[Beak trimming in turkeys]. / Schnabelkürzen bei Puten.

In Germany, Bio-beaker and infra-red irradiation (PSP) are used for beak trimming in turkey chicks as routine methods to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism. By both procedures the animals suffer from extensive damage and considerable continuous pain. Beak trimming is allowed by animal welfare legislation, but the operation requires an official permission and must be carried out under anesthesia. The official intention, due to animal welfare reasons, to decrease this operation and to question it permanently fails because beak trimming without anesthesia is tolerated. Elaboration of alternative programs has been demanded for a long time. Therefore selection of stocks tending less to cause feather pecking and cannibalism as well as adequate keeping and housing conditions during hatching and rearing are proposed.

[Intensive raising of Muscovy ducks]. / Intensivhaltung von Flugenten.

Concerning the husbandry of Muscovy ducks in intensive systems there is an urgent need to find ways of substituting certain practices that are incompatible with animal welfare. This is a major problem to be solved in cooperation with producers and scientific institutions. The state veterinary officers of the Weser-Ems district consider in this respect the following key principles as essential: 1. Those husbandry systems which are only to be realized by means of the current practice of trimming the bird's beak and toes cannot be tolerated. The trimming of beak and toes must always remain strictly limited to the horny parts. In regard to the trimming of horny parts of the upper beak, techniques are to be examined such as guarantee the intended effect without traumatizing the Stratum germinativum and the dermal tissues (i.e. file or grind). 2. The keeping of ducks on loose were gratings as it is currently being practiced is to be substituted without delay. The alternative use of wooden or plastic gratings is to be made subject to conclusive investigations. Tests of new modern husbandry systems for Muscovies and their evaluation by the state veterinarian should take more consideration not only the latest ethological knowledge about these birds but also take a critical view on the question whether conditions of reduced lighting, high stocking density, forced separation of sexes, feeding of a single high calorie diet and other deficits can after all be regarded as appropriate for the needs of this species in accordance with section 2 Animal Welfare Act (FRG).

[Yew poisoning in Australian emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae, LATHAM)]. / Eibenvergiftung bei australischen Emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae, LATHAM).

Six, four month old, captive bred emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) were found dead in their pen without any previous indications of illness. Postmortem examination revealed the cause of death to be taxine poisoning after ingestion of leaves and green berries from a Yew bush (Taxus baccata) growing outside the perimeter fencing but encroaching through the wire. After longstanding access to the Yew bush, an unidentified stimulus prompted these young birds to sample this toxic plant. Pathological findings included changes in the lungs, heart, liver, spleen and most parts of the digestive system as would be expected from the quoted sources concerning taxine poisoning in other species. Considering the varied artificial environments in which taxa are kept and the relative infrequency of autopsies carried out on birds, the incidence of taxine poisoning in avian species is considered to be probably much higher than that evidenced by reference to the published literature.

[Severe dystocia in cattle caused by peritoneal mesotheliosis of the calf]. / Schwere Geburtsbehinderung beim Rind durch Bauchfell-Mesotheliose des Kalbes.

A case of congenital peritoneal mesotheliosis in a calf which caused hindrance of parturition necessitating partial fetotomy is described; patho-anatomical, -histological and environmental findings are given.