Cluster of atherosclerosis in a captive population of black kites (Milvus migrans subsp.) in France and effect of nutrition on the plasma lipid profile.

From January 2010 to March 2013, a captive colony of 83 black kites (Milvus migrans subsp.) in France experienced increased mortality related to atherosclerosis with an incidence of 4.4% per year. On histopathology, all kites had advanced atherosclerotic lesions, with several birds presenting abdominal hemorrhage and aortic rupture. In January 2012, a dietary change was instituted and consisted of introducing fish into the kites' diet. During the following 15 mo, the plasma lipid profile was monitored as well as body weight, food offered, and flight activity. Total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol initially increased, but in December 2012 and March 2013, an overall decrease from initial values was observed. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol also increased during this period. Despite positive plasma lipid changes induced by dietary modifications, there was no decrease in mortality from atherosclerosis, which was probably associated with the severity of the atherosclerotic lesions at time of dietary management. However, owing to the long and progressive development of atherosclerotic lesions, long-term beneficial effects are probable. This report suggests that black kites are particularly susceptible to atherosclerosis and aortic dissection in captivity. To prevent degenerative diseases associated with captivity in birds of prey, species-specific lifestyle and dietary requirements and susceptibility to these diseases should be considered.

A low-pathogenic avian influenza H6N1 outbreak in a turkey flock in France: a comprehensive case report.

Based on a case observed and investigated on a commercial turkey farm in western France in 81-day-old birds, we report the pattern of H6N1 low-pathogenic avian influenza in this species. Diseased birds displayed an acute severe dyspnoea, leading to death by asphyxia of more than 5% of the flock. The most specific pathological feature was a constant diffuse infraorbital sinusitis, along with a focal necrotic exudate inside the lumen of the upper respiratory tract, characterized microscopically as a mixed fibrinous and leucocytic material. Influenza A immunohistochemistry revealed an intense staining of epithelial cells in tracheas, bronchi, air sacs and their luminal necrotic material. While no primary bacterial infection could be detected from diseased turkeys, influenza H6 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis performed on tracheal swabs tested positive. Direct sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the eight segments showed that this H6N1 virus clustered closely within West European mallards' (group 3) H6 genotypes. A thorough analysis of genetic databases suggests that a regional waterfowl reservoir is likely to play a central role in H6 introductions in poultry farms, whose pathways remain to be elucidated.

Towards a Better Use of Antimicrobials on Farms: Insights from a Participatory Approach in the French Pig and Poultry Sectors.

Despite the strong decrease in antimicrobial use in the French poultry and pig sectors over the last decade, room for improvement remains. A participatory approach was set up in France, involving representatives of veterinarians, the pig and poultry industries, technical institutes, the French Ministry of Agriculture, and researchers, to further improve how antimicrobials are used on farms. By successively defining a shared, long-term vision of future antimicrobial use on farms, identifying lock-in mechanisms impeding this future vision from being realized, and articulating practical questions on how to move in the desired direction, the group rapidly reached a consensus. The results highlight the need for consensual standardized monitoring tools that would allow farmers and veterinarians to jointly monitor the health, welfare, antimicrobial resistance, and antimicrobial use on farms. Other results relate to better communication and training for citizens regarding animal health, animal welfare, and proper antimicrobial use; some benefits but also counterproductive effects of antibiotic-free labels that imperil animal health and welfare; the economic competitiveness of farms on international markets; and the economic sustainability of farm animal veterinary practices. These results call for a concerted way to produce tools for farmers and veterinarians and the broader involvement of other food sector actors.

Assessment of newcastle disease vaccination of houbara bustard breeders (Chlamydotis undulata undulata).

The houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata undulata) is endangered in North Africa. Through a captive-breeding program established in Morocco by The Emirates Center for Wildlife Propagation, wild populations are being supplemented by the releasing of captive-reared birds. Newcastle disease, which is caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV; Avian paramyxovirus type 1), can infect houbara bustards and is a significant threat through contact with backyard poultry and possibly wild birds. Three vaccination schedules for Newcastle disease were evaluated by serologic monitoring to assess the efficiency and safety of various types of vaccines (live vs. inactivated), vaccine strains (Hitchner B1 and Clone 30), and administration routes (intranasal vs. injection). We evaluated antibody titers in 211 adult houbara bustards for 10 mo. Antibody titers to NDV in both sera and egg yolks were monitored by hemagglutination inhibition test. The inactivated vaccine provided a high, homogeneous, and durable serologic response in breeders; titers were higher than log2 11 after 4 wk and remained higher than log2 7 after 10 mo. The response to the two live vaccines was similar, and antibody titers did not exceed log2 6 at sero-conversion. Maternally derived antibodies were efficiently transmitted in vitellus, further confirming that offspring of females hyperimmunized with the inactivated vaccine received high titers of maternal antibodies.