Captive Avian Species Research Articles

Survey of the Clinical, Cytological, and Histopathological Features Associated with Neoplasms in Captive Avian Species in Melbourne, Australia.

Over a 3.5-year period, tissue samples from 141 companion and aviary birds with clinically suspected, naturally occurring solid neoplasms were collected via surgical biopsy (n = 53) or at necropsy examination (n = 88) from a population of birds presenting to an avian veterinary clinic in Melbourne, Australia. Neoplastic processes were identified in 73.7% (n = 104) of samples, with 83.7% (n = 87) being interpreted as malignant neoplasia and 16.3% (n = 17) being interpreted as benign neoplasia. The overall estimated prevalence of neoplasia in the study population (n = 5125) was 2.45% (95% confidence interval, 2-2.97%). The gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts were the most commonly affected systems. The most common presenting signs were nonspecific and included lethargy, coelomic distension, and inappetence. In 59 cases, fine-needle aspirates (FNAs) and impression smears were also obtained and evaluated cytologically. The accuracy of cytology for detecting neoplasia in birds and for determining whether a neoplastic process was benign or malignant was assessed by using histopathology as the "gold standard." There was complete agreement between the cytological and histopathological diagnoses in 72.8% (43/59) of cases. Cytology correctly identified 87.5% of these cases (35/40) as malignant neoplasms and 55.6% (5/9) as benign processes. There was no significant difference between the use of cytology and histopathology for the detection of malignant neoplasia in birds (P = 0.185). The accuracies of FNAs and impression smears for examining avian tumors were also compared. Overall, the best cell preservation was obtained by performing impression smears from tissues, with 62.2% (n = 28) returning high cellularity for cytological examination, compared to 53.8% (n = 14) when samples were obtained by FNA. This study provides an overview of the types and prevalence of neoplasms in a captive bird population from Australia, correlates physical examination findings with tumor types, and provides evidence that cytology is a reliable preliminary diagnostic tool for detecting neoplasia in birds.

Isolation and characterization of bacteria residing in the oral, gut, and fecal samples of different pheasant species.

There is a paucity of research conducted on microbial prevalence in pheasants. The microbiota of captive birds has zoonotic significance and must be characterize. Present study is therefore planned to assess the microbiota from oral, fecal and gut content of captive avian species. It will be helpful in characterization of harmful microbes. Different samples taken from oral, gut and feces of ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), green pheasants (Phasianus versicolor), golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) and silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera). Samples were collected, diluted, and inoculated onto different agar plates (MacConkey, SS agar, MSA and nutrient agar) for cultivation of bacterial species. Colonies of E.coli, Staphylococcus spp. Brachyspira spp. and Campylobacter spp were observed based on colony morphology. Colony forming unit showed E. coli as frequently found bacteria in fecal, oral and gut contents of all the above pheasants. The overall significance difference was found among bacterial species of golden pheasants, green pheasant, ring-necked pheasant, and silver pheasants. It was concluded that E.coli is predominant isolated from heathy pheasants followed by Campylobacter, Staphylococcus and Brachyspira.

Nucleotide analysis and prevalence of Escherichia coli isolated from feces of some captive avian species

The aim of the study was to check the prevalence of Escherichia coli in some captive avian species, seasonal effect on the E.coli prevalence and analysis of nucleotide sequences of E.coli. A total of 132 samples, 33 from Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), 33 form Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), 33 from Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulates) and 33 from Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) were collected from Conservation and Research Center, UVAS, Ravi Campus, Pattoki. Colony forming units was quantified for each sample. E. coli confirmation was done by biochemical and molecular characterization. 16S rRNA was amplified and sequenced. 16S rRNA sequence was submitted to NCBI under the accession number MN841017, MN841018 and MN841019.Descriptive statistics showed the mean ± SEM value for E. coli CFU/ml of fecal sample from Turkey 1.91 × 108 ± 4.4 × 107, for Pheasants, the mean ± SEM was 1.55 × 108 ± 5.2 × 107 CFU/ml of fecal sample. The mean ± SEM of the fecal sample for Budgerigars and Chukar were 2.12 × 108 ± 3.3 × 107 CFU/ml and 1.6 × 108 ± 4.5 × 107 CFU/ml respectively. Inferential statistics showed that regardless of the bird species, there was almost a similar frequency of E. coli CFU/ml of fecal sample (p = 0.74). However, the incidence of E. coli fluctuates significantly depending on the season in the case of turkey and pheasants, and the impact was statistically significant (p < 0.0005). E.coli was most prevalent in Turkey during rainy summer and in Pheasants during cool dry winter. These findings show that accidental or direct contact with feces of these captive birds have possible risk of gastric illness to humans and animals. Furthermore, understanding the mechanisms driving the seasonality of this important zoonotic pathogen will allow for the execution of effective control strategies when it is most prevalent.

Interspecific variations in external and internal egg quality among various captive avian species from Punjab, Pakistan.

Present study was planned to determine variations in external and internal quality egg parameters of different avian species including ostrich Struthio camelus, ducks Anas platyrhynchos, chicken Gallus gallus, turkeys Meleagris gallopavo and grey francolin Francolinus pondicerinus. All the birds were kept under similar rearing conditions. A total of 150 eggs were collected for each species to record external features of these eggs. Statistically significant (p<0.05) variations were recorded in egg weight, egg length and egg width between ostrich, ducks, chicken, turkey and quail eggs. Significantly (p<0.05) higher egg weight, egg length and egg width was observed for ostrich eggs while the same was lowest for grey francolin eggs. Similarly, significantly (p<0.05) greater shape index and egg volume values were observed for ostrich eggs while lowest shape index values were recorded for turkey eggs and egg volume was lowest for grey francolin. Significantly, higher (p<0.05) values of egg density were noted for eggs of the quail and the same were lowest for ostrich eggs. Non-significant variations in egg density values were observed between eggs of the ducks, chicken, turkey and grey francolin. It has been concluded that the positive correlations between the internal and external egg quality traits indicated that the traits can be improved through selection.

Countermeasures for avian influenza outbreaks among captive avian collections at zoological gardens and aquariums in Japan

Japan is situated along the East Asian Flyway which is an important migratory route Outbreaks of infectious disease could impact bird populations along this route and is expected to have a negative influence on captive bird populations Here we provide a brief overview of the situation regarding avian influenza AI in both free ranging and captive avian species in Japan We also suggest suitable countermeasures for the prevention and management of AI outbreaks in zoological gardens and aquariums with special reference to the control of free ranging duck populations and or individuals and the nationwide surveillance of AI viruses Furthermore we have disclosed the prominence of vaccination program for zoological collections in Japan nbsp

Abnormal repetitive behaviours in captive birds: a Tinbergian review

Abnormal repetitive behaviours (ARBs) are associated with past, or present, welfare problems and are common elements of the behavioural repertoire of some captive animals, including birds. Millions of birds from hundreds of species are held in various captive settings, yet most avian ARB research to-date focuses on just a handful of these. Therefore, our knowledge of ARBs and, by implication, welfare, of a taxonomically diverse range of avian species is poorly understood. The purpose of this review is to begin to address this by providing a useful overview of ARBs across captive avian species. Taking advantage of the research effort on well-studied species, we pool current findings relating to avian ARBs into a coherent framework, highlight gaps in understanding, and use this to give a reference point for future research in both these and other species. We adopt Tinbergen’s ‘Four Questions’ approach to comprehensively consider ARBs from each of his four perspectives. We begin with presenting studies on ARB development, describing how physiological predispositions and early-life housing and experiences impact ARB risk in later life. Next we outline internal causal triggers for ARBs, such as the effects of neurotransmitters, hormones, and dietary deficiencies, and discuss external, environmental triggers for ARBs. In the evolution section, we detail the influence of species’ evolutionary history on ARB, and use findings from early molecular studies on laying hens to discuss heritability and genes associated with ARB. The benefits of using cross-species studies to determine underlying evolutionary drivers of ARBs are also illustrated with an example from Psittaciformes. In discussing ARB ‘function’, we make two tentative suggestions for potential examples of ARB performance allowing a bird to cope, and also consider situations where ARB may be functionless. We then summarise, and discuss, these four interacting perspectives on avian ARBs. To finish, the benefits of Tinbergen’s approach are shown in a worked example of an ARB in one species, demonstrating how this valuable framework leads to the most complete understanding of ARB. Thus, by utilising Tinbergen’s Four Questions, our review provides a platform for future research on avian ARBs, to lead to a better understanding of ARBs in both well- and poorly-studied species, and to solutions/preventive measures to improve avian welfare.

THE PASSAGE AND DURATION OF ANTIBODIES TO WEST NILE VIRUS IN HUMBOLDT PENGUINS (SPHENISCUS HUMBOLDTI).

West Nile virus (genus Flavivirus) outbreaks and mortality events have been documented in both wild and captive avian species, including penguins. Serologic response to vaccination in avian species has varied and appears to be largely species dependent; however, Humboldt penguins ( Spheniscus humboldti ) previously showed excellent rates of seroconversion. The goal of this study was to determine virus neutralization titers of 17 Humboldt penguin hens and their subsequent eggs, chicks, or both following vaccination with a killed West Nile vaccine. Chicks were also vaccinated at 56, 70, and 84 days old. Titers were measured from 10-346 days prior to lay as well as serially in seven chicks. Data collected showed positive rank correlation between maternal titers and yolk titers (ρ = 0.90, P < 0.0001, n = 14) but no association between booster vaccination and yolk titers. All seven chicks had detectable antibody on days 14 and 28, and antibody levels had increased (relative to day 56) in 3 of 6 chicks (50%; 95% confidence interval 14-86%) by day 112. Further information is provided on a suggested vaccination schedule for Humboldt penguin chicks based on a time-dependent decline in maternal antibody titers. Cell-mediated immunity and experimental challenge following vaccination have not yet been investigated in this species.

Vergleichende Bestimmung von Gerinnungsparametern in Blutproben verschiedener Wild- und Ziervogelspezies

Information about the influence of species variety or diseases on coagulation values in avian blood is rare. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of species on measurements of coagulation parameters in avian plasma samples using commercially available reagents and to investigate potential influences of selected diseases on clotting times. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and thrombin time (TT) were measured in citrated plasma of healthy individuals collected from eight different wild and captive avian species applying currently commercially available reagents prepared for use in humans, which were preselected in preliminary studies. The same parameters were tested in plasma samples from birds affected by aspergillosis, atherosclerosis, neoplasia and traumata. PT and aPTT showed a high interspecies variety. Irrespective of species, aPTTs were extremely long and partially exceeded the measurement range limit. Minor variations between species were seen in TT measurements. Clotting times obtained from birds affected by aspergillosis, atherosclerosis and neoplasia were not significantly different when compared to healthy birds. Plasma obtained from traumatised individuals showed significantly shorter PT and aPTT than that in healthy birds. Differences between species must be considered in diagnostic coagulation measurements in avian blood. Regardless of the avian species, aPTT measurements on avian samples appear to be of limited value. Lower PT and aPTT values reflect coagulation activation in traumatised birds.

COMPARISON OF TWO 4.7-MILLIGRAM TO ONE 9.4-MILLIGRAM DESLORELIN ACETATE IMPLANTS ON EGG PRODUCTION AND PLASMA PROGESTERONE CONCENTRATIONS IN JAPANESE QUAIL (COTURNIX COTURNIX JAPONICA)

Reproductive disease in captive avian species is common, and medical management is often chosen over surgical removal of the reproductive tract. In a previous study with Japanese quail, a single 4.7-mg deslorelin acetate implant reversibly decreased egg production in 6 out 10 birds for 70 days. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of two 4.7-mg deslorelin acetate implants versus one 9.4-mg implant on egg production and plasma progesterone concentrations in Japanese quail ( Coturnix coturnix japonica). Following a 10-day period of consistent egg laying, 30 adult female Japanese quail were anesthetized and received two 4.7-mg deslorelin implants (n = 10), one 9.4-mg deslorelin implant (n = 10), or a single, identical placebo implant (n = 10) s.c. between the scapulae. Egg production was monitored daily, and plasma progesterone concentrations were measured on days 0, 14, 29, 120, 148, and 182 via enzyme-linked immunoassay. All birds were weighed periodically and euthanized at day 182, after which their reproductive tracts were evaluated at gross necropsy. Seven out of 10 birds treated with two 4.7-mg implants ceased egg laying 1 wk after implantation and remained nonovulatory for approximately 100 days. Cessation of egg laying for the 9.4-mg treatment group occurred in 7 out of 10 birds; onset was variable (weeks 5-12) and continued for the remainder of the study period. Plasma progesterone concentrations for deslorelin treatment groups were not significantly different compared to the placebo group at any time point. In conclusion, the two 4.7-mg and the one 9.4-mg implant treatments ceased egg laying in a similar number of birds, but the 9.4-mg implant had a slower onset of action and the effects on egg laying were inconsistent throughout the study period. Further studies evaluating use of deslorelin acetate in other avian species are needed.

Emergence and establishment of Usutu virus infection in wild and captive avian species in and around Zurich, Switzerland—Genomic and pathologic comparison to other central European outbreaks

In late summer 2006 considerable mortality in wild and captive Passeriformes and Strigiformes was observed in Zurich, Switzerland. All animals were found in a range of 2 km 2. Observed clinical signs involved depression, ruffled plumage, incoordination, seizures and peracute death. Nutritional status was generally moderate to poor in wild birds, and variable in captive animals. Necropsy showed marked splenomegaly, a mild hepatomegaly, and pulmonary hyperemia in most animals. Histopathologic lesions were very discrete and consisted mainly of neuronal necrosis, leucocytolysis in and around the brain blood vessels, and miliary liver necrosis. The diagnosis Usutu virus (USUV) infection was established by USUV-specific immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Partial nucleotide sequence comparisons revealed > 99% identity between the viruses that emerged in Zurich in 2006, in Vienna in 2001, and in Budapest in 2005. Since 2008 a significantly lower mortality was observed in wild Passeriformes, but USUV infection was confirmed for the first time beyond Zurich city limits. Indoor housing and regular treatment against ectoparasites are likely to have prevented acute USUV disease in captive Strigiformes. USUV is a mosquito-borne flavivirus causing fatalities in various avian species. After the initial European outbreaks in Austria in 2001 it appears that the virus has extended its range in Central Europe and has established a transmission cycle between local bird and mosquito species. Further episodes of increased avian mortality in the forthcoming years, with impact on wild and captive bird populations, predominantly Passeriformes and Strigiformes, can be anticipated. Furthermore, the possibility of broader dispersal of USUV in Europe during the next mosquito seasons must be considered and an increased mortality in Passeriformes and Strigiformes must be expected until protective “flock immunity” is established. Collections of valuable and endangered Passeriformes and Strigiformes, especially young of the year, should therefore be housed indoors or treated against ectoparasites at acceptable intervals between July and September each year.

Lead Toxicosis in Falcons: A Method for Lead Retrieval

Abstract Lead toxicity is the most common heavy metal toxicosis in free-living birds, and one of the most important diseases of toxic origin in captive avian species. Falcons commonly ingest lead pellets or lead fragments concealed in the body of shot prey. Treatment of heavy metal toxicosis is an integral part of avian emergency and critical care practice. The primary treatment for lead toxicosis consists of the retrieval of lead particles from the digestive tract, and the secondary treatment consists of the use of chelating agents and support therapy. Lead retrieval from falcons with lead toxicosis should be undertaken immediately after the metallic radiodense particles have been observed in the gastrointestinal tract on survey radiographs. Lead pellets and lead fragments are retrieved using a combination of stomach lavage, rigid or flexible endoscopy, and long biopsy forceps.

Lead poisoning in six captive avian species.

Red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater), common grackles (Quiscalus quiscula), mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus), and eastern screech-owls (Otus asio) were poisoned with a concentration of lead (Pb) acetate in the diet which was increased by 60% each week until half of the birds in each treatment group died; surviving birds and all control birds except screech-owis were then killed by euthanasia. An additional group of mallards was poisoned with Pb shot. The gizzards of mallards poisoned either way usually were stained with bile; some of these birds also had proventricular impaction. Most poisoned birds of the other species were emaciated but lacked other gross lesions caused by Pb poisoning. In birds other than mallards, Pb poisoning could not be diagnosed without histological or hematological examinations or analysis of tissues. Poisoned birds of all six species could be reliably separated from control birds by an increase in the protoporphyrin concentrations in the blood and by a decrease in the activity of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) in red blood cells. Hepatic iron (Fe) concentrations varied so much among individual birds that even though median hepatic Fe concentrations increased in poisoned birds, hepatic Fe concentrations were not useful in identifying poisoned birds. Renal intranuclear inclusion bodies occurred in 83% of all birds dying from Pb poisoning. Nephrosis, myocardial necrosis, and arterial fibrinoid necrosis were occasionally present. Median hepatic Pb concentrations varied from 20 ppm (wet wt) in male red-winged blackbirds to 111 ppm in female northern bobwhites. Median renal Pb concentrations varied from 22 ppm in redwinged blackbirds to 190 ppm in female northern bobwhites. Hepatic and renal Pb concentrations varied substantially among birds within each species. Median hepatic and renal Pb concentrations of birds that died were not statistically different (p > 0.05) from those of birds that were killed. Lead shot and Pb acetate affected mallards similarly.

Blood Chemistry and Hematocrit of Captive and Wild Canvasbacks

Blood chemistry and packed cell volume (PCV) did not vary among groups of captive canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria) maintained ad libitum on 5 diets varying in metabolizable energy (ME) and protein. Ducks fed low quality diets increased their consumption so that all ducks were obtaining similar amounts of energy and protein. Some variables, including cholesterol, were found to differ between the sexes and ages of captive ducks. Seasonal differences were detected in the blood chemistry of captive canvasbacks. Four of the 5 enzyme values increased from October to January and then declined to April. PCV increased from 45 in October to 51 in April. Overall, blood chemistry values and PCV's were highly variable and did not appear to be good discriminators for age, sex, and diet of captive canvasbacks. Differences detected between captive and wild canvasbacks were attributed to increased stress of wild ducks during handling. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 50(3):435-441 Most studies dealing with avian blood have been conducted with chickens and other domestic birds (Lucas and Jamroz 1961, Sturkie 1976), and their emphasis has been on hematology rather than blood chemistry. Other studies have been conducted on the blood of birds other than Anseriformes (Ronald et al. 1968, Carey and Morton 1976, Rehder et al. 1982, Parrish and Mote 1984). Gee et al. (1981) compared differences in 25 blood chemistry values among 12 captive avian species; 7 of these were endangered species and included quail (Odontophorinae), raptors (Falconiformes), cranes (Gruidae), and geese (Anserini). Several researchers have demonstrated that the physiological condition of birds can influence blood values (Altman and Dittmer 1964, Dolnik 1973, Driver 1981). Gee et al. (1981) showed differences in blood values due to sex; however, Mulley (1979, 1980) was unable to demonstrate differences in blood chemistry and hematology due to sex with 2 duck species in Australia. Other researchers have shown the effect of age (Leonard 1969, Sturkie 1976). Woerpel and Rosskopf (1984) reviewed the use of blood chemistry as an aid in the diagnosis of disease and illness in caged birds. Several research studies have been conducted concerning factors affecting certain blood values of waterfowl. Wood and Hofman (1967) found that blood values of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) could be influenced by artificial stimulation of reproduction, and Wood and Smoes (1968) reported the effects of reproducti e suppression on the blood of mallards. Mori and George (1978) studied seasonal effects on certain blood serum variables of Canada geese (Branta canadensis). Kocan (1972) conducted hematological analyses on 54 canvasbacks from Chesapeake Bay. Although PCV for male and female canvasbacks overlapped, there was a tendency for higher values in females (. = 53) than in males (9 = 51). In another sample of canvasbacks Kocan and Pitts (1976) reported higher PCV values in females than males although ages were not determined. They stated that differences observed among adult ducks probably reflected hormonal and nutritional differences brought about by changing photoperiod and migration. Hemm and Carlton (1967) reported conflicting PCV data in ducks due to age and sampling variability. More recent reports on waterfowl PCV values show little differences between sexes (Williams and Trainer 1971, Shave and Howard 1976, Mulley 1979). There are indications that differences in PCV exist between dabbling and diving ducks (Bond and Gilbert 1958, Shave and Howard 1976). The influence of nutrients on the blood chemistry of waterfowl has not been determined adequately. Newberne (1975) discussed the importance of diet in research experiments with regard to changing physiological processes, but he did not give specific examples of changes that occurred in blood due to diet. Most blood analyses conducted with waterfowl have been done with breeding ducks with emphasis