Healthy Birds Research Articles

Studies on ascites syndrome in poultry population of Mizoram

The present study was conducted to envisage the epidemiology, clinicopathology and diagnosis of Ascites Syndrome (AS) in the poultry population of Mizoram. Detailed post-mortem examination was carried out in total of 129 dead birds from 17 different broiler farms located in different parts of Mizoram. Ascites syndrome was diagnosed in total 115 dead bids from 15 different broiler farms. The affected birds (3-5 weeks) showed distended abdomen, palpable fluid in the abdomen, redness of abdominal skin and depressed with loss of feathers. Often, apparently healthy birds found suddenly dead in affected farms. Post-mortem examination revealed dark musculature, distended abdomen with presence of clear to yellow colour fluid with or without fibrin clots, atrophied liver with rounding of edges and severe dilatation and hypertrophy of right ventricle of the heart. The other visceral organs like lungs, kidneys, spleen and intestine were found severely oedematous and congested. Microscopic lesions revealed disorganized and degenerated myofibrils with lack of cross striations in myocardium. Inter parabronchiolar septae were thickened with narrowing of parabronchiolar lumen due to severe congestion and oedema of lung parenchyma. Liver, kidneys and spleen showed mild to severe congestion, vacuolar degeneration with necrosis. Ascites syndrome found to cause high mortality in broiler population of Mizoram during the period from November to December of the year.

Exogenous creatinine clearence indexed to body surface area allows estimation of GFR and across species comparison

The assessment of renal function in birds is difficult because sensitive biomarkers are lacking. Previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of measuring the exogenous creatinine clearance in pigeons, indicating the potential use of this technique for the assessment of renal function in birds. The aim of the study was to index the exogenous creatinine elimination rate by body surface area, enabling comparison between different species. Exploratory data on common buzzards (Buteo buteo), Eurasian eagle-owls (Bubo bubo), domestic goose (Anser anser domesticus) and racing pigeons (Columba livia) were collected and indexed by body surface area. A sterile creatinine solution was administered at a dose DM = 50 mg kg−1 i.m. into the deep pectoral muscle of 52 clinically healthy birds of the four species with different body masses. The time course of the plasma creatinine concentration was measured and analyzed by a parametric pharmacokinetic Bateman model, followed by indexing the exogenous creatinine clearance (ECC) by body surface area. The exploratory ECC values for birds with a mean body mass ranging from 0.42 kg (pigeon) to 8.2 kg (goose) were between 0.4261 mL min−1 dm−2 (CI 0.3882–0.4672) and 0.8717 mL min−1 dm−2 (CI 0.8091–0.9362). ECC indexed by body surface area turned out to be independent from body mass. Resulting exploratory data covering species with different body masses are comparable with published data from very complex studies of avian renal function.

The Arterial Vascularization of the Small and Large Intestine in Adult Male Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

The aim of this study was to reveal the blood supply of the intestinal tract in male adult turkey. Five healthy birds were collected from local suppliers at Baaqoba province. All birds were euthanized and their coelomic cavity was dissected. The descending aorta was cannulated and injected with colored latex, and then the course of arteries along the intestinal tract investigated. Small intestine received the blood by celiac artery, cranial and caudal mesenteric artery. Celiac was split into two branches right and left, the right branch of celiac artery supplied the proventriculus, gizzard, duodenum, pancreas, jejunum and distal part of ileum and cecum while left branch supply the stomach. The crania mesenteric artery nourished the terminal parts of duodenum, jejunum ileum and cranial part of the two ceca, on the other hand. Caudal mesenteric artery was the third artery that supplied the intestine which was short branch originated from descending aorta and divided into two groups cranial groups supplied distal part of ileum and base of ceca while the caudal groups supplied the rectum and cloaca and anastomosed with cranial mesenteric artery. Form the above results, it was concluded that the small and large intestine are nourished by the three major arteries namely Celiac, Cranial and Caudal mesenteric arteries and its branches.

Response of broiler chickens to graded levels of locust beans (Parkia biglobosa) pulp meal

Two hundred and twenty five, day-old Arbour Acre broiler birds were use to investigate the effect of graded dietary levels of Parkia biglobosa pulp meal (PBPM) on the performance, haematological and carcass parameters of the birds from 0-8 weeks of age. Five isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were formulated to contain PBPM at 0,10,20, 30 and 40 percent respectively making a total of 5 treatments. Each treatment was replicated three times with 15 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design experiment. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Records taken included weekly weight changes and weekly feed intake. There was no record of mortality throughout the duration of the experiment. Results obtained showed a decrease in the bird’s performance as the dietary levels of the pulp increased. The final weight (g/b) and weight gain (g/b/day) decreased from 2122 and 33.91 for the control to1309 and 20.97 for the 40% inclusion level of PBPM meal respectively However birds placed on 10% dietary level had a performance that were not significantly (P>0.05) different from those placed on the control diet which were on standard broiler starter and finisher rations. Also it was observed that values obtained for the haematological parameters fall within the range often reported for healthy birds indicating that the pulp did not impart any deleterious effect on the health of the birds. It can be concluded that broiler chickens can be fed up to 10% dietary level of PBPM without adverse effect on the performance of the birds.

Newcastle disease virus antibodies in apparently healthy commercial layers in Abeokuta, Ogun state, Nigeria

Several authors have worked on Newcastle Disease (ND) with respect to the incidence, prevalence and epizootiology of the disease and the antibody status in non-vaccinated birds in Nigeria. However, current information on the antibodies of the Newcastle Disease virus in apparently healthy commercial poultry birds with known vaccination records in Abeokuta Metropolis is scanty. This study was conducted, using Heamagglutination Inhibition assay (HI) technique, to detect Newcastle Disease virus (NDV) antibodies in routinely vaccinated commercial poultry birds in the 3 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Abeokuta that form the Abeokuta metropolis. Haemagglutinating NDV antibodies were detected in the apparently healthy layers thus indicating a widely circulating NDV in areas. A potency test of the vaccines used on the farms was determined using Heamagglutination test and their values ranged between 2 and 2 . The sero-prevalence of NDVantibodies in the 3 LGAs showed there was no significant difference (p >0.05). Of the 120 sera tested, 82 (68.33%) had detectable NDV antibodies but only 81.67% had HI protective titre of > 2 and 18.33% had low seroconversionwith titre 2 or less.

Acoustic features of vocalization signal in poultry health monitoring

In precision livestock farming, studies show that bird sound can be employed as a biomarker of health condition. One of the most important steps for this purpose is to study the feasibility of using acoustic features as criteria for disease diagnosis. In this research five acoustic features of bird calls were evaluated for determination of bird health condition. Signals were collected from broilers grown in three groups: control, challenged with Bronchitis, and challenged with Newcastle disease. Results of data analysis showed that, among the 5 acoustic features studied, wavelet entropy (WET) had the best performance and was able to detect Bronchitis on the third day after inoculation with 83% accuracy while the type II error in this test (incorrectly detecting sick bird as healthy) was less than 14% and 6% on the third day and fourth day, respectively. In the case of Newcastle disease, although WET and Mel cepstral coefficients (MFCC) exhibited similar accuracy (80% and 78% respectively on the fourth day), but the difference was that WET was more reliable in detecting healthy birds while MFCC had better performance detecting challenged birds.

Endo-Parasites of Apparently Healthy Wild Birds in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Aims: Wildbirds interaction with poultry increases the likelihood of exchange of parasites between wild birds and poultry highlighting the need to understand wild bird endoparasites to reduce cross-infection at the wild bird-poultry interface. This study investigates the prevalence and diversity of endoparasites among wild birds in Kaduna State to provide baseline data on the wild birds' endoparasites which could be a source of infection to poultry.
 Study Design: Wild birds in live wild bird markets, free-flying wild birds and semi-domesticated birds were the samples for endoparasites.
 Place and Duration of Study: Birds were sampled in Kaduna State, Nigeria and the samples were analyzed at the helminthology laboratory of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria between April 2012 and December 2012. 
 Methodology: Wild birds faecal samples were examined for endoparasites by the simple flotation method. 
 Results: Of the 357 birds sampled, 36.4% were infected with at least one species of endoparasite. Charadriidae (7.1%) and Meleagris gallopavo (23.5%) had the lowest family and species prevalence respectively. Free flying, live poultry markets (LPM) and live wild bird markets (LWBM) birds had a prevalence of 39.1%, 37.2% and 34% respectively. The endoparasites identified were coccidia (30.5%), Ascaridia (5.9%), nematode larvae (0.8%), Capillaria (0.6%); Syngamus, Raillietinia and Trichuris (0.3% for each). There was a significant difference between the prevalence (p = 0.00), mean intensities (p = 0.00) and abundance (p = 0.01) of coccidia and Ascaridia. The prevalence of multiple infections was 2.0% representing 5.4% of infected birds. The study is first to report in Kaduna State, Nigeria of Trichuris in Anas platyrhynchos and Raillietina in Laniarius barbarous.
 Conclusion: Wild birds in Kaduna State, Nigeria harbours endoparasites of economic significance to poultry and there is the need for more study of these wild birds’ endoparasites at the wild bird–poultry interface.

Molecular Typing of Indian Mycoplasma synoviae Isolates

Background: Mycoplasma synoviae is an economically significant pathogen in poultry with reported increased prevalence and virulence in recent years. The pathogen causes subclinical upper respiratory tract infection, air sacculitis and infectious synovitis.Methods: This study aimed to characterize the field isolates of M. synoviae, from healthy and diseased birds of 13 poultry flocks of five states of India by DNA sequence analysis of the conserved 52 region of variable lipoprotein and haemagglutinin (vlhA) gene.Result: Phylogenetic analysis revealed 7 sequence types. Single sequence type was found in three major states for commercial poultry production, which could be due to interstate transport of birds or chicks.Typing based on nucleotide insertion/deletion in the proline-rich repeat (PRR) region and the nucleotide polymorphisms of the RIII region of the 52 region of the vlhA identified field isolates as Type C (n=8), E (n=6) and L (n=5). Subtypes identified were C1 (n=3) and C3 (n=1) and others were novel. Most of the isolates were from birds having respiratory lesions or symptoms. Synovitis cases were very rare and the isolate from synovitis was found to be of subtype C3. Further, the presence of multiple types (C1, E and L) was found in one farm even though most of the farms were affected by only single type. Molecular typing of Indian M. synoviae isolateswas conducted for the first time to map the diversity among different Indian isolates from different regions and from different clinical conditions.

Comparative infectivity and transmissibility studies of wild-bird and chicken-origin highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses H5N8 in chickens

Despite the recent advances in avian influenza viruses surveillance and genomic data, fundamental questions concerning the ecology and evolution of these viruses remain elusive. In Egypt, H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) are co-circulating simultaneously with HPAIVs of subtypes H5N1 and low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) of subtype H9N2 in both commercial and backyard poultry. In order to isolate AIVs from wild birds and to assess their potential in causing infection in commercial poultry, a total of thirty-four cloacal swab samples were collected from apparently healthy migratory wild birds (Anas acuta, Anas crecca, Rallus aquaticus, and Bubulcus ibis) from four Egyptian Governorates (Giza, Menoufia, Gharbia, and Dakahlia). Based on matrix (M) gene-targeting real-time reverse transcriptase PCR and subsequent genetic characterization, our results revealed two positive isolates (2/34) for H5N8 whereas no H5N1 and H9N2 subtypes were detected. Genetic characterization of the full-length haemagglutinin (HA) genes revealed the clustering of two reported isolates within genotype 5 of clade 2.3.4.4b. The potential of a wild bird-origin H5N8 virus isolated from a cattle egret for its transmission capability within and between chickens was investigated in compare to chicken origin H5N8 AIV. Chickens inoculated with cattle egret isolate showed varying clinical signs and detection of virus shedding. In contrast, the contact chickens showed less levels of virus secretion indicating efficient virus inter/intra-species transmission. These results demonstrated the possibility for spreading of wild bird origin H5N8 viruses between chicken. In conclusion, our study highlights the need for continuous and frequent monitoring of the genetic diversity of H5N8 AIVs in wild birds as well as commercial poultry sectors for better understanding and determining the genetic nature of these viruses, which is fundamental to predict any future threat through virus reassortment with the potential to threaten human and animal health. Likewise, an assessment of coverage and efficacy of different vaccines and or vaccination regimes in the field conditions should be reconsidered along with strict biosecurity measures.

Changes in protein and mineral metabolism in broiler chickens with perosis

Perosis is one of the most common leg pathologies in broiler chickens, during the period of intense weight gain – at the age of 14–35 days. Due to manganese deficiency, the number of sick birds can reach up to 5% of the flock. These studies were carried out in order to establish changes in some indicators of protein, macro- and micromineral metabolism in the blood serum of clinically healthy broiler chickens and birds with perosis at 14, 21 and 28 days of age. A batch of 2,000 Cobb-500 crossbred broiler chickens was selected. Two groups of chickens were directly involved in the research, in which blood was taken at the age of 14, 21 and 28 days: healthy birds and those with perosis signs. Clinical studies showed that 8.0% of chickens on 28th day suffered from perosis. Trace mineral biochemical parameters of serum and blood of broiler chickens with perosis on the 28th day of life significantly differed from those of healthy birds (manganese and zinc). It was found that on the 28th day of life the weight of chickens with perosis was reduced by 42.7%, causing a loss of weight 88 kg per batch of 2000 birds, with a consumption of feed 140 kg. The obtained data will allow the development of early perosis prevention schemes in broiler chickens, which will help manage production losses and increase its profitability. On farms, to prevent the occurrence of perosis, it is necessary to take into account the technological factors of the production of compound feed. Also, an increase in the level of total protein and albumin in serum in the blood may indicate inflammatory processes and dehydration of the body. Therefore, it is better to site a sick bird separately for rearing or hand over to a sanitary culling.

Chitosan supplementation reduces oxidative stress in Leiothrix lutea in acute heat stress.

In order to assess the effects of chitosan supplementation on immune function, antioxidant enzyme activities and histological changes in Leiothrix lutea exposed to acute heat stress, 80 healthy adult birds were randomly divided into five experimental groups. The normal‐temperature group (NTG) was maintained at 21°C and fed the basic diet. The treatment groups were fed the basic diet supplemented with 0%, 0.1%, 0.5% and 1.0% chitosan, respectively, in normal‐temperature environment for 30 days and then exposed to heat (35°C and 40% relative humidity) for 3 hr. The results showed that the immune function and anti‐oxidative enzyme activities in L. lutea in heat‐stressed environment were enhanced by chitosan supplementation, whereas oxidative damage of tissues and cells were alleviated. The results revealed that addition of 0.5% chitosan to the diet may be optimal, playing a key role in meeting the demands of captive‐bred L. lutea in high‐temperature environments. This may constitute a useful feeding strategy in accordance with the behavioural selection of wild L. lutea, and could effectively promote ex situ conservation.

Isolation of Arcobacter spp. and identification of isolates by multiplex PCR from various domestic poultry and wild avian species

PurposeThe purpose of the present study was to determine the extent and seasonal prevalence of Arcobacter spp. in domestic poultry and wild birds in the Kars region of Turkey using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (m-PCR).MethodsIn this study, 1570 samples were collected from domestic poultry and wild avian species. The numbers of collected samples were as follows: 182 fecal samples from chickens, geese, and turkeys from family farms in the Kars region in Turkey; 1089 cloacal swab samples from chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, and quails from family farms in this region; and 299 fecal samples from wild pigeons, crows, and owls in the same region.ResultsArcobacter spp. were isolated from 17.43%, 35.77%, 3.63%, 6.87%, and 3.33% of the cloacal swab samples obtained from geese, ducks, chickens, turkeys, and quails, respectively. In the stool samples, Arcobacter spp. were isolated from 9.62%, 13.33%, and 4% of chicken, goose, and turkey samples, respectively. In wild birds, the isolation rates of Arcobacter spp. were 6.6%, 12.15%, and 0% in pigeons, crows, and owls, respectively. Using m-PCR, among 171 Arcobacter spp. isolates obtained from poultry and wild birds, 67, 78, 24, and 2 were identified as Arcobacter cryaerophilus, Arcobacter butzleri, Arcobacter skirrowii, and Arcobacter cibarius, respectively.ConclusionsBoth poultry and wild avian species exhibited variable rates of Arcobacter species positivity. The presence of Arcobacter spp. in the digestive tracts of healthy poultry and wild birds may serve as a potential reservoir for the dissemination of these microbes in the environment and their transmission to other animals and humans.

Radiographic Reference Intervals of the Cardiac Silhouette Width in the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).

Radiograph imaging is an important diagnostic tool for assessing cardiac size in avian patients. The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalis), once on the United States Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, is now a thriving species in the United States. However, there is surprisingly little information regarding bald eagle cardiac reference values obtained through radiographic imaging for use in assessment of cardiac disease in this species. This study was performed to establish reference values of cardiac size in the bald eagle. Ventrodorsal radiographic images were taken from 9 healthy birds obtained from a raptor rehabilitation facility. Cardiac silhouette width to thorax width, cardiac silhouette width to sternum width, cardiac silhouette width to hepatic silhouette width, and cardiac silhouette width to coracoid width were obtained. Ratios were calculated between the respective areas measured. The results showed that the cardiac silhouette averages 44%-52% of the thoracic width, 71%-86% of the sternal width, 94%-117% of the width of the hepatic silhouette, and 500%-920% of the coracoid width. In the individuals studied there was a strong correlation between cardiac silhouette width to thoracic and sternal width whereas cardiac width with hepatic and coracoid widths had a moderate to weak correlation respectively. The values obtained in this study can be used to radiographically assess the cardiac size of bald eagles, thus aiding in the diagnosis of cardiomegaly in this species.

Investigation and Sequence Analysis of Avian Polyomavirus and Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease Virus from Companion Birds in Eastern Turkey.

IntroductionAvian polyomavirus (APV) and psittacine beak and feather disease virus (PBFDV) induce contagious and persistent diseases that affect the beaks, feathers, and immune systems of companion birds. APV causes hepatitis, ascites, hydropericardium, depression, feather disorders, abdominal distension, and potentially death. PBFDV can induce progressive beak deformity, feather dystrophy, and plumage loss. We conducted the first prevalence survey of both APV and PBFDV infections in companion birds in eastern Turkey.Material and MethodsA total of 113 fresh dropping samples from apparently healthy companion birds were collected in a random selection. The dropping samples were analysed for PBFDV and APV by PCR. Positive samples were sequenced with the Sanger method. The sequence was confirmed through alignment and the phylogenetic tree generated through the maximum likelihood method computationally.ResultsPBFDV and APV were detected in a respective 48.7% and 23.0% of samples. Coinfection was found in 12.4% of the samples, these all being from budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). APV and PBFDV were detected in budgerigar and cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) samples.ConclusionThis report provides a foundation for future studies on the influence of these viruses on the health of companion birds. These high positive rates for both pathogens emphasise that healthy M. undulatus and N. hollandicus in eastern Turkey may be prone to the emergence and spread of APV and PBFDV with subclinical potential.

Co-inections of domestic and wild birds with avian influenza and Newcastle disease viruses: implications for control and genetic mutations.

Co-infections of birds' upper respiratory tract by avian pathogens are common and cause increasing economic losses. This study determines co-infection status of avian influenza (AI) and Newcastle disease (ND) in birds in two Nigerian states with different highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) records and where modified stamping out policy contained the virus for seven years after which the virus resurged with higher infectivity in 2015. A cross-sectional study sampling 910 apparently healthy domestic and 90 wild birds from wild habitats, commercial poultry farms, households and live bird markets (LBMs) was conducted. Cloacal and tracheal swabs were tested for AI H5 and ND viruses using conventional reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Overall detection rates of 3% and 18% for AI and ND were obtained. There was an equivalence of 8.5% ND detection rate in poultry and wild birds in the two states. Co-infection (0.2%) of a local chicken from a live bird market (LBM) and crown crane (Balearica regulorum) from a household to AI H5 and ND viruses occurred, respectively. Exposure of birds to AI and ND was significantly detected in apparently healthy domestic and wild birds. The probability of these viruses exchanging genetic materials to resurge with increasing virulence is foreseen. Therefore, routine AI and ND control measures should incorporate virus surveillance and instituting appropriate preventive measures in domestic and wild birds held in households, commercial farms and LBMs.

Avian Viruses that Impact Table Egg Production.

Simple SummaryGlobal table egg production is a multibillion-dollar industry. Poultry eggs provide an important source of protein, and consumers demand high-quality products. The industry relies on efficiency and good management, including vaccinations against the major poultry diseases, in order to ensure that they can match consumer demand. However, although there are a number of effective disease prevention protocols in place on poultry farms, viruses that affect egg production continue to be a major constraint for the sustainability of the table egg industry globally. Various factors related to either the infecting virus, the host, or the management system have been demonstrated to contribute significantly to the challenge for effective egg production. Viral infections in laying flocks have been shown to target various biological mechanisms that are essential for the quantitative and qualitative traits of egg production. This review describes the mechanisms involved in viral diseases of poultry that induce undesirable effects on egg production.Eggs are a common source of protein and other nutrient components for people worldwide. Commercial egg-laying birds encounter several challenges during the long production cycle. An efficient egg production process requires a healthy bird with a competent reproductive system. Several viral pathogens that can impact the bird’s health or induce reversible or irreversible lesions in the female reproductive organs adversely interfere with the egg industry. The negative effects exerted by viral diseases create a temporary or permanent decrease in egg production, in addition to the production of low-quality eggs. Several factors including, but not limited to, the age of the bird, and the infecting viral strain and part of reproductive system involved contribute to the form of reproductive disease encountered. Advanced methodologies have successfully elucidated some of the virus–host interactions relevant to the hen’s reproductive performance, however, this branch needs further research. This review discusses the major avian viral infections that have been reported to adversely affect egg productivity and quality and aims to summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the observed negative effects.

Clostridium perfringens as Foodborne Pathogen in Broiler Production: Pathophysiology and Potential Strategies for Controlling Necrotic Enteritis.

Simple SummaryClostridium perfringens (Cp.) is an important microorganism from a clinical, food and veterinary point of view. In humans, it is the causal agent of foodborne diseases, commonly associated with the consumption of chicken meat, while, in broilers, it causes clinical or subclinical necrotic enteritis. Cp. has the ability to synthesize toxins, bacteriocins, and enzymes of different nature, which modify the anatomical structure of the intestinal mucosa, enterocytes, and the cellular matrix altering the physiological activities of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea, and if it is not attended, death, resulting in significant economic losses for the poultry industry. Food additives such as probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, essential oils, organic acids, and enzymes have been presented as alternatives to mitigate the incidence of necrotic enteritis (NE) in broilers, by improving the overall intestinal health and producing healthy birds for consumption. It is imperative to conduct further research on alternatives and efficient products to modulate the intestinal microbiota, and to know the role they play in the immune system, complementing the current demand, economic gain, and keeping the ecology.Clostridium perfringens (Cp.) is the cause of human foodborne desease. Meat and poultry products are identified as the main source of infection for humans. Cp. can be found in poultry litter, feces, soil, dust, and healthy birds’ intestinal contents. Cp. strains are known to secrete over 20 identified toxins and enzymes that could potentially be the principal virulence factors, capable of degrading mucin, affecting enterocytes, and the small intestine epithelium, involved in necrotic enteritis (NE) pathophysiology, also leading to immunological responses, microbiota modification and anatomical changes. Different environmental and dietary factors can determine the colonization of this microorganism. It has been observed that the incidence of Cp-associated to NE in broilers has increased in countries that have stopped using antibiotic growth promoters. Since the banning of such antibiotic growth promoters, several strategies for Cp. control have been proposed, including dietary modifications, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, phytogenics, organic acids, and vaccines. However, there are aspects of the pathology that still need to be clarified to establish better actions to control and prevention. This paper reviews the current knowledge about Cp. as foodborne pathogen, the pathophysiology of NE, and recent findings on potential strategies for its control.

With An Investigation Of Gastrointestinal Tract Parasites In Some Turkey Farms Treatment Trials

One hundred faecal samples and buccal swabs were collected from 80 diseased and 20 healthy turkey birds in private farms (25 from each, 20 diseased and 5 heathy). Parasitological examination revealed that the infection rate among the diseased birds was 40% (32 out of 80), and 55% (11 out of 20) among the healthy birds. Single and mixed infections were 68.75%, 31.25%, 45.45% and 54.55% in diseased and health birds respectively. Ascaridia galli, Eimeria meleagrimitis and Tritrichomonas eberthi were the internal parasites identified in the study. Infected turkeys showed a significant decrease in RBCs, Hb, serum iron, calcium, sodium and potassium levels coupled with leucocytosis, lymphocytosis, heterophilia, eosinophilia, basophilia, and monocytosis compared with healthy turkeys group. Many pathological lesions in gastro-intestinal tracts were detected as well. Flubendazole, Toltrazuril and Metronidazole were the drugs which have 100% efficiency against the mentioned parasites and consequently lead to the improvement of the hematological and mineral picture as well as the pathological lesions.

Forest birds as diversity indicator in suburban and residential areas

Purpose Birds are biological indicators for environment health in which their sightings and abundance could reflect a certain situation or become evaluation tool for co-existence of another species. Here, the study aims to observe urban settlements with substantial forestation, may it be artificial or natural, and the occurrence of bird assemblage across time. Considering the foraging activity of birds hardcoded with sustainability, their spatial overlap resultant into service provision, which can mean, baseline occurrence or an expected encounter equates to support system for ecological vigour. Design/methodology/approach From this, birds could indicate external environment vulnerability related to climatic fluctuations, whereby documentation of their arrival across spatial-temporal regimes allowed us to understand their distribution between residential and forested areas. Findings Though urban birds are abundant and viewed less important for conservation, the existence of certain species such as long-tailed shrike and little green pigeon disclose the types of food they consume and, the other types of birds attracted to their prey. With regard, the sightings of these birds would mean an encounter with 20 or more other species at a bird watching occasion, though it is limited to the sightings of urban birds. Originality/value Subject to criteria for green space, attaining plenty of bird species provides understanding of food availability, the support services and opportunity for urban birds to thrive in midst the opportunity for resources such as food, perching grounds and sufficient numbers of counterparts to reproduce into healthy urban bird populations.

Iohexol-based measurement of intestinal permeability in birds

Background: Iohexol has been successfully used as a marker to assess intestinal permeability in humans and various other mammals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of oral iohexol as an intestinal permeability marker in four anatomically and nutritionally diverse bird species. Methods: Three dosages (1 ml/kg, 2 ml/kg, 4 ml/kg) of iohexol (755 mg/ml) were administered orally to each six clinically healthy pigeons and chickens at two-week intervals. Iohexol plasma concentration was determined 45, 90 and 180 minutes after administration. A comparative study was performed by administering iohexol twice to each six clinically healthy cockatiels and falcons, and determining iohexol plasma concentration at 45 or 90 minutes after administration. Results: The recommended iohexol dosage for permeability testing in birds was determined to be 1 ml/kg. Median plasma iohexol concentrations were 27.77 µg/ml in pigeons, 12.97 µg/ml in chickens, 14.24 µg/ml in cockatiels, and 47.81 µg/ml in falcons, 45 minutes after this dosage was administered. At 90 minutes after administration, median plasma iohexol concentrations were 40.68 µg/ml in pigeons, 21.59 µg/ml in chickens, 32.03 µg/ml in cockatiels, and 55.96 µg/ml in falcons. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Oral iohexol was a safe and feasible marker for intestinal permeability assessment in birds. Further investigations are warranted to establish species-specific reference intervals in larger numbers of healthy birds, and to examine the use of iohexol as a permeability marker in birds with disorders associated with altered intestinal permeability.