Comparison between two dosage regimens of enrofloxacin given in drinking water for treatment of induced air sacculitis in chicks

Response to treatment of induced air sacculitis by a pathogenic strain of E coli with enrofloxacin when it was given by the recommended therapeutic concentration (50 mg/ml) for 3 days in drinking water was compared with the method of giving the same drug at double the above concentration for one time after a period of thirstiness . Athird group of infected bird was left without treatment while a non – infected group was left as a negative control . Parameters of mortality , clinical symptoms, feed consumption , weight gain and feed conversion were measured to evaluate the effectiveness of either method of treatment. Also, after sacrifying of some birds one week and 3 weeks after infection, pathological lesions and air sacculitis index were considered. The results showed significant differences in most parameters between infected and non – infected groups while either of the two infected treated groups were intermediate between them. This result encourages the use of the suggested single method of treatment especially when cost of drug, full dosing and stability of drug are taken in consideration

First Report of Haemoproteus (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae) Megalomeronts in the Brain of an Avian Host, with Description of Megalomerogony of Haemoproteus Pastoris, the Blood Parasite of the Common Starling

Species of Haemoproteus (Haemoproteidae, Haemosporida) are common bird pathogens. Recent molecular studies combined with histopathology research have reported development of megalomeronts of these parasites in various organs, sometimes resulting in the death of the avian host. Five Common starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were found naturally infected with Haemoproteus pastoris lineage hLAMPUR01. The parasite was identified using microscopic examination of blood films and DNA sequences. Infected bird organs were investigated histologically for (i) the presence of exo-erythrocytic stages and (ii) the patterns of development (morphology and localization) in different host individuals. For the first time, megalomeronts of Haemoproteus parasites were seen developing in the brain, while numerous others at different stages of maturation were found in the intestine, pancreas, kidneys, lungs, esophagus, spleen, gizzard, and trachea. Megalomeronts were predominantly roundish or oval, up to 800 μm, they were surrounded by a capsular-like wall and developed asynchronously in the same bird individual. After megalomeront maturation and rupture, a massive infiltration of blood cells occurred, indicating the hemorrhagic processes. Review of available data showed that different Haemoproteus species produce markedly different megalomeronts, morphology of which can probably be predicted using phylogenetic analysis based on partial sequences of cytochrome b gene.

Dietary Use of Artemisia Herba Alba Asso as A Potential Coccidiostat Against Cæcal Coccidiosis: Haematological Parameters Variations.

This study consists of the evaluation of the anticoccidial effect of Artemisia herba-alba Asso during experimental coccidial infection. Four groups of 30 broiler chickens were formed: the negative control (G1), the positive control (G2), the infected Monensin-treated group (G3), and the infected Artemisia-treated group (G4). Each infected bird received orally 105 sporulated oocysts of Eimeria tenella. No mortality was recorded in both G1 and G4. Haematocrit levels showed great variations from the 7th day Post-Infection, especially in G2 (20.87%±5.77). By day 10 P-I, haematocrit recovery was rapid particularly in G4 (28.07%±1.50). Haemoglobin concentration also decreased significantly (p<0.05) in all infected groups by the 7th day P-I. The reduction was very marked in G2 (6.47g/dL±1.67) against (10.53 g/dL ±0.25) in G1, but less marked in G4 (8.05g/dL ±1.56). Results show the protective effect of A. herba-alba Asso by improving the lesion score and the haematological parameters affected during coccidian infection.

Molecular identification of four Sarcocystis species in the herring gull, Larus argentatus, from Lithuania

Background Birds of the family Laridae have not been intensively examined for infections with Sarcocystis spp. To date, sarcocysts of two species, S. lari and S. wobeseri, have been identified in the muscles of gulls. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the species richness of Sarcocystis in the herring gull, Larus argentatus, from Lithuania. Methods In the period between 2013 and 2019, leg muscles of 35 herring gulls were examined for sarcocysts of Sarcocystis spp. Sarcocystis spp. were characterised morphologically based on a light microscopy study. Four sarcocysts isolated from the muscles of each infected bird were subjected to further molecular examination. Sarcocystis species were identified by means of ITS1 sequence analysis. Results Sarcocysts were detected in 9/35 herring gulls (25.7%). Using light microscopy, one morphological type of sarcocysts was observed. Sarcocysts were microscopic, thread-like, had a smooth and thin (about 1 µm) cyst wall and were filled with banana-shaped bradyzoites. On the basis of ITS1 sequences, four Sarcocystis species, S. columbae, S. halieti, S. lari and S. wobeseri, were identified. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that a single infected herring gull could host two Sarcocystis species indistinguishable under light microscopy. Conclusions Larus argentatus is the first bird species found to act as intermediate host of four Sarcocystis spp. According to current knowledge, five species, S. falcatula, S. calchasi, S. wobeseri, S. columbae and S. halieti can use birds belonging to different orders as intermediate hosts.

Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in Spheniscus magellanicus (Foster, 1781) located in Pontal do Sul, PR, Brazil

ABSTRACT Gastrointestinal parasitism is the main health problem faced by Spheniscus magellanicus, known as Magellanic penguins, in route on the Brazilian coast. The aim of this research was to report the occurrence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites in S. magellanicus that reached Pontal do Sul, Paraná, South of Brazil. The study was performed at the Marine Study Center of the Federal University of Parana (CEM-UFPR) with 38 specimens, 31 were necropsied and seven were examined alive with coproparasitological exams. From the necropsied animals, 93.5% (29/31) were parasitized with at least one parasite species. Contracaecum pelagicum was the most prevalent 93,5% (29/31) parasite, followed by Cardiocephaloides physalis (64.5%) and Tetrabothrius lutzi (51.6%). Only one animal was free of parasites and the most infected bird had 1.076 parasites with an average of 194 worms. Willis-Mollay method revealed that 57.1% (4/7) had C. pelagicum eggs. In conclusion, the high rate of gastrointestinal parasites in S. magellanicus confirms the clinical exams, when animals had poor health conditions when they were found in the cost of Paraná. This study provides data to enrich the literature regarding the helminth fauna of the Magellanic penguins, assisting sanitary control programs in Rehabilitation Centers for Marine Animals.

CASE REPORT: PSITTACINE POX VIRUS INFECTION IN AGAPORNIS ROSEICOLLIS

This case report describes the outbreak of a combined diphtheritic and cutaneous form of psittacine pox in Agapornis roseicollis in Tainan, Taiwan in June, 2015. Scabs were observed on the legs and eyelids, the bases of beaks, and diphtheritic mucous membranes were observed on the upper digestive and respiratory tracts, too. In histopathological examinations, epitheliums and osteoblasts in nasal bone contained eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in stratum spinosum. The infected bird beak tissue exhibited brick-shaped virions with biconcave dumbbell-shaped core by transmission electron microscopy. From the previous reports, psittacine pox virus in Taiwan may be more virulent than other reported strains and still occurs as a sporadic disease in Taiwan. This is the first report in the world discussed about the infection of osteoblast by poxvirus.

Diplostomum and Ornithodiplostomum scardinii (Diplostomidae, Digenea) species from naturally infected birds (Anatinae) in the Czech Republic and in Poland: morphological, morphometric and ecological features

The study aimed to describe morphological and morphometric characteristics of species representing the genera Diplostomum Nordmann, 1832 and Ornithodiplostomum Dubois, 1936, originating from naturally infected birds in the Czech Republic and in Poland, and to compare their species richness and the intensity of infection in their avian hosts. Diplostomum mergi Dubois, 1932, D. parviventosum Dubois, 1932, D. phoxini (Faust, 1918), D. pusillum (Dubois, 1928), and Ornithodiplostomum scardinii (Schulman, 1952) were found in the gossander (Mergus merganser). D. parviventosum was found in the velvet scoter (Melanitta fusca). D. pungitii Shigin, 1965 was found in the tufted duck (Aythya fuligula), common eider (Somateria mollissima), common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula), and in the long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis). D. spathaceum (Rudolphi, 1819) was found in the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). Morphology and morphometry of those Diplostomum species from the Czech Republic and from Poland were not analyzed before. The morphological and morphometric description of the adult form of O. scardinii presented in this study has been the first such description of a specimen obtained from a naturally infected bird. The highest intensity of infection was observed in the gossander (D. pusillum and D. mergi). Study results provided new data on the occurrence of the Diplostomum and O. scardinii trematodes in the Czech Republic and in Poland.

Evidence of multiple introductions of beak and feather disease virus into the Pacific islands of Nouvelle-Calédonie (New Caledonia)

Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) is a circular ssDNA virus that causes psittacine beak and feather disease and has almost global presence. Here, we report for the first time the presence of in Nouvelle-Calédonie (New Caledonia). One hundred and sixty-eight exotic and 79 endemic birds were sampled in Nouvelle-Calédonie, 26 were found to be positive for BFDV. We characterized the full genomes of 26 isolates and phylogenetic analysis placed nine of the isolates into the BFDV-J strain, with the remaining 17 isolates from Deplanche’s Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus deplanchii) forming a novel strain, BFDV-P. Of more concern was the discovery of an infected bird from the vulnerable and endemic New Caledonian Parakeet (Cyanoramphus saisseti). Our results reveal that there have been at least two introductions of BFDV into Nouvelle-Calédonie.

First isolation of Mycobacterium genavense in a blue headed parrot (Pionus menstruus) imported from Surinam (South America) to the Czech Republic: a case report

In 2005 a Mycobacterium genavense infection was diagnosed in one blue-headed parrot (Pionus menstruus) imported from Surinam (South America), the first such incidence in the Czech Republic. The bird died suddenly. Histopathological examination revealed a diffuse granulomatous inflammatory reaction in the intestinal mucosa. Tissue sections of the intestines stained by Ziehl-Neelsen were microscopically positive for acid-fast bacilli. Culture examinations were made by the conventional solid media, the manual BD-BBL MGIT and the automated MGIT 960 liquid culture systems. We have detected mycobacteria by the automated MGIT 960 liquid culture system in the intestinal tissues after 92 days and on solid Herrold's Egg Yolk Medium without Mycobactin J after 270 days. The manual BD-BBL MGIT liquid culture and the conventional culture system revealed mycobacteria after 150 days of cultivation from three and two tissues samples, respectively. M. genavense was identified by HAIN Life Science kits (GmbH, Germany) and was found to be the cause of death for the parrot, which was one of 14 exotic birds kept by its keeper. From the environment M. a. hominissuis was isolated only, which was documented by antibody detection of this member of the M. avium complex in sera samples of five birds. Three two month old common pet parakeets (Melopsittacus undulatus) were for one day in contact with drinking water contaminated by the liver suspension from the infected bird. After 12 months they were euthanized. Subsequent culture was negative for the presence of mycobacteria and histopathological examinations showed no granulomatous inflammatory reaction or any other pathological findings.

Within-host variation of avian influenza viruses

The emergence and spread of H5N1 avian influenza viruses from Asia through to Europe and Africa pose a significant animal disease problem and have raised concerns that the virus may pose a pandemic threat to humans. The epizootological factors that have influenced the wide distribution of the virus are complex, and the variety of viruses currently circulating reflects these factors. Sequence analysis of the virus genes sheds light on the H5N1 virus evolution during its emergence and spread, but the degree of virus variation at the level of an individual infected bird has been described in only a few studies. Here, we describe some results of a study in which turkeys, ducks and chickens were infected with either one of two H5N1 or one of three H7N1 viruses, and the degree of sequence variation within an individual infected avian host was examined. We developed ‘deep amplicon’ sequence analysis for this work, and the methods and results provide a background framework for application to disease outbreaks in the field.