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PubMed1987

High altitude respiration of birds. The primary structures of the major and minor hemoglobin component of adult European black vulture (Aegypius monachus, Aegypiinae).

The primary structures of the hemoglobin components Hb A and Hb D of the European Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) are presented. The globin chains were separated on CM-Cellulose in 8M urea buffer. The amino-acid sequences were established by automatic Edman degradation of the globin chains and the tryptic peptides in liquid phase and gas-phase sequenators. The sequences are compared with those of the Golden Eagle, and with those of the Andean Condor, a New World vulture. The possible evolutionary significance of the alpha D-chains is considered. This paper serves as a reference study for high-altitude respiration of Falconiformes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1987

High-altitude respiration of birds. The primary structures of the major and minor hemoglobin component of adult goshawk (Accipiter gentilis, Accipitrinae).

The primary structures of the hemoglobin components Hb A and Hb D of the adult Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) are presented. The globin chains were separated on CM-Cellulose in 8M urea buffer. Component separation was achieved by FPLC-chromatography on a TSK SP-5PW column in phosphate-buffers with a linear gradient of NaCl. The amino-acid sequences were established by automated Edman degradation of the globin chains and of the tryptic peptides in liquid-phase and gas-phase sequenators. The sequences are aligned with those of European Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus). Phylogenetic aspects and physiological properties for Goshawk hemoglobin are inferred from sequence data. A detailed evaluation of the oxygen-binding properties has been carried out during a prolonged study of the noteworthy ability of Falconiformes to cope with extremely low oxygen partial pressures, and will be the subject of a forthcoming paper.

Altitude↗
PubMed1988

High-altitude respiration of birds. Structural adaptations in the major and minor hemoglobin components of adult Rüppell's Griffon (Gyps rueppellii, Aegypiinae): a new molecular pattern for hypoxic tolerance.

The primary structures of the hemoglobins Hb A, Hb A', Hb D and Hb D' of Rüppell's Griffon (Gyps rueppellii), which can fly as high as 11,300 m, are presented. The globin chains were separated on CM-Cellulose in 8M urea buffers, the four hemoglobin components by FPLC in phosphate buffers. The amino-acid sequences of five globin chains were established by automatic Edman degradation of the globin chains and of the tryptic peptides in liquid-phase and gas-phase sequenators. The sequences are compared with those of other Falconiformes. A new molecular pattern for survival at extreme altitudes is presented. For the first time four hemoglobins are found in blood of a bird; they show identical beta-chains and differ in the alpha A- and alpha D-chains by only one replacement. These four hemoglobins cause a gradient in oxygen affinities. The two main components Hb A and Hb A' differ at position alpha 34 Thr/Ile. In case of Ile as found in Hb A' an alpha 1 beta 1-interface is interrupted raising oxygen affinity compared to Hb A. In addition the hemoglobins of the A- and D-groups differ at position alpha 38 Pro or Gln/Thr (alpha 1 beta 2-interface). Expression of Gln in Hb D/D' raises the oxygen affinity of these components compared to Hb A/A' by destabilization of the deoxy-structure. The physiological advantage lies in the functional interplay of four hemoglobin components. Three levels of affinity are predicted: low affinity Hb A, Hb A' of intermediate affinity, and high affinity Hb D/D'. This cascade tallies exactly with oxygen affinities measured in the isolated components and predicts oxygen transport by the composite hemoglobins over an extended range of oxygen affinities. It is contended that the mechanisms of duplication of the alpha-genome (creating four hemoglobins) and of nucleotide replacements (creating different functional properties) are responsible for this remarkable hypoxic tolerance to 11,300 m. Based on this pattern the hypoxic tolerances of other vultures are predicted.

Acclimatization↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Phylogeny of Old and New World vultures (Aves: Accipitridae and Cathartidae) inferred from nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene.

The molecular phylogeny of 11 Old World and 5 New World vultures was inferred from nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) gene. According to this analysis carrion-feeding has evolved independently at least three times during evolution: 1.) In the New World vultures, which are clearly separated from vultures of the family Accipitridae; 2.) in the Neophron-Gypaetus clade which is positioned at the base of the Accipitrid tree and 3.) in the Gyps-Aegypius-complex which encloses the largest group of Old World vultures. Thus the genetic data clearly show that the carrion-feeding lifestyles and associated morphologies shared by New and Old World vultures are rather based on convergence than on close genetic relatedness. Employing the cyt b sequences of 12 other members of the Falconiformes and 10 members of the Ciconiiformes (sensu Sibley and Monroe, 1990) the phylogenetic relationship between the three clades of vultures and these other taxa was assessed. New World Vultures appear to share distant ancestry with storks but a close relationship is unlikely.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Raptors rehabilitated in Iowa during 1986 and 1987: a retrospective study.

A retrospective study was conducted on 60 raptors representing 13 species treated at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine during 1986-1987. Eight species (31 individuals) were Falconiformes and five species (29 individuals) were Strigiformes. Seventy-five percent of all injuries were due to trauma and 65% of these were injuries arising from human activity, including car collisions (28%), shooting (17%) and trapping (11%). Thirty-four percent of all raptors admitted were treated and released, 25% were permanently crippled and 41% died during treatment or were euthanized. Data from this study implicate trauma resulting from human activity as a major reason for injury in free-ranging raptors presented for treatment in Iowa.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Respiratory nematodiases in raptors in Quebec.

This is a retrospective study on wild raptors submitted to the Université de Montréal (Quebec, Canada) from 1989 to 1996. Cyathostoma spp. (Nematoda: Syngamidae) adults and/or eggs were found in air sacs, lungs, bronchi, and trachea of 12 raptors (Falconiformes and Strigiformes) from Quebec, Canada, belonging to eight different species, five of which are first host records for this parasite: barred owl (Strix varia), snowy owl (Nyctea scandiaca), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), and broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypterus). The infection was considered fatal in four birds, while no significant clinical signs were observed in the other cases. Major pathologic changes included diffuse pyogranulomatous air sacculitis, pneumonia, and bronchitis. A few unidentified larval nematodes embedded in a granuloma were found in the lungs of an additional Coopers' hawk (Accipiter cooperii); they were not considered clinically significant. A dead nematode, surrounded by necrotic inflammatory cells, was found in the air sac of a northern goshawk. The presence of nematodes in air sacs or lungs should be considered in wild raptors demonstrating respiratory problems.

Air Sacs↗
PubMed2005

Plasma B-esterase activities in European raptors.

B-esterases are serine hydrolases composed of cholinesterases, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and carboxylesterase (CbE). These esterases, found in blood plasma, are inhibited by organophosphorus (OP) and carbamate (CB) insecticides and can be used as nondestructive biomarkers of exposure to anticholinesterase insecticides. Furthermore, B-esterases are involved in detoxification of these insecticides. In order to establish the level of these enzymes and to have reference values for their normal activities, total plasma cholinesterase (ChE), AChE and BChE activities, and plasma CbE activity were determined in 729 European raptors representing 20 species, four families, and two orders. The diurnal families of the Falconiforme order were represented by Accipitridae and Falconidae and the nocturnal families of the Strigiforme order by Tytonidae and Strigidae. Intraspecies differences in cholinesterase activities according to sex and/or age were investigated in buzzards (Buteo buteo), sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus), kestrels (Falco tinnunculus), barn owls (Tyto alba), and tawny owls (Strix aluco). Sex-related differences affecting ChE and AChE activities were observed in young kestrels (2-3-mo-old) and age-related differences in kestrels (ChE and AChE), sparrowhawks (AChE), and tawny owls (ChE, AChE, and BChE). The interspecies analysis yielded a negative correlation between ChE activity and body mass taking into account the relative contribution of AChE and BChE to ChE activity, with the exception of the honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus). The lowest ChE activities were found in the two largest species, Bonelli's eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus) and Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) belonging to the Accipitridae family. The highest ChE activities were found in the relatively small species belonging to the Tytonidae and Strigidae families and in honey buzzard of the Accipitridae family. Species of the Accipitridae, Tytonidae, and Strigidae families were characterized by a BChE contribution that dominated the total ChE activity, while in the species of the Falconidae family, AChE activity dominated. With the exception of the barn owl, CbE activity (eserine-insensitive alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase [alpha-NAE] activity) in all species was almost absent or very low. The values obtained in this study for ChE, AChE, and BChE activities and the AChE:BChE ratios for buzzard, kestrel, barn owl, and tawny owl provide a good estimate of the normal values in free-living individuals of these European species. They can be used as a baseline to evaluate the effect of anticholinesterase insecticides in the field.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1999

Thyroid adenocarcinoma in a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leukocephalus).

Thyroid adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in an adult bald eagle (Haliaeetus leukocephalus) with clinical signs of weakness manifested by inability to fly. Physical examination at the time of admission revealed dried blood in the pharynx and glottis and the presence of pharyngeal trichomonads. Radiographs revealed a large soft tissue mass in the area of the left coracoid and clavicular bones. One month following successful treatment for trichomoniasis, the bird suffered an acute episode of tracheal hemorrhage and died. Necropsy revealed a large mass within the interclavicular air sac. The histologic features were consistent with thyroid adenocarcinoma. This is the first report of thyroid neoplasia in a member of the order Falconiformes.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Atypical parasitic migration and necrotizing sacral myelitis due to Serratospiculoides amaculata in a prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus).

An adult, wild-caught, female prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus) was presented with the chief complaint of anorexia. Radiographic findings included increased densities within the air sacs, and coelomic endoscopy revealed numerous slender worms within the air sacs and on the serosal surfaces of the ovary, oviduct, liver, proventriculus, and ventriculus. The bird seemed to improve for a short period of time with antiparasitic therapy (ivermectin and fenbendazole) and supportive care. Twenty-one days after initial presentation, the bird became recumbent with increasing pelvic limb neurologic deficits and was euthanized. On histopathologic examination, mature nematodes and larvated eggs identified as Serratospiculoides amaculata were found within the subdural space of the distal thoracolumbar and synsacral spinal cord and within the coelomic cavity. This case suggests that S. amaculata can cause clinically significant lesions in its falconiform host with potentially fatal results.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

[Chlamydia isolation from a large aviary for birds of prey].

Antigen against Chlamydia psittaci was detected in 31% to 41% of healthy birds of prey (Accipitriformes, Falconiformes, and Strigiformes) by examination of cloacal swabs and faeces out of 119 birds with antigen-ELISA and cell culture. Chlamydia psittaci-antibodies could be demonstrated in 34% of birds by CF, in 74% by BELISA, and in 71% by Chlamydia-Antibody-ELISA (Chlamydia-AK-EIA). Changes of governmental regulations are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

A new genus of capillariids from birds, Ornithocapillaria gen. n. (Nematoda: Capillariidae).

A new genus, Ornithocapillaria gen. n., belonging to the family Capillariidae and subfamily Baruscapillariinae is described and its diagnosis is given. The type species of the genus is Ornithocapillaria ovopunctata (Linstow, 1873) comb. n., other species are O. cylindrica (Eberth, 1863) comb. n., O. quiscali (Read, 1949) comb. n., and O. picorum (Rudolphi, 1819) comb. n. The new genus is characterized by a relatively large membranous pseudobursa, shape of processes supporting pseudobursa, and presence of a vulval appendage in female. It includes only species parasitic in the intestine of birds of the orders Passeriformes, Falconiformes, Strigiformes, and Piciformes.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The eye of birds of prey. Electroretinographic and histologic approach].

Birds are an excellent material for the study of retinal adaptation. In this work, the purpose of the authors is to analyse differences between electroretinograms of species of diurnal habits (Falconiformes) and electroretinograms of species of nocturnal habits (Strigiformes). The same is done on histology material about the two types of retina. The electroretinography answers and the retina histology can be correlated with the different species habits.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A survey of the aerobic bacteria in the feces of captive raptors.

Feces of 47 captive raptors belonging to the order Falconiformes or Strigiformes were cultured for bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria, which were cultured from the feces of 45 of the 47 raptors, were the most common isolates. A wide variety of species were identified, including a newly described genus (Moellerella wisconsensis), two newly described species (Escherichia fergusonii and Proteus penneri), and a member of a newly described enteric group (CDC Enteric group 41). Additional organisms identified that have not been reported in previous bacteriological surveys of raptors were Salmonella heidelberg, Salmonella braenderup, Morganella morganii, Yersinia ruckeri, Serratia spp., and Kluyvera sp. Escherichia coli, isolated from the feces of 42 of the 47 raptors, was the most frequently recovered. Streptococcus faecalis, the second most common isolate, was cultured from 30 birds. Several differences were observed between fecal bacteria isolated from raptors fed commercially prepared chicken and those isolated from raptors not fed chicken. The most obvious difference was that birds fed chicken had more varied gram-negative bacterial species and in greater numbers per fecal sample. The potential for the isolated bacteria from raptors as pathogens in humans and avian species is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

A survey of the aerobic bacteria in the droppings of captive birds of prey.

Fresh droppings were collected from six species of bird of prey (Falconiformes and Strigiformes). Bacteriological examination revealed that the birds' digestive systems were colonised by bacteria found widely in other species of animals. Throughout the survey no Salmonella species were isolated.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

[The occurrence of Chlamydia psittaci infections in raptors from wildlife preserves].

152 free-living raptors found in the area around Munich, Germany, were investigated for possible Chlamydia psittaci infections. Chlamydia psittaci was detected in 13.2% of these birds of prey (Strigiformes, Falconiformes and Accipitriformes) by examination of cloacal swabs with an antigen ELISA (IDEIA Chlamydia test kit). Chlamydia psittaci antibodies could be demonstrated in 85.1% of 121 birds by a Chlamydia antibody ELISA (Chlamydia-psittaci-AK-EIA). 29.7% of the samples investigated were positive, 55.4% showed strong positive reactions. The birds showed neither clinical nor pathological signs of chlamydial infections. The specificity and sensitivity of the Chlamydia antibody ELISA, as determined using positive sera and epidemiological criteria are discussed. Antigen ELISA and the cell culture method showed a consistency of 94%. The results and their consequences for diagnostic procedures and state regulations are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

High levels of blood lead in griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) from Cazorla Natural Park (southern Spain).

The blood lead of 23 griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) trapped in 2003 was analyzed in order to evaluate exposure to lead in the vulture population of Cazorla Natural Park (in southern Spain). In 2001 the use of leaded gasoline in vehicles was banned in the European Union; however, lead ammunition is still used in Spain in big-game hunting for red deer, fallow deer, mouflon, and wild boar, which are ingested by vultures from September to March. The mean concentration of lead in blood was 43.07 +/- 31.96 microg/dL with a range of 17.39-144.80 microg/dL. Only two vultures had lead levels below 20 microg/dL, and two others had blood lead concentrations close to 150 microg/dL. In view of the results, we think the population of vultures from Cazorla Natural Park is suffering subclinical exposure to lead, with some individuals exposed to high toxicity risk. We concluded that ingestion of lead in the metallic form alone is sufficient to produce these blood lead concentrations, and we recommend the prohibition of lead ammunition for big-game hunting in order to preserve the vulture population.

Animals↗