Pavo Cristatus Research Articles

Spatio-temporal distribution & seasonality of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 & H5N8 outbreaks in India, 2006-2021.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 and H5N8 viruses have been one of the leading causes of avian diseases worldwide, resulting in severe economic losses and posing potential zoonotic risk. There are no reports on the correlation of the seasonality of H5N1 and H5N8 viruses with the migratory bird season in India, along with the species affected. The present report describes the distribution and seasonality of HPAI outbreaks in India from 2006 to 2021. The data on the occurrence and locations of outbreaks in India and affected bird species were collated from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations database and grouped by month and year. The distribution and seasonality of HPAI H5N1 and H5N8 viruses were analyzed. A total of 284 H5N1 outbreaks were reported since 2006, with a surge in 2021. The initial outbreaks of H5N1 were predominantly in poultry. Since 2016, 57 outbreaks of H5N8 were also reported, predominantly in wild birds. Most of the outbreaks of HPAI were reported from post monsoon onwards till pre-summer season (i.e. between October and March) with their peak in winter, in January. Apart from poultry, the bird species such as owl, Indian peafowl, lesser adjutant, crows and wild migratory birds such as demoiselle crane, northern pintail and bar-headed goose were positive for HPAI. Such studies on the seasonality of HPAI outbreaks would help in the development of prevention and control strategies. The recent human infections of H5N1 and H9N2 viruses highlight the need to strengthen surveillance in wild, resident, migratory birds and in poultry along with One Health studies in India.

The universality of eAREs in animal feces suggesting that eAREs function possibly in horizontal gene transfer.

This study aimed to pinpoint the universality of extracellular antimicrobial resistance elements (eAREs) and compare the contents of eAREs with those of intracellular AREs (iAREs) in animal feces, thus laying a foundation for the further analysis of the horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in the animal guts. Extracellular DNAs were isolated from the fecal samples of Pavo cristatus (n = 18), Ursus thibetanus (n = 2), two breeds of broilers (n = 21 and 11, respectively), and from the contents of rabbit intestines (n = 5). eAREs were detected by PCR technology. iAREs in P. cristatus and broiler feces were also detected and compared with the corresponding eAREs. In addition, some gene cassettes of class 1 integrons were sequenced and analyzed. The results showed that eAREs exist in animal feces and intestinal contents. In this study, different eAREs were detected from animal feces and intestinal contents, and tetA, tetB, sul1, sul2, class 1 integron, and IncFIB presented the highest detection rates. The detection rates of certain eAREs were significantly higher than those of parallel iAREs. The integral cassettes with intact structures were found in eAREs, and the cassettes carried ARGs. The presented study here sheds light on the presence of eAREs in animal feces or guts, and eAREs may play an important role in the horizontal gene transfer of ARGs.

Biomonitoring of heavy metals and their association with DNA damage in Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) under captivity.

Environmental pollution and changing climatic conditions are likely to damage biodiversity not only on organismal level but on molecular level as well. The aim of the present study was to find the concentration of heavy metals in soil, water, feed, feathers, and blood and association of heavy metals with DNA damage of P. cristatus. The results showed that lead (Pb) was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in soil and cadmium (Cd) was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in soil and water. Chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co) were significant (P < 0.01) in feed. Manganese (Mn) was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in feed and soil (surface). In addition, Pb and Cd concentrations were significant (P < 0.01) in feathers while Cr and Zn concentrations were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in feces. Nickel was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in feathers and eggshell while Mn and Co concentrations were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in blood and feces, respectively. Furthermore, significant positive correlation between Pb (rs = 0.75; P < 0.05) and Cd (rs = 0.67; P < 0.05) concentrations in blood with tail DNA was found. It was concluded that heavy metals exist in the soil, water, feathers, and blood and have association with DNA damage of P. cristatus.

Aspergillosis in peacocks – Case Report

The work describes two cases of Indian peacocks (Pavo cristatus) originating from extensive breeding, in which pulmonary aspergillosis and aerosacculitis were diagnosed. A clinical examination revealed difficult breathing with an open beak, gradual apathy, decreased appetite, and weight loss in both affected individuals. During the endoscopic examination, a yellow, caseous mass was diagnosed in the area of ​​the margo caudalis of the lung. Pathological autopsy in both cases revealed a granuloma in the area of ​​the left lung parenchyma and aerosacculitis. Fungal hyphae were detected in the granulomas by pathological-histological examination, and Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus parasiticus were diagnosed by mycological culture.

From sacred symbolism to luxury display and consumption: The peacock in medieval Catalonia—Data from zooarcheological, iconographic, and literary evidences

AbstractThis work presents the first remains of a peacock (Pavo cristatus Linnaeus 1758) discovered in an archeological context in Catalonia. It is a well‐preserved animal (14 remains of an adult female) located in medieval levels—datable to the 13th century (1210–1278 cal. AD) at the site of Carrer de Sotstinent Navarro, in the city of Barcelona. We present the study of the remains of this animal together with that of the other birds recovered from the same excavation. In addition, by referring to iconographic and literary sources, some reflections are made on the species in Catalonia in medieval times. The interpretation of the remains could range from a symbolic religious use of the animal to a more profane one, as an element of identification of social status and economic ostentation, in the field of gastronomy or as an ornamental animal. The study of the remains and their archeological context seem to support this last hypothesis.

First detection of coccidia species in blue peafowl (Pavo cristatus) in China via both microscopic and molecular methods.

Coccidia are protozoan parasites in the class Conoidasida. To determine the prevalence and molecular characteristics of coccidia species in blue peafowl (Pavo cristatus) in Henan, China, 240 fecal specimens were collected and screened for the presence of Eimeria spp. and Isospora spp. The overall prevalence was 65.0% (156/240), and seven different coccidia species were identified: E. pavonis (51.3%, 123/240), E. arabic (40.0%, 96/240), E. riyadhae (37.1%, 89/240), E. mandali (22.9%, 55/240), E. mayurai (14.2%, 34/240), I. mayuir (10.9%, 26/240), and I. lacazei (8.5%, 21/240). E. arabic and E. riyadhae were detected for the first time in China. Additionally, we provide molecular data of the seven different coccidia species at the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA and the COI loci. Sequence homology percentages among the five species of Eimeria at the 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and COI loci were 96.0%-98.6%, 90.7%-98.2%, and 85.0%-94.9%, respectively, whereas for two species of Isospora the sequence homology percentages were 98.8%, 99.1%, and 95.4% at three corresponding loci. This is the first report of the molecular data of the seven coccidia species in blue peafowl in China.

Preventive Measures and Management Systems against Diseases and Abnormalities of Indian Peafowl in Bangladesh National Zoo

The wild and domesticated peafowls are prone to many bacterial, viral and parasitic infectious diseases. Various factors are contributing to infections in peafowls. However, there is very little published data on preventive measures and management systems against disease conditions and abnormalities of Indian peafowl. Therefore, we aim to identify the disease conditions and different abnormalities as well as its management in captivity. The research was done from April 2015 to December 2018 in Bangladesh National Zoo (BNZ) by direct interacting, observing, using structured questionnaire and taking data from record book. Vaccine against ND, fowl pox and avian influenza were used for Indian peafowl in BNZ for combating against those diseases. Without this medication against parasitic infestation was started from 4 month of age and later continued regularly six months’ interval. Some vitamin mineral and nutrients substances also used regularly for preventing several abnormalities and diseases. Routine checkup was also found to prevent diseases, abnormalities. A well management system has developed in relation with feeds, feeding system, and habitats for making protection against abnormalities, diseases and predators of Indian peafowl. The house was made with good protection system for entering predators and also the visitors which help to protect predation and disturbing of visitors. Without this cleaning regularly, proper drainage system, controlling for entering predators and enough spaces in houses also help in protection against abnormalities, diseases and predators. Feeds and feeding system was also found very good like regular fresh feed supply, balanced feed supply and nutrias feed supply all the year round to their peafowl’s. Without this properly brooding of peachicks also, help to prevent many diseases as well as express good growth performance. A veterinary hospital in the BNZ premises provides regular monitoring of their health status and suggests good quality management practices for all animals including Indian peafowl.

Effects of nutritional supplement E-Sel on the Egg production, Fertility, and Hatchability of Indian peafowl

Effects of nutritional supplement E-Sel on the Egg production, Fertility, and Hatchability of Indian peafowl

Multimodal analgesic technique in a peacock (Pavo cristatus) anaesthetised for orthopaedic surgery

AbstractA 6‐month‐old, male peacock (Pavo cristatus) underwent right‐sided corrective tibiotarsal osteotomy under general anaesthesia. Butorphanol (1 mg/kg) and midazolam (1 mg/kg) were administered in the pectoral muscle as pre‐anaesthetic medications. Anaesthesia was induced with intravenous alfaxalone (2.5 mg/kg) and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Intermittent positive‐pressure ventilation was applied. A nerve stimulator‐guided femoral nerve block and a nerve stimulator‐ and ultrasound‐guided sciatic nerve block were performed before surgery with lidocaine. An intravenous bolus of ketamine (1 mg/kg), followed by infusion (20 µg/kg/min) was administered intraoperatively. No nociception was recorded during surgery. This case report describes a successful multimodal analgesic technique in a peacock anaesthetised for orthopaedic surgery.

Marek's Disease in an Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) with Clinical Ocular Disease and Paraparesis

Marek's disease (MD) is caused by virulent strains of Gallid alphaherpesvirus type 2 (MD virus serotype 1; MDV 1) and frequently causes a lymphoproliferative disorder in poultry and other galliform birds worldwide. However, within the peafowl (Phasianinae) subfamily, there are only rare confirmed reports of MD. Here we report MD in an Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus), which clinically presented with hindlimb paraparesis and intraocular swelling of the right eye. Soft, off-white to tan masses within the right eye, sciatic nerves and coelomic cavity were identified at post-mortem examination which effaced the cranial pole of the kidneys and diffusely effaced the testes. Lymphoid neoplasia was identified histologically at all of these sites and there was extensive hepatic lymphoid cell infiltration, which had not been grossly evident. The T-cell origin of the lymphoid cells was confirmed by immunohistochemistry for CD3 antigen. A virulent strain of MDV 1 was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction in DNA samples extracted from the kidney and testes. As MD is rare in peafowl it should be considered as a differential diagnosis for intraocular and coelomic masses with associated clinical signs.

Case of necrotic enteritis associated with campylobacteriosis and coccidiosis in an adult Indian peacock (Pavo cristatus)

BackgroundTo date, Campylobacter jejuni has not been found to be pathogenic to peafowl. The available publications show that out of a total of 44 samples tested from peafowl, this bacterium was isolated only in two cases. Eimeria pavonina infestations in the peafowl have been described, but no fatal cases have been reported yet.Case presentationThe four-year-old peacock was presented with chronic diarrhea, emaciation and weakness. Post mortem examination revealed enlarged and pale kidneys, small intestinal mucosal necrosis and thickening of intestinal wall, and pericardial effusion. The histopathological examination revealed necrotic enteritis with marked mononuclear cells infiltration associated with the presence of coccidia, additionally there was histological evidence of septicemia in liver and kidneys. Bacteria identification was based on light microscopy of the small intestine sample, culture, and biochemical tests. Further identification was based on PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility profile was created by determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for 6 antimicrobial agents from 5 different classes. PCR assays were performed to detect virulence factors genes responsible for motility, cytolethal distending toxin production, adhesion and internalization. Bacteriology of the small intestine sample showed abundant growth almost exclusively of Campylobacter jejuni, resistant to ciprofloxacin, gentamycin and ampicillin. Bacteria was sensitive to Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, tetracycline, and erythromycin. All tested virulence factors genes have been detected. The parasitological examination was performed by microscopic examination of fresh faeces and intestinal content, and revealed the moderate number of Eimeria pavonina, Histomonas meleagridis, single Capillaria spp. eggs as well Heterakis spp. like parasites.ConclusionThe above case shows that a virulent isolate of Campylobacter jejuni in combination with a parasitic invasion may cause chronic enteritis in peafowl, which most likely led to extreme exhaustion of the host organism and death.

Prevalence of Newcastle Disease Virus in Wild and Migratory Birds in Haryana, India.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) can infect approximately 250 avian species and causes highly contagious Newcastle disease (ND) in domestic poultry, leading to huge economic losses. There are three different pathotypes of NDV, i.e., lentogenic, mesogenic, and velogenic. Wild resident (wild) and migratory birds are natural reservoirs of NDV and are believed to play a key role in transmitting the virus to domestic poultry. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of NDV in wild and migratory birds in the state of Haryana, India, during two migratory seasons (2018-19 and 2019-20). In total 1379 samples (1368 choanal swabs and 11 tissue samples) were collected from live (n = 1368) or dead birds (n = 4) belonging to 53 different avian species. These samples belonged to apparently healthy (n = 1338), sick (n = 30), and dead (n = 4) birds. All samples were tested for NDV by real-time reverse transcription-PCR using M gene specific primers and probe. Of the 1379 samples, 23 samples from wild birds [Columba livia domestica (n = 12, 52.17%), Pavo cristatus (n = 9, 39.13%), and Psittaciformes (n = 2, 8.69%)] were found positive for NDV. Only one of the 23 samples (from P. cristatus) was positive for F gene, indicating it to be a mesogenic/velogenic strain. These results indicate that both lentogenic and velogenic strains of NDV are circulating in wild birds in Haryana and that further studies are needed to characterize NDV strains from wild/migratory birds and domestic poultry to determine the extent of virus transmission among these populations. This study considers the disease transmission risk from domestic pigeons and parrots to commercial poultry and vice versa, and the results emphasize the need for strict biosecurity strategies to protect commercial poultry in the region.

Circulating Hormones and Dominance Status Predict Female Behavior during Courtship in a Lekking Species.

Female competitive behaviors during courtship can have substantial fitness consequences, yet we know little about the physiological and social mechanisms underlying these behaviors-particularly for females of polygynous lek mating species. We explored the hormonal and social drivers of female intersexual and intrasexual behavior during courtship by males in a captive population of Indian peafowl. We investigated whether (1) female non-stress induced circulating estradiol (E2) and corticosterone (CORT) levels or (2) female dominance status in a dyad predicts female solicitation behavior. We also tested whether female circulating E2 and CORT predict dominant females' aggressive behaviors toward subordinate females in the courtship context. Our findings demonstrate that females with higher levels of circulating E2 as well as higher levels of circulating CORT solicit more courtships from males. Dominant females also solicit more courtships from males than subordinate females. Female intrasexual aggressive behaviors during courtship, however, were not associated with circulating levels of E2 or CORT. Overall, we conclude that circulating steroid hormones in conjunction with social dominance might play a role in mediating female behaviors associated with competition for mates. Experimental manipulation and measures of hormonal flexibility throughout the breeding season in relation to competitive and sexual behaviors will be necessary to further examine the link between hormonal mechanisms and female behavior in polygynous lekking systems.

A high-quality assembly reveals genomic characteristics, phylogenetic status, and causal genes for leucism plumage of Indian peafowl.

BackgroundThe dazzling phenotypic characteristics of male Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) are attractive both to the female of the species and to humans. However, little is known about the evolution of the phenotype and phylogeny of these birds at the whole-genome level. So far, there are no reports regarding the genetic mechanism of the formation of leucism plumage in this variant of Indian peafowl.ResultsA draft genome of Indian peafowl was assembled, with a genome size of 1.05 Gb (the sequencing depth is 362×), and contig and scaffold N50 were up to 6.2 and 11.4 Mb, respectively. Compared with other birds, Indian peafowl showed changes in terms of metabolism, immunity, and skeletal and feather development, which provided a novel insight into the phenotypic evolution of peafowl, such as the large body size and feather morphologies. Moreover, we determined that the phylogeny of Indian peafowl was more closely linked to turkey than chicken. Specifically, we first identified that PMEL was a potential causal gene leading to the formation of the leucism plumage variant in Indian peafowl.ConclusionsThis study provides an Indian peafowl genome of high quality, as well as a novel understanding of phenotypic evolution and phylogeny of Indian peafowl. These results provide a valuable reference for the study of avian genome evolution. Furthermore, the discovery of the genetic mechanism for the development of leucism plumage is both a breakthrough in the exploration of peafowl plumage and also offers clues and directions for further investigations of the avian plumage coloration and artificial breeding in peafowl.

PLASMA CONCENTRATION AND PHARMACODYNAMICS OF INTRAMUSCULAR ADMINISTRATION OF ALFAXALONE IN INDIAN PEAFOWL (PAVO CRISTATUS).

Alfaxalone, a neuroactive steroid with anesthetic properties, is considered safe when used alone or in combination with other drugs for anesthesia at recommended species doses, and its use has been studied in numerous species. The objective of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of IM alfaxalone in Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus; hereafter peafowl). Eight female peafowl from one zoological institution were used. A control blood sample was obtained before administration of either 10 mg/kg (n = 4) or 20 mg/kg (n = 4) alfaxalone. Blood was collected at 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 min after alfaxalone injection, with monitoring of sedation score, heart rate, and respiratory rate at each time point. Four peahens receiving a 10 mg/ kg dose had subjectively smoother inductions and recoveries, although sedation level was generally scored as low, with no adverse reactions noted. They were considered fully recovered by the 60-min postinjection time point, although measurable alfaxalone plasma concentrations remained present. Four peahens receiving 20 mg/kg IM experienced adverse effects including seizure-like episodes and hypersensitivity to stimuli throughout the study. This dosing group experienced prolonged recoveries consistent with high plasma concentrations (>3,000 ng/ml). Based on these results, use of 20 mg/kg IM alfaxalone as the sole anesthetic agent is not recommended in this species. Further studies should determine whether alfaxalone in conjunction with other anesthetic or analgesic agents could provide better sedation and smoother induction and recovery for peafowl and to assess the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of alfaxalone in other avian species.

Nesting habitats of free-ranging Indian peafowl, Pavo cristatus, revealed by sniffer dogs in Okinawa, Japan

The Indian peafowl, Pavo cristatus, is the largest of the pheasants and ground-nesting bird. Because this species was introduced in Okinawa, Japan about 40 years ago and is now increasingly recognized as a pest in the Yaeyama region, and the extermination of this species has been promoted for ecosystem conservation. It was thought that there is need to develop a method to reduce the peafowl population and dogs were trained to detect them. We faced two difficulties in developing sniffer dogs to detect peafowl nests as below; (i) it is difficult to obtain a sufficient number of eggs to train the detection dogs, (ii) another difficulty is that the nesting period of peahens and the preferred vegetation used for nesting in Okinawa have not been reported. At first, we screened and trained two dogs of Welsh Corgi Pembroke and one dog of Brittany Spaniel for peafowl nest detection dogs with peahen feathers instead of peahen eggs. These dogs demonstrated a 100% sensitivity rate and there were no false-positives of their precision test. In second step, display survey of peacock to predict the nesting period of peahen was conducted in Kohama (KHM) and Kuroshima (KRS) islands, and the earliest dates of trail displays were observed in late February between 2014 and 2019 in both Islands. We predicted that the eggs would begin hatching in early April. We surveyed peahen nests for a total of 837 h and 1153 km on 962 transects with sniffer dogs and detected 423 peahen’s nests in KHM and KRS islands between 2014 and 2019. Peahens made her nests mainly in Poaceae or Asteraceae plants in research areas. The peak hatching was between mid-April and early May. In this study, we were able to detect peahen nests in the field by dogs trained with peahen feather, and we also identified the exact nesting season and preferred vegetation in Okinawa to control of Indian peafowl as an invasive species.

Aerossacolitis and Pneumonia in an Indian Peafowl Caused by Lactobacillus agilis

Background: The peafowl is an ornamental bird that has the habit of eating directly from the earthy soil, which makes this bird more susceptible to endoparasites. One important endoparasite is Eucoleus contortus, which leads to inflammatory processes that alter the local microbiota, potentializing disease. By the other way, a member of the bird’s microbiota there is the genus Lactobacillus, but when occurs some imbalance, these bacteria can overgrowth and even cause some infection. This report describes the pathological and microbiological findings of chronic necrotizing pneumonia and aerossacolitis caused by Lactobacillus agilis in a peafowl, associated with parasitism by E. contortus. Case: A peafowl (Pavo cristatus), adult, male, who lived on a farm with contact with other species of animal, was submitted to post-mortem examination due to sudden death. This animal lived in an extensive system on the property and was the only one of its species. During the gross evaluation, the air sacs were filled with solid yellowish crumbly material. The same material was observed forming well-defined nodules that occupied &gt; 50% of the lung parenchyma. Histological analysis showed multiple parabronchi dilated and filled with caseous necrosis, characterized by abundant cellular debris and fibrin deposition. These areas were surrounded by the proliferation of fibrous connective tissue and inflammatory infiltrate of macrophages, giant cells, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. The air sacs parenchyma showed fibrin deposition and mixed inflammatory infiltrate. Multiple gram-positive bacilli were observed within the caseous foci in Gram-stained slides. In the crop and esophageal mucosa, cross-sections of filiform nematodes morphologically compatible with E. contortus were associated with chronic inflammatory infiltrate and epidermal hyperkeratosis. A lung section was submitted to Gram-Brown-Hopps and Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stains for bacterial investigation, and Grocott's methenamine silver (GMS) stain for fungal investigation. Short gram-positive bacilli bacteria are observed within the caseous foci in Gram-stained slides. By the other way, no agents were identified on the ZN and GMS stains. Following the analysis, lung fragments were cultivated at aerobic and microaerophilic conditions on sheep blood agar and McConkey agar. All the microbial cultures were incubated at 37°C to 48 h. Pure culture, in microaerophilic condition, of Gram-positive bacilli, was observed. The isolated bacterium was identified by MALDI-TOF MS as L. agilis.Discussion: Although uncommon, L. agilis was the single bacterium identified and therefore, associated as a primary cause of necrotic pneumonia and aerossacolitis in the studied peafowl. The presence of E. contortus could induce the aspiration of regurgitated of little amount of material from the gastrointestinal tract with sufficient bacterial load to initiate an infection, but not enough to smother the animal. The gradual aspiration can induce a chronic inflammatory condition. Infections by bacteria from the host microbiota have been observed in animals and humans with immunodeficiency. In summary, both the parasitosis and the inflammation could be resulted by the parasite and the aspiration of gastric product, which probably interfered in the immune response and allowed the overgrowth of L. agilis. In the current case report, based on macroscopic, microscopic and bacteriological results, we have provided insights to understand how the parasitosis made possible a pneumonia from a bacterium from the host's microbiota. Finally, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of L. agilis as causal agent of fatal necrotic pneumonia and aerossacolitis in peafowl.Keywords: respiratory infection, ornamental birds, secondary infection, parasitosis.

Grading of Anatomopathological Disparity in the Cases of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in wild avian species as recorded in Pigeons (Columba livia), Peafowls (Pavo cristatus), and Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus).

Aspergillosis which is caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungal pathogen, can vary from a localized infection to severe life-threatening invasive or disseminated systemic diseases in birds. The present study aimed to evaluate and grade the anatomopathological disparity in the cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in Columba livia (pigeons), Pavo cristatus (peafowls), and Gyps fulvus (Griffon vultures). Necropsy gross lesions varied from mere congestion of lungs in P. cristatus, congestion and large necrotizing masses surrounded by a zone of hyperemia (10 mm dia) in lungs of C. livia, and typically disseminated granuloma in the lungs, air sacs, and organs of other serous membranes in G. fulvus. Histopathology varied from extensive parenchymal necrosis amidst exuberant fungal invasion in P. cristatus, multifocal to focally extensive tissue necrosis with colonies of fungal hyphae surrounded by heterophils and lymphocytes in C. livia, as well as typical mycotic granuloma embedded in the lungs, air sacs, and thoracoabdominal serous membranes with angio-invasion in G. fulvus. Based on gross and histopathological findings, we diagnosed the cases as Acute Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis (AIPA) in peafowls and pigeons, as well as Chronic Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CIPA) in Griffon vultures. There is a paucity of case reports on aspergillosis in wild avian species, and this report strived to document the cases of IPA in peafowls, pigeons, and vultures. This is the first report of its kind which evaluated anatomopathological disparity of IPA in pigeons, peafowls, and vultures with a proposed anatomopathological grading system which would help to understand and investigate the nature of aspergillosis in different avian hosts.

Pavo cristatus

This datasheet on Pavo cristatus covers Identity, Distribution, Further Information.

Expression atlas of avian neural crest proteins: Neurulation to migration

Neural crest (NC) cells are a dynamic population of embryonic stem cells that create various adult tissues in vertebrate species including craniofacial bone and cartilage and the peripheral and enteric nervous systems. NC development is thought to be a conserved and complex process that is controlled by a tightly-regulated gene regulatory network (GRN) of morphogens, transcription factors, and cell adhesion proteins. While multiple studies have characterized the expression of several GRN factors in single species, a comprehensive protein analysis that directly compares expression across development is lacking. To address this lack in information, we used three closely related avian models, Gallus gallus (chicken), Coturnix japonica (Japanese quail), and Pavo cristatus (Indian peafowl), to compare the localization and timing of four GRN transcription factors, PAX7, SNAI2, SOX9, and SOX10, from the onset of neurulation to migration. While the spatial expression of these factors is largely conserved, we find that quail NC cells express SNAI2, SOX9, and SOX10 proteins at the equivalent of earlier developmental stages than chick and peafowl. In addition, quail NC cells migrate farther and more rapidly than the larger organisms. These data suggest that despite a conservation of NC GRN players, differences in the timing of NC development between species remain a significant frontier to be explored with functional studies.