Amazona Aestiva Research Articles

Low-cost environmental enrichment reduces stereotypical behaviors in the blue-fronted parrot Amazona aestiva and the yellow-faced amazon Alipiopsitta xanthops

Low-cost environmental enrichment reduces stereotypical behaviors in the blue-fronted parrot Amazona aestiva and the yellow-faced amazon Alipiopsitta xanthops

Sex determination in blue-fronted parrot (Amazona aestiva) using head and radiographic biometry

Similar to most Psittaciformes, the blue-fronted parrot ( Amazona aestiva) lacks sexual dimorphism. In this way, sexing methods have been investigated to assist in the reproductive management and medical care of these birds. This study aimed to assess head and radiographic biometry for sex identification of blue-fronted parrots. Six head measurements and 23 radiographic measurements of 52 carcasses (24 males and 28 females) were taken. Males exhibited higher mean values than females for most of the measurements. For head biometry, the proposed discriminant equation containing rhinotheca length and head plus rhinotheca length allowed for correct sexing of 60% of males and 88% of females, while for radiographic biometry the discriminant equation containing head heigh and right alula length allowed the discrimination of 84.6% of males and 66.7% of females. This is the first study evaluating the use of radiographic biometry for sexing psittaciforms. Both biometric methods are suitable for sexing blue-fronted parrots when DNA sampling is not possible, since they are low-cost, provide immediate results, and are non-invasive techniques.

Características de dormideros comunales de Loros Habladores (<i>Amazona aestiva</i><i></i><i></i>) en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina: una población fuera de su rango de distribución natural

Psittacines are often illegally captured and sold as pets. The historical capture of specimens and the deforestation of the native forest have had negative consequences on psittacine species at a global level. Locally, individuals retained as pets and subsequently released have been able to establish outside their native range, and may even become invasive. The Turquoise-fronted Parrot (Amazona aestiva) is wanted as a pet for its ability to imitate sounds. Specimens released in the 1980s and 1990s in the City of Buenos Aires, established a population 750 km of the limit of their natural range. In 2015 and 2018, we detected roosts in the neighborhood of Saavedra and Parque Chas-Agronomía respectively. In this work we aimed to gain new knowledge about this population, its feeding sites, roosts and behavior. The two roosts studied were located on urban trees (mainly Platanus acerifolia), and are the only ones recorded so far in Buenos Aires. We recorded an average of 243 individuals in 2021 and 180 in 2022. We recorded 12 sites within a 20 km radius of the active roost where the Turquoise-fronted Parrot was observed. Parrots leave the roost at dawn and return at dusk. They consume fruits of Platanus acerifolia, Melia azedarach, Eriobotrya japonica, Styphnolobium japonicum, among others. These roosts may constitute a new resource for urban ecotourism, giving value to this species that persists outside its natural range where it is threatened.

Pathological aspects of a septicemic salmonellosis outbreak caused by Salmonella serotype Typhimurium in captive blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva)

Pathological aspects of a septicemic salmonellosis outbreak caused by Salmonella serotype Typhimurium in captive blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva)

Hidrocefalia em Amazona aestiva - relato de caso

ABSTRACT Hydrocephalus is an important neurological disorder rarely described in birds. The present report aims to describe a natural case of hydrocephalus in a blue-fronted parrot (Amazona aestiva) from a conservationist breeding (Minas Gerais, Brazil), clinically affected with neurological signs. The post-mortem lesions noted were megalencephaly, distension and thinning of the skullcap, underdeveloped brain, thickening of the meninges and the presence of a large volume of approximately 10mL of clear cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The histopathological evaluations demonstrated discrete multifocal malacia, associated with gliosis and neuronal satellitosis in the central nervous system. The screening for viruses revealed the absence of several common etiologies, including Alphavirus (genus universal primers), avian Bornavirus, Alphaherpesvirinae (subfamily universal primers), Paramyxovirus (family universal primers), Newcastle’s disease virus (avian Orthoavulavirus 1), influenza A virus (Alphainfluenzavirus), Marek's disease virus (Mardivirus, Gallid herpesvirus 2), West Nile virus, Flavivirus (Orthoflavivirus universal primers), Apicomplexa (universal primers) and Toxoplasma gondii, all tested negative by PCR or RT-PCR. The aerobic bacteriology and mycology of the CSF did not reveal growth. The results suggest that the chronic accumulation of CSF with increased cranial pressure resulted in distension of the skull, possibly due to congenital causes of increased production, drainage or circulation.

Molecular detection of bornavirus in parrots imported to China in 2022

BackgroundAvian bornavirus (ABV) is a neurotropic virus, it has been established as the primary causative agent of proventricular dilatation disease (PDD). However, substantial international trade and transnational trafficking of wild birds occur, potentially enabling these birds to harbor and transmit pathogens to domestic poultry, adversely affecting their well-being. Real-time RT-PCR was employed to detect the presence of PaBV-4 in parrots imported to China in 2022.ResultsIn 2022, a total of 47 cloacal swabs from 9 distinct species of parrots were collected at the Wildlife Rescue Monitoring Center in Guangdong, China. The purpose of this collection was to detect the presence of PaBV-4. Using real-time PCR techniques, it was determined that the positive rate of PaBV-4 was 2.12% (1 out of 47) in parrots. The PaBV-4 virus was detected in a Amazona aestiva that had been adopted for one month. Conversely, all other species tested negative for the virus. Subsequently, the whole genome of the PaBV-4 GD2207 strains was sequenced, and the homology and genetic evolution between these strains and previously published PaBV-4 strains on GenBank were analyzed using DNAStar and MEGA7.0 software. The findings revealed that the full-length genome of PaBV-4 consisted of 8915 nucleotides and encoded six proteins. Additionally, it exhibited the highest nucleotide similarity (99.9%) to the GZ2019 strain, which causes death and severe clinical symptoms in Aratinga solstitialis. Furthermore, when compared to other strains of PaBV-4, the GD2207 strain demonstrated the highest amino acid homology with GZ2019. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the GD2207 strain clustered with various strains found in Japanese, American, and German parrots, indicating a close genetic relationship with PaBV-4, but it revealed a distant relationship with PaBV-5 Cockg5 from America. Notably, the GD2207 was closely associated with the GZ2019 strain from Aratinga solstitialis in China.ConclusionThis study presents the preliminary identification of PaBV-4 in Amazona aestiva parrots, emphasizing its importance as the predominant viral genotype linked to parrot infections resulting from trade into China. Through genetic evolution analysis, it was determined that the GD2207 strain of PaBV-4 exhibits the closest genetic relationship with GZ 2019 (Aratinga solstitialis, China), M14 (Ara macao, USA), AG5 (Psittacus erithacus, USA) and 6758 (Ara ararauna, Germany) suggesting a shared ancestry.

Hepatic T‐cell lymphoma in a blue‐fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) and subcutaneous T‐cell lymphoma in a grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus)

AbstractT‐cell lymphoma was diagnosed in a mature blue‐fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) and a mature grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus). The Amazon parrot was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma in the neck and T‐cell hepatic lymphoma. The sarcoma was surgically removed, but chemotherapy for the lymphoma was declined by the owner. This parrot survived 24 months without treatment until it was euthanased for dyspnoea, the cause of which was not investigated. The grey parrot was diagnosed with subcutaneous T‐cell lymphoma on the left side of the neck that likely originated from the thymus. The mass was surgically excised without complications. The bird remained healthy 24 months after diagnosis, at which point follow‐up was lost. This case series documents the clinical presentation and diagnostic workup of T‐cell lymphoma in two Psittacidae patients. In both cases, T‐cell lymphomas were confirmed by histological examination and CD3 immunohistochemistry.

Reintroduction and monitoring of the bird Amazona aestiva (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae) in Brazil

Introduction: Reintroduction is a procedure used to reestablish wild animal populations. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the success of reintroducing Amazona aestiva and investigate whether abiotic factors (temperature, humidily, and luminosity) interfere with the search for food supplementation in feeders installed in the release area. Methods: Pre-release evaluations were initiated with 59 Amazonas spp. Tests were run to stool parasitological tests, leukocytes, flight capacity, and level of animal-human interaction. In all, 33 animals were selected and sent to the release area, which is an ecotone between the Atlantic Forest and the Caatinga biomes. After release, visits to the feeders and survival in the area were monitored for a year. Abiotic factors were also recorded in these periods. Results: The stool parasitological tests revealed the presence of Heterakis spp. and Eimeira spp. The leukocyte parameters were within the reference values for the species. At least 50% of the released animals survived after one year, with recordings of reproductive events. Abiotic factors did not interfere with the animal visits to the feeder. However, the variable humidity best explained visits in the morning, while the variables temperature and luminosity most influenced visits in the afternoon. Conclusion: The reintroduction observed and presented here is on the threshold of the classification as successful. The installed feeders and artificial nests caused the animals to stay in the area for monitoring. Abiotic factors may influence daily behavioral decision-making related to the use of supplementary feeding in reintroduced parrots.

The first genomic insight into Chlamydia psittaci sequence type (ST)24 from a healthy captive psittacine host in Australia demonstrates evolutionary proximity with strains from psittacine, human, and equine hosts

Chlamydia psittaci is a zoonotic pathogen that infects birds, humans, and other mammals. Notably, recent studies suggested the human-to-human transmission of C. psittaci, and this pathogen also causes equine reproductive loss in Australia. Molecular studies in Australia to date have focused on and described clonal sequence type (ST)24 strains infecting horses, wild psittacine, and humans. In contrast, the genetic identity of C. psittaci strains from captive psittacine hosts is scarce. In 2022, C. psittaci was detected in the faeces of a healthy captive blue-fronted parrot (Amazona aestiva). Genomic DNA was extracted and underwent whole-genome sequencing. Here we report the 1,160,701 bp circular chromosome of C. psittaci strain BF_amazon_parrot13 and the 7,553 bp circular plasmid pCpsBF_amazon_parrot13. Initial in silico multi-locus sequence typing and ompA genotyping revealed that BF_amazon_parrot13 belongs to the clonal ST24 lineage and has an ompA genotype A. Further context involved the genomes of 31 published ST24 strains, utilising a single-nucleotide variant (SNV) based clustering approach. Despite temporal, host, and biogeographical separation, a core-genome SNV-based phylogeny revealed that BF_amazon_parrot13 clustered in a distinct subcluster with seven C. psittaci strains from equines in Australia (maximum pairwise distance of 13 SNVs). BF_amazon_parrot13 represents the first complete C. psittaci ST24 genome from a captive psittacine in Australia. Furthermore, by using whole-genome sequencing to coordinate surveillance, we can also learn more about the possible health risks and routes of chlamydia transmission among people, livestock, wild animals, and domesticated animals.

Endogenous lipid pneumonia associated with atherosclerosis in a blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva)

Endogenous lipid pneumonia is a rare inflammatory, non-infectious lung disease characterized by the accumulation of endogenous lipids in alveolar macrophages. It has been associated with bronchial obstruction, chronic lung inflammation, alveolar proteinosis and lipid storage disorders. A 14-year-old female blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) presented with intermittent dyspnoea, neurological signs and persistent lipaemia of unknown aetiology. At necropsy, the most relevant gross findings were increased rigidity of the great vessels, lungs with diffuse grey to whitish discolouration of the parenchyma and multifocal small yellowish nodules. Microscopic examination revealed typical lesions of atherosclerosis and severe multifocal accumulation of foamy macrophages filling the parabronchi, which led to a diagnosis of endogenous lipid pneumonia. Although the relationship between dyslipidaemia, atherosclerosis and endogenous lipid pneumonia in birds is not well established, the chronic dyslipidaemia of unknown origin could be involved in the pathogenesis of both the atherosclerosis and the endogenous lipid pneumonia. The present case highlights the need to better understand the relationships between various disorders of lipid metabolism in psittacine birds.

Comparison between a Handheld Blood Glucometer and a Laboratory Analyzer for Measurement of Blood Glucose in BlueFronted-Amazons (Amazona aestiva) kept in a Zoo

Measuring blood glucose is a very important parameter to observe, as it is related to the age of the animals, stress levels, pathological, genetic, nutritional issues and endocrine and liver disorders. The portable glucometer and a laboratory glucose analyzer are the main methods chosen to assess blood glucose quickly and effectively. The main objectives of using a portable glucometer are practicality, precision, reduction of sample size and cost retention, as it is a cheaper method. The laboratory glycemic analyzer requires more blood volume to carry out the test, qualified labor to handle the samples and keep the device in good working order, as it is expensive equipment. However, laboratory analyzers are highly accurate and provide accurate measurements of the patient's blood glucose levels, being considered the gold standard for this type of exam. The study aims to evaluate the accuracy, reliability and practicality of both methods of monitoring animals' blood glucose levels. For this work, 31 blood samples were collected from adult birds of the Amazona aestiva species, weighing between 305 and 505 grams. The birds were subjected to inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane to remove 1 ml of blood, in order to compare the values obtained after measuring blood glucose using a portable glucometer and the laboratory analysis method. The results obtained differ between techniques as 30,15% of blood glucose is underestimated by the portable glucometer. Therefore, we conclude that the use of this portable glucometer is not suitable for measuring blood glucose in blue-fronted parrots (A. aestiva).

Ocorrência de protozoários Apicomplexa em aves silvestres na região Nordeste do Brasil

Protozoa of the Apicomplexa phylum are worldwide distributed with capacity to infect endothermic animals. The study of these protozoa in wild birds in Brazil is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of apicomplexan protozoa in wild birds in the Northeast of Brazil. From October to December 2019, brain tissue samples were collected from 71 captive birds from the Wild Animal Screening Center of the Pernambuco State (CETRAS-Tangara) and 25 free-living birds from the Caatinga biome in Rio Grande do Norte, totaling 96 animals (41 species). Brain fragments were subjected to molecular diagnosis by nested PCR for the 18s rDNA gene of Apicomplexa parasites, followed by DNA sequencing. This gene was detected in 25% (24/96) of the samples, and it was possible to perform DNA sequencing of 14 samples, confirming three genera: Isospora, Sarcocystis and Toxoplasma from eight bird species (Amazona aestiva, Coereba flaveola, Egretta thula, Paroaria dominicana, Sporophila nigricollis, Cariama cristata, Columbina talpacoti, Crypturellus parvirostris). The occurrence these coccidia in wild birds provides important epidemiological information for the adoption of preventive measures for its conservation. Future studies are needed to better understand the consequence of Apicomplexa infection in birds in Caatinga and Atlantic Forest biomes.

Complete blood count and serum biochemistry of captive turquoise-fronted amazons, Amazona aestiva, with pneumonia

Complete blood count and serum biochemistry of captive turquoise-fronted amazons, Amazona aestiva, with pneumonia

First detection of Chlamydia avium in healthy Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) in Argentina.

In recent years, new Chlamydia species, other than Chlamydia psittaci, have been confirmed in birds. One of these new species, Chlamydia avium, was reported mainly in pigeons and parrots in Europe. Analyzing multimucosal swabs obtained from 7 Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) from illegal trade and admitted to the Reserva Experimental Horco Molle (Tucuman, Argentina) for their rehabilitation, we describe the finding of the genetic material of C. avium in 2 of these birds. There were no signs compatible with the chlamydiosis-like disease in the studied birds or in the rehabilitation center staff. The use of sensitive and wide-ranging molecular tools is necessary for the detection of all Chlamydiaceae present in birds and would aid in the selection of control measures in wildlife rehabilitation centers to prevent outbreaks in the facilities and the introduction of pathogens in nature. We provide the first molecular evidence of the presence of C. avium in Argentina and a new species of psittacine host.

Sedative Effect of Ketamin-Midazolam Administered at Acupoint GV20 Compared to Intramuscular Route in Blue-Fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva): a Pilot Study.

The growth of exotic pet medicine is leading to fast developments in clinical investigations on birds. Acupuncture, specifically pharmacopuncture, offers safe chemical restraint options. To investigate pharmacopuncture at acupoint GV20 in blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) using ketamine and midazolam. Sixteen healthy birds were distributed into four groups (C: intramuscular control; 1/2 C: 1/2 dose intramuscular control; 1/2 GV20: 1/2 dose at acupoint GV20; 1/5 GV20: 1/5 dose at acupoint GV20). Degree of sedation, latency, recuperation time, heart and respiratory rate, and body temperature were measured. Quantitative data were analyzed by a Student's t-test. The C, 1/2 C, and 1/2 GV20 groups showed the same degree of sedation. The 1/2 GV20 group showed longer latency times (6 ± 2.1) than the 1/2 C (2.5 ± 0.5) group. Sedation time did not differ between the C (28 ± 9.8), 1/2 C (30.5 ± 8.6), and 1/2 GV20 (41 ± 22.24) groups. The 1/2 GV20 group recuperated faster (13.7 ± 3.7) than the C group (64.2 ± 3.5). The C and 1/2 C groups showed tremors and slow and unstable recovery. Two animals in the C group showed mild hypothermia (38°C). The use of 1/2 GV20 was effective and safe to sedate blue-fronted Amazon parrots without side effects, providing easy, stable, and fast recovery. The use of 1/5 GV20 had a shorter sedation time. These findings show that the combination of acupuncture and drugs provides new possibilities for efficient anesthetic protocols with fewer side effects in birds.

FEEDING ECOLOGY OF A PARROT ASSEMBLAGE IN THE BRAZILIAN CERRADO

In this study, during two years, I documented the feeding habits of a parrot assemblage in response to food resources offer (abundance, nº of food species, and diversity), across a habitat mosaic in the Brazilian Cerrado. In addition, to each parrot species, I compared variations in those parameters across seasons, as well as in the feeding niche breadth. The feeding activity of every parrot species paralleled both food abundance and the number of food species available. In fact, despite fluctuations, food abundance, the number of food species, and diversity exhibited similar values through seasons, suggesting a trend for adequate food supply across the three major habitat types (palm swamp, gallery forest, and the dominant Cerrado vegetation). Excepting Orthopsittaca manilata (foraged only on Mauritia flexuosa fruit pulp), all other five species (Ara ararauna, Amazona aestiva, Alipiopsitta xanthops, Eupsittula aurea, and Diopsittaca nobilis) showed wide feeding niche breadth. Their broad diets resulted from the opportunist use of a rich collection of seasonal food species. Moreover, they presented diet association according to plant part eaten, in which parrot’s diet displayed a gradient that had an increasingly greater dominance of seeds (A. ararauna, A. aestiva, and A. aurea), to a diet composed mainly by fruit pulp and flowers (A. xanthops, and D. nobilis). The accelerated fragmentation process of the Brazilian Cerrado has been suppressing habitat types in which unpredictable and scattered food patches might be available to parrots. Thus, conservation plans should prioritize the inclusion of habitat mosaics, at least, in the form documented here. As a concern, in the smaller Cerrado remnants, food resources available may be scarce, mainly in terms of the variety and abundance year-round required by parrots.

Standardization of molecular analysis techniques for DNA identification of bird species of the Psittacidae family

Birds of the Psittacidae family belong to one of the groups with the most negative impact from wildlife trafficking, which has consequences beyond removing these species from the wild. This work aimed to standardize DNA extraction techniques from blood, feathers, and eggshells of Psittacidae to molecular identification and help track the place of origin of the seized bird. Blood and feather samples from adult of the Turquoise-fronted Parrot, Amazona aestiva, individuals (n = 5) were collected, and additionally, eggshells from nests (n = 3). We tested five nucleic acid extraction techniques.DNA concentrations and purity were evaluated by fluorimetry and spectrophotometry. As a result, the extraction by phenol provided a higher concentration of DNA from blood (20 µg/ml) and feathers (0.4 µg/ml), while for the eggshells, the acetate technique was the most efficient (33 µg/ml). Polymerase chain reaction amplification of mitochondrial cytochrome B (CytB) and 16 S genes were positive for all DNA samples. We obtained favorable conditions for DNA extraction from blood, feathers, and eggshells of the Turquoise-fronted Parrot using the five DNA extraction methods tested. These protocols can be used as a reference for other species of Psittacidae, and can be applied for biodiversity and forensic studies.

USE OF ACRYLIC RESIN PROSTHESES IN THE TREATMENT OF RHINOTHECAL FRACTURES.

This report describes the use of synthetic acrylic resin prostheses in five birds with rhinothecal fracture. Satisfactory biomechanical and clinical results were obtained in all cases, enabling early return to function of the beak. The patients, a roadside hawk (Rupornis magnirostris; case 1), a cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus; case 2), two turquoise-fronted parrots (Amazona aestiva; cases 3 and 4), and a maritaca (Pionus maximiliani; case 5), all suffered rhinothecal fractures with extensive bone loss, resulting in malnutrition, dehydration, and difficulty in handling food. An acrylic prosthesis was chosen in all cases, with the resin mold formed with two 1.0-mm pins in four cases, and cerclage wires in case 2. All birds made an excellent recovery and showed early use of the beak, with no complications for up to 15 mon. After 21 d of observation, the patients were moved to zoo enclosures for rehabilitation. The treatment of rhinothecal fractures is very challenging and requires a combination of orthopedic and dental techniques to provide full recovery of the species' natural functions.

A long-term study indicates that tree clearance negatively affects fledgling recruitment to the Blue-fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva) population.

The Blue-fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva) is a Neotropical parrot with a large distribution in South America, including areas in Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina and Paraguay. A substantial part of the population of this parrot is concentrated in the Pantanal, a large wetland located in the center of South America. There, the clearing of forest and savannas has occurred through the years to accommodate beef-cattle pasture, and crops. Our objective was to understand the direct and indirect effects of time, availability of forest and savannas, and rainfall over the number of nestlings and fledged young of Blue-fronted Amazons inhabiting the southern Pantanal. We surveyed their nests from 1997 to 2018 and counted the number of nestlings produced and the number of fledglings capable to leave the nest in each year. Additionally, we used available data on the area covered by arboreal vegetation, and rainfall data collected at a Meteorological Station located in a central area of the study, as predictors of the numbers of nestlings and fledglings produced every year. Then, we applied structural equation modeling to examine both the direct and indirect effects of time, arboreal habitat availability, and annual cumulative rainfall on the number of nestlings and fledgling per nest. Finally, we estimated the long-term trend of the number of fledglings per nest as a surrogate to the populational trend of Blue-fronted Amazon. We found that none of the variables in our model explained the number of nestlings in nests, but the number of nestlings and the arboreal habitat availability directly and positively affected the number of fledglings. Time indirectly and negatively affected the number of fledglings per nest, whereas rainfall affected it indirectly positively. Additionally, we detected a concerning decrease of about 30% of the fledglings during the 22-years study, which could lead to a change in the species conservational status.

Lipidosis hepática en loros azules adultos (Amazona aestiva): Revisión

The present research brings a literature review of the main aspects of hepatic lipidosis on the Amazona aestiva species, also known as the blue-fronted Amazon parrot, increasing its popularity as an animal companion in recent years. This review addresses the liver physiology, and essential aspects of the parrot’s nutrition. It focuses on the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of fatty liver disease, an extremely common condition in the avian clinic, which still creates doubt for the veterinarian. Although usual in other domestic species, the pathogenesis is still poorly understood. More investigation and studies about fatty liver syndrome are required, which happens a lot in these species. Unfortunately, the literature still lacks precise data, making diagnosis and treatment of affected patients more challenging.