Acanthocephaliasis by Plagiorhynchus sp. (Acanthocephala:Plagiorhynchidae) associated with necrotic enteritis in quetzals (Pharomachrus mocinno) maintained in captivity.

The present report describes a case of acanthocephaliasis associated with necrotic enteritis in quetzals (Pharomachrus mocinno). Three juvenile quetzals exhibited depression, anorexia, ruffled feathers, and sudden death. They were submitted to the laboratory for examination. The birds had hatched and lived in captivity in an aviary in Mexico. Gross lesions observed were hemorrhagic, fibrinoid necrotic enteritis, with acanthocephalans adhered to the intestinal mucosa. The specimens were identified by parasitology, electronic microscopy, and molecular biology as Plagiorhynchus (Prosthorhynchus) sp. Lesions compatible with necrotic enteritis were also confirmed by isolation and genotyping of Clostridium perfringens type E. This is the first report of Plagiorhynchus (Prosthorhynchus) sp. in quetzals in captivity in Mexico. The findings in this manuscript suggest that this parasite could be a predisposing factor for necrotic enteritis as well as a risk component in the breeding programs and survival of this avian species in captivity.

First report of Dermoglyphus passerinus (Analgoidea: Dermoglyphidae) and Strelkoviacarus sp.(Analgidae: Anomalginae) in canaries (Serinus canaria domestica) in Mexico.

Feather mites are the most numerous group of symbionts permanently associated to birds. They are highly specialized to particular microhabitats on their hosts and most of them may be considered as commensals, but several species are parasites. This manuscript documents for the first time a combined infestation by quill mites Dermoglyphus passerinusGaud, 1974 (Analgoidea: Dermoglyphidae) and feather mites Strelkoviacarus sp.(Analgidae: Anomalginae), in domestic canaries (Serinus canaria domestica) (Linnaeus, 1758) (Passeriformes: Fringillidae) in Mexico City, Mexico. Description of the case, the feather and skin lesions, and findings associated with the infection are presented. This manuscript aims to contribute to the knowledge of mite species that can affect the plumage of Serinus canaria domestica; as well as to the diagnosis and control of these infestations.

Characterization of aortic and brachiocephalic filariasis by Filarioidea sp (Nematoda:Spirurida:Filarioidea) in Mexican ramphastids.

The manuscript presented herein documents the findings of filaria nematodes in 5 keel-billed toucans, and one emerald toucanet, originated from 2 private aviaries in Mexico City during two years. The birds displayed ruffled feathers, depression, inability to perch, convulsions, and sudden death. Furthermore, thickened wall of the aortic and brachiocephalic arteries, with connective tissue proliferation and chondroid metaplasia were observed. Molecular characterization matched Filarioidea sp (Nematoda: Spirurida: Filarioidea). To the authors' knowledge, this is the first documented report of filariae Filarioidea sp. causing mortality in ramphastids in Mexico. This manuscript may contribute to expand current knowledge of filariasis and the health risks and livability of wild birds.

Outbreak of Systemic Avian Pox in Canaries (Serinus canaria domestica) Associated with the B1 Subgroup of Avian Pox Viruses.

This study reports an outbreak of avian pox in a quarantine of canaries imported from Europe, with a mortality of 30% and clinical signs of dyspnea and blepharoconjunctivitis. During necropsy, beak cyanosis, serous blepharitis, caseous sinusitis, oropharyngitis, tracheitis, pulmonary edema, pneumonia, fibrinous airsacculitis, and splenomegaly were observed. Microscopically, edema, epithelial hyperplasia, hydropic degeneration, and vacuolated eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies were found; similar lesions were observed in the thymus, spleen, and other organs. The virus was isolated in chicken embryos, and it was identified and characterized using a sequence of 913 nucleotides of the DNA polymerase gene. Pathologic characteristics and molecular biology indicate the systemic presence of avian pox associated with an avipoxvirus of the B1 subgroup. Additionally, other lesions associated with Aspergillus sp., Macrorhabdus ornithogaster, and Isospora sp. were found, which could contribute to the high mortality. Canarypox virus should be considered a differential diagnosis in cases of dyspnea and high mortality in canary flocks.

Reporte de caso- Brote de viruela aviar sistémica en canarios (Serinus canaria domestica) asociado con el virus de la viruela aviar subgrupo B1. En este estudio se reporta un brote de viruela aviar en unos canarios importados de Europa que estaban bajo cuarentena, con una mortalidad del 30% y signos clínicos de disnea y blefaroconjuntivitis. Durante la necropsia, se observó cianosis de pico, blefaritis serosa, sinusitis caseosa, orofaringitis, traqueítis, edema pulmonar, neumonía, fibrinosa respiratoria y esplenomegalia. Microscópicamente, se encontró edema, hiperplasia epitelial, degeneración hidrópica y cuerpos de inclusión intracitoplásmicos eosinófilos vacuolados; Se observaron lesiones similares en el timo, el bazo y otros órganos. El virus se aisló en embriones de pollo, se identificó y caracterizó analizando una secuencia de 913 nucleótidos del gene de la polimerasa de ADN. Las características patológicas y la biología molecular indican la presentación sistémica de la viruela aviar asociada a un avipoxvirus del subgrupo B1. Además, se encontraron otras lesiones asociadas con Aspergillus sp., Macrorhabdus ornithogaster y Isopora sp., lo que pudo contribuir a la alta mortalidad. El virus de la viruela del canario debe considerarse un diagnóstico diferencial en casos de disnea y alta mortalidad en parvadas de canarios.

First Identification of Chlamydia psittaci in the Acute Illness and Death of Endemic and Endangered Psittacine Birds in Mexico.

A mortality episode of endemic and endangered psittacine birds from the genera Ara and Amazona occurred during January 2015. The birds were housed in a management unit for wildlife conservation that receives wild-caught birds from illegal trade. In total, 11 (57%) adult birds of different origins that shared these accommodations died. Only four of them were sent for diagnosis. The main lesions found at necropsy were consistent with those described previously for avian chlamydiosis; the presence of Chlamydiaceae was confirmed through immunofluorescence and amplification with further sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene by using hepatic tissue. Due to the lack of specific diagnostic tools on primary psittacine diseases, the pathogenic effects of systemic, respiratory, or enteric infections with high mortality rates remain unknown in Mexico. In this study, specific molecular identification of avian chlamydiosis was performed using a nested PCR on liver tissues, as well as choanal and cloacal swab samples, confirming the presence of Chlamydia psittaci in all of them. In addition, it was possible to obtain the ompA gene sequence from processed clinical samples, thereby allowing us to determine that the A genotype was affecting these birds. Although this genotype is the most commonly found worldwide in psittacine birds, this case report describes the first avian chlamydiosis outbreak affecting critically endangered and endemic psittacines subjected to reintegration programs in Mexico. Consequently, this study demonstrates the necessity of more exhaustive biosecurity strategies because other pathogens may be present and should be assessed, especially in highly threatened birds, before releasing them into their habitats.