Avian translocations and disease; implications for New Zealand conservation

2006 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin A. Parker ◽  
Dianne H. Brunton ◽  
Richard Jakob-Hoff
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Disease Screening ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
New Zealand Robin ◽  
Avian Pox ◽  
Anthornis Melanura ◽  
Differential White Blood Cell ◽  
Spreading Disease

There is little published information on the pathogens present in New Zealand passerines. We report here on a preliminary survey of selected pathogens and haematology profiles for seven species in the Auckland region. Avian translocations are commonly used for the recovery of threatened species. Translocations may increase the risk of spreading disease to immunologically na�ve populations. It is therefore important to take every opportuntty to gather baseline disease data and test hypotheses associated with disease. Blood, cloacal and faecal samples were collected from Fernbird Bowdleria punctata, Tui Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae, Bellbird Anthornis melanura, Tomtit Petroica macrocephala, New Zealand Robin Petroica australis, Whitehead Mohua albicilla and Starling Sturnus vulgaris during four translocations to and from Tiritiri Matangi Island. Birds (n = 137) were also examined for external lesions typical of avian pox. Blood samples (n = 40) were screened by microscopy for Plasmodium spp., Atoxoplasma spp. and other blood parasites and a differential white blood cell count was made. Cloacal swabs (n = 38) were cultured for Yersinia spp., Salmonella spp. and Campyobaeter spp. Faecal samples were screened for coccidia spp. (n = 28). An unidentified coccidian sp. and a Haemoproteus sp. were detected in one Fembird and one robin respectively. No other organisms with the potential to cause disease were detected. Despite the effort required to complete disease screening, we argue that disease samples and baseline haematology normal values should be collected at an opportunities. We make recommendations for future disease screening, and discuss the importance and potential significance of disease to the conservation of New Zealand's biodiversity.

Diversity, distribution and biogeographical origins of Plasmodium parasites from the New Zealand bellbird (Anthornis melanura)

Parasitology ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 138 (14) ◽  
pp. 1843-1851 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. BAILLIE ◽  
D. H. BRUNTON
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Sequence Divergence ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Avian Host ◽  
Exact Match ◽  
Cold Environments ◽  
Large Databases ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic ◽  
Anthornis Melanura ◽  
First Time

SUMMARYUnderstanding the origin of invasive parasites and ecological transmission barriers on the distribution of mosquito-borne pathogens is enriched by molecular phylogenetic approaches now that large databases are becoming available. Here we assess the biogeographical relationships among haemosporidian blood parasites and an avian host, the New Zealand bellbird (Meliphagidae, Anthornis melanura). Four Plasmodium haplotypes were identified among 93 infected bellbirds (693 screened) using nested PCR of a mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene fragment. The most common lineage, LIN1 (11%), is confined to northern New Zealand and falls within a known clade of Plasmodium (subgenus Novyella) sp. infecting Australian meliphagids. LIN1 differs within that clade by 4 9% sequence divergence suggestive of an endemic lineage to New Zealand. The most widespread lineage, LIN2 (2%), is an exact match with a global cosmopolitan (P. elongatum GRW06). Two rare lineages, LIN3 and LIN4 are less abundant, geographically restricted within New Zealand and have <1% sequence divergence with P. (Novyella) sp. (AFTRU08) and P. relictum (LINOLI01) documented from Africa. For the first time, we provide invaluable information on possible rates of entry of invading parasites in New Zealand and their distribution from temperate to cold environments.

scholarly journals Frequency of Egg Rejection by Potential Hosts of the New Zealand Cuckoos

The Condor ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 105 (4) ◽  
pp. 719-727 ◽  
Author(s):  
James V. Briskie
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Host Use ◽  
Egg Rejection ◽  
Widespread Occurrence ◽  
Brood Parasites ◽  
New Zealand Robin ◽  
Egg Mimicry ◽  
Para Determinar ◽  
Anthornis Melanura ◽  
Brown Creeper

Abstract Host-specific brood parasites use a limited diversity of host species to raise their young. The two species of parasitic cuckoo that occur in New Zealand, Shining Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx lucidus) and Long-tailed Cuckoo (Eudynamys taitensis), are both host specific despite the availability of other apparently suitable species to act as hosts. To determine if host specificity has been shaped by the widespread occurrence of egg rejection among potential hosts, I tested the response of nine native passerine species to brood parasitism by the experimental addition of artificial cuckoo eggs to their nests. Artificial Shining Cuckoo eggs were rejected at least some of the time in eight of nine species tested, but levels of rejection were generally low. The majority of hosts accepted artificial Long-tailed Cuckoo eggs, and only the Brown Creeper (Mohoua novaeseelandiae) rejected eggs of both cuckoos. The occurrence of egg rejection in species currently not used as hosts (e.g., New Zealand Robin [Petroica australis]) suggests that they may have been parasitized by cuckoos in the past. Although egg rejection appears to limit the number of species currently suitable as hosts, it is not clear why acceptor species such as Fantails (Rhipidura fuliginosa) and Bellbirds (Anthornis melanura) are rarely parasitized, nor why egg mimicry as a counteradaptation to rejector species such as Brown Creepers and the New Zealand Pipit (Anthus novaeseelandiae) is poorly developed. On islands with depauperate avifaunas such as New Zealand, it is possible that the evolution of antiparasite adaptations in a small number of potential hosts may restrict the ability of brood parasites to evolve generalist strategies of host use. Frecuencia de Rechazo de Huevos por Hospederos Potenciales de los Cucos de Nueva Zelanda Resumen. Los parásitos de cría hospedero-específico utilizan una diversidad limitada de especies hospederas para criar a sus pichones. Las dos especies de cucos parásitos que se encuentran en Nueva Zelanda, Chrysococcyx lucidus y Eudynamys taitensis, son hospedero-específicas a pesar de la disponibilidad de otras especies aparentemente apropiadas para servir como hospederas. Para determinar si la especificidad de hospedero ha sido moldeada por una alta frecuencia de rechazo de huevos por parte de los hospederos potenciales, puse a prueba la respuesta de nueve especies de paserinos nativos ante el parasitismo de cría añadiendo huevos de cucos en sus nidos experimentalmente. Los huevos artificiales de C. lucidus fueron rechazados al menos algunas veces en ocho de las nueve especies estudiadas, pero los niveles de rechazo fueron generalmente bajos. La mayoría de los hospederos aceptaron los huevos artificiales de E. taitensis, y sólo Mohoua novaeseelandiae rechazó los huevos de ambos cucos. La ocurrencia de rechazo de huevos en especies no utilizadas actualmente como hospederos (e.g., Petroica australis) sugiere que éstas podrían haber sido parasitadas por cucos en el pasado. Aunque el rechazo de huevos parece limitar el número de especies actualmente apropiadas para servir como hospederas, no es claro por qué especies que aceptan los huevos (como Rhipidura fuliginosa y Anthornis melanura) son raramente parasitadas, ni por qué está poco desarrollado el mimetismo de huevos como una contra-adaptación ante especies que rechazan los huevos (como M. novaeseelandiae y Anthus novaeseelandiae). En islas con avifaunas empobrecidas como Nueva Zelanda, es posible que la evolución de adaptaciones antiparásitos en un pequeño número de hospederos potenciales restrinja la habilidad de los parásitos de cría para evolucionar hacia estrategias generalistas de uso de hospederos.

A new endemic family of New Zealand passerine birds: adding heat to a biodiversity hotspot

2007 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Driskell ◽  
Les Christidis ◽  
B. J. Gill ◽  
Walter E. Boles ◽  
F. Keith Barker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Divergence Time ◽  
Biodiversity Hotspot ◽  
Passerine Birds ◽  
New Family ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
History Of ◽  
Anthornis Melanura ◽  
Notiomystis Cincta

The results of phylogenetic analysis of two molecular datasets sampling all three endemic New Zealand ‘honeyeaters’ (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae, Anthornis melanura and Notiomystis cincta) are reported. The undisputed relatedness of the first two species to other honeyeaters (Meliphagidae), and a close relationship between them, are demonstrated. However, our results confirm that Notiomystis is not a honeyeater, but is instead most closely related to the Callaeidae (New Zealand wattlebirds) represented by Philesturnus carunculatus in our study. An estimated divergence time for Notiomystis and Philesturnus of 33.8 mya (Oligocene) suggests a very long evolutionary history of this clade in New Zealand. As a taxonomic interpretation of these data we place Notiomystis in a new family of its own which takes the name Notiomystidae. We expect this new phylogenetic and taxonomic information to assist policy decisions for the conservation of this rare bird.

scholarly journals Occurrence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and genotypic relatedness of Salmonella spp. isolates from captive wildlife, their caretakers, feed and water in India

2018 ◽  
Vol 146 (12) ◽  
pp. 1543-1549
Author(s):  
Arockiasamy Arun Prince Milton ◽  
Rajesh Kumar Agarwal ◽  
Govindarajan Bhuvana Priya ◽  
Cheruplackal Karunakaran Athira ◽  
Mani Saminathan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Susceptibility ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Wild Animal ◽  
Diffusion Method ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Direct Pcr ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
Culture Methods ◽  
Faecal Samples

AbstractOccurrence of Salmonella spp. in captive wild animal species in India is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the occurrence of different Salmonella serotypes, antimicrobial resistance patterns and genotypic relatedness of recovered isolates. A total of 370 samples including faecal (n = 314), feed and water (n = 26) and caretakers stool swabs (n = 30) were collected from 40 different wild animal species in captivity, their caretakers, feed and water in four zoological gardens and wildlife enclosures in India. Salmonellae were isolated using conventional culture methods and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility with the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Salmonella isolates were serotyped and genotyping was performed using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) PCR and 16S rRNA sequencing. Animal faecal samples were also subjected to direct PCR assay. Salmonella was detected in 10 of 314 (3.1%) faecal samples by isolation and 18 of 314 (5.7%) samples by direct PCR assay; one of 26 (3.8%) feed and water samples and five of 30 (16.7%) caretakers stool swabs by isolation. Salmonella was more commonly isolated in faecal samples from golden pheasants (25%; 2/8) and leopard (10%; 2/20). Salmonella enterica serotypes of known public health significance including S. Typhimurium (37.5%; 6/14), S. Kentucky (28.5%; 4/14) and S. Enteritidis (14.3%; 2/14) were identified. While the majority of the Salmonella isolates were pan-susceptible to the commonly used antibiotics. Seven (43.7%; 7/16) of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic and one isolate each among them exhibited penta and tetra multidrug-resistant types. Three S. Kentucky serotype were identified in a same golden pheasants cage, two from the birds and one from the feed. This serotype was also isolated from its caretaker. Similarly, one isolate each of S. Typhimurium were recovered from ostrich and its caretaker. These isolates were found to be clonally related suggesting that wildlife may serve as reservoir for infections to humans and vice versa. These results emphasise the transmission of Salmonella among hosts via environmental contamination of feces to workers, visitors and other wildlife.

scholarly journals Isolates, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles and Multidrug Resistance of Bacteria Cultured from Pig Submissions in New Zealand

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1427
Author(s):  
Christopher B. Riley ◽  
Kirsty L. Chidgey ◽  
Janis P. Bridges ◽  
Emma Gordon ◽  
Kevin E. Lawrence
Keyword(s):  
Multidrug Resistance ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Antimicrobial Susceptibility ◽  
Pasteurella Multocida ◽  
Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus ◽  
Sample Type ◽  
Bacterial Isolates ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
Susceptibility Data ◽  
Campylobacter Spp

Data on the scope of bacterial pathogens present and the frequency of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in New Zealand’s pigs are limited. This study describes bacterial isolates, antimicrobial susceptibility data, and multidrug resistance (MDR; resistance to ≥3 antimicrobial classes) from New Zealand pig submissions. Porcine test data from June 2003 to February 2016 were obtained from commercial veterinary pathology laboratory records. In total, 470/477 unique submissions resulted in bacterial growth, yielding 779 isolates. Sample type was recorded for 360/477 (75.5%); lung (79/360; 21.9%), faecal (61/360; 16.9%) and intestinal (45/360; 12.5%) were most common. The most common isolates were Escherichia coli (186/779, 23.9%), Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (43/779; 5.5%), Streptococcus suis (43/779; 5.5%), unidentified Campylobacter spp. (38/779; 4.9%), alpha haemolytic Streptococci (32/779; 4.1%), coagulase negative Staphylococcus spp. (26/779; 3.3%), and Pasteurella multocida (25/779; 3.2%). Susceptibility results were available for 141/779 (18.1%) isolates from 62/470 (13.2%) submissions. Most were susceptible to trimethoprim-sulphonamide (75/81; 92.6%), but fewer were susceptible to penicillin (37/77; 48.1%), tilmicosin (18/43; 41.9%), or tetracyclines (41/114; 36.0%). No susceptibility data were available for Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., or Yersinia spp. isolates. MDR was present in 60/141 (42.6%) isolates. More data on sample submission drivers, antimicrobial drug use, and susceptibilities of important porcine bacterial isolates are required to inform guidelines for prudent antimicrobial use, to reduce their prevalence, human transmission, and to minimise AMR and MDR.

Etio-Epidemiological Studies on Diarrhoea in Cattle and Buffalo Calves

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
S K Sharma ◽  
Monika Joshi
Keyword(s):  
Winter Season ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Buffalo Calves ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Cryptosporidium Spp ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Eimeria Spp ◽  
Causative Agents

Calf diarrhoea is the most commonly encountered disease syndrome and significant cause of economic losses in dairy industry. Present investigation was undertaken to find out the prevalence of causative agents of diarrhoea in the bovine calves for a period of one year. The effect of age, sex, season and parity of dam was also studied. E. coli was the major organism (86.00 %) observed in the faecal samples of the diarrhoeic calves followed by rotavirus, Eimeria spp. and Amphistomes (15.00 % each); Toxocara spp. (12.00 %); Strongyles (9.00 %); Cryptosporidium spp. (6.00 %); Trichuris spp. (5.00 %); and Salmonella spp. and Strongyloides spp. (3.00 % each). The prevalence of rotavirus, Cryptosporidium spp. and Eimeria spp. was found significantly higher in buffalo calves and crossbred calves than cow calves and Gir / local non-descript calves, respectively. The prevalence of Toxocara spp., Amphistomes and Strongyles in diarrhoeic buffalo calves was significantly higher than cow calves. Highest prevalence of E. coli and rotavirus was observed in faecal samples of diarrhoeic calves of 0-15 days age group. Rotavirus was not detected in faecal samples of diarrhoeic calves above 60 days age. The susceptibility of bovine calves for E. coli and rotavirus was found decreased with the advancement of the age. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. in diarrhoeic faecal samples of bovine calves was observed only in 16-60 days age whereas Cryptosporidium spp. was found only in 0-30 days age. The most of the parasitic infestations were observed after 30 days of age in calves. The calves of both sexes were equally susceptible to different causative agents of diarrhoea. The prevalence of E. coli and most of the helminth ova in the faecal samples of diarrhoeic calves was found maximum during rainy season whereas the rotavirus was observed mostly during winter season. The prevalence of E. coli, Salmonella spp., rotavirus and Cryptosporidium spp. was found highest in the faecal samples of the diarrhoeic calves of first or second parity dams.

scholarly journals The prevalence of Salmonella enteritidis and other Salmonella spp. among Canadian registered commercial layer flocks

1991 ◽  
Vol 106 (2) ◽  
pp. 259-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Poppe ◽  
R. J. Irwin ◽  
C. M. Forsberg ◽  
R. C. Clarke ◽  
J. Oggel
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Samples ◽  
Salmonella Enteritidis ◽  
Phage Type ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Salmonella Serovars ◽  
Feed Samples

SUMMARYA survey was conducted to estimate the prevalence of Salmonella enteritidis and other salmonellas among Canadian commercial egg producing flocks. Environmental (faecal and eggbelt) samples from 152 of 295 (52·9%) randomly selected flocks were contaminated with salmonellas. Thirty-five different salmonella serovars were isolated. Eggbelt samples were more often contaminated with salmonellas than faecal samples (25·7 v. 10·1 %). The most prevalent serovars were S. heidelberg, S. infantis, S. hadar, and S. schwarzengrund; they were isolated from samples of 59/295 (20%), 18/295 (6·1%), 17/295 (5·8%), and 15/295 (5·1%) flocks, respectively. Feed samples of 21/295 (7·2%) flocks were contaminated with salmonellas. Salmonella enteritidis was isolated from the environmental samples of 8/295 (2·7%) flocks. Salmonella enteritidis phage type (PT) 8 was isolated from 5 flocks, PT 13a from 2 flocks, and PT 13 from 1 flock.

Identification and genetic characterisation of Giardia and Cryptosporidium strains in humans and dairy cattle in the Waikato Region of New Zealand

2003 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 21-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.J. Learmonth ◽  
G. Ionas ◽  
A.B. Pita ◽  
R.S. Cowie
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Cryptosporidium Parvum ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Phylogenetic Group ◽  
Summer Period ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Time Periods ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium parvum are commonly acquired waterborne parasites but little is known about their transmission cycles with regard to humans and animals. Faecal samples were collected over two time periods within the Waikato region of New Zealand from dairy cattle and humans and all positive isolates were genotyped. Of the 724 faecal specimens examined (354 cows, 304 calves and 66 humans), 16 cows, 32 calves and 5 humans were positive for G. intestinalis. Phylogenetic group 1 was found in 26 G. intestinalis positive dairy cattle with 22 being group 2. One G. intestinalis positive human isolate was group 1 and four were group 2. Of the 724 faecal specimens examined two cows, 33 calves and 66 human specimens were positive for C. parvum. All 35 C. parvum positive dairy cattle exhibited the bovine genotype while the 66 positive humans showed a seasonal shift in the prevalent genotype with the bovine dominating the spring (100%) and the human dominating the late summer period (96%).

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