Bird Keepers Research Articles

Bird-keeping in the Caatinga, NE Brazil

Brazil has one of the greatest bird diversities in the world, with around 1,800 species. However, many species are now threatened by illegal capture and trade that is largely driven by the culture of keeping wild birds as pets. This study documents the nature and purpose of bird capture and trade in the semi-arid Caatinga biome in northeastern Brazil, which has around 510 bird species and a population of around 25 million people. Data were obtained through observation in the homes of bird keepers and at open air markets, as well as through semi-structured and open-ended interviews and informal conversations with 52 wild bird keepers. We recorded 38 species of birds kept as pets in this study. The family with the largest number of species recorded was the Emberizidae (29%), followed by the Columbidae (16%) and the Psittacidae (16%). The most frequently kept species were: Paroaria dominicana, Aratinga cactorum, Icterus jamacaii, Sporophila albogularis, Turdus rufiventris and Cyanocompsa brissonii, which are all native to this region. Among the recorded species, only Pintassilgo (Carduelis yarrellii) is listed as an endangered species in Brazil. Of the people interviewed, 32% observed a reduction in abundance, or disappearance, of several bird species in the region. The need for measures aimed at the sustainability of wild avifauna use is therefore evident. These include law enforcement, commercial breeding and environmental education, of which the last is considered the most likely to be effective.

Work-related respiratory symptoms in bird zoo keepers — questionnaire data

To investigate the risk factors for the development of airway diseases from occupational exposure to birds' allergens among Polish zoo garden keepers caring for birds. Two hundred workers responded to the questionnaire including the history of work-related symptoms, job characteristics, description of occupational exposure, information on smoking habit, contact with birds and animals at home and family history of allergic diseases. General work-related symptoms were reported by 58 subjects (29%), whereas work-related respiratory symptoms were found in 40 workers (20%). The multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed the significant role of positive family history of atopy and occupational contact with parrots either in the development of work-related symptoms or work-related respiratory allergic symptoms. The findings may confirm that work-related respiratory symptoms are an important health problem among zoo bird keepers in Poland.

Refocusing and Reshaping of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Preventive Strategies in Rural Settings

2 Abstract: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Type A H5N1 subtype is a viral zoonotic disease that has infected and killed birds and humans in SE Asia, Africa and Europe since late 2003. Incendiary media reports, mob hype, dire forecasts and misinformation have unintentionally portrayed this animal and human health issue as an inevitable global disaster. Infected and at-risk countries can implement preventive and corrective disease mitigation measures. This disease can be successfully managed at its source by channelling efforts into two areas: communication and education. If contact conditions between virus and healthy birds can be prevented or minimized; most other emergency corrective measures become provisional. Extensive public awareness about prevention needs to be raised, particularly amongst veterinary services and bird owners, keepers and caregivers.

Allergy to millet: another risk for atopic bird keepers.

Millet has been reported to induce not very frequent but severe anaphylactic reactions following ingestion. Seven individuals who all kept cage birds experienced allergic reactions after ingestion of millet-containing food. We investigated the immunoglobulin E (IgE)-reactivity of these individuals to millet employing immunoblotting, RAST and skin prick tests. As the sensitization possibly occurred via the inhalant route we investigated millet-specific IgE levels of 16 additional sera from bird keepers with proven atopy, in retrospect. All patients who had experienced reactions after ingestion of millet displayed millet-specific IgE. Sixty-three percent of the atopic bird keepers possessed millet-specific IgE. By means of immunoblotting three major allergens in millet extract were detected. Our results indicate that millet plays an important role as inhalant allergen for atopic bird keepers. A sensitization to millet may subsequently also elicit food allergy.