Laryngeal and oropharyngeal adenocarcinoma with pulmonary metastases in a common raven (Corvus corax).

A captive 15-year-old male common raven (Corvus corax) was presented for post-mortem examination. It had been previously presented to a local veterinarian due to a 3-4 weeks long history of abnormal respiratory sounds. Upon admission, the bird demonstrated severe dyspnea and a massive amount of mucous in the oropharynx. After symptomatic treatment, dyspnea deteriorated dramatically, and euthanasia was elicited because of poor prognosis. The necropsy revealed a 2.65 x 2.15 x 2.18 cm expansile and poorly delineated cauliflower-shaped mass around the glottis and extending inside the tracheal lumen. Additionally, a dilated salivary gland in the adjacent tissue and multifocal reddish-fleshy areas in the lung parenchyma were detected. Histopathological examination identified the mass as moderately differentiated, tubular adenocarcinoma with invasive growth and moderate to marked cellular atypia and numerous mitoses. The presumptive origin of the neoplasia was one of the salivary glands. Multiple metastases were identified in the lung both macroscopically and histologically. Bacterial culture and molecular testing for West Nile and Usutu viruses were negative. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of metastatic laryngeal and oropharyngeal adenocarcinoma in a common raven.

First report of Sarcocystis falcatula in naturally infected Razorbill auks (Alca torda) collected in Tunisian Mediterranean Sea shores.

Sarcocystis spp. are apicomplexan cyst-forming parasites that can infect numerous vertebrates, including birds. Sarcosporidiosis infection was investigated in three muscles (breast, right and left thigh muscle) and one organ (heart) of four Razorbill auks (Alca torda) stranded between November and December 2022 on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Nabeul and Bizerte governorates, Northern Tunisia. Two of the four tested A. torda were PCR positive for 18S rRNA Sarcocystis spp. gene. Among the examined 16 muscles/organs, only one breast and one right thigh were Sarcocystis spp. PCR-positive (12.5% ± 8.3, 2/16). Our results showed a relatively high molecular prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in Razorbill auks (A. torda). Sarcocystis spp. sequence described in the present study (GenBank number: OR516818) showed 99.56-100% identity to Sarcocystis falcatula. In conclusion, our results confirmed the infection of Razorbill auks (A. torda) by S. falcatula. Further research is needed on different migratory seabirds' species in order to identify other Sarcocystis species.

Prevalence, genotypes, and infection risk factors of psittacine beak and feather disease virus and budgerigar fledgling disease virus in captive birds in Hong Kong.

Psittacine beak and feather disease virus (PBFDV) and budgerigar fledgling disease virus (BFDV) are significant avian pathogens that threaten both captive and wild birds, particularly parrots, which are common hosts. This study involved sampling and testing of 516 captive birds from households, pet shops, and an animal clinic in Hong Kong for PBFDV and BFDV. The results showed that PBFDV and BFDV were present in 7.17% and 0.58% of the samples, respectively. These rates were lower than those reported in most parts of Asia. Notably, the infection rates of PBFDV in pet shops were significantly higher compared to other sources, while no BFDV-positive samples were found in pet shops. Most of the positive samples came from parrots, but PBFDV was also detected in two non-parrot species, including Swinhoe's white-eyes (Zosterops simplex), which had not been reported previously. The ability of PBFDV to infect both psittacine and passerine birds is concerning, especially in densely populated urban areas such as Hong Kong, where captive flocks come into close contact with wildlife. Phylogenetic analysis of the Cap and Rep genes of PBFDV revealed that the strains found in Hong Kong were closely related to those in Europe and other parts of Asia, including mainland China, Thailand, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia. These findings indicate the presence of both viruses among captive birds in Hong Kong. We recommend implementing regular surveillance for both viruses and adopting measures to prevent contact between captive and wild birds, thereby reducing the transmission of introduced diseases to native species.

Avian Polyomavirus Among Psittacine Birds in Iran: Molecular Detection Rate and Associated Risk Factors.

Avian polyomavirus (APV) infection causes various health problems in psittacine species, including death. The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of APV among psittacine birds in Iran. We also aimed to evaluate the impact of age, sex, species, season, and origin of the birds on the prevalence of APV. This study investigated the presence of APV among 1050 individual birds from 7 psittacine species over a 1-year period in Iran, namely, green-cheeked parakeets (Pyrrhura molinae), rosy-faced lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis), monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus), sun conures (Aratinga solstitialis), Senegal parrots (Poicephalus senegalus), cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus), and grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus). The overall prevalence of APV in all studied species was 25% (263/1050, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.5-27.8). Results of the study showed that age and the season of the year were 2 important determinant factors in the prevalence of APV in psittacine birds. Young psittacine birds <6 months old were 2.94 (95% CI: 1.19-7.27) times more likely to be infected with APV than birds >1 year old, and there was a significant interaction between season and species in the multivariate analysis. In the winter season, rosy-faced lovebirds and green-cheeked parakeets were 15.6 (95% CI: 4.20-57.95) and 4.76 (95% CI: 1.4-16.21) times more likely to be infected with APV than in other seasons, respectively. This is the first report on the detection rate of APV in psittacine birds in Iran.

Antimicrobial Sensitivity Profile in Psittacine Birds at an Avian Teaching Hospital: A Retrospective Study, 2015-2022.

Veterinary hospitals house patient populations with diverse infectious statuses, microbiota, and histories of prior antibiotic therapy. Choanal swabs are commonly used for assessing the upper respiratory tract of birds for bacterial disease, with the samples submitted for cytologic testing and/or culture and antimicrobial sensitivity testing. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify and quantify bacteria isolated from choanal swabs collected from psittacine patients at a veterinary teaching hospital in Mexico City, Mexico. Data regarding bacterial isolates from choanal swabs were obtained from the medical records of companion psittacines suspected of upper respiratory bacterial disease that presented between November 2015 and December 2022. A total of 47.8% (175 of 366) of the bacterial isolates were from specimens obtained from red-lored Amazons (Amazona autumnalis). Gram-negative bacteria predominated, with 27 different genera identified. Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, and Escherichia were the most frequently isolated genera. A total of 90.4% (331 of 366) of the isolates were resistant to at least 1 antibiotic tested in the sensitivity panel, and a single Klebsiella isolate was resistant to 13 different antibiotics. Gentamicin had a high percentage of efficacy (79.5%; 182 of 229) against the bacterial isolates, whereas isolates tested against sulfonamide-trimethoprim (46.7%, 98 of 210), streptomycin (43.8%; 88 of 201), and clindamycin (12.9%; 15 of 116) had susceptibilities <50%. This is the first study to report common bacterial isolates and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns from choanal swab samples collected from companion psittacines suspected of upper respiratory disease in Mexico. Clinicians can use the information presented in this study as a guide for therapeutic decision-making when managing upper respiratory bacterial infections in companion psittacine patients.

Avian Diabetes Mellitus: A Review.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an uncommon, poorly documented metabolic disorder of birds. Extrapolating knowledge from DM in mammals is challenging because of marked differences in avian physiology and metabolism. A literature review from December 1991 to January 2022 identified 14 publications covering 16 diabetic birds, 63% (10/16) of which belonged to the order Psittaciformes with Ara as the predominant genus. No sex predilection was noted, but males generally presented at a younger age. Commonly reported clinical signs included polyuria 94% (15/16), polydipsia 88% (14/16), weight loss 75% (12/16), lethargy 63% (10/16), and polyphagia 38% (6/16). Diagnosis of DM was based on the presence of clinical signs and persistent hyperglycemia 100% (16/16), often with glucosuria 93% (13/14), response to insulin therapy 80% (8/10), and pancreatic pathology 90% (9/10). Specific treatment for DM was initiated in 14 patients, but blood glucose regulation for 6 months or longer was only achieved in 6 birds. Five of the regulated birds were managed with injectable long-acting insulin and 1 with oral glipizide combined with dietary modifications. However, glipizide yielded poor results in other cases, likely attributable to a lack of functional beta cells. Three diabetic birds progressed to remission. Treatment proved unsuccessful for 7 patients with a mean survival time of 36 days from diagnosis. One patient was lost to follow-up, and 2 were euthanized immediately following diagnosis. Histological examination of the pancreas frequently (90%, 9/10) revealed abnormalities including atrophy, fibrosis, and vacuolization of the endocrine islets with or without lymphoplasmacytic pancreatitis. Comorbidities, including hemosiderosis and infection, were common. This review suggests that birds diagnosed with DM are primarily affected by a type I diabetes as observed in dogs and humans. In contrast to mammalian species, avian DM is often associated with underlying disease and a complete clinical workup is essential to diagnose and address secondary disease conditions prior to initiating long-term insulin therapy.

Surgical Repair of Psittacine Femorotibial Luxation: A Case Series.

Luxation of the psittacine femorotibial joint most commonly occurs following trauma or as a development abnormality. Historically, this injury is considered to have a poor prognosis in birds; however, surgical management may result in acceptable and functional outcomes. This case series describes the surgical techniques, complications, and outcomes of 7 cases of femorotibial luxation in psittacine birds. Of the 7 cases, 6 were chronic injuries. Surgical repair methods included conjoined intramedullary pinning, transarticular pinning with an external skeletal fixator (ESF), a combination of extracapsular stabilization and ESF, ESF alone, and a combination of conjoined intramedullary pins with an ESF. An acceptable outcome was achieved in 75% (6/8) of luxated femorotibial joints managed with surgical methods. All cases were female birds of various species, suggesting a possible sex predisposition for stifle luxation.

Development of a Multiplex PCR Assay for Rapid Differentiation of Fowlpox and Pigeonpox Viruses.

The aim of this study was to develop a multiplex PCR assay capable of rapidly differentiating two major Avipoxvirus (APV) species, Fowlpox virus (FWPV) and Pigeonpox virus (PGPV), which cause disease in bird species. Despite the importance of a rapid differentiation assay, no such assay exists that can differentiate the APV species without sequencing. To achieve this, species-specific target DNA fragments were selected from the fpv122 gene of FWPV and the HM89_gp120 gene of PGPV, which are unique to each genome. Nine samples collected from unvaccinated chickens, pigeons, and a turkey with typical pox lesions were genetically identified as FWPV and PGPV. The designed primers and target DNA fragments were validated using in silico analyses with the nucleotide Basic Local Alignment Search Tool. The multiplex PCR assay consisted of species-specific primers and previously described PanAPV primers (genus-specific) and was able to differentiate FWPV and PGPV, consistent with the phylogenetic outputs. This study represents the first successful differentiation of FWPV and PGPV genomes using a conventional multiplex PCR test. This assay has the potential to facilitate the rapid diagnosis and control of APV infections.

Desarrollo de un ensayo de PCR múltiple para la diferenciación rápida de los virus de la viruela aviar y la viruela de paloma. El objetivo de este estudio fue desarrollar un ensayo de PCR múltiple capaz de diferenciar rápidamente dos especies principales de Avipoxvirus (APV) (viruela del pollo), el Fowlpox virus (FWPV) y el Pigeonpox virus (PGPV), (viruela de la gallina), que causan enfermedades en especies de aves. A pesar de la importancia de un ensayo de diferenciación rápida, no existe ningún ensayo que pueda diferenciar las especies de APV sin secuenciación. Para lograr esto, se seleccionaron fragmentos blanco de ADN específicos de especie del gene fpv122 de FWPV y el gene HM89_gp120 de Pigeonpox virus, que son únicos para cada genoma. Nueve muestras recolectadas de pollos, palomas y un pavo que no fueron vacunados con lesiones típicas de la viruela se identificaron genéticamente como FWPV y PGPV. Los iniciadores diseñados y los fragmentos de ADN blanco se validaron mediante análisis in silico mediante la herramienta de búsqueda de alineación local básica de nucleótidos (BLAST). El ensayo de PCR múltiple consistió en iniciadores específicos de especie y cebadores PanAPV previamente descritos (específicos de género) y fue capaz de diferenciar entre Fowlpox virus y Pigeonpox virus, de acuerdo con los resultados filogenéticos. Este estudio representa la primera diferenciación exitosa de los genomas de Fowlpox virus y Pigeonpox virus utilizando una prueba de PCR múltiple convencional. Este ensayo tiene el potencial de facilitar el diagnóstico rápido y el control de las infecciones por Avipoxvirus.

Isolation and Genetic Characterization of a Novel Adenovirus Associated with Mass Mortality in Great Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo).

High mortality in great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) was registered on the Alakol Lake in eastern Kazakhstan in 2021 when about 20% of juveniles died. High-throughput sequencing revealed the presence of a putative novel cormorant adenovirus significantly divergent from known aviadenoviruses. We suggest that this cormorant adenovirus can be considered an emerging threat to the health and conservation of this species.

Aislamiento y caracterización genética de un nuevo adenovirus asociado con la mortalidad masiva en cormoranes grandes (Phalacrocorax carbo). En 2021 se registró una alta mortalidad de cormoranes grandes (Phalacrocorax carbo) en el lago Alakol, en el este de Kazajstán, cuando murieron alrededor del 20% de las aves jóvenes. La secuenciación de alto rendimiento reveló la presencia de un supuesto nuevo adenovirus de cormorán significativamente divergente de los aviadenovirus conocidos. Sugerimos que este adenovirus de cormorán puede considerarse una amenaza emergente para la salud y conservación de esta especie.

Finding a needle in a haystack: DNA Haemoproteus columbae enrichment using percoll density gradient and flow cytometry.

Isolation of genomic DNA of blood parasites in birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes is a challenging task, given that their red blood cells are nucleated; for that reason, parasite genomic DNA is only a fraction of the total extracted DNA, and it is challenging to obtain concentrated high-quality genetic material. Percoll Density Gradient (PDG) and flow cytometry are tools for separating and analyzing cell populations or even a single cell, and both represent potent approaches for isolating avian haemosporidians parasites. Our experimental design included several steps seeking to concentrate the parasite´s DNA. We used blood samples from a Rock pigeon infected with Haemoproteus columbae. After inducing parasite exflagellation and gametogenesis in vitro, we subjected the samples to a Percoll Density Gradient to separate the parasites from the rest of the blood cells. Following centrifugation, the layer containing extracellular parasites underwent a flow cytometry and cell sorting process, during which we selected two different subpopulations of cells for analysis. Based on qPCR analyses, we demonstrate parasite DNA enrichment in Percoll Density Gradient and flow cytometry samples; simultaneously, these samples showed the lowest concentration of Columba livia DNA. However, the concentration of parasite DNA was higher in the PDG than in the cell sorting sample. This study reports the concentration of the Haemoproteus parasite by flow cytometry without DNA-intercalating dyes, and this methodology can serve as a technique for DNA enrichment of blood parasites infecting nucleated red blood cells to improve techniques that allow obtaining complete genomes.

Surveillance for Selected Pathogens and Parasites of Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) from Western Oklahoma, USA, 2018-20.

The Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) has been undergoing a range-wide population decline. Potential causes for declines across its historic range have been investigated for decades and include habitat loss and fragmentation and a variety of parasitic and infectious diseases. Although there have been studies on bobwhite ecology in Oklahoma, USA, relatively little is known about parasites and pathogens in the region. We evaluated the health of free-ranging bobwhites from nine sites in western Oklahoma. From 2018 to 2020, 206 bobwhites were evaluated for gross and microscopic lesions and tested for selected pathogens. In general, bobwhites were in good nutritional condition with ample muscle mass and fat stores. No significant gross lesions were observed in any bobwhite and no significant histologic lesions were detected in a subset. There was no evidence of infection with or exposure to reticuloendotheliosis virus, West Nile virus, respiratory Mycoplasmataceae species, Pasteurella multocida, intestinal Eimeria spp., or oral Trichomonas spp. Several pathogens of potential concern were detected, including avian adenovirus (8.6%), Toxoplasma gondii (2.3%), and haemosporidians (a Haemoproteus sp. (1.5%), Leucocytozoon schoutedeni (1.5%), and Plasmodium homopolare haplotype 2 [lineage LAIRI01; 3.6%]). Physaloptera sp. (12%) and Sarcocystis sp. (1%) were detected in the breast muscle. Low intraspecific genetic diversity was noted for Physaloptera sp., and sequences were most similar to Physaloptera sequences from bobwhites and grasshoppers (Orthoptera) in Texas. Low intensities of chewing lice, chiggers, and ticks were observed. A subset of bobwhites had evidence of exposure to selected toxicants and heavy metals; a small number had low levels of iron, manganese, zinc, molybdenum, and copper, which were not considered diagnostically relevant. In general, bobwhites from western Oklahoma appeared to be in good health with a low diversity of pathogens detected, but future work is needed to understand potentially changing disease risks for this population.

Antemortem Diagnosis and Successful Long-term Management of Disseminated Intracoelomic Xanthogranulomatous Disease in an Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus).

A 12-year-old male eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus) was referred for evaluation of coelomic distention. Computed tomography and blood work revealed coelomic effusion with free coelomic mineral-attenuating material and elevations in the bile acids and aspartate aminotransferase activity, respectively. Coelomic effusion was consistent with macrophagic inflammation with abundant intracellular lipids. Initial treatment with meloxicam resulted in minimal patient improvement. Disseminated xanthogranulomatous inflammation was suspected based on imaging and diagnostic laboratory results, which were consistent with those previously reported. Biopsy samples of liver tissue and intracoelomic masses confirmed this diagnosis. Treatment was initiated with prednisolone 1 mg/kg/d for 6 months, followed by 0.5 mg/kg/d for 3 months. Clinical improvement was assessed based on owner evaluation, plasma bile acid concentrations, and repeated computed tomographic scans. After 2 months of treatment, the owner reported improved behavior and appetite; this persisted throughout treatment and when the bird was reexamined 17 months following the cessation of steroid therapy. Bile acid concentrations were normal 10 months after the prednisolone therapy was discontinued. Diagnostic imaging showed minimal coelomic effusion 10 months after the last prednisolone dose was administered, with improved ventilation of the air sacs and static to improved dystrophic mineral foci. This report describes the antemortem diagnosis and treatment of disseminated coelomic xanthogranulomatous disease in a psittacine species, with an observed measurable therapeutic response.

Pathological findings and their association with diseases of captive psittacine birds native to Mexico.

The captivity and use of native psittacine birds is prohibited in Mexico. However, as these birds are among the groups most affected by illegal trafficking, they are commonly found as companion animals. Nevertheless, it is difficult to obtain information on their health. Therefore, a retrospective study was conducted of the clinical histories and necropsy reports of native psittacines that had been submitted to the Bird Disease Diagnostic and Research Laboratory of the Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, from 2006 to 2017. The lesions were classified according to type and anatomical location and the diseases were classified as infectious or non-infectious. During this period, 252 psittacines were submitted, the most frequent of which were the red-lored parrot (Amazona autumnalis), orange-fronted parakeet (Eupsittula canicularis) and scarlet macaw (Ara macao). The lesions were primarily located in the digestive and respiratory systems. By integrating the clinical histories and post-mortem findings, we concluded that nutritional disorders were the most frequent non-infectious diseases, systemic bacterial infections were the most frequent infectious conditions, the primary parasite was Sarcocystis spp and the most frequent neoplasm was multicentric lymphoma.

Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus and Reticuloendotheliosis Virus Detection and Disease in Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo).

Lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV) and reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) are oncogenic retroviruses that can cause disease in wild and domestic fowl. Lymphoproliferative disease virus infections are common and widespread in Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in the US and east-central Canada, while REV has been detected worldwide in numerous avian host species. We tested tissues (spleen, liver, and/or bone marrow, plus neoplastic tissue, if present) from 172 Wild Turkeys that underwent necropsy from December 2018 through October 2021 for both viruses using PCR. We evaluated demographic, geographic, temporal, and seasonal data by chi-square test of independence and logistic regression for turkeys infected with LPDV and/or REV. At least one of these retroviruses was detected in 80.8% (139/172) of Wild Turkeys from 15 US states, with significantly more turkeys being positive for LPDV (72.1%, 124/172) versus REV (43.6%, 75/172; P<0.001). Both viruses (coinfections) were detected in 34.9% (60/172) of turkeys. Among LPDV-infected turkeys (including coinfections), bone marrow had the highest detection rate (38/58, 65.5%), significantly higher than spleen (30/58, 51.7%) and liver (20/58, 34.5%; P<0.001). In REV-infected turkeys, bone marrow had the highest detection rate (24/58, 41.4%). All three tissues (spleen, liver, bone marrow) concurrently tested positive in most (15/25, 60%) REV-infected turkeys. These results suggest LPDV tissue tropism for bone marrow, whereas REV may have broader tissue tropism. Histopathology consistent with lymphoid proliferation and/or neoplasia characteristic of lymphoproliferative disease was evident in 29/172 (16.9%) turkeys assessed, including two REV-only-infected turkeys. Season was significantly associated with LPDV prevalence (highest in winter); year and season were both significantly associated with REV prevalence (highest in 2020 and winter). These data contribute to optimizing diagnostic strategies that may aid in pathogen monitoring and improve detections to increase our understanding of the potential impacts of these viruses on Wild Turkey populations.

Distribution of phoretic mites and lice in Pseudolynchia canariensis living on pigeons and the relationship with seasonality, carrier sex, plumage coloration and age of definitive hosts.

Among the parasites, some groups that have a limited capacity for locomotion, such as mites and lice, the transmission is challenging to win. These ectoparasites disperse through direct contact between hosts or, in some cases, through phoresy. However, these processes are not well-documented in detail because they are difficult to observe and quantify. In the present study, the patterns of distribution of skin mites and phoretic lice on hippoboscid louse fly Pseudolynchia canariensis sampled from Columba livia were evaluated. The analyzed pigeons were juveniles and adults, with three distinct plumage colors: blue checker, spread, or wild type, and were caught over 24 months. A total of 1,381 hippoboscid flies were collected on 377 hosts. The plumage color did not influence the infestation patterns of louse flies on juvenile and adult pigeons, nor did it influence the infestation patterns of skin mites and phoretic lice on the hippoboscid flies. However, the environmental temperature was directly related to higher prevalence, mean infestation intensity, and phoretic species richness on P. canariensis during the hottest seasons. Furthermore, a higher abundance of phoretic mite eggs, including embryonated eggs, was observed in females of P. canariensis in all seasons.

Prevalence of parasites in selected captive bird species / Prevalência de parasitas em espécies de pássaros em cativeiro selecionados

Abstract Blood and fecal samples of chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar), albino pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera), rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were analyzed to check parasitic prevalence. To record parasites these five avian species were placed kept in separate cages at Avian Conservation and Research Center, Department of Wildlife an Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. 100 fecal and 100 blood samples for each bird species were inspected to analyze internal parasites. During present study, 17 species of endoparasites 14 from fecal samples and three from blood were examined. Two species of ectoparasites i.e. mite Dermanyssus gallinae 42% and fowl ticks Args persicus 41%were studied. Blood parasites included Plasmodium juxtanucleare 50%, Leucoctoyzoon simond having parasitic prevalence 40%, and Aegyptinella pullorum having parasitic prevalence of 40%. Parasitic species recorded from fecal samples included 6 species of nematodes viz. Allodpa suctoria 2%. Syngamus trachea with parasitic prevalence of 60%, Capillaria annulata 37.5%, Ascardia galli 24%, Capillaria anatis 40% and Heterakis gallinarum 28.3%. Similarly, two species of trematodes viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus having parasitic prevalence of 50% and Prosthogonimus macrorchis 21% were also documented from fecal avian samples . Single cestode species Raillietina echinobothrida having parasitic prevalence of 72% and 3 protozoan species i.e. Eimeria maxima having parasitic prevalence of 21%, Giardia lamblia 41% and Histomonas meleagridis 18% were documented during corpological analysis. In our recommendation, proper sanitation, medication and vaccination of bird's enclousres are suggested to avoid parasites.

RESUMO Amostras de sangue e fezes de perdiz chukar (Alectoris chukar), faisão-albino (Phasianus colchicus), faisão-prateado (Lophura nycthemera), periquito-de-rosa (Psittacula krameri) e perus (Meleagris gallopavo) foram analisadas para verificar a prevalência de parasitas. Para registrar os parasitas, essas cinco espécies de aves foram colocadas em gaiolas separadas no Centro de Conservação e Pesquisa de Aves, Departamento de Vida Selvagem e Ecologia, Universidade de Veterinária e Ciências Animais, Lahore, Paquistão. Cem amostras fecais e 100 amostras de sangue para cada espécie de ave foram inspecionadas para analisar os parasitas internos. Durante o presente estudo, foram examinadas 17 espécies de endoparasitas, 14 de amostras fecais e 3 de sangue. Foram estudadas duas espécies de ectoparasitas, ou seja, o ácaro Dermanyssus gallinae 42% e o carrapato aviário Args persicus 41%. Os parasitas sanguíneos incluíram Plasmodium juxtanucleare 50%, Leucoctoyzoon simond com prevalência parasitária de 40% e Aegyptinella pullorum com prevalência parasitária de 40%. As espécies parasitas registradas em amostras fecais incluíram 6 espécies de nematoides viz. Allodpa suctoria 2%, Syngamus traqueia com prevalência parasitária de 60%, Capillaria annulata 37,5%, Ascardia galli 24%, Capillaria anatis 40% e Heterakis gallinarum 28,3%. Da mesma forma, duas espécies de trematódeos viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus com prevalência parasitária de 50% e Prosthogonimus macrorchis 21% também foram documentados em amostras fecais de aves. Espécies de cestoide único Raillietina echinobothrida com prevalência parasitária de 72% e 3 espécies de protozoários, isto é, Eimeria maxima com prevalência parasitária de 21%, Giardia lamblia 41% e Histomonas meleagridis 18% foram documentadas durante a análise corpológica. Em nossa recomendação, o saneamento adequado, medicação e vacinação de invólucros de pássaros são sugeridos para evitar parasitas.

Four Different Surgical Approaches to Vasectomies in Male Texas Bobwhite Quail (Colinus virginianus texanus) and Northern Bobwhite Quail (Colinus virginianus).

Vasectomies render a male sterile and have been used for various management purposes, including conservation efforts. This report evaluated 4 different surgical approaches (external approach, internal approach with dissection, internal approach with cautery, and internal approach caudally) to perform 177 vasectomies in Texas bobwhite (Colinus virginianus texanus; n = 171) and northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus; n = 6) in a field setting. Birds were not randomized into groups for the different approaches. Survival was recorded in 83% (147/177) of the birds. The most common cause of death was hemorrhage from the common iliac vein due to damage during the surgical procedure. Other causes for death included transection of the ureter, parasitism, euthanasia, and undetermined causes. The approach that had the highest survival rate (89.8%, 132/147) was the internal approach with cautery, and based on these results the authors recommend this approach for vasectomies in Texas and northern bobwhite quail.

Detection of a Novel Alphaherpesvirus and Avihepadnavirus in a Plantar Papilloma from a Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglosis moluccanus).

Cutaneous plantar papillomas are a relatively common lesion of wild psittacine birds in Australia. Next-generation sequencing technology was used to investigate the potential aetiologic agent(s) for a plantar cutaneous papilloma in a wild rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglosis moluccanus). In the DNA from this lesion, two novel viral sequences were detected. The first was the partial sequence of a herpesvirus with the proposed name, psittacid alphaherpesvirus 6, from the Mardivirus genus of the family alphaherpesviruses. This represents the first mardivirus to be detected in a psittacine bird, the first mardivirus to be detected in a wild bird in Australia, and the second mardivirus to be found in a biopsy of an avian cutaneous papilloma. The second virus sequence was a complete sequence of a hepadnavirus, proposed as parrot hepatitis B genotype H (PHBV-H). PHBV-H is the first hepadnavirus to be detected in a wild psittacine bird in Australia. Whether other similar viruses are circulating in wild birds in Australia and whether either of these viruses play a role in the development of the plantar papilloma will require testing of biopsies from similar lesions and normal skin from other wild psittacine birds.