Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Birds”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Effects of certain stress factors on the re-excretion of infectious laryngotracheitis virus from latently infected carrier birds.

Experiments were set up to assess the effects of 'natural' and 'artificial' stresses on the re-excretion of infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) virus in latently infected chickens recovered from the acute phase of the disease. The stresses were rehousing with the addition of ILT-free contact birds, corticosteroid treatment and the onset of lay. The contact birds were also monitored for transmission of the virus from the carrier birds. Rehousing with unfamiliar birds induced ILT virus shedding in one of five birds and there was evidence of transmission from this bird to its mate. The onset of lay had a significant effect on the overall shedding rates of the carrier birds. Nine of 10 birds shed virus after onset of lay compared with only two in the three-and-a-half weeks before, and there was a highly significant increase (P less than 0.001) in the overall number of virus isolations during this period. Corticosteroid treatment did not affect virus shedding. These results may explain some of the apparently spontaneous outbreaks of ILT which occur in the field.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Occurrence of yeasts in cloacae of migratory birds.

Several species of yeast have been reported as pathogens in humans based on increases in immunodeficiency syndromes and as a result of immunosuppressant chemotherapy in cancer treatment. Domestic and wild birds are known to act as carriers of human pathogenic fungi. To gain additional information on the yeasts present in the cloacae of some species of migratory birds, 421 wild birds (24.39% out of 1726 birds caught in Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria) were sampled with the permission of the local judicial authority. The state of conservation of the birds (i.e. post-mortem alterations, colour of the mucosae etc.), along with their age and sex were determined. Samples were collected directly from the cloacae and cultured, and colonies were identified in each positive sample. Yeasts were isolated from 15.7% of the animals sampled, with the highest percentage found in coots (Fulica atra -58.8%) and the lowest in quails (Coturnix coturnix -1.7%). A total of 131 isolates belonging to 15 species of yeast were identified. Rhodotorula rubra was the yeast with the highest number of isolates (28.2%), followed by Cryptococcus albidus (18.4%), Candida albicans (9.2%), Trichosporon cutaneum (8.4%), Candida guilliermondii (6.1%), Candida tropicalis (6.1%) and other species. The present study represents the first survey on the occurrence of yeasts in the cloacae of migratory birds. The prevalence and species of yeasts isolated is discussed on the basis of the ecology, diet, and habitat of the birds.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

An evaluation of beached bird monitoring approaches.

Oil-pollution monitoring at sea through beach bird surveying would undoubtedly benefit from a further standardisation of methods, enhancing the efficiency of data collection. In order to come up with useful recommendations, we evaluated various approaches of beached bird collection at the Belgian coast during seven winters (1993-1999). Data received in a passive way by one major rehabilitation centre were compared to the results of targeted beach surveys carried out at different scales by trained ornithologists: 'weekly' surveys - with a mean interval of 9 days - restricted to a fixed 16.7 km beach stretch, 'monthly' surveys over the entire coastline (62.1 km) and an annual 'international' survey in Belgium over the same distance at the end of February. Data collected through Belgian rehabilitation centres concern injured, living birds collected in a non-systematical way. Oil rates derived from these centres appear to be strongly biased to oiled auks and inshore bird species, and are hence of little use in assessing the extent of oil pollution at sea. The major asset of rehabilitation centres in terms of data collection seems to be their continuous warning function for events of mass mortality. Weekly surveys on a representative and large enough section rendered reliable data on oil rates, estimates of total number of bird victims, representation of various taxonomic groups and species-richness and were most sensitive in detecting events quickly (wrecks, oil-slicks, severe winter mortality, etc.). Monthly surveys gave comparable results, although they overlooked some important beaching events and demonstrated slightly higher oil rates, probably due to the higher chance to miss short-lasting wrecks of auks. Since the monthly surveys in Belgium were carried out by a network of volunteers and were spread over a larger beach section, they should be considered as best performing. Single 'international beached bird surveys' in February gave reliable data on total victim number (once the mean ratio between numbers in various months is known) and oil rate (provided a sufficiently large sample can be collected), but failed in tracking events. It is a particularly attractive approach because of its long tradition, resulting in invaluable long-term databases, and the uniformity in which these surveys are organised on a large scale. The minimal distance for a monthly survey amounts to 25-30 km (40-50% of Belgian coastline) up to 40 km (65%) in order to attain sound figures for oil rate and species-richness, respectively. These distances are primarily determined by the number of bird corpses that may be collected and are hence a function of beaching intensity and corpse detection rate.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The risk of avian influenza in birds in Australia.

Avian influenza viruses may cause mild or severe disease in birds. There have been five recorded outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in birds in Australia, all of which were caused by the H7 subtype. These were quickly controlled and similar coordinated responses are expected for possible future outbreaks of avian influenza. Migratory birds are not regarded as the source of these outbreaks, and the prevalence of avian influenza viruses in wild birds in Australia is very low. Avian influenza H5N1, which emerged in birds in China in 1996, has spread to bird flocks in Asia, Europe and Africa. The main carriers of avian influenza, ducks, do not migrate to Australia, and currently the risk of H5N1 occurring in Australian birds appears to be low. Nevertheless, surveillance and response plans for outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have recently been upgraded across Australia.

Animal Migration↗
PubMed1998

Detection of chlamydiosis in a shipment of pet birds, leading to recognition of an outbreak of clinically mild psittacosis in humans.

Avian chlamydiosis was detected in a shipment of > 700 pet birds from a Florida bird distributor that were sold to nine Atlanta-area pet stores in August 1995. Respiratory illness among persons who had recently acquired birds from this shipment was reported to local public health officials. The attack rate of acute respiratory illness was 10.7% among persons in households exposed to birds from the implicated flock vs. 1.8% among control households (odds ratio, 6.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.39-31.2). Illness and serological evidence of infection in the absence of symptoms were more common among persons in households with recently purchased birds that were sick or that had died and among persons who had had direct contact with the birds. Clinical psittacosis or serological evidence of Chlamydia psittaci infection was found in 30.7% of households with birds from the infected flock. Mild illnesses and asymptomatic infections in exposed persons were unusual features of this outbreak.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Serologic evidence for West Nile virus infection in birds in Staten Island, New York, after an outbreak in 2000.

After an outbreak of West Nile virus (WNV) infections in people, horses, and wildlife in Staten Island, NY, during the summer of 2000, we surveyed the bird population of the island for evidence of infection. Neutralizing antibodies were detected in 59 of 257 (23.0%) resident birds and none of 96 transient (migrating) birds sampled in early October. Species with the greatest seroprevalence were northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) (69.2%) and rock dove (Columba livia) (54.5%). House sparrows (Passer domesticus) and chickens (Gallus gallus) had lower than expected seroprevalences, 8.6% and 5.5%, respectively. The geographic distribution of seropositivity suggested focal transmission at several locations on the island. The concentration of seropositive birds among resident bird populations on Staten Island supports the concept that many birds survive WNV infection and that some of these play an important role in the WNV-bird-mosquito transmission cycle.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Serologic evidence of West Nile Virus infection in birds, Tamaulipas State, México.

Following the introduction of West Nile virus (WNV) into North America in 1999, surveillance for WNV in migratory and resident birds was established in Tamaulipas State, northern México in December 2001. Overall, 796 birds representing 70 species and 10 orders were captured and assayed for antibodies to WNV. Nine birds had flavivirus-specific antibodies by epitope-blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; four were confirmed to have antibody to WNV by plaque reduction neutralization test. The WNV-infected birds were a house wren, mourning dove, verdin and Bewick's wren. The house wren is a migratory species; the other WNV-infected birds are presumably residents. The WNV-infected birds were all captured in March 2003. These data provide the first indirect evidence of WNV transmission among birds in northern México.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Survey of birds and lizards for ixodid ticks (Acari) and spirochetal infection in northern California.

A total of 138 birds (24 species) was captured in an oak woodland between December 1988 and June 1989 at the University of California, Sierra Foothill Range Field Station, Yuba County, Calif. Ticks were not found on 71 birds captured between December 1988 and March 1989. Five subadult Ixodes pacificus Cooley & Kohls were removed from 3 of 67 birds caught between April and June 1989. These three birds, an orange-crowned warbler (Vermivora celata (Say], a lazuli bunting (Passerina amoena (Say], and a chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina (Bechstein], represent new host records for I. pacificus in California. Tissues from two ticks and thick blood films prepared from 126 birds tested negative for spirochetes by direct immunofluorescence (DI). A total of 172 larval and 197 nymphal I. pacificus was removed from 15 of 16 western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis Baird & Girard) caught between April and June 1989 in the same location as were birds. Thick blood films prepared from all 16 lizards and tissue smears from 334 of the ticks (143 larvae and 191 nymphs) were DI test-negative for spirochetes. One (1.1%) of 93 adult I. pacificus collected at the bird-lizard capture site in February 1989 was infected with spirochetes that resembled B. burgdorferi.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Serological evidence of West Nile virus, Usutu virus and Sindbis virus infection of birds in the UK.

The introduction and rapid dispersal of the African flavivirus West Nile virus (WNV) throughout North America, and the high fatality rate due to encephalitis in birds, horses, other wildlife species and humans, has attracted major attention worldwide. Usutu virus, another flavivirus, came to prominence in 2001, when it was identified as the agent responsible for a drop in the bird population in Austria; previously this encephalitic virus was found only in birds and mosquitoes in Africa. Sindbis virus, a pathogenic alphavirus that causes arthritis, is widespread throughout Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia, infecting a range of arthropods and vertebrates and is genetically related to encephalitic viruses in North America. Currently there is no evidence that any of these viruses cause disease in the UK. Here the presence of virus-specific neutralizing antibodies is reported in the sera of resident and migrant birds in the UK, implying that each of these viruses is being introduced to UK birds, possibly by mosquitoes. This is supported by nucleotide sequencing that identified three slightly different sequences of WNV RNA in tissues of magpies and a blackbird. The detection of specific neutralizing antibodies to WNV in birds provides a plausible explanation for the lack of evidence of a decrease in the bird population in the UK compared with North America. The potential health risk posed to humans and animals by these viruses circulating in the UK is discussed.

Alphavirus Infections↗
PubMed1992

Further investigations on Pasteurella multocida infections in feral birds injured by cats.

A total of 64 Pasteurella multocida strains (46 out of 11 different feral bird species, partly injured by cat bites, and 18 strains originating from clinically healthy cats) were biochemically differentiated. As a result, 67.4% of the strains from feral birds and 61.1% from the cats were classified as the subspecies multocida, whilst 21.7% and 27.8% were identified as the subspecies septica. The percentage of frequency for both the subspecies was of a comparable order of magnitude from the birds injured by cat bites and from cats (58.6% and 61.1%, 24.1% and 27.8% resp.), whereas the frequency from other feral birds differed considerably (82.4% and 17.6%). Maltose-positive strains were only demonstrable in birds with wounds inflicted by cats. To date, maltose-positive strains have only been obtained from one cat and one human being with an injury caused by a cat. The results of this investigation confirm the possibility of the direct transmission of Pasteurella multocida via cat bites. 19 strains from feral birds and 15 strains from cats were tested for their capability to produce toxins. The results of these tests were negative. The present paper also describes the pathologic-anatomical and histopathological lesions caused by the infection in feral birds.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

Blood protozoa of imported birds.

Large numbers of birds, until recently, were brought into the United States each year. Countries of origin were varied, and included those of Australasia, Africa, South America, and the Caribbean islands, as well as other places. With them of course come their parasites, some of which may be potential pathogens to domestic avifauna. In part for this reason, a survey was undertaken of blood parasites of birds from pet shops and importers. So far a total of 1234 birds belonging to 186 species has been examined. Several new species and subspecies of avian Plasmodium have been found in the course of this study, including P. octamerium Manwell, 1968 in a Pintail Whydah, Vidua macoura, from Africa; P paranucleophilum Manwell & Sessler, 1971 in a South American tanager, Tachyphonus sp; and P. nucleophilum toucani Manwell & Sessler 1971 in a Swainson's Toucan, Ramphastos s. swainsonii. Plasmodium huffi Muniz, Soares & Battista is undoubtedly a synonym pro parte for the last. Plasmodium tenue Laveran & Maruliaz, long thought to be a synonym of Plasmodium vaughani Novy & MacNeal, was rediscovered and found to be a valid species. Plasmodium nucleophilum, infrequently seen in the New World, occurred in many Asian and African birds, and especially in starlings. Infections with other species of Plasmodium were common. Haemoproteus was the commonest blood parasite; Leucocytozoon was very rare as was Atoxoplasma (Lankesterella). The 2 families of birds best represented were the Fringillidae and the Psittacidae, but no blood parasites were seen in the latter. It is clear that imported birds are often infected with blood protozoa, some of which are unknown from native birds.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

West Nile virus infection in birds and mammals.

West Nile virus (WNV) was found throughout New York State in year 2000. The epicenter was located in New York City with a high level of activity in the immediately surrounding counties, including Rockland, Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk. During 2000, WNV testing was performed by the Wadsworth Center on 3,687 dead birds, representing 153 species, 46 families, and 18 orders. There were 1,203 WNV-positive birds, representing 63 species, 30 families and 14 orders. The percentage of WNV-positive birds was 33% for all birds tested throughout the state, with no significant difference in infection rates in migratory versus resident birds, although significantly more resident birds were submitted for testing. The highest apparent mortality for the entire season was observed in American crows in Staten Island, a location that also showed the highest minimal infection rate in Culex pipiens complex mosquitoes. Studies examining tissue tropism of WNV in corvids and noncorvids from the epicenter and from remote locations indicated that the kidney was the most consistently infected tissue in birds, regardless of level of infection. The brain was the next most consistently positive tissue. The differences in infection among the tissues were most apparent when low levels of virus were present. Experimental mouse inoculation demonstrated a classical flavivirus infection pattern.

Animals↗
PubMed1962

Gastrointestinal microflora of mutton birds (Puffinus tenuirostris) in relation to "limy" disease.

Mushin, Rose (University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) and Frances M. Ashburner. Gastrointestinal microflora of mutton birds (Puffinus tenuirostris) in relation to "limy" disease. J. Bacteriol. 83:1260-1267. 1962.-The aerobic bacterial intestinal flora of mutton birds, healthy and affected with "limy" disease, was investigated, mainly in birds from Great Dog Island, Bass Strait, Australia. A total of 1,274 specimens from gut on post-mortem and from cloacal swabs was examined. No indication was obtained of a pathogenic bacterial species concerned in "limy" disease. A study was made of the types of organisms and their distribution in the gut of mutton birds. The sparsity, or occasional absence, of aerobic bacterial flora in some birds, especially adults, was noticed. The "limy" birds, by comparison with normal chicks, had a richer flora more evenly distributed through the alimentary canal. A higher ratio of gram-negative to gram-positive bacterial types was recorded in chicks; adult birds had a lower or an even numerical ratio. The comparatively frequent occurrence of Proteus species, except P. mirabilis, and of irregular and intermediate coliform types was evident. Escherichia coli type I was not a constant inhabitant of the gut. The gram-positive flora consisted mostly of Staphylococcus saprophyticus, S. lactis, and Enterococcus. The possibility that "limy" disease may be caused by physiological factors is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Clinical signs and results of specific diagnostic testing among captive birds housed at zoological institutions and infected with West Nile virus.

During 2002, West Nile virus (WNV) infection was diagnosed in 11 birds housed in outdoor exhibits at 5 zoological institutions in Kansas. Eight birds were examined because of neurologic abnormalities; 2 died suddenly without any clinical signs of disease. Results of CBCs and serum biochemical testing were nonspecific. Results of a plaque reduction neutralization test to detect circulating antibodies against WNV were positive for 2 of 8 birds. Results of a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay of an oral cavity swab specimen for WNV RNA were positive for 4 of 5 birds. One bird survived; the remaining 10 died or were euthanatized, with 9 of the 10 dying or being euthanatized within 3 days of the onset of clinical signs. In all 10 birds that died or were euthanatized, WNV infection was confirmed on postmortem examination by means of specific testing. Findings in these birds suggest that West Nile virus infection can be difficult to diagnose antemortem because clinical signs mimic those associated with other more common avian diseases. Neither of the antemortem diagnostic tests was definitive for diagnosing WNV infection in these cases.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Birds and influenza H5NI virus movement to and within North America.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 expanded considerably during 2005 and early 2006 in both avian host species and geographic distribution. Domestic waterfowl and migratory birds are reservoirs, but lethality of this subtype appeared to initially limit migrant effectiveness as introductory hosts. This situation may have changed, as HPAI H5N1 has recently expanded across Eurasia and into Europe and Africa. Birds could introduce HPAI H5N1 to the Western Hemisphere through migration, vagrancy, and importation by people. Vagrants and migratory birds are not likely interhemispheric introductory hosts; import of infected domestic or pet birds is more probable. If reassortment or mutation were to produce a virus adapted for rapid transmission among humans, birds would be unlikely introductory hosts because of differences in viral transmission mechanisms among major host groups (i.e., gastrointestinal for birds, respiratory for humans). Another possible result of reassortment would be a less lethal form of avian influenza, more readily spread by birds.

Animal Migration↗
PubMed1993

Viremia in three orders of birds (Anseriformes, Galliformes and Passeriformes) inoculated with Ockelbo virus.

One-hundred six birds of 14 species were inoculated with approximately 10(2.7) plaque-forming units of Ockelbo virus and bled daily for 5 days to determine viremia levels. Virus was detected in birds of all 14 species tested (four Anseriformes, one Galliformes and nine Passeriformes). The onset of viremia occurred earlier and viral titers were higher in very young anseriforms and galliforms than in older birds. Adult passeriforms had Ockelbo viremias of higher titer and longer duration than did adult anseriforms. Viremia titers in adult birds of all three orders tested were sufficient to induce high transmission rates in enzootic mosquito vectors, and viremias in passeriforms could induce high transmission rates in bridging vectors as well. Passeriforms of the genera Turdus and Fringilla could serve as amplification hosts for Ockelbo virus based on the presently demonstrated viremia of high titer and long duration in these birds, and the previously demonstrated high prevalence of Ockelbo virus neutralizing antibodies in free-ranging individuals and great population size compared to birds of other taxa. Bird species of all three orders tested, however, could function as incidental hosts of the virus.

Age Factors↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Mycoplasma gallisepticum in house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) and other wild birds associated with poultry production facilities.

Since 1994, an epidemic of conjunctivitis caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) has spread throughout the eastern population of house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus). The adaptation of MG to a free-flying avian species presents potential problems for the control of mycoplasmosis in commercial poultry. To evaluate risks associated with this emerging problem, a field survey was conducted to assess prevalence of MG infection in house finches and other passerine birds associated with poultry farms. Between November 1997 and March 1999, 1058 birds were captured by mist net or trap at 17 farms and at 10 feeder stations in northeast Georgia. Birds were bled and screened by serum plate agglutination (SPA) for antibodies to MG. Birds with negative or weak positive SPA results were released at capture sites, and those with strong positive SPA reactions were kept for further evaluation. Necropsies were performed on selected house finches and individuals of 11 other passerine species, and samples were collected for MG testing by culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), hemagglutination inhibition, and histopathology. Testing revealed 19.1% of 671 birds caught at farms and 11.6% of 387 birds caught at feeder sites were SPA positive for MG. Three house finches captured on farms were positive for MG by culture and PCR, whereas three from feeder sites were positive only by PCR. No MG isolates were made from tufted titmice (Baeolophus bicolor), but 40% were positive by PCR. Individuals from 10 additional species were SPA positive only. Results suggest that MG persists at low levels in house finches in northeast Georgia and that tufted titmice may be nonclinical carriers of MG or a related mycoplasma. Positive SPA reactions in other species may be caused by nonspecific reactions or contact exposure. Current biosecurity recommendations should be sufficient to minimize risks of transmission between wild and domestic birds.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed1964

TICKS (IXODIDAE) ON MIGRATING BIRDS IN EGYPT, SPRING AND FALL 1962.

Over a number of years studies have been carried out in Egypt on the transport by migrating birds of ticks that may transmit pathogens of man and animals. In continuation of these investigations 11 036 birds migrating southwards through Egypt were examined for ticks during the fall of 1962. The 881 infested birds (comprising 24 species and sub-species represented by 10 612 individuals) yielded 1442 ticks. Tick-host relationships were similar to those of previous years except that in 1962 the prevalence of infestation was almost invariably much higher than the averages for 1959-61. Five species of birds were added to the previous list of 40 infested forms. Previously unrecorded tick species taken during 1962 were Ixodes redikorzevi (a species from Asia very occasionally found in rodent burrows in Egypt), the rare Haemaphysalis inermis, and Hyalomma a. anatolicum, H. anatolicum excavatum and H. dromedarii, which may have been carried from Asia or have attached themselves to the birds at the time of netting.During the spring of 1962, altogether 1774 birds migrating northwards through Egypt were also examined. The 56 tick-infested birds (comprising 13 species represented by 867 individuals) yielded 186 ticks. As in previous years, Hyalomma marginatum rufipes was the chief species (89.25%) parasitizing spring migrants. A single specimen of Amblyomma variegatum was taken on Anthus cervinus and 19 specimens of Ixodes?sp. nov. were collected from Sylvia c. communis and Motacilla a. alba.

Animals↗