Clinical pathology and parasitologic evaluation of free-living nestlings of the Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus).

This study evaluated the health status and established hematologic and serum biochemistry parameters for free-living nestlings of the Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) from the Brazilian Pantanal (19 degrees 51'-19 degrees 58'S; 56 degrees 17'-56 degrees 24'W), for four consecutive years (from December 2003 through December 2006). Physical examinations indicated that all the birds were in good health. Endoparasites and blood parasites were not detected in any of the nestlings, and ectoparasites seemed to be limited to Philornis sp. (Diptera: Muscidae). Significantly higher levels of total white blood cells and heterophils, glucose, total protein, triglycerides, and phosphorus were observed in females. In females, higher cholesterol levels and packed cell volumes were observed in older birds, and total white blood cell and heterophil counts were higher in young animals. In males, uric acid levels were higher in older individuals. Wild Pantanal Hyacinth Macaws feed on only two species of palm nuts (Acrocomia totai and Scheelea phalerta). This limited food habit has a strong impact on population size and may alter the clinical pathology parameters of these birds. Therefore, knowledge of blood levels in normal individuals is essential to assess the physiologic and pathologic condition of wild macaws, to assess the effects of environmental changes on their health, and to contribute to conservation strategies of this endangered species.

Co-infections with bovine herpesvirus type 5 and bovine viral diarrhoea virus

During a series of experiments attempting to reproduce clinically apparent bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5) infections, a group of calves was inadvertently infected with bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV). Another group of calves was infected with BoHV-5 only. This paper reports the outcome of such infections. Two out of six calves solely infected with BoHV-5 displayed moderate to severe clinical signs. Three out of four calves of the group co-infected with BoHV-5 and BVDV developed severe clinical signs, two of them died. BoHV-5 virus was isolated to higher titres and for a longer period from the group of calves infected with both viruses. These results suggest that BVDV may enhance clinical signs induced by BoHV-5 and may also play a role in extending the period of BoHV-5 shedding.

Durante a realização de experimentos envolvendo inoculações experimentais com herpesvírus bovino tipo 5 (BoHV-5), um grupo de bovinos foi acidentalmente também inoculado com vírus da diarréia viral bovina (BVDV). Os dados obtidos nesta co-infecção foram então comparados a aqueles observados em animais inoculados exclusivamente com BoHV-5. No grupo infectado com BoHV-5 somente, dois dos seis animais inoculados mostraram sinais clínicos de moderados a graves. No grupo co-infectado com BoHV-5 e BVDV, três dos quatro animais desenvolveram doença grave, e dois deles morreram. BoHV-5 foi isolado em títulos maiores e por um período de tempo mais longo no grupo co-infectado. Os resultados sugerem que o BVDV pode exacerbar os sinais clínicos induzidos pelo BoHV-5 e, ainda, aumentou os níveis de excreção deste último.