Safety of an Intravenous Formulation of Voriconazole as an Intramuscular Injection in Pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica).

Aspergillosis is a common disease in birds. Currently, avian aspergillosis is treated with voriconazole administered orally, although intramuscular (IM) administration increases bioavailability and is more effective in treating generalized aspergillosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of the intravenous formulation of voriconazole as an IM injection in the pectoral muscles of pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica) as a model for other avian species. Sixteen healthy pigeons received IM injections of voriconazole (12.5 mg/kg) and sterile saline in the right and left pectoral muscles, respectively, twice a day for 7 days. Additionally, 4 birds acted as controls (no injections). Eight birds in the treatment group and 2 of the control pigeons were humanely euthanized 1 day (group 1) and 14 days (group 2) after the final injection. Hematologic and plasma biochemistry panels were performed prior to the birds being euthanized. Gross and histopathological evaluations of the pectoral muscles were completed postmortem. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in multiple parameters, including aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase, but all biochemical analytes remained within the reference intervals for the species. The group 1 birds had advanced gross and histopathological pectoral muscle lesions associated with the voriconazole injections compared with the contralateral side, the group 2 birds, and the negative controls. After 14 days, the pectoral muscles did not reveal any gross or histopathological changes associated with the voriconazole or sterile saline injections. These results indicate that the intravenous formulation is safe for IM use twice per day for 1 week in pigeons. Further investigation is needed to extrapolate these findings to other avian species and to evaluate the roles of longer treatment periods and higher doses of voriconazole.

Reference intervals for Cu, Mg, and Zn in captive gyrfalcons and other falcon species in the United Arab Emirates.

Falconry is a long-standing tradition in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and in 2016, falconry was included by UNESCO in the list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The health and wellness of falconry raptors is a priority for the local culture; plasma chemistry analysis plays an important role in monitoring, assessing, and managing diseases in avian patients. Imbalances of Cu, Mg, and Zn have been linked to several diseases in avian species; therefore, determining the reference intervals (RIs) of these minerals has important implications in the clinical management of falcons. We determined the RIs in plasma for Cu, Mg, and Zn in captive (falconry-managed) falcons according to the Quality Assurance and Laboratory Standards Committee of the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology, and the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Blood chemistry analyses were carried out on 252 clinically healthy falcons examined at the Dubai Falcon Hospital in the UAE: 124 gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus) and 128 falcons of other species. We observed no significant variation in RIs of Cu (1.5-7.0 µmol/L), Mg (0.49-0.78 mmol/L), or Zn (11.8-34.1 µmol/L) based on different species or sex.

Multicentric Septic Osteomyelitis and Arthritis Caused by Staphylococcus aureus in a Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus).

An adult female gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) was presented with a right-wing droop and weight loss. Radiographic images revealed osteolysis and osseous proliferation of the right shoulder and the mobile vertebra between the notarium and synsacrum. The tentative diagnosis was vertebral osteomyelitis secondary to septic arthritis. The bird did not respond to antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy and represented 10 days later, with feathers soiled with feces, an impacted, dilated cloaca, and an inability to stand due to spastic paralysis of the hind legs. The bird's condition did not improve with 24 hours of supportive care and its quality of life was considered poor; therefore, the patient was euthanatized and submitted for postmortem examination. Multicentric septic osteomyelitis and arthritis were confirmed in the mobile vertebra between the notarium and synsacrum and the right shoulder. Despite 10 days of antibiotic therapy, Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from within the 2 locations in which septic osteomyelitis and arthritis were identified. This report describes the clinical features, diagnosis, and pathologic findings of septic osteomyelitis and arthritis caused by S aureus in a falcon.

First detection of Cryptosporidium parvum in falcons (Falconiformes): Diagnosis, molecular sequencing, therapeutic trial and epidemiological assessment of a possible emerging disease in captive falcons.

Cryptosporidiosis in raptors and falcons is well-known to be caused by Cryptosporidium baileyi and associated mainly with respiratory pathology. This report presents the diagnosis of an atypical cryptosporidiosis event caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, that to the authors' knowledge, is a case observed for the first time in falcons. Two falcons (Gyrfalcon x Peregrine hybrids) were presented for annual check without any clinical signs. Hematology, biochemistry, fecal and crop parasitology, radiographic and endoscopic examinations were performed. Endoscopy revealed microcystic formation of the caudal lung field in the two falcons, adhesions and air sac alterations. Sampling and subsequent cytology revealed fungal spores and acid fast stain organisms (identified as Cryptosporidium spp.). Feces and affected lung tissue was further send for Cryptosporidium spp.-DNA detection. Fecal samples and lung tissue tested positive for Cryptosporidium spp. gp60 gene by PCR. By sequence analysis of the gp60 gene locus, diagnosis of C. parvum was confirmed with 100% homology. Despite the fact that falcons didn't recover after 1 month of therapy, eight months after the initial examination they were clinically healthy and had satisfactory flying performance. No other falcons were observed with C. parvum infections in the facility so far. The possible source, infection route and implications are discussed.

An outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza in a mixed-species aviculture unit in Dubai in 2005.

This case describes an outbreak of low pathogenic hemagglutinin 9 neuraminidase 2 avian influenza virus (AIV) in two white-bellied bustards (Eupodotis senegalensis), one stone curlew (Burhinus oedicnemius), and a blacksmith plover (Antibyx armatus) in a private zoologic collection in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The four birds showed signs of respiratory disease, and all died as a result of disease or euthanasia. Attention has been paid to the diagnostic process and common differential diagnosis for upper respiratory tract disease in bustards, curlews, and plovers. To the knowledge of the authors, AIV has not been previously described in these species.