Incursion of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus, Brazil, 2023.

We report 4 highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4.b viruses in samples collected during June 2023 from Royal terns and Cabot's terns in Brazil. Phylodynamic analysis revealed viral movement from Peru to Brazil, indicating a concerning spread of this clade along the Atlantic Americas migratory bird flyway.

An outbreak of type C botulism in free-ranging Southern lapwing (Vanellus chilensis).

In the fall of 2021, a significant mortality event in free-ranging Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) occurred on a soccer field in southern Brazil. Approximately 130 adult southern lapwings died after showing weakness and flaccid paralysis, characterized by the inability to move or fly and drooped wings. Due to the large number of animals affected, there was concern that they had been criminally poisoned. The affected birds were found to have ingested maggots in fresh poultry litter incorporated into the grass surface. Postmortem examinations of four southern lapwings revealed no significant gross and histological findings. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for influenza A virus, flavivirus, and paramyxovirus was negative. Based on the epidemiological and clinical findings and the negative viral results, a presumptive diagnosis of botulism was made. This diagnosis was confirmed through mouse bioassay and seroneutralization, which detected botulinum toxin type C. Maggots loaded with botulinum neurotoxins were the probable vehicle for intoxication in the outbreak. Considering the impact of avian botulism on wild bird populations, our results may help prevent similar outbreaks in the future.

Monensin poisoning outbreak in free-ranging and captive birds.

Monensin poisoning is uncommon and has been rarely reported in birds. This work aimed to described clinical-pathological aspects of an outbreak of monensin poisoning in captive and free-ranging birds. Thirty-seven of 600 captive birds fed a diet containing 893.19 mg/kg of monensin died within 10 days (mortality 6.17%). There was no ionophore antibiotics on the feed label supplied to captive birds, which established an error in feed production. Necropsies were performed on twelve animals: Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) (2/12), greater rhea (Rhea americana) (2/12), black-necked swan (Cygnus melancoryphus) (2/12), garganey (Anas querquedula) (1/12), ostrich (Struthio camelus) (1/12), and common pigeon (Columbus livia) (4/12). These four common pigeons were free-ranging birds and died after eating the same contaminated feed. Birds were mainly found dead, however in animals which clinical signs were observed (Columba livia, Rhea americana, Cairina moschata, Anas querquedula, and Struthio camelus), they included incoordination, inability to stand, and intense prostration, that ranged from 24 to 72 h until death. Grossly, five birds had focally extensive pale firm areas in the myocardium and two had in the skeletal muscles, one being concomitant lesions. Histologically, muscle necrosis and degeneration were observed in striated musculature (skeletal and/or heart) in all birds analyzed. Monensin poisoning outbreaks can affect free-ranging birds that are fed on external feeders, as well as captive birds, due to an error in the feed formulation.

Helicobacter ibis sp. nov., isolated from faecal droppings of black-faced ibis (Theristicus melanopis).

As part of a larger study on Epsilonproteobacteria carried by wild birds in the city of Valdivia (southern Chile), two curved rod-shaped Gram-stain-negative strains (A82T and WB-40) were recovered from faecal samples and subjected to a taxonomic study. Results of a genus-specific PCR showed that these isolates belonged to the genus Helicobacter. Further identification by 16S rRNA and hsp60 (60 kDa heat-shock protein) gene sequence analysis revealed that they formed a separate phylogenetic clade, different from other known Helicobacter species with 'Helicobacter burdigaliensis' CNRCH 2005/566HT and Helicobacter valdiviensis WBE14T being the most closely related species. This was confirmed by core-genome phylogeny as well as digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity analyses between the genomes of strains A82T and WB-40 and all other Helicobacter species. The draft genome sequences of A82T and WB-40, obtained by Illumina NextSeq 2000 sequencing, consisted of 1.6 Mb with a G+C content of 31.9-32.0 mol%. The results obtained from the phylogenetic and genomic characterization, together with their different morphological and biochemical features, revealed that these two strains represent a novel species, for which we propose the name Helicobacter ibis sp. nov. with A82T (=LMG 32718T=CCCT 22.04T) as the type strain.

Lafora's disease in a free-ranging toco toucan (Ramphastos toco) with neurologic disease

Lafora's disease is a genetic disease associated to mutations in genes that encodes laforin and malin, which results in intracellular polyglucan storage. The present report describes a case of Lafora's disease in a toco toucan with episodes of incoordination and myoclonus that resulted in traumatic lesions and fracture of the left hindlimb. The bird was euthanized and submitted to necropsy. Microscopically there were abundant PAS-positive and diastasis-resistant Lafora's inclusion bodies in neurons in the cerebellum, supporting the diagnosis of Lafora's disease.(AU)

Tradition and trade: culture and exploitation of avian fauna by a rural community surrounding protected areas in the south of Bahia's State, Northeastern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Illegal capture and trade of wild birds are some of the most present types of wildlife trade in Brazil, and are often associated with cultural and socioenvironmental aspects. Those habits are particularly present in rural communities, where bird trade can be a source of income in dire economic situations and bird-keeping is a cultural trait passed down from generations. METHODS: We conducted a series of semi-structured interviews with bird-keepers and traders within the surrounding region of the Parque Nacional de Boa Nova, inquiring about local customs and practices related to bird-keeping, bird trade and bird capture, as well as how these were affected by the establishment of protected areas nearby. We then outlined the main trends and perceptions in a quantitative and a qualitative approach. RESULTS: A total of 21 avian species were mentioned as being used as pets and in commercialization, contests and breeding, most of them occurring naturally in the region. Most respondents were men possessing low levels of education and income. We observed a series of specialized practices regarding bird-keeping, from basic maintenance of captive individuals in order to ensure the animal's health, to interspecies breeding as to produce hybrid individuals. Mentioned methods used to capture wild birds often involved specialized traps and were conducted mainly within the national park's area. Bird trade was said to occur mostly in urban settlements, and the value of captive birds was said to vary, based on species and beforehand training. The official establishment of the protected area impaired all practices related to bird-keeping and trade, mostly as a result of increased surveillance by environmental agencies. CONCLUSION: The collected information presents a series of specialized habits and practices involved in bird-keeping, bird capture and bird trade, many of them being associated with the local avifauna surrounding the region. The establishment of protected areas affected local perceptions regarding bird-keeping and related practices mostly through fear of penalty, although individuals demonstrated some knowledge about how to evade surveillance. We recommend further studies about effective ways to integrate local communities in nearby protected areas' conservation.

A Preliminary Assessment of the Potential Health and Genetic Impacts of Releasing Confiscated Passerines Into the Wild: A Reduced-Risk Approach.

The illegal capture and trade of wild birds have long been threats to biodiversity. The rehabilitation and release of confiscated animals may be a useful conservation tool in species management. However, differences between populations regarding health (e.g., different pathogens) and adaptation (e.g., local adaptation) must be taken into account, since both can negatively impact the recipient population. In this pilot study, we used two of the most illegally trafficked Brazilian wild passerine species, namely the red-crested cardinal (Paroaria coronata) and green-winged saltator (Saltator similis) as case studies and assessed some of the health threats that the release of confiscated passerines may pose to free-living birds. We also investigated the level of difference in mitochondrial genetic structure among populations living in different ecoregions. Blood, feces, and oropharyngeal swabs from confiscated (n = 115) and free-living (n = 120) passerines from the release sites were tested for the Newcastle disease virus, Salmonella spp., and Mycoplasma gallisepticum. These are considered major avian diseases by the Brazilian National Avian Health Program. We analyzed mtDNA to study the difference in genetic structure between populations using samples from 127 free-living passerines. We found no evidence of the Newcastle disease virus or Salmonella spp. in confiscated or free-living passerines from either species. However, the levels of infection with M. galissepticum detected in our study for red-crested cardinals and green-winged saltators calls for a high degree of caution in captive release programs. The difference in genetic structure between populations occurring in different regions was low, and was not significant between those from the Pampa/Subtropical Grasslands region. These results suggest that it may be possible to establish a cost-effective and sensitive protocol for releasing confiscated songbirds, provided that further genome-wide studies indicate that the functional genetic diversity among (at least some of the) populations is also low.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Risk Perception Toward Avian Influenza Virus Exposure Among Cuban Hunters.

A critical step for decreasing zoonotic disease threats is to have a good understanding of the associated risks. Hunters frequently handle potentially infected birds, so they are more at risk of being exposed to zoonotic avian pathogens, including avian influenza viruses (AIVs). The objective of the current study was to gain a better understanding of Cuban hunters' general hunting practices, focusing on their knowledge and risk perception on avian influenza. An anonymous and voluntary semi-structured questionnaire was designed and applied to 398 hunters. Multiple correspondence analyses found relationships with potential exposure of AIVs to people and domestic animals. The main associated risks factors identified were not taking the annual flu vaccine (60.1%) and not cleaning hunting knives (26.3%); Direct contact with water (32.1%), cleaning wild birds at home (33.2%); receiving assistance during bird cleaning (41.9%), keeping poultry at home (56.5%) and feeding domestic animals with wild bird leftovers (30.3%) were also identified as significant risk factors. The lack of use of some protective measures reported by hunters had no relationship with their awareness on avian influenza, which may imply a lack of such knowledge. The results evidenced that more effective risk communication strategies about the consequences of AIVs infecting human or other animals, and the importance of reducing such risks, are urgently needed.

Erratic migration of Ascaridia hermaphrodita (Nematoda: Ascaridida) in a blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) from illegal wildlife trade: case report / [Migração errática de Ascaridia hermaphrodita (Nematoda: Ascaridida) em papagaio-verdadeiro (Amazona aestiva) oriundo do comércio ilegal: relato de caso]

Ascaridiasis by Ascaridia hermaphrodita is a common parasitic disease in blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) and the contamination occurs by ingestion of eggs. Illegal trade of wild birds can increase the frequency of visceral erratic migration by this parasite. Hence, this report describes the erratic migration of A. hermaphrodita and associated lesions in a blue-fronted Amazon parrot. This is a retrospective study, which originated from several apprehension of illegal birds in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Necropsy revealed intense intestinal ascarid infestation. Hepatic lesions were also observed associated with the parasite migration. Stereoscopy allowed the identification of the morphology of the parasites. Summarizing, this condition in wild birds is not fully understood and may be associated with illegal trade.(AU)

Ascaridíase por Ascaridia hermaphrodita é uma doença parasitária comum em papagaios-verdadeiros. Sua contaminação ocorre pela ingestão de ovos. O tráfico de aves silvestres pode facilitar a migração errática visceral desse parasita. Este relato descreve a migração errática de A. hermaphrodita e lesões associadas em papagaio-verdadeiro. Trata-se de um relato retrospectivo, analisado a partir de uma série de apreensões de aves no estado da Paraíba, Brasil. A necropsia revelou intensa infestação ascarídea intestinal. Também foram observadas lesões hepáticas em uma ave, associadas à migração do parasita. A estereoscopia permitiu distinguir a morfologia dos parasitas. Resumidamente, essa condição em aves silvestres é pouco conhecida e pode ser considerada, inclusive, associada à comercialização ilegal.(AU)

FONA-7, a Novel Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamase Variant of the FONA Family Identified in Serratia fonticola.

Serratia fonticola is a human pathogen widely found in the environment, with birds being reported as possible natural hosts. During an epidemiological and genomic surveillance study conducted to monitor the occurrence of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales in South American wild birds, we identified an ESBL-positive S. fonticola in a fecal sample collected from a Hudsonian Whimbrel, during its non-breeding range on the Pacific Coast of Chile. Whole genome sequencing analysis and "in silico" modeling revealed a novel variant of the class A ESBLs FONA family, designated FONA-7, which shows 96.28% amino acid identity with FONA-6; with amino acid substitutions occurring in the signal peptide sequence (Thr22→Ser), and in the mature protein (Ser39→Asn and Thr227→Ile). This finding denotes that migratory birds can be potential vectors for the transboundary spread of ESBL-producing bacteria, creating a further theoretical risk for the origin of novel plasmid-encoded ß-lactamases.

Hematology and Blood Chemistry Reference Values of Captive Adult Black-Faced Ibis (Theristicus melanopis melanopis).

Hematology and blood chemistry reference values in wildlife animals are considered a key element to evaluate their health and welfare status. The incidence of birds rescued is increasing, thus, rehabilitation centers worldwide need valid reference values to improve medical care for wild individuals. The objective of this study was to obtain the reference values of the adult black-faced ibis (Theristicus melanopis). Blood was taken from adult rehabilitated birds and analyzed to obtain red and white line values such as hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), heterophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. Values for blood glucose, proteins, albumin, globulin, calcium, phosphorus, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and albumin:globulin (A/G) ratio were also obtained. The results were similar to others reported for species of the Threskiornithidae family (bald, glossy and Puna ibises), but showed higher values for white blood cells (WBC), heterophils, monocytes and heterophil-lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, but lower values for basophils and eosinophils. Moreover, higher values in albumin, BUN and CPK were observed. This is the first report of the hematology references values for the black-faced ibis showing differences to other closely related species. The results may be of use in rescue and rehabilitation centers for animal welfare and health assessments of the black-faced ibis.

Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (H5N2) Viruses, Dominican Republic.

Low pathogenicity avian influenza (H5N2) virus was detected in poultry in the Dominican Republic in 2007 and re-emerged in 2017. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis show introduction of an H5N2 virus lineage from Mexico into poultry in the Dominican Republic, then divergence into 3 distinct genetic subgroups during 2007-2019.

Virulent Newcastle disease viruses from chicken origin are more pathogenic and transmissible to chickens than viruses normally maintained in wild birds.

Five, class II, virulent Newcastle disease virus (vNDV) isolates of different genotypes from different host species were evaluated for their ability to infect, cause disease, and transmit to naïve chickens. Groups of five birds received a low, medium, or high dose, by the oculonasal route, of one of the following vNDV: three chicken-origin, one cormorant-origin, and one pigeon-origin. Three naïve birds were added to each group at two days post-inoculation (DPI) to evaluate transmission. Virus shedding was quantified from swabs (2/4/7 DPI), and seroconversion was evaluated at 14 DPI. All inoculated and contact birds in the chicken-origin vNDV groups succumbed to infection, displaying clinical signs typical of Newcastle disease and shed virus titers above 6 log10 EID50/ml. Birds receiving a high and medium dose of the cormorant virus showed primarily neurological clinical signs with 80% and 60% mortality, respectively. The chickens showing clinical disease shed virus at titers below 4 log10 EID50/ml, and the remaining bird in the high dose group seroconverted with a high HI titer. For the pigeon-origin virus, no clinical signs were observed in any of the birds, but all 5 chickens in the high challenge dose and one bird in the medium challenge group shed virus at mean titers of 3.1 and 2.2 log10 EID50/ml, respectively. Overall, the chicken-origin viruses infected chickens and efficiently transmitted to naïve birds, while the cormorant- and pigeon-origin viruses infected chickens only at the higher doses and did not transmit to other birds.

Causes of bird losses recorded in a captive-bred wild bird flock between 2011 and 2015 / Perdas registradas em um plantel de aves silvestres criadas em cativeiro, entre 2011 e 2015

This study discusses the causes of bird deaths recorded in a small aviary dedicated to the breeding of a few exotic, wild bird species. Findings from 28 birds were examined over a period of five years. About 40% of the deaths occurred in the first two weeks after hatching in the two most numerous species in the flock and such losses were mainly a result of starvation caused by inadequate nutritional management. Additionally, 28% of the cases affected recently introduced birds. Despite frequent treatment with anthelmintics; a total of 21% of the deaths in the flock could be attributed to parasitic diseases, most of them in recently acquired birds. Only three of the deaths could be associated with advanced age, all of the further cases were also attributable to management fails. Our results indicated that propagation of these and other species requires an improvement of the management of the newly hatched and newcomer birds to considerably enhance the flock’s performance. Such information may be useful in conservation initiatives and may justify, at least in part, captivity of these animals.

Este estudo discute as causas de morte de aves registradas em um pequeno criadouro de umas poucas espécies de aves silvestres exóticas. As mortes de 28 aves foram examinadas em um período de cinco anos. Cerca de 40% dos casos ocorreram na primeira semana de vida de filhotes das duas espécies mais numerosas no plantel e essas perdas foram consequentes à desnutrição por falhas no manejo nutricional. Outros 28% de casos ocorreram em aves, recentemente introduzidas, ou em fase de adaptação, no criadouro. Ainda que as aves do plantel sejam frequentemente dosificadas com anti-helmínticos, 21% das mortes no plantel foram secundárias a doenças parasitárias; a maioria afetou aves recentemente adquiridas. Exceto por três mortes que foram associadas com desordens atribuídas à idade avançada, todas as demais foram associadas com inadequações no manejo das aves. Esses resultados sugerem que, em sistemas dessa natureza, as aves recém-nascidas e as recém-introduzidas são categorias críticas que demandam concentração de esforços para o atendimento sistemático de suas necessidades. Tais dados podem ser aplicáveis em iniciativas de conservação de outras espécies e podem justificar, ainda que parcialmente, a manutenção desses animais, em cativeiro.

Causes of bird losses recorded in a captive-bred wild bird flock between 2011 and 2015 / Perdas registradas em um plantel de aves silvestres criadas em cativeiro, entre 2011 e 2015

This study discusses the causes of bird deaths recorded in a small aviary dedicated to the breeding of a few exotic, wild bird species. Findings from 28 birds were examined over a period of five years. About 40% of the deaths occurred in the first two weeks after hatching in the two most numerous species in the flock and such losses were mainly a result of starvation caused by inadequate nutritional management. Additionally, 28% of the cases affected recently introduced birds. Despite frequent treatment with anthelmintics; a total of 21% of the deaths in the flock could be attributed to parasitic diseases, most of them in recently acquired birds. Only three of the deaths could be associated with advanced age, all of the further cases were also attributable to management fails. Our results indicated that propagation of these and other species requires an improvement of the management of the newly hatched and newcomer birds to considerably enhance the flocks performance. Such information may be useful in conservation initiatives and may justify, at least in part, captivity of these animals.(AU)

Este estudo discute as causas de morte de aves registradas em um pequeno criadouro de umas poucas espécies de aves silvestres exóticas. As mortes de 28 aves foram examinadas em um período de cinco anos. Cerca de 40% dos casos ocorreram na primeira semana de vida de filhotes das duas espécies mais numerosas no plantel e essas perdas foram consequentes à desnutrição por falhas no manejo nutricional. Outros 28% de casos ocorreram em aves, recentemente introduzidas, ou em fase de adaptação, no criadouro. Ainda que as aves do plantel sejam frequentemente dosificadas com anti-helmínticos, 21% das mortes no plantel foram secundárias a doenças parasitárias; a maioria afetou aves recentemente adquiridas. Exceto por três mortes que foram associadas com desordens atribuídas à idade avançada, todas as demais foram associadas com inadequações no manejo das aves. Esses resultados sugerem que, em sistemas dessa natureza, as aves recém-nascidas e as recém-introduzidas são categorias críticas que demandam concentração de esforços para o atendimento sistemático de suas necessidades. Tais dados podem ser aplicáveis em iniciativas de conservação de outras espécies e podem justificar, ainda que parcialmente, a manutenção desses animais, em cativeiro.(AU)

Causes of bird losses recorded in a captive-bred wild bird flock between 2011 and 2015

ABSTRACT: This study discusses the causes of bird deaths recorded in a small aviary dedicated to the breeding of a few exotic, wild bird species. Findings from 28 birds were examined over a period of five years. About 40% of the deaths occurred in the first two weeks after hatching in the two most numerous species in the flock and such losses were mainly a result of starvation caused by inadequate nutritional management. Additionally, 28% of the cases affected recently introduced birds. Despite frequent treatment with anthelmintics; a total of 21% of the deaths in the flock could be attributed to parasitic diseases, most of them in recently acquired birds. Only three of the deaths could be associated with advanced age, all of the further cases were also attributable to management fails. Our results indicated that propagation of these and other species requires an improvement of the management of the newly hatched and newcomer birds to considerably enhance the flocks performance. Such information may be useful in conservation initiatives and may justify, at least in part, captivity of these animals.

RESUMO: Este estudo discute as causas de morte de aves registradas em um pequeno criadouro de umas poucas espécies de aves silvestres exóticas. As mortes de 28 aves foram examinadas em um período de cinco anos. Cerca de 40% dos casos ocorreram na primeira semana de vida de filhotes das duas espécies mais numerosas no plantel e essas perdas foram consequentes à desnutrição por falhas no manejo nutricional. Outros 28% de casos ocorreram em aves, recentemente introduzidas, ou em fase de adaptação, no criadouro. Ainda que as aves do plantel sejam frequentemente dosificadas com anti-helmínticos, 21% das mortes no plantel foram secundárias a doenças parasitárias; a maioria afetou aves recentemente adquiridas. Exceto por três mortes que foram associadas com desordens atribuídas à idade avançada, todas as demais foram associadas com inadequações no manejo das aves. Esses resultados sugerem que, em sistemas dessa natureza, as aves recém-nascidas e as recém-introduzidas são categorias críticas que demandam concentração de esforços para o atendimento sistemático de suas necessidades. Tais dados podem ser aplicáveis em iniciativas de conservação de outras espécies e podem justificar, ainda que parcialmente, a manutenção desses animais, em cativeiro.

Causes of bird losses recorded in a captive-bred wild bird flock between 2011 and 2015 / Perdas registradas em um plantel de aves silvestres criadas em cativeiro, entre 2011 e 2015

ABSTRACT: This study discusses the causes of bird deaths recorded in a small aviary dedicated to the breeding of a few exotic, wild bird species. Findings from 28 birds were examined over a period of five years. About 40% of the deaths occurred in the first two weeks after hatching in the two most numerous species in the flock and such losses were mainly a result of starvation caused by inadequate nutritional management. Additionally, 28% of the cases affected recently introduced birds. Despite frequent treatment with anthelmintics; a total of 21% of the deaths in the flock could be attributed to parasitic diseases, most of them in recently acquired birds. Only three of the deaths could be associated with advanced age, all of the further cases were also attributable to management fails. Our results indicated that propagation of these and other species requires an improvement of the management of the newly hatched and newcomer birds to considerably enhance the flock’s performance. Such information may be useful in conservation initiatives and may justify, at least in part, captivity of these animals.

RESUMO: Este estudo discute as causas de morte de aves registradas em um pequeno criadouro de umas poucas espécies de aves silvestres exóticas. As mortes de 28 aves foram examinadas em um período de cinco anos. Cerca de 40% dos casos ocorreram na primeira semana de vida de filhotes das duas espécies mais numerosas no plantel e essas perdas foram consequentes à desnutrição por falhas no manejo nutricional. Outros 28% de casos ocorreram em aves, recentemente introduzidas, ou em fase de adaptação, no criadouro. Ainda que as aves do plantel sejam frequentemente dosificadas com anti-helmínticos, 21% das mortes no plantel foram secundárias a doenças parasitárias; a maioria afetou aves recentemente adquiridas. Exceto por três mortes que foram associadas com desordens atribuídas à idade avançada, todas as demais foram associadas com inadequações no manejo das aves. Esses resultados sugerem que, em sistemas dessa natureza, as aves recém-nascidas e as recém-introduzidas são categorias críticas que demandam concentração de esforços para o atendimento sistemático de suas necessidades. Tais dados podem ser aplicáveis em iniciativas de conservação de outras espécies e podem justificar, ainda que parcialmente, a manutenção desses animais, em cativeiro.

Lesões cutâneas tipo tumorais associadas à infeção por avipoxvirus em uma marreca-cabocla (Dendrocygna autumnalis)

The fowlpox, also known as contagiosum epithelioma, is caused by a poxvirus of the genus Avipoxvirus and affects both domestic and wild birds. The disease has two forms cutaneous and diphtheria. In March 2008 the sector of rehabilitation of wild birds from Mangual das Garças Park, located in Belém, Pará attended a duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) that had nodular lesions in regions of the wing devoid of feathers. The lesions consisted of two large cutaneous tumor-like nodules that measured 4,2 x 3,8 cm and 2,8 x 2,2 cm in length and width, respectively. The nodules were surgically removed, fixed in 10% formalin, processed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Histopathology showed acanthosis and expressive hyperkeratosis, some cells showed spongiosis. The confirmatory diagnosis of fowlpox was established by the pathognomonic sign of the presence of large intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion corpuscles (Bollinger bodies) in epithelial cells. This is the first report of poxvirus infection in a wild bird in the State of Pará, Brazil.

O setor de reabilitação de aves selvagens do Parque Mangual das Garças, localizado em Belém, Pará, recebeu um espécime de Marreca-cabocla (Dendrocygna autumnalis). O animal apresentava lesões nodulares em regiões desprovidas de penas na asa, que consistiam de dois grandes nódulos cutâneos de aspecto tumoral, que mediram 4,2 x 3,8 cm e 2,8 x 2,2 cm de comprimento e largura, respectivamente. Os nódulos foram removidos cirurgicamente, fixados em formol a 10%, e as amostras foram processadas para histopatologia, coradas pela hematoxilina-eosina. Na análise histopatológica, observaram-se acantose e expressiva hiperceratose; várias células mostraram espongiose. O diagnóstico da bouba foi estabelecido pelo sinal patognomônico da presença de grandes corpúsculos de inclusão eosinofílicos intracitoplasmáticos (corpúsculos de Bollinger) nas células epiteliais da lesão tumoral. Este é o primeiro relato de infecção por poxvírus em ave selvagen no Estado do Pará, Brasil.

Lesões cutâneas tipo tumorais associadas à infeção por avipoxvirus em uma marreca-cabocla (Dendrocygna autumnalis) / Cutaneous tumor-like lesions associated with infection by avipoxvirus in a Dendrocygna Autumnalis

The fowlpox, also known as contagiosum epithelioma, is caused by a poxvirus of the genus Avipoxvirus and affects both domestic and wild birds. The disease has two forms cutaneous and diphtheria. In March 2008 the sector of rehabilitation of wild birds from Mangual das Garças Park, located in Belém, Pará attended a duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) that had nodular lesions in regions of the wing devoid of feathers. The lesions consisted of two large cutaneous tumor-like nodules that measured 4,2 x 3,8 cm and 2,8 x 2,2 cm in length and width, respectively. The nodules were surgically removed, fixed in 10% formalin, processed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Histopathology showed acanthosis and expressive hyperkeratosis, some cells showed spongiosis. The confirmatory diagnosis of fowlpox was established by the pathognomonic sign of the presence of large intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion corpuscles (Bollinger bodies) in epithelial cells. This is the first report of poxvirus infection in a wild bird in the State of Pará, Brazil.

O setor de reabilitação de aves selvagens do Parque Mangual das Garças, localizado em Belém, Pará, recebeu um espécime de Marreca-cabocla (Dendrocygna autumnalis). O animal apresentava lesões nodulares em regiões desprovidas de penas na asa, que consistiam de dois grandes nódulos cutâneos de aspecto tumoral, que mediram 4,2 x 3,8 cm e 2,8 x 2,2 cm de comprimento e largura, respectivamente. Os nódulos foram removidos cirurgicamente, fixados em formol a 10%, e as amostras foram processadas para histopatologia, coradas pela hematoxilina-eosina. Na análise histopatológica, observaram-se acantose e expressiva hiperceratose; várias células mostraram espongiose. O diagnóstico da bouba foi estabelecido pelo sinal patognomônico da presença de grandes corpúsculos de inclusão eosinofílicos intracitoplasmáticos  (corpúsculos de Bollinger) nas células epiteliais da lesão tumoral. Este é o primeiro relato de infecção por poxvírus em ave selvagen no Estado do Pará, Brasil.

Lesões cutâneas tipo tumorais associadas à infeção por avipoxvirus em uma marreca-cabocla (Dendrocygna autumnalis) / Cutaneous tumor-like lesions associated with infection by avipoxvirus in a Dendrocygna Autumnalis

The fowlpox, also known as contagiosum epithelioma, is caused by a poxvirus of the genus Avipoxvirus and affects both domestic and wild birds. The disease has two forms cutaneous and diphtheria. In March 2008 the sector of rehabilitation of wild birds from Mangual das Garças Park, located in Belém, Pará attended a duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) that had nodular lesions in regions of the wing devoid of feathers. The lesions consisted of two large cutaneous tumor-like nodules that measured 4,2 x 3,8 cm and 2,8 x 2,2 cm in length and width, respectively. The nodules were surgically removed, fixed in 10% formalin, processed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Histopathology showed acanthosis and expressive hyperkeratosis, some cells showed spongiosis. The confirmatory diagnosis of fowlpox was established by the pathognomonic sign of the presence of large intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion corpuscles (Bollinger bodies) in epithelial cells. This is the first report of poxvirus infection in a wild bird in the State of Pará, Brazil.(AU)

O setor de reabilitação de aves selvagens do Parque Mangual das Garças, localizado em Belém, Pará, recebeu um espécime de Marreca-cabocla (Dendrocygna autumnalis). O animal apresentava lesões nodulares em regiões desprovidas de penas na asa, que consistiam de dois grandes nódulos cutâneos de aspecto tumoral, que mediram 4,2 x 3,8 cm e 2,8 x 2,2 cm de comprimento e largura, respectivamente. Os nódulos foram removidos cirurgicamente, fixados em formol a 10%, e as amostras foram processadas para histopatologia, coradas pela hematoxilina-eosina. Na análise histopatológica, observaram-se acantose e expressiva hiperceratose; várias células mostraram espongiose. O diagnóstico da bouba foi estabelecido pelo sinal patognomônico da presença de grandes corpúsculos de inclusão eosinofílicos intracitoplasmáticos  (corpúsculos de Bollinger) nas células epiteliais da lesão tumoral. Este é o primeiro relato de infecção por poxvírus em ave selvagen no Estado do Pará, Brasil.(AU)