Hematological and serum biochemical parameters of the captive long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus) in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Although normal haematological and serum biochemical values for both pet and wild birds have been published, little information is available on the haematological and serum biochemical values in long-legged buzzards (Buteo rufinus). OBJECTIVES: This is the first study that aimed to define reference values of haematological, biochemical parameters, and protein electrophoretic fractions of long-legged buzzards in Iran. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 30 clinically healthy adult long-legged buzzards of both sexes. Hematological, biochemical parameters, and protein electrophoretic fractions were measured. The mean and standard deviations were calculated. RESULTS: Mean values for red blood cells, packed cell volume, haemoglobin, and white blood cells were 2.72 ± 0.60 ×106 /µl, 39.10 ± 3.70%, 13.45 ± 1.30 g/dl, and 3.92 ± 1.39 ×103 /µl, respectively. Mean values for biochemistry parameters were total protein 4.46 ± 1.27 g/dl, albumin 1.78 ± 0.55 g/dl, creatinine 0.54 ± 0.22 mg/dl, uric acid 7.81 ± 2.89 mg/dl, calcium 9.63 ± 2.22 mg/dl, phosphorus 4.31 ± 1.00 mg/dl, glucose 398.87 ± 96.90 mg/dl, blood urea nitrogen 10.46 ± 3.85 mg/dl, alkaline phosphatase 127.01 ± 1.46 IU/L, aspartate aminotransferase 262.22 ± 116.30 IU/L, and alanine aminotransferase 56.63 ± 27.85 IU/L. Mean values for serum protein fractions included pre-albumin, albumin, α-1 globulin, α-2 globulin, ß- globulin, and ϒ-globulin was 0.20 ± 0.09, 2.35 ± 0.67, 0.28 ± 0.13, 0.32 ± 0.07, 0.62 ± 0.24, and 0.68 ± 0.53 g/dl, respectively. CONCLUSION: The reference data presented in this study can be used as health assessment values for veterinary laboratories and clinicians when developing release criteria for rehabilitated long-legged buzzards.

A study on the oral and cloacal bacterial flora of Mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) in the Negour protected area, Iran.

Mugger crocodile is the only crocodile existing in Iran. The present study was aimed to investigate the bacterial flora in oral and cloacal cavities of wild Mugger crocodiles in Negour protected area, Iran. The isolation and molecular characterization of oral and cloacal bacterial flora were performed in 22 Mugger crocodiles captured in Negour protected area, Iran. Ten bacterial species from all oral samples and six bacterial species from all cloacal samples were recovered. The most commonly isolated bacteria in oral samples were Burkholderia contaminans and Lactococcus garvieae, respectively; whereas, in cloacal samples, it was Lactococcus lactis. It is likely that the isolated bacteria would pose a threat to both crocodiles and humans health. It can threaten crocodiles during stressful conditions; while, humans would be susceptible if they are bitten by crocodiles, consume their meat or spend time near their natural environment. This study provides useful information about bacterial diversity which could help to select the most appropriate anti-bacterial when dealing with infections caused by crocodiles.