciformes diagnosticadas no Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Animais Silvestres da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (NEPAS/UFSM). Para a elaboração deste trabalho, foram examinadas as fichas das 495 necropsias de animais silvestres realizadas no período de janeiro de 2013 a dezembro de 2016, além dos resultados da investigação da presença de Salmonella spp. realizada em atendimentos clínicos a dois criatórios de psitacídeos. As principais alterações macroscópicas verificadas nas necropsias foram agrupadas por sistemas, analisadas através de uma meta-análise descritiva, onde se verificou que o sistema digestório foi o que apresentou maior número de alterações (29,4%), seguido pelo respiratório (18,6%), cardiovascular (14,6%), musculoesquelético (12,6%) e presença de parasitos ou fungos (8,4%). Em um expressivo número de casos (16,5%) não foi possível identificar as lesões devido ao avançado estado de decomposição dos cadáveres, ou por serem alterações macroscópicas que não levariam o animal à morte. Durante o período de estudo, surgiram dois casos de maior relevância, para os quais a investigação da causa mortis teve sequência, com a realização de exames histopatológicos e moleculares que resultaram em dois relatos: primeiro registro, no Brasil, da presença de um avipoxvírus do clado C e outro, do primeiro registro, no Brasil, do herpesvírus dos Psitacídeos tipo 3, ambos em Psittaciformes de cativeiro. Desta forma, este estudo resultou em quatro trabalhos científicos: (1) Meta-análise descritiva das alterações patológicas de aves e mamíferos silvestres diagnosticadas na região central do Rio Grande do Sul: 495 casos; (2) Identification and phylogenetic analysis of clade C avipoxvirus in a fowlpox outbreak in exotic Psittaciformes in southern Brazil ; (3) Psittacid Herpesvirus 3 infection in rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri) in Southern Brazil e (4) Investigação de Salmonella spp. em Psittaciformes exóticos e nativos mantidos em cativeiro na região central do Rio Grande do Sul. Este trabalho deverá contribuir com médicos veterinários clínicos e patologistas no diagnóstico de doenças presentes na região central do Rio Grande do Sul.

This thesis aimed to study the diseases of Psittaciformes diagnosed at the Center for Studies and Research in Wild Animals of the Federal University of Santa Maria (NEPAS / UFSM). For the preparation of this paper, the records of the 495 necropsies of wild animals carried out from January 2013 to December 2016 were examined, in addition to the results of the investigation of the Salmonella spp. presence carried out in clinical care to two psittacids breeders. The main macroscopic alterations observed at necropsies were grouped by systems, analyzed through a descriptive meta-analysis, where it was verified that the digestive system presented the highest number of alterations (29.4%), followed by the respiratory system (18.6 %), cardiovascular (14.6%), musculoskeletal (12.6%) and presence of parasites or fungi (8.4%). In an expressive number of cases (16.5%) it was not possible to identify the lesions due to the advanced stage of decomposition of the cadavers, or because they were macroscopic alterations that would not lead the animal to death. During the study period, two cases of greater relevance appeared, for which the investigation of the causa mortis was sequenced, with the accomplishment of histopathological and molecular tests that resulted in two reports: the first report in Brazil of the clade C avipoxvirus presence and another, the first report in Brazil of the herpesvirus of the Psittacidae type 3, both in captive Psittaciformes. Thus, this study resulted in four scientific studies: (1) Descriptive meta-analysis of the pathological alterations of wild birds and mammals diagnosed in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul: 495 cases; (2) Identification and phylogenetic analysis of clade C avipoxvirus in a fowlpox outbreak in exotic Psittaciformes in Southern Brazil; (3) Psittacid herpesvirus 3 infection in rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri) in Southern Brazil and (4) Investigation of Salmonella spp. in exotic and native Psittaciformes kept in captivity in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul. This work will contribute with clinical and pathologists veterinarians in the diagnosis of diseases present in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul

CARACTERIZAÇÃO PATOLÓGICA E MOLECULAR DO VÍRUS DA BOUBA AVIÁRIA COMO CONTRIBUIÇÃO PARA ELABORAÇÃO DE PADRÃO DE CONDENAÇÃO PARA CARCAÇAS DE PERUS

Esse estudo descreveu o primeiro surto de bouba aviária no Brasil em perus de corte previamente vacinados e também estabeleceu, na tentativa de auxiliar o Serviço de Inspeção Federal, um padrão de condenação para carcaças apresentando lesões características de bouba aviária. As aves apresentaram lesões cutâneas crostosas macroscópicas sugestivas de bouba aviária na região da cabeça e do pescoço e nenhum sinal clínico adicional foram observados. Os índices de mortalidade no lote não foram alterados. No frigorífico, 30 carcaças foram retiradas da linha de abate para coleta de fragmentos de pele lesionada para sua caracterização e pesquisa do vírus. As amostras foram fixadas em formol, embebidas em parafina, cortadas em secções de 6 m e coradas pela técnica de hematoxilina-eosina para visualização em microscópio de luz clara. A identificação do agente foi realizada por meio da técnica de PCR convencional com posterior sequenciamento do gene fpv167. No exame histopatológico foram observados: hiperqueratose, acantose e degeneração hidrópica; a presença de corpúsculos de inclusão intracitoplasmáticos eosinofílicos (Bollinger) nos queratinócitos foi observada em 46,6% das amostras. A reação de PCR foi positiva para 83,3% das amostras. Com o uso das duas técnicas de diagnóstico foi possível determinar que 93,3% das amostras foram positivas para bouba aviária. No estudo filogenético realizado, as amostras apresentam 100% de identidade entre si sugerindo que o surto ocorreu por uma única estirpe de vírus. O fragmento do gene sequenciado não permitiu a diferenciação entre estirpes de vírus que infectam perus, vacinal ou de galinhas. O vírus da bouba aviária é espécie específica, e não existem relatos sobre sua ocorrência em mamíferos. De acordo com as características macroscópicas e microscópicas das lesões cutâneas, não se justifica a condenação total das carcaças das aves acometidas pelo vírus da bouba aviária, exceto nos casos de caquexia, aspecto repugnante e outros especificados nos regulamentos do SIF. Estudos incluindo o sequenciamento de outros genes são necessários para melhor caracterização viral e podem auxiliar na identificação da origem do agente etiológico responsável pelo surto e suas possíveis fontes.

This study described the first outbreak of avian fowlpox in Brazil in previously vaccinated turkeys and also established, in an attempt to help the Federal Inspection Service, a standard of condemnation for carcasses with lesions characteristic of fowlpox. The turkeys had crusted macroscopic lesions on their skin, suggestive of avian fowlpox in the head and neck and no additional clinical signs were observed. The mortality rates in the flock did not change. In the slaughterhouse, 30 carcasses were removed from the slaughter line to collect damaged skin fragments for its characterization and research of the virus. The samples were fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, cut into sections of 6 microns and stained with hematoxylin-eosin for viewing in microscope. The agent identification was performed by conventional PCR with subsequent sequencing of the gene fpv167. On histopathology were observed: hyperkeratosis, acanthosis and hydropic degeneration; the presence of eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion corpuscles (Bollinger) was observed in keratinocytes in 46.6% of samples. The PCR reaction was positive in 83.3% of samples. Using both diagnostic techniques was determined that 93.3% of the samples were positive for fowlpox. In the phylogenetic study, the samples show 100% of identity to each other suggesting that the outbreak occurred by a single virus strain. The sequenced gene fragment did not allow differentiation between strains of virus that infect turkeys, chickens or vaccinal strain. The fowlpox virus is avian species specific, and there are no reports of its occurrence in mammals. According to the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the skin lesions is not justified total condemnation of turkey's carcasses affected by avian fowlpox, except in cases of cachexia, disgusting aspect and other specifications at Federal Inspection Service regulations. Studies including the sequencing of other genes are needed to better viral characterization and can assist in identifying origin of the etiologic agent responsible for the outbreak and its possible sources.

Padronização de técnicas de diagnóstico em virologia utilizando ovos embrionados de codorna como modelo biológico

Os ovos embrionados de codorna podem ser utilizados para inoculação de diversos tipos de vírus, por diferentes vias, como técnicas já conhecidas e aplicadas em ovos embrionados de galinha (Gallus domesticus) com algumas adequações. Podem ser atribuídas vantagens a esse processo, tais como: custo menor de produção, redução do tempo de incubação, necessidade de menor espaço físico e, talvez a mais importante, ser de uma espécie diferente do Gallus domesticus e desta forma não ser portadora de antígenos e anticorpos de interesse na avicultura comercial moderna, não interferindo no diagnóstico e na replicação viral. Para avaliar o potencial de replicação viral, foram utilizados 351 ovos embrionados de codorna de casca branca (Coturnix coturnix japonica) da linhagem NISSEI e amostras dos vírus que acometem aves (Vírus da Doença de Newcastle, Avipoxvírus e Vírus da Bronquite Infecciosa das Galinhas) e também em outras espécies como Vírus da Influenza Equina. Nos ovos inoculados com o vírus de Newcastle foi coletado o liquido alantoíde para a realização do teste de HA, que apresentou melhor resultado no tempo de 72 horas com o volume de 100l. Na inoculação do vírus da Varíola Aviária foram coletadas as membranas corioalantoídes para analisar as les es pox e an lise histopatol gica, sendo que todos os volumes utilizados (20, 40, 80 e 100l) apresentaram lesões características desta enfermidade. Nos vírus da Bronquite Infecciosa das Galinhas, de todos os volumes utilizados, somente o de 40l produziu lesões no embrião, como nanismo e enrolamento. A replicação do vírus Influenza Equina, assim como aconteceu com o VDN, foi dependente da concentração e o tempo de incubação, sendo o melhor tempo o intervalo de 48 horas, utilizando o volume de 40l. Os ovos embrionados de codornas de casca branca também foram utilizados para testar a viabilidade de uso em cultivo primário de fibroblastos, sendo que os mesmos permaneceram viáveis após quatro passagens in vitro. Este modelo biológico foi eficiente para replicação do vírus da doença de Newcastle, vírus da Varíola Aviária, vírus da Bronquite Infecciosa das Galinhas e vírus da Influenza Equina. Estes embriões se mostraram aptos também para serem utilizados em cultivo primário de fibroblastos.

The embryonated quail eggs may be used for inoculation of different virus types, by different ways, such as known and applied techniques in embryonated chicken eggs (Gallus domesticus) with some adjustments. Advantages can be attributed to this process, such as: lower production costs, reducinge the time of incubation, less physical space needed, and, perhaps the most important, it is from a different species of Gallus domesticus and thus not being a carrier of antibodies or antigens of interest in modern commercial poultry production, not interfering in the diagnosis and viral replication. For assess the potential for viral replication, we used 351 embryonated white bark quail eggs (Coturnix coturnix japonica) of NISSEI strain and samples of virus affecting birds (Newcastle Disease Virus, Avipoxvirus and Infectious Bronchitis Virus) and also in other species such as Equine Influenza Virus. From the eggs inoculated with Newcastle virus allantoic fluid was collected for HA test, which showed better results in time of 72 hours with a volume of 100 l. In inoculation of virus Fowlpox the chorioallantoic membranes were collected to analyze the pox lesions and histopathological analysis and all the volumes used (20, 40, 80 and 100l) showed characteristic lesions of the disease. In the Infectious Bronchitis virus of chickens, of all volumes used, only 40l produced embryo lesions presented as nanism and winding. Replication of Influenza Equine virus such as NDV was dependent on the concentration and the incubation time, and the best range was 48 hours, using the volume of 40l. The white bark quail embryonated eggs were also used to test its feasibility of use in primary culture of fibroblasts, and they kept viable after four in vitro passages. These biological model was efficient for replication of the virus of Newcastle disease, Avian pox virus, infectious Bronchitis virus of chickens and Equine Influenza. These embryos also proved apt to be used in primary culture fibroblasts.

Fowlpox: identification and adoption of prophylactic measures in backyard chickens in Bahia, Brazil

This paper describes the identification of an outbreak of fowlpox in backyard chickens in two villages the state of Bahia, the intervention strategy to control the disease by adopting health measures and vaccination, as well as the impact of the intervention. The diagnosis was based in clinical and laboratory data. After the diagnosis was confirmed, control measures and the vaccination of non-infected birds were recommended. Finally, the impact of the intervention on re-incidence of the disease was evaluated. A number of 700 chickens was vaccinated, after which only 9% of the farmers reported the occurrence of new cases, and 70% informed the acquisition of new birds after vaccination. The information reported in this paper can be useful to design strategic plans to control fowlpox in backyard chickens.