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At least 469 records · Page 26Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Laboratory transmission of Rift Valley fever virus by Phlebotomus duboscqi, Phlebotomus papatasi, Phlebotomus sergenti, and Sergentomyia schwetzi (Diptera: Psychodidae).

We examined the potential for Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli), Phlebotomus duboscqi (Neveu-Lemarie), Phlebotomus sergenti (Parrot), and Sergentomyia schwetzi (Adler, Theodor, & Parrot) to transmit Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus. After feeding on hamsters that had been inoculated with RVF virus, P. papatasi, P. sergenti, and S. schwetzi became infected and developed disseminated infections. All P. papatasi and P. duboscqi inoculated with RVF virus developed high-titer infections. In contrast, only 41% of the inoculated S. schwetzi contained detectable virus, and infected individuals contained significantly less virus than the two Phlebotomus species. Although 50% of the inoculated P. duboscqi transmitted RVF virus to hamsters, only 14% of P. papatasi and none of the S. schwetzi transmitted this virus. Additional studies are needed to determine the role of sand flies as vectors of RVF virus.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Four new avian mitochondrial genomes help get to basic evolutionary questions in the late cretaceous.

Good phylogenetic trees are required to test hypotheses about evolutionary processes. We report four new avian mitochondrial genomes, which together with an improved method of phylogenetic analysis for vertebrate mt genomes give results for three questions in avian evolution. The new mt genomes are: magpie goose (Anseranas semipalmata), an owl (morepork, Ninox novaeseelandiae); a basal passerine (rifleman, or New Zealand wren, Acanthisitta chloris); and a parrot (kakapo or owl-parrot, Strigops habroptilus). The magpie goose provides an important new calibration point for avian evolution because the well-studied Presbyornis fossils are on the lineage to ducks and geese, after the separation of the magpie goose. We find, as with other animal mitochondrial genomes, that RY-coding is helpful in adjusting for biases between pyrimidines and between purines. When RY-coding is used at third positions of the codon, the root occurs between paleognath and neognath birds (as expected from morphological and nuclear data). In addition, passerines form a relatively old group in Neoaves, and many modern avian lineages diverged during the Cretaceous. Although many aspects of the avian tree are stable, additional taxon sampling is required.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Cognitive ornithology: the evolution of avian intelligence.

Comparative psychologists interested in the evolution of intelligence have focused their attention on social primates, whereas birds tend to be used as models of associative learning. However, corvids and parrots, which have forebrains relatively the same size as apes, live in complex social groups and have a long developmental period before becoming independent, have demonstrated ape-like intelligence. Although, ornithologists have documented thousands of hours observing birds in their natural habitat, they have focused their attention on avian behaviour and ecology, rather than intelligence. This review discusses recent studies of avian cognition contrasting two different approaches; the anthropocentric approach and the adaptive specialization approach. It is argued that the most productive method is to combine the two approaches. This is discussed with respects to recent investigations of two supposedly unique aspects of human cognition; episodic memory and theory of mind. In reviewing the evidence for avian intelligence, corvids and parrots appear to be cognitively superior to other birds and in many cases even apes. This suggests that complex cognition has evolved in species with very different brains through a process of convergent evolution rather than shared ancestry, although the notion that birds and mammals may share common neural connectivity patterns is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

An outbreak of psittacosis due to Chlamydophila psittaci genotype A in a veterinary teaching hospital.

An outbreak of psittacosis in a veterinary teaching hospital was recognized in December 2004. Outbreak management was instituted to evaluate the extent of the outbreak and to determine the avian source. Real-time PCR, serologic testing and sequencing of the ompA gene of Chlamydophila psittaci were performed. Sputum samples from patients, throat-swab samples from exposed students and staff, and faecal specimens from parrots and pigeons were tested. In this outbreak, 34 % (10/29) of the tested individuals were infected. The clinical features of the infection ranged from none to sepsis with multi-organ failure requiring intensive-care-unit admission. C. psittaci genotype A was identified as the outbreak strain. Parrots, recently exposed to a group of cockatiels coming from outside the teaching facility, which were used in a practical class, appeared to be the source of the outbreak. One of the tested pigeons harboured an unrelated C. psittaci genotype B strain. The microbiological diagnosis by real-time PCR on clinical specimens allowed for rapid outbreak management; subsequent genotyping of the isolates identified the avian source. Recommendations are made to reduce the incidence and extent of future outbreaks.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Allergens causing bird fancier's asthma.

The study investigates to what extent bird feathers contain relevant allergens/antigens involved in bird fancier's asthma. The study group consisted of two budgerigar fanciers, two parrot fanciers and one canary fancier. All subjects complained of asthmatic symptoms, caused by contact with their birds, and they showed a significant bronchial hyperreactivity to acetylcholine. Positive IgE antibody reactions to bird sera as well as to extracts of feathers were observed in RAST. Well-defined major allergenic bands could be detected and identified in the IgE immunoblots with feather extracts as well as with serum proteins of budgerigar, parrot, pigeon, canary, and hen (mol. mass 20-30 kDa and 67 kDa). The most pronounced bands appeared with the extracts of species to which an exposure had taken place. Weaker IgG-binding patterns were also observed. Our results show that inhalable feather dust contains several allergenic components which cross-react with serum allergens/antigens of the same as well as of other bird species. This emphasizes the significance of bird feathers for immediate-type allergic reactions.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Screening of aquatic and wetland plant species for phytoremediation of explosives-contaminated groundwater from the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant.

The results of this study indicate that the presence of plants did enhance TNT and TNB removal from IAAP groundwater. Most effective at 25 degrees C were reed canary grass, coontail and pondweed. Groundwater and plant tissue analyses indicate that in presence of the plants tested TNT is degraded to reduced by-products and to other metabolites that were not analyzed. TNT removal was best modeled using first order kinetics, with rate constants at 25 degrees C incubations ranging from 0.038 microgram L-1 h-1 for reed canary grass to 0.012 microgram L-1 h-1 for parrot-feather. These kinetics predict hydraulic retention times (HRTs) ranging from 4.9 days to 19.8 days to reach a TNT concentration of 2 micrograms L-1. Decreasing incubation temperature to 10 degrees C affected reed canary grass more than parrot-feather, increasing estimated HRTs by factors of four and two, respectively. The plant species tested showed a far lower potential for RDX removal from the IAAP groundwater. Most effective at 25 degrees C were reed canary grass and fox sedge. Analyses of plant material indicated the presence of RDX in under-water plant portions and in aerial plant portions, and RDX accumulation in the latter. RDX removal was best modeled using zero order kinetics, with rate constants for the 25 degrees C incubation ranging from 13.45 micrograms L-1 h-1 for reed canary grass to no removal in four species. Based on these kinetics, estimated HRTs to reach 2 micrograms L-1 RDX increased from 39 days. Decreasing the temperature to 10 degrees C increased HRT 24-fold for reed canary grass. By using the biomass-normalized K value, submersed plants are identified as having the highest explosives-removing activity (microgram explosive L-1 h-1 g DW-1). However, biomass production of submersed plants is normally five to ten times less than that of emergent plants per unit area, and, thus, in plant selection for wetland construction, both, explosives removal potential and biomass production are important determinants.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗
PubMed1997

A microcosm study on remediation of explosives-contaminated groundwater using constructed wetlands.

Anaerobic degradation of TNT and TNB in gravel systems was rapid and similar to removal rates in parrot feather lagoons. Planted and unplanted anaerobic gravel systems were the only treatments that provided significant reduction of RDX and HMX. Planted systems with parrot feather had no effect on removal rates of explosives in anaerobic gravel systems. Reciprocating wetlands were not effective in biodegrading RDX or HMX, but were very efficient at removing COD. A scaled-up concept for bioremediating contaminated groundwater can be envisioned with the data obtained in the current study. The effectiveness of anaerobic gravel systems indicate an anaerobic subsurface-flow constructed wetland can be established as the primary treatment for remediation with C added to the influent or step fed down the length of the wetland. Another option would be to add compost as a more permanent source of C to the gravel substrate. With time, the need for C supplementation may be reduced with the C exudates and redox lowering potential of certain plants like canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea). As a secondary treatment, a reciprocating wetland would appear to be a logical choice to quickly remove C released in effluent waters of the anaerobic wetland.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Cochlosoma infections in finches.

OBJECTIVE: To survey finches in pet shops for Cochlosoma infection and evaluate the efficacy of antiprotozoal therapy with metronidazole or ronidazole. DESIGN: A survey of pet shop finches and drug efficacy trials. PROCEDURE: Finches in pet shops were randomly selected and their faeces examined microscopically for motile Cochlosoma sp trophozoites. Drug trials were carried out on 60 adult finches with naturally occurring infections. Body weight was measured and the faeces of each bird was examined for trophozoites at the beginning and 7 days after the end of treatment. In some birds, additional daily faecal examinations were done until three consecutive negative results were obtained. Metronidazole was administered at various dose rates by crop gavage or in drinking water to eight groups of five to ten finches each. Ronidazole was given in water for 7 days to ten finches. In addition, six finches whose faeces tested positive were necropsied and their tissues collected for histological examination. RESULTS: Motile flagellates in the faeces were identified as C anatis-like protozoa. Red-headed parrot-finches, Bengalese and Lady Gould finches were found to be most commonly infected. Cochlosoma sp was also found in the blue-faced parrot-finch, zebra finch, painted finch, nutmeg mannikin and double-barred finch. Metronidazole and ronidazole were found to be effective against Cochlosoma sp. Histological findings on infected adult finches were normal, except for the presence of numerous flagellates between the colorectal villi and cloacal mucosal folds. CONCLUSIONS: Cochlosoma anatis-like organisms can infect several species of finches and in adult finches are confined to the colorectum and cloaca. Infection in adult finches was mostly subclinical and could be treated effectively with metronidazole or ronidazole.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of bird-specific IgG antibodies.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to organic dust produced by birds often gives rise to an immune response, e.g. IgG antibodies, but intense exposure can lead to high concentrations of IgG antibodies and the development of allergic alveolitis, often known as "bird fancier's lung". The aim of this study was to establish the distribution of bird-specific IgG antibodies in exposed and nonexposed individuals and compare a nonquantitative and quantitative method in evaluating raised levels of IgG antibodies. METHODS: Sera were collected in Sweden and South Africa and levels of IgG antibodies specific to pigeon, budgerigar and parrot antigens were quantified using the UniCAP system. Results were compared to the precipitation in gel assay. The IgG antibody values of symptomatic patients without precipitating antibodies (non-PP group; n = 51) and patients with precipitating antibodies (PP group; n = 34) were analyzed and compared to nonexposed asymptomatic blood donors (BD group; n = 73) and environmentally exposed pigeon breeders (n = 11). RESULTS: The IgG antibody response of the analyzed groups in Sweden and South Africa did not vary significantly from each other. IgG antibody responses were the strongest to pigeon antigens with clear increased IgG antibody levels in the PP group [geometric mean (GM) 603 mg/l] compared to the non-PP (GM 6.9 mg/l) and BD group (GM 5.0 mg/l). Threshold values, calculated as the GM value from the BD group plus 3 standard deviations (99% confidence interval), were 9.8, 10.8 and 10.0 mg/l for pigeons, budgerigars and parrots, respectively. Comparison of the two methods resulted in a good concordance with a level of agreement of 94.1% (kappa statistic = 0.83). CONCLUSIONS: The UniCAP system for the detection of bird-specific IgG antibodies is a highly reproducible, generally available, quantitative method for routine diagnostic testing and monitoring of exposed subjects with a very high level of agreement to the precipitating gel assay.

Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic↗
PubMed2000

Coadaptation of male aedeagal filaments and female spermathecal ducts of the old world phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae).

The morphology of insect genitalia is often highly species-specific, and its variation has been suggested as an important impetus for evolution. Structural variation of the male genitalia and the female spermathecae in Phlebotomine sand flies is unique among the blood sucking Diptera. We describe the fine structures involved in mating for Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli). Relationships among the length of the spermathecal duct and aedeagal filament were studied in 26 species of Old World phelebotomine sand flies comprising 12 subgenera. In most taxa the aedeagal filaments were very long allowing direct insemination into the spermathecae, indicating that intrasexual competition among males occurs as sperm precedence. There was a positive correlation between the lengths of the spermathecal ducts and aedeagal filaments, indicating that an evolutionary "arms race" occurs between males and females over the control of fertilization. The pattern of genitalia variation in phlebotomine sand flies also indicated that differences in the lengths of the spermathecal ducts and aedeagal filaments are distributed unevenly among closely related species. Genital differences do not seem to occur in populations of the Phlebotomus argentipes Annandale & Brunetti complex, whereas differences showed strongly in closely related Phlebotomus papatasi and P. bergeroti Parrot, and in sympatric Phlebotomus martini Parrot and P. celiae Minter.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pathogenesis of chicken-passaged Newcastle disease viruses isolated from chickens and wild and exotic birds.

The pathogenesis of six Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolates recovered from chickens (Ckn-LBM and Ckn-Australia) and wild (Anhinga) and exotic (YN parrot, pheasant, and dove) birds was examined after the isolates had been passaged four times in domestic chickens. Groups of 10 4-wk-old specific-pathogen-free white leghorn chickens were inoculated intraconjunctivally with each one of the isolates. The infected birds were observed for clinical disease and were euthanatized and sampled at selected times from 12 hr to 14 days postinoculation or at death. Tissues were examined by histopathology, by immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect viral nucleoprotein (IHC/NP), and by in situ hybridization to detect viral mRNA and were double labeled for apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling ([TUNEL] or IHC/caspase-3) and viral nucleoprorein (IHC/NP). Birds infected with the three low virulence viruses (Ckn-LBM, YN parrot, and Ckn-Australia) did not develop clinical disease. Microscopic lesions were observed only at the inoculation site and in organs of the respiratory system. The detection of viral nucleoprotein (N) was restricted to the inoculation site. The pheasant and dove isolates were highly virulent for chickens with marked tropism for lymphoid tissues, confirmed by the presence of large numbers of cells positive for viral N protein and viral mRNA. Viral N protein was detected early in the cytoplasm of cells in the center of the splenic ellipsoids. The apoptosis assays (TUNEL and IHC/caspase-3) showed increased apoptosis in the splenic ellipsoids as well. Apparently, apoptosis is an important mechanism in lymphoid depletion during NDV infection.

Air Sacs↗
PubMed2001

Mycobacterium tuberculosis in zoo and wildlife species.

Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. tuberculosis-like organisms has been identified in a wide range of species, including non-human primates, elephants and other exotic ungulates, carnivores, marine mammals and psittacine birds. Disease associated with M. tuberculosis has occurred mostly within captive settings and does not appear to occur naturally in free-living mammals. Mycobacterium tuberculosis probably originated as an infection of humans, but from the zoonotic standpoint, non-human primates, Asian elephants and psittacine birds have the potential to transmit this disease to humans. However, the overall prevalence of disease in these susceptible species is low and documented transmissions of M. tuberculosis between animals and humans are uncommon. Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes progressive pulmonary disease in mammals and a muco-cutaneous disease in parrots. In all cases, the disease can disseminate and be shed into the environment. Diagnosis in living animals is based on intradermal tuberculin testing in non-human primates, culturing trunk secretions in elephants, and biopsy and culture of external lesions in parrots. Ancillary testing with deoxyribonucleic acid probes and nucleic acid amplification, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays have been adapted to some of these species with promising results. Additionally, new guidelines for controlling tuberculosis in elephants in the United States of America, and programmes for tuberculosis prevention in animal handlers have been established.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Compendium of measures to control Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly Chlamydia psittaci) infection among humans (psittacosis) and pet birds, 2005.

Psittacosis, also known as parrot fever and ornithosis, is a bacterial infection of humans that can cause severe pneumonia and other serious health problems. It is caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, formerly known as Chlamydia psittaci. From 1988 through 2003, 935 human cases of psittacosis were reported to the CDC and most resulted from exposure to infected pet birds, usually cockatiels, parakeets, parrots, and macaws. In birds, C. psittaci infection is referred to as avian chlamydiosis. Infected birds shed the bacteria through feces and nasal discharges, and humans become infected from exposure to these materials. This compendium provides information about psittacosis and avian chlamydiosis to public health officials, physicians, veterinarians, the pet bird industry, and others concerned with controlling these diseases and protecting public health. The recommendations in this compendium provide standardized procedures for controlling avian chlamydiosis in birds, a vital step to protecting human health. This document will be reviewed and revised as necessary.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

A model for teaching raptor medicine in the veterinary curriculum.

Injured or sick wild avian species, especially raptors (birds of prey, including hawks, owls, falcons, and eagles), can present different challenges to veterinary students and veterinarians who are trained in companion avian medicine (e.g., parrot medicine). Proper capture and restraint, feeding, housing, and certain diagnostic and treatment techniques involving raptors require different skills, knowledge, and resources than working with parrots. We developed an innovative raptor medicine program that enables students to acquire proficiency in safe capture, restraint, and examination techniques and in common diagnostic and treatment procedures. A self-assessment survey was developed to determine students' confidence and proficiency in 10 procedures taught in the lab. Groups were compared by class status (Year 1 vs. Year 2 and 3) and level of prior raptor experience (non-experienced or experienced). In surveys conducted before and after teaching two sets of raptor training labs, students rated themselves significantly more proficient in all 10 diagnostic and treatment procedures after completing the two raptor laboratories. The greatest improvements were observed in technical skill procedures such as fluid administration, intramuscular injections, cloacal swabs, venipuncture, and bandaging. Our approach to incorporating elective wildlife learning experiences into the veterinary curriculum may be replicable in other veterinary schools, with or without a wildlife rehabilitation program.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Serotyping of chlamydial clinical isolates from birds with monoclonal antibodies.

Forty-nine avian chlamydial strains, isolated mainly from various regions in France and from different species of birds, were analyzed and tested with a panel of nine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) by the indirect microimmunofluorescence test (MIF). The MAbs included five serovar-specific MAbs, three MAbs raised against Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia pecorum ovine strains, and one genus-specific MAb. Of the 49 isolates, 41 came from parrots or budgerigars; the rest were from pigeons, a canary, a duck, and a dove. Two additional strains were from unknown hosts. Most of these avian strains were successfully serotyped according to their reactions with five serovar-specific MAbs by the MIF test. The serovars of 44 strains were determined: 39 were of serovar A, 3 of serovar B, and 2 of serovar E. The remaining five isolates were unclassified because they did not react with any of five serovar-specific MAbs but did react with genus MAb or the MAbs produced with ovine strains. The five unclassified isolates (two from budgerigars, two from Gabon gray parrots, and one from a duck) indicate that one or more additional serovars of C. psittaci exist in birds. The heterogeneity within each subgroup was evident because the 49 avian isolates gave 10 subgroups when the results of the five serovar-specific MAbs were combined with results from the three MAbs produced with ovine strains. This heterogeneity of the serovar isolates, as shown by the combination of MAbs, could provide strain markers very useful for epidemiologic studies.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Compendium of measures to control Chlamydia psittaci infection among humans (psittacosis) and pet birds (avian chlamydiosis), 2000. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Psittacosis--also known as parrot fever and ornithosis--is spread by a bacterial infection of birds that can cause severe pneumonia and other serious health problems among humans. From 1988 through 1998, 813 cases of psittacosis (infection with Chlamydia psittaci) were reported to CDC, and most resulted from exposure to infected pet birds, usually cockatiels, parakeets, parrots, and macaws. In birds, C. psittaci infection is referred to as avian chlamydiosis (AC). Infected birds shed the bacteria through feces and nasal discharges, and humans become infected from exposure to these materials. This compendium provides information about psittacosis and AC to public health officials, physicians, veterinarians, the pet bird industry, and others concerned about controlling these diseases and protecting public health. The recommendations in this compendium provide standardized procedures for controlling AC in birds, a vital step to protecting human health.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Occupational exposure to allergenic mites in a Polish zoo.

The study was carried out from April 2000-March 2001. During this period 49 samples of dust, litter, debris and residues from cages and run-offs of mammals, birds and reptiles in the Silesian Zoo, were examined for the presence of mites, especially the allergenic taxa. Mites were extracted using the Berlese method and preserved in 70 % ethanol. For identification, the mites were mounted in Hoyer's medium on microscope slides. Mites were found in 44 of 49 samples analyzed (89.8 %). A total of 5,097 mites were collected, from which 60.3 % were found in samples collected in spring, whereas only 13 % in summer and 24.1 % in autumn. The remaining 2.6 % of the total mite population was found in winter. Majority of mites (82.7 %) were collected from aviaries of macaws and cockatiels (Ara ararauna and Nymphicus hollandicus). A total of 10 species of astigmatid mites were identified that belong to 4 families--Acaridae, Glycyphagidae, Anoetidae and Pyroglyphidae. Generally, the allergenic mites of the order Astigmata constituted 49.5 % of the total count. Among them Acarus farris was predominant (34 % of the total count), followed by Tyrophagus putrescentiae (4.7 %), Caloglyphus sp. (4.35 %) and Acarus immobilis (4.31 %). Dermatophagoides farinae, the house-dust-mite species, was for the first time found in this environment. D. farinae (0.05 % of the total population) was associated with parrots, canids and artiodactyls. Summarizing, it should be stressed, that cages and run-offs of different mammals, aviaries of parrots and terrariums of snakes are important sources of some allergenic mites, especially A. farris and T. putrescentiae, that might cause allergies in workers.

Air Microbiology↗