Wild Bird Species Research Articles

Evolution and Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus in Wild Birds, South Korea, 2022-2023.

During October 2022-March 2023, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus caused outbreaks in South Korea, including 174 cases in wild birds. To understand the origin and role of wild birds in the evolution and spread of HPAI viruses, we sequenced 113 HPAI isolates from wild birds and performed phylogenetic analysis. We identified 16 different genotypes, indicating extensive genetic reassortment with viruses in wild birds. Phylodynamic analysis showed that the viruses were most likely introduced to the southern Gyeonggi-do/northern Chungcheongnam-do area through whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) and spread southward. Cross-species transmission occurred between various wild bird species, including waterfowl and raptors, resulting in the persistence of HPAI in wild bird populations and further geographic spread as these birds migrated throughout South Korea. Enhanced genomic surveillance was an integral part of the HPAI outbreak response, aiding in timely understanding of the origin, evolution, and spread of the virus.

Genetic Analysis of H5N1 High-Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus following a Mass Mortality Event in Wild Geese on the Solway Firth.

The United Kingdom (UK) and Europe have seen successive outbreaks of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b high-pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) since 2020 peaking in the autumn/winter periods. During the 2021/22 season, a mass die-off event of Svalbard Barnacle Geese (Branta leucopsis) was observed on the Solway Firth, a body of water on the west coast border between England and Scotland. This area is used annually by Barnacle Geese to over-winter, before returning to Svalbard to breed. Following initial identification of HPAIV in a Barnacle Goose on 8 November 2021, up to 32% of the total Barnacle Goose population may have succumbed to disease by the end of March 2022, along with other wild bird species in the area. Potential adaptation of the HPAIV to the Barnacle Goose population within this event was evaluated. Whole-genome sequencing of thirty-three HPAIV isolates from wild bird species demonstrated that there had been two distinct incursions of the virus, but the two viruses had remained genetically stable within the population, whilst viruses from infected wild birds were closely related to those from poultry cases occurring in the same region. Analysis of sera from the following year demonstrated that a high percentage (76%) of returning birds had developed antibodies to H5 AIV. This study demonstrates genetic stability of this strain of HPAIV in wild Anseriformes, and that, at the population scale, whilst there is a significant impact on survival, a high proportion of birds recover following infection.

Pathomorphological changes in the organs in aspergillosis in the shouter swan (clinical case)

Consideration and analysis of diseases of wild bird species is complicated, especially those listed in the Red Book. This work aimed to identify the pathomorphological features of the manifestation of aspergillosis in the mute swan and to assess the impact of this disease on the microbiocenosis of the lungs and the morphological structure of organs without cavities. The scientific work was conducted at the Department of Anatomy and Physiology of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education of the State Agrarian University of the Northern Trans-Urals. The object of study was the internal organs of a mute swan delivered for a post-mortem autopsy to determine the cause of death of the bird. All internal organs were examined pathoanatomically, and morphometry was performed and carried out bacteriological and mycological studies of the lungs according to traditional methods in microbiological practice. Histological study of such internal organs as the liver, kidneys and spleen was carried out using the generally accepted method. As a result of the analyses, it was established that a characteristic feature of the pathomorphological manifestation of aspergillosis was a topical lesion of the respiratory system with the formation of multiple tumour-like foci of two types in the lungs anddestructive changes in the structure of the tissue of the liver, kidneys and spleen. Congestive venous hyperemia is expressed in all organs, which indicates chronic heart failure. In the liver and kidneys, there are pronounced signs of tissue necrosis, which is a sign of the toxic effects of this disease on the body. In the spleen of the mute swan, the growth of red pulp may indicate an increase in the functioning of the immune system in this pathology. Five types of microorganisms from different subkingdoms were isolated from the mute swan’s lungs. Taking into account the peculiarities of the development of pathological changes and the degree of priority of one or another type of microorganism in the formation of lung pathology in birds, it has been established that Aspergillus fumigatus is the leading pathogen in the development of pathological changes in the lungs of the mute swan.

Surveillance for Avian Bornavirus in Colorado and Wyoming, USA, Raptor Populations.

Avian bornavirus (ABV) is known to infect at least 80 avian species and is associated with avian bornaviral ganglioneuritis (ABG). Avian bornaviral ganglioneuritis is characterized by a lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the nervous tissue, mainly affecting the nerves that supply the gastrointestinal tract of birds. This disease is diagnosed commonly in psittacines under human care and has been demonstrated in wild bird species; however, its occurrence in raptors is largely unknown. Because of the commonality of ABV in the pet bird population, there is concern about the spread of this virus to other companion avian species, such as falconry birds, as well as wildlife. This prospective study used reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to survey free-ranging Colorado and Wyoming, US, raptor populations for ABV. Quantitative PCR was performed on mixed conjunctival-choanal-cloacal swabs collected from live birds (n=139). In dead birds, a combination of mixed swabs (n=265) and tissue samples of the brain (n=258), heart (n=162), adrenal glands (n=162), liver (n=162), kidney (n=139), spinal cord (n=139), and brachial plexus (n=139) were evaluated. All 1,565 swab and tissue samples RT-qPCR results from the 404 birds evaluated were negative. Based on these results and a lack of clinical signs suggestive of ABG, ABV is likely not a prevalent pathogen in Colorado and Wyoming raptor populations at this time.

Utilizing NMR fecal metabolomics as a novel technique for detecting the physiological effects of food shortages in waterfowl.

Metabolomics is the study of small, endogenous metabolites that participate in metabolic reactions, including responses to stressors. Anthropogenic and environmental changes that alter habitat and food supply can act as stressors in wild waterfowl. These alterations invoke a series of physiological processes to provide energy to restore homeostasis and increase survival. In this study, we utilized fecal metabolomics to measure metabolites and identify pathways related to a 6-day feed restriction in captive mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos, n = 9). Fecal samples were collected before (baseline) and during feed restriction (treatment). H1 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was performed to identify metabolites. We found that fecal metabolite profiles could be used to distinguish between the feed-restricted and baseline samples. We identified metabolites related to pathways for energy production and metabolism endpoints, and metabolites indicative of gut microbiota changes. We also demonstrated that mallard ducks could utilize endogenous reserves in times of limited caloric intake. Fecal metabolomics shows promise as a non-invasive novel tool in identifying and characterizing physiological responses associated with stressors in a captive wild bird species.

Prevalence of Avian Influenza Virus in Atypical Wild Birds Host Groups during an Outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Strain EA/AM H5N1

The global outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 Eurasian lineage goose/Guangdong clade 2.3.4.4b virus that was detected in North America in 2021 is the largest in history and has significantly impacted wild bird populations and domestic poultry across the continent. Synanthropic birds may play an important role in transmitting the virus laterally to other wild bird species and domestic poultry. Understanding the dynamics of HPAI in atypical, or nonreservoir, wild bird hosts may help inform management decisions and potential risk factors to both wild and domestic bird populations. Following the confirmation of infections of HPAI H5N1 in domestic poultry at two commercial premises in Indiana, United States, we sampled and tested 266 Columbiformes and Passeriformes birds and found no detections of the virus at either location. We further queried laboratories within the National Animal Health Laboratory Network for avian influenza (AI) virus diagnostic test results for wild birds submitted from morbidity/mortality events, for a total of 9,368 birds tested across eight orders and 1,543 avian influenza virus detections between February 2022 and March 2023. Query results were assessed for viral prevalence by taxonomic group and suggested that the virus most often was observed in predatory and scavenging birds. The highest prevalence was observed in raptors (0.2514), with prevalence rates in exclusively scavenging Cathartidae reaching up to 0.5333. There is evidence that the consumption of infected tissues is a key pathway for transmission of AI viruses in predatory and scavenging birds. Although detections were found in nonpredatory synanthropic birds, including orders Columbiformes and Passeriformes, the risk of transmission from and between these groups appears comparatively low. Understanding the dynamics of AI viruses in synanthropic bird orders during the global HPAI H5N1 outbreak in wild bird populations can provide pertinent information on viral transmission, disease ecology, and risk to humans and agriculture.

Occurrence, characteristics, and antibiotic sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from wild birds in the Kasur district of Punjab, Pakistan.

Staphylococcus aureus is gaining worldwide attention because of its substantial impact on public health. The current study aimed to characterize S. aureus strains isolated from wild birds in the Kasur district of Punjab, Pakistan from 2021 to 2022. A total of one hundred samples were collected from five wild bird species. The samples were enriched, inoculated on selective agars and cultured for 24 hr at 37.00 ˚C. All isolates were verified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after Gram staining. Positive isolates were screened for phenotypic (Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration s), genotypic antibiotic resistance, and virulence genes. These samples yielded 30 (30.00%) S. aureus isolates, confirmed by polymerase chain reaction utilizing the 16S rRNA gene. Staphylococcus aureus was more prevalent in cloacal samples (16.00%) than oral samples (14.00%). Various S. aureus isolates showed varying degrees of resistance to three different antibiotics. Oxacillin (56.66%; n = 17) and tetracycline (33.33%; n = 10) showed the highest resistance rates with the lowest susceptibility (43.33%; n = 13). In contrast, vancomycin, rifampicin, linezolid, and daptomycin were 100% susceptible. Further disc diffusion study revealed resistance to tetracycline (33.33%), erythromycin (16.66%), and gentamicin (10.00%). The tetK gene was found in 33.33% of wild bird samples, while the ermA gene was found in 16.66% of samples. The aacA-D gene was only found in three (10.00%) isolates. None of the isolates tested positive for virulence genes. In conclusion, S. aureus is carried by wild birds in this area, posing a potentail threat to both humans and animals.

Influence of Tempetature on Viability and Deveplopment of Heterakis gallinarum (Nematoda, Heterakidae) Eggs

Pinworms of the genus Heterakis Dujardin, 1845 parasitize a wide range of hosts, including a number of species of domestic and wild birds. These nematodes are ecologically adapted to the climatic conditions of many geographical zones, which contributes to their widespread distribution. The aim of the work was to investigate the influence of different temperature regimes at laboratory conditions on the growth, development and viability of eggs isolated from the gonads of female nematodes Heterakis gallinarum Schrank, 1788. The conducted studies established that, depending on the cultivation temperature, nematode eggs developed from 6 to 56 days, and their survival rate was from 67.7 to 83.7 %. The temperature of 25 °С was the most favourable for the development of H. gallinarum eggs, the development lasted 12 days and the highest number of eggs with motile infective larvae was formed (83.7 %). It was found that the period of egg development in cultures gradually decreased with increasing temperature: it was 56 days at 15 °C, 18 days at 20 °C, 12 days at 25 °C and 6 days at 30 °C. The survival rate of H. gallinarum eggs gradually increased with increasing temperature in regimes of 15 °С, 20 °С and 25 °С to 67.7 %, 80.7 % and 83.7 %, respectively. At a temperature of 30 °C, egg survival decreased slightly to 78.7 %. It was found that the development of H. gallinarum eggs from the zygote stage to the formation of motile infective larvae, depending on the temperature regime of cultivation, is accompanied by a decrease in egg length by 4.9–5.4 %, an increase in egg width by 4.1–7.6 % and a thinning of the shell by 9.5–28.6 %. Under different temperature regimes, the morphometric parameters of eggs during their development differ in terms of their length, width and shell thickness.

Pneumonia, aerossaculite e osteomilelite por Aspergillus fumigatus em um papagaio-cinzento (Psittacus erithacus) - relato de caso

ABSTRACT Aspergillosis is a fungal disease with high morbidity and mortality in wild and exotic bird species. The aim of this report is to describe a case of acute aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in a young African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus). A three-month-old male African grey parrot from a commercial breeding site presented serous nasal discharge, inappetence, and wheezing on pulmonary auscultation. The parrot died three days after the onset of clinical signs. Postmortem evaluation demonstrated multiple smooth gray plaques in air sacs and left lung with dark red areas and adhesions to the ribs. Microscopically, there were intralesional hyphae and conidiophores in the lungs, air sacs, and ribs, which were associated with pneumonia, airsacculitis, and osteomyelitis, respectively. DNA samples were extracted from paraffinized tissues and subjected to PCR targeting the ITS-2 region, followed by sequencing, which yielded a sequence with 100% coverage and 100% identity to Aspergillus fumigatus sequences. Although A. fumigatus infection is quite common in birds, a particular aspect of interest in this case was the finding of conidiophores in the bone marrow, which may occur in birds due to air circulation through pneumatic bones.

Aves and Fungi interactions in a review of mycophagy and its associations in wildlife and industry

Abstract Fungi and Aves are present in all ecosystems and interact with a variety of organisms. The purpose of this study was to compile and analyze in the literature the mycophagy and association of birds with fungi to evaluate the aspects of interaction habits and habitat in natural and industrial environments. In this study, 64 species of wild birds were found with documented interactions involving fungi. However, only 32 had the consumed or used-for-nesting fungi species fully identified. In these cases, there is a correlation between the birds’ foraging habits and the habitats of fungi. According to the findings of this review study, birds’ foraging habits are closely linked to fungi habitats in relation the interactions between the groups. Also, the poultry industry is increasingly using mushrooms as a nutritional supplement due to their benefits. Despite the limited knowledge about the nutritional benefits of these associations in the wild, results from the industry indicate that the benefits would be similar.

Ocorrência de reovírus aviário e picobirnavirus em aves silvestres de uma área de proteção ambiental na Amazônia brasileira

ABSTRACT Wild birds have great prominence in the transmission of diseases to humans, mainly due to their ease of access to human populations, raising concerns about the potential impact of that proximity on public health. The present study reports ARV and PBV occurrence in wild birds from an environmental protection area in the Amazon biome, in Pará state, Brazil. We obtained 155 fecal specimens from 47 species of wild birds for RNA extraction, ARV and PBV detection utilizing molecular methods, nucleotide sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. ARV prevalence was 0.6% (1/155), being positive in an individual of Myrmotherula longipennis, and PBV prevalence was 1.29% (2/155), affecting two individuals of Guira guira. The PBV strains were assigned to genogroup I based on phylogenetic analysis, and they shared a strong phylogenetic link with strains isolated from different geographic locations. The ARV strain was more closely related to strains that had previously circulated in the same region. The presence of ARV and PBV in this habitat suggests that infection cycles of these agents occur naturally in the wild ecosystem, potentially triggering transmission events between bird species and humans. This is the first study on ARV detection in wild birds in Brazil and the first report on the occurrence of PBV in wild Guira guira. Additional studies are required to determine the epidemiology, origin, evolution, and emergence of new potentially pathogenic viruses in the Amazon.

Spatiotemporal and Species‐Crossing Transmission Dynamics of Subclade 2.3.4.4b H5Nx HPAIVs

Subclade 2.3.4.4b H5Nx highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses, emerged in 2013 with multiple subtypes of H5N8, H5N1, and H5N6, had unprecedently caused a global epizootic by H5N1 since 2021, which had devasted multiple species of wild birds, poultry, and wild mammals (terrestrial and marine) with a high mortality, causing severe ecological damage. The infected wild mammals may become new “mixers” for influenza viruses, posing the potential transmission to human. Frequent outbreaks of subclade 2.3.4.4b H5Nx viruses among wild birds and poultry had exposed major gaps in our knowledge on their evolution, spatiotemporal diffusion, and species‐crossing transmission. Here, we integrated the phylogenetic and epidemiological data of subclade 2.3.4.4b H5Nx viruses in public database and used Bayesian phylodynamic analysis to reveal the pattern of the global large‐scale transmission. Phylogenic analysis demonstrated that the HA gene of these viruses diverged into two dominant clusters around 2015 and 2016. The Bayesian phylodynamic analysis illustrated that the viruses presented spatiotemporally complex transmission network with geographical and host relative expansion and recombination with different subtypes of NA segment. Spatially, the Russian Federation (Siberia) was identified as the primary hub for virus transmission, which was further facilitated by the establishment of strong epidemiological linkages between West Europe and broader regions, such as North America. As for hosts, wild Anseriformes were the primary species for the virus spillover, contributing to the spatial expansion and rapid diffusion globally of subclade 2.3.4.4b viruses. We investigated the phylogeny of subclade 2.3.4.4b H5Nx viruses and the spatiotemporal pattern of transmission with initial location and the primary host, which could provide comprehensive insights for subclade 2.3.4.4b H5Nx viruses. Due to the wild birds involved the widespread of subclade 2.3.4.4b H5Nx viruses, the epizootics in poultry are inevitable, so we highly recommend to apply the policy of culling plus with vaccination to protect the poultry industry and potentially protect the public health.

Snapshot of the Phylogenetic Relationships among Avian Poxviruses Circulating in Portugal between 2017 and 2023.

Avipoxvirus (APV), a linear dsDNA virus belonging to the subfamily Chordopoxvirinae of the family Poxviridae, infects more than 278 species of domestic and wild birds. It is responsible for causing avian pox disease, characterized by its cutaneous and diphtheric forms. With a high transmission capacity, it can cause high economic losses and damage to the ecosystem. Several diagnostic methods are available, and bird vaccination can be an effective preventive measure. Ten APV-positive samples were analyzed to update the molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of viruses isolated in Portugal between 2017 and 2023. A P4b gene fragment was amplified using a PCR, and the nucleotide sequence of the amplicons was determined using Sanger sequencing. The sequences obtained were aligned using ClustalW, and a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed. With this study, it was possible to verify that the analyzed sequences are distributed in subclades A1, A2, B1, and B3. Since some of them are quite similar to others from different countries and obtained in different years, it is possible to conclude that there have been several viral introductions in Portugal. Finally, it was possible to successfully update the data on Avipoxviruses in Portugal.

Avian influenza overview September-December 2023.

Between 2 September and 1 December 2023, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) outbreaks were reported in domestic (88) and wild (175) birds across 23 countries in Europe. Compared to previous years, the increase in the number of HPAI virus detections in waterfowl has been delayed, possibly due to a later start of the autumn migration of several wild bird species. Common cranes were the most frequently affected species during this reporting period with mortality events being described in several European countries. Most HPAI outbreaks reported in poultry were primary outbreaks following the introduction of the virus by wild birds, with the exception of Hungary, where two clusters involving secondary spread occurred. HPAI viruses identified in Europe belonged to eleven different genotypes, seven of which were new. With regard to mammals, the serological survey conducted in all fur farms in Finland revealed 29 additional serologically positive farms during this reporting period. Wild mammals continued to be affected mostly in the Americas, from where further spread into wild birds and mammals in the Antarctic region was described for the first time. Since the last report and as of 1 December 2023, three fatal and one severe human A(H5N1) infection with clade 2.3.2.1c viruses have been reported by Cambodia, and one A(H9N2) infection was reported from China. No human infections related to the avian influenza detections in animals in fur farms in Finland have been reported, and human infections with avian influenza remain a rare event. The risk of infection with currently circulating avian H5 influenza viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b in Europe remains low for the general population in the EU/EEA. The risk of infection remains low to moderate for occupationally or otherwise exposed people to infected birds or mammals (wild or domesticated); this assessment covers different situations that depend on the level of exposure.

The One Health Epidemiology of Avian Influenza Infection in Bangladesh: Lessons Learned from the Past 15 Years

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are significant transboundary zoonotic pathogens that concern both animal and human. Since the first report of H5N1 AIV in Bangladesh in early 2007, it resulted in numerous outbreaks across the country, hindering the sustainable growth of the poultry industry through economic losses in different production systems (commercial and backyard). Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus are currently cocirculating and causing infection in poultry sectors in an endemic manner in Bangladesh as well as in wild bird species. The introduction of multiple clades of H5N1 in different poultry species and the reassortment of AIVs with different patterns of infections have complicated the epidemiological situation for control and created conditions to increase the virulence of the virus, host range, and potential zoonotic transmission. The risk of viral transmission at the human–poultry interface is increasing over time due to inadequate surveillance and early detection strategies and practices, ineffective biosecurity practices among poultry raisers, and the complex supply chains of backyard and commercial poultry and live bird market (LBM) systems. Improving AIV surveillance in poultry flocks and LBMs, vaccination, biosecurity, and awareness among poultry professionals is beneficial to controlling the disease burden in the poultry sector. However, human cases of AIV related to poultry production and marketing chain in Bangladesh suggest a One Health approach engaging various stakeholders from the public and private would be a better option for successfully controlling avian influenza outbreaks in Bangladesh. This review of literature presents the comprehensive overview of AIV infection status in Bangladesh, including a description of pathways for zoonotic transmission at different epidemiological interfaces, the genetic evolution of the virus, and the need for improvement of disease control strategies incorporated with early detection, application of effective vaccines, increases the proper biosecurity practices and improvement of awareness among the poultry raisers, traders and consumers using a One Health approach.

“Wild birds are our gold”: What livelihood implications does it hold for local communities in Chemba district, Tanzania?

Hunting wild birds for food, ornaments, and business purposes has been a longstanding practice in the Chemba district, and local communities consider the wild bird business as the "gold" that transforms their livelihoods. This article builds on a livelihood framework to document livelihoods gained from wild bird business across livelihood capitals at the household level. We conducted a 146-household survey, 16 interviews, 4 focus group discussions, and observations to gain field information that helped to develop the article. Results show that Quelea quelea species are the most targeted wild birds; however, other, non-targeted species were harvested in the study villages. There are significant livelihood contributions among wild bird hunters, processors, and sellers, with disproportionate benefits across the livelihood assets in the study area. The mean weekly income from selling live wild birds varies across the villages and ranges between USD 13.5 and 18.48. A significant difference is observed when comparing the income gained from selling roasted wild bird meat and selling live birds. The most commonly acquired physical assets are related to buying consumables to meet family needs, followed by buying livestock and bricks for the construction of houses. Those who engage in the wild bird business also diversify their livelihood strategies by engaging in farming and non-farming activities. We argue that, despite the different livelihoods gained from hunting and selling live or roasted wild birds’ meat, the practice in the study area should be regulated to ensure that the health of wild bird consumers and the ecological functions of the targeted wild bird species are not compromised. The article provides socio-ecological information that is useful in designing sustainable methods for harvesting Quelea quelea while protecting other bird species in central Tanzania and elsewhere with similar experiences.

Study of the Interface between Wild Bird Populations and Poultry and Their Potential Role in the Spread of Avian Influenza.

Water birds play a crucial role in disseminating and amplifying avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in the environment. However, they may have limited interactions with domestic facilities, raising the hypothesis that other wild birds may play the bridging role in introducing AIVs into poultry. An ornithocoenosis study, based on census-transect and camera-trapping methods, was conducted in 2019 in ten poultry premises in northeast Italy to characterize the bird communities and envisage the species that might act as bridge hosts for AIVs. The data collected were explored through a series of multivariate analyses (correspondence analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling), and biodiversity indices (observed and estimated richness, Shannon entropy and Pielou's evenness). The analyses revealed a high level of complexity in the ornithic population, with 147 censused species, and significant qualitative and quantitative differences in wild bird species composition, both in space and in time. Among these, only a few were observed in close proximity to the farm premises (i.e., Magpies, Blackbirds, Cattle Egrets, Pheasants, Eurasian Collared Doves, and Wood Pigeons), thus suggesting their potential role in spilling over AIVs to poultry; contrarily, waterfowls appeared to be scarcely inclined to close visits, especially during autumn and winter seasons. These findings stress the importance of ongoing research on the wild-domestic bird interface, advocating for a wider range of species to be considered in AIVs surveillance and prevention programs.

Biodiversity in the Late Middle Ages: Wild Birds in the Fourteenth-Century County of Holland

This article provides a preliminary overview of the species of wild birds that lived in the fourteenth-century County of Holland, now the Netherlands, on the basis of archaeological and historical sources. It argues that scholars should devote more attention to the Late Middle Ages (1300–1500) as a historical baseline for the study of biodiversity, and demonstrates the value of using medieval financial administration (accounts) as a source for such research. The article identifies 46 species of birds, most of which had substantial socio-economic value (birds of prey, wildfowl, herons and spoonbills). Because some bird populations were actively managed to secure a steady supply, it is possible to gain insight into historical population dynamics. This study can also serve as an example in designing similar research on other species and geographical regions.

The microbiome of African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) under managed care resembles that of wild marine mammals and birds

Animals under managed care in zoos and aquariums are ideal surrogate study subjects for endangered species that are difficult to obtain in the wild. We compared the fecal and oral microbiomes of healthy, managed African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) to those of other domestic and wild vertebrate hosts to determine how host identity, diet, and environment shape the penguin microbiome. The African penguin oral microbiome was more similar to that of piscivorous marine mammals, suggesting that diet and a marine environment together play a strong role in shaping the oral microbiome. Conversely, the penguin cloaca/fecal microbiome was more similar to that of other birds, suggesting that host phylogeny plays a significant role in shaping the gut microbiome. Although the penguins were born under managed care, they had a gut microbiome more similar to that of wild bird species compared to domesticated (factory-farmed) birds, suggesting that the managed care environment and diet resemble those experienced by wild birds. Finally, the microbiome composition at external body sites was broadly similar to that of the habitat, suggesting sharing of microbes between animals and their environment. Future studies should link these results to microbial functional capacity and host health, which will help inform conservation efforts.

Current situation of avian influenza due to the highly pathogenic subtype A/H5N1 in Mexico. Proceeding of The First International Avian Influenza Summit, University of Arkansas- October 16-17, 2023"

The first report of news of an epizootic of Avian Influenza (AI) occurred in the neighborhoods of the city of Turín, Italy, in family poultry farms in 1878, which resulted in high mortality rates. The infection spread to the north and west of Europe, ending a year later in England. It was the distinguished Italian veterinarian Edoardo Bellarmino Perocitto (1847-1936), who created a detailed clinical, pathological, and epidemiological description of this viral infection of birds. In 2014, a virus emerged that has since commanded the attention of researchers. This virus was isolated from a domestic goose in Guangdong, China, and was classified as A/Goose/Guandong/1/14. This line sparked a strong focus among avian pathologists because, since its appearance, it has caused death in domestic and wild birds and has spread to more than 76 countries in Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. It is well known that migratory aquatic birds are the main actors in the ecology of Orthomyxoviruses of Avian Influenza. IA is caused by an Orthomyxovirus whose envelope contains surface glycoproteins: Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA). Types A, B, and C are isolated from animals. Types B and C have been isolated from man. Type A viruses are capable of infecting birds, humans, horses, and other mammals. The incubation period of AI Orthomyxoviruses is one to seven days and clinically causes a severe congestive-hemorrhagic respiratory, intestinal, and neurological condition, with mortality rates of 90 to 95\% and mortality rates of 95 to 100\%. Both Avian Influenza and Human Influenza have a seasonal presentation during the autumn and winter months of each year. Currently, the AI viruses H5N1 and H7N9 are zoonotic. Asian strain subtypes with greater impact on the health of people and their origin have occurred due to the spread between different species of wild birds, domestic and productive birds, and the people who take care of them and sell them. The global situation of Avian Influenza, a cross-border disease, continues to threaten the health of birds in practically all countries under agreement with the World Organization for Animal Health (OMSA/OIE). From 2021 to December 2022, more than 8,142 outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 appeared in 76 countries on four continents, affecting more than 120 million birds. The poultry industry in the United States of America has slaughtered more than 60 million commercial, domestic, and free-range birds (chickens, turkeys, and ducks), and wild birds between 2022-2023. This serious and worrying situation at a global level means that the World Animal Health Organization located in Paris, France, organized a meeting with all countries affected by AI in October 2022, during which it was concluded and authorized in an unprecedented decision for the first authorizing vaccination against AI in affected countries and publishing a manual “OIE Vaccination: A tool for the control of Avian Influenza.