Erosive Enteritis and Intestinal Obstructions Caused by Decomposed Granite in a Flock of Lesser Flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor).

Decomposed granite is a material commonly used in zoos as a base for flamingo exhibits. In 2012, the artificial turf over the decomposed granite in the Fort Worth Zoo flamingo exhibit was removed and pressure washed, the granite was replaced, and the turf was then restretched in place. Approximately 8 months later, 3 lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor) showed signs of lethargy and hematochezia. Results of physical examination revealed poor body condition in all birds, with variable hematologic abnormalities, including anemia, hypoproteinemia, and electrolyte disturbances. Radiographs of birds showed large amounts of radiopaque material in the ventriculus and dilated intestinal loops. Two birds died either during treatment or surgery, and 1 bird was euthanatized. Postmortem examination of all 3 birds revealed large amounts of fine, granite-like material in the ventriculus and intestines, severe congestion of intestinal mucosa, and obstruction of intestinal lumen by caseous plugs surrounded by fecal material. Microscopic evaluation of the material removed from the ventriculus showed birefringent crystals that corresponded to microscopic silica grains, consistent with the decomposed granite from the exhibit. Histologic examination of tissues showed marked chronic erosive colitis, mild erosive proventriculitis, and lesions in the muscular layer of the ventriculus. Subsequently, 82 remaining flamingos in the flock were radiographed. Results showed the same material in the ventriculus of most birds, but no intestinal obstructions were identified. Different treatment techniques were attempted unsuccessfully to remove the material from the flamingos that had the largest amount of decomposed granite in their gastrointestinal tracts. Ultimately, all birds were treated with oral gastrointestinal protectants, adsorbents, laxatives, and lubricants, along with antibiotics administered in drinking water. No further mortalities occurred once medical treatments were implemented.

Multimodal Drug Therapy and Physical Rehabilitation in the Successful Treatment of Capture Myopathy in a Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor).

A wild-caught lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) from the Fort Worth Zoo (Fort Worth, TX, USA) presented with moderate lameness that progressed to the inability to stand 2 days after restraint and handling. Results of blood tests showed severely elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, confirming suspected capture myopathy. Intensive supportive therapy, consisting of intravenous fluids and muscle relaxants, along with physical rehabilitation therapy, nutritional support, and anxiolytics, were instituted to aid in relaxation and muscle regeneration. After 2 weeks of intensive therapy, the bird showed substantial improvement and could remain standing throughout the day after being assisted to a standing position. By day 23, the bird was able to stand independently and walk completely unassisted, with no discernible lameness. The bird has subsequently remained healthy since it was returned to the flock approximately 27 days after it was first presented for treatment. Although anecdotal communications of successful treatment of this condition in flamingos exist, this is the first report, to our knowledge, that describes in detail the successful treatment of capture myopathy in any flamingo species. Success in this case is attributed to the combination of early fluid and drug therapy, intensive physical rehabilitation therapy, and anxiolytics to counteract the hyperexcitable nature of this wild-caught bird.

Laboratory investigations into the origin of Mycoplasma synoviae isolated from a lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor).

BACKGROUND: The role of wild birds in the transmission and spread of mycoplasmas is not clear. Up to now different Mycoplasma species have been isolated from wild birds many of which are not considered pathogens sensu stricto for domestic flocks. This report describes the first isolation of Mycoplasma synoviae in a captive lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) held in a zoo in Italy and the laboratory investigations performed to elucidate its origin. Results showed that the strain was similar to the MS-H vaccine strain using the vlhA methods although no vaccination with this product was used in the zoo. CASE PRESENTATION: This paper describes investigations into a case in which 10 of 12 adult lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor) died after having recently been moved from the Netherlands to a new zoo in Northern Italy. While most of the birds appeared to have died from the stress of movement and poor adaptation to their new environment, Mycoplasma synoviae, an important poultry pathogen in the layer and meat industry, was isolated for the first time from the trachea of one animal presenting catarrhal tracheitis and fibrinous airsacculitis. Genetic analysis of the conserved region of the vlhA was not able to differentiate the flamingo strain from the MS-H vaccine strain. However differences in the sequences of the obg gene of the flamingo and vaccine strain were detected. A test for temperature-sensitivity (ts) gave a ts (-) phenotype for the flamingo strain, in contrast to the ts (+) status of the MS-H strain. Based on this information and knowing that the flamingos were not vaccinated against M. synoviae, it is highly likely that the flamingo was infected with a genetically similar wild strain by contact with infected birds. CONCLUSIONS: This case provides evidence for the potential role of international trade of ornamental birds as a possible route of introduction of new mycoplasma strains between countries, and moreover highlight that vlhA gene sequencing was not sufficient to discriminate the wild strain isolated from the flamingo from the MS-H vaccine strain.

Hand-Rearing of Three Lesser Flamingo Chicks (Phoeniconaias minor).

There are few published studies regarding lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) reproduction, crop milk composition, and hand-rearing under human care. Between the end of June and the beginning of August of 2017, three eggs were laid in a group of 29 lesser flamingos kept under human care. Two eggs and one chick were abandoned by the parents, and three chicks were hand-reared. This report describes diet composition, dietary intake, feeding protocols, and growth index, from the first day to 60 days after hatching, for three lesser flamingo chicks.