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PubMed1994

Survival of pigeon red blood cells after transfusion into selected raptors.

Survival time of 51Cr-labeled pigeon RBC transfused into 5 raptors was determined. Mean +/- SD estimated RBC survival time was 0.51 +/- 0.19 days. This was considerably shorter than estimated survival time of autologous RBC in a Red-tailed Hawk (estimated survival, 35.1 days) and in a pigeon (estimated survival, 26.8 days). Estimated survival time after homologous transfusion of RBC from one pigeon to another was 7.1 days. Although single heterologous blood transfusions have been recommended as a safe and efficacious means of whole blood replacement in birds, results of this study suggest that heterologous RBC transfused from pigeons to selected raptor species are rapidly destroyed.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Diagnosis and medical care of raptors in a compilation of cases from 1985-1994].

This article summarises the clinical findings in 554 birds of prey, that were admitted to the zoo animal and exotic pet clinic of the veterinary faculty in Zurich between 1 January 1985 and 31 December 1994. Details on the diagnosis, therapy and prognosis are intended to give the practitioner information on the possibilities for the management of diseased raptors. However, it has to be emphasized that the ultimate goal of treatment has to be the rehabilitation of an animal that will be able to survive to a suitable environment. The data presented shows that 31% of the birds of prey were successfully released. The most frequent reason for admission was trauma and 47% of the patients had one or more fractures. But only one out of three fractures was considered suitable for treatment. The management of birds that are starving is a challenge because they require a special dietary regimen. Successful work in the field of the treatment and rehabilitation of raptors requires detailed knowledge of their biology and medicine.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Lesions associated with Pasteurella multocida infection in raptors.

Several case reports attest to the pathogenicity of Pasteurella multocida in raptors; however, the pathologic syndromes have not been fully described. We describe here the lesions encountered in 22 avian cholera cases in raptors. Besides septicemia-related lesions, a unique syndrome of esophageal abscesses was noted in 8 of the 11 (73%) Buteo hawks that succumbed to avian cholera. Esophageal abscesses were not noted in birds belonging to the order Strigiformes (owls) or family Falconidae (falcons and their relatives). Thus, the presence of white plaques in both the oropharynx and esophagus of Buteo hawks may indicate a possible P. multocida infection and should be considered in the differential diagnosis. This study also documents the first cases of avian cholera in a rough-legged hawk (Buteo lagopus) and a flammulated owl (Otus flammeolus).

Abscess↗
PubMed1998

Vector ability of mosquitoes for isolates of Plasmodium elongatum from raptors in Florida.

Three isolates of Plasmodium elongatum were obtained from 3 species of raptors (red-tailed hawk [Buteo jamaicensis], bald eagle [Haliaeetus leucocephalus], and eastern screech owl [Otus asio]) from Florida using isodiagnostic techniques in Pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). Six to 10 species of mosquitoes were tested for susceptibility to these 3 isolates. Complete development of the sporogonic cycle of the 3 isolates of P. elongatum occurred in 3 species of mosquitoes, Culex nigripalpus, Culex restuans, and Culex salinarius. The pattern of susceptibility was similar among the 3 isolates of P. elongatum in Cx. nigripalpus. Culex restuans and Cx. salinarius were significantly more susceptible than Cx. nigripalpus to the 3 isolates of P. elongatum tested. Culex nigripalpus transmitted all 3 isolates of P. elongatum from duck to duck both by bite and after intraperitoneal injection of sporozoites. Infections of the 2 isolates tested occurred in ducks after intraperitoneal injection of sporozoites from Cx. restuans and Cx. salinarius. The results suggest that these 3 Culex species are potential vectors of P. elongatum from raptors in Florida.

Aedes↗
PubMed1976

Intravenously administered ketamine HCl and diazepam for anesthesia of raptors.

A combination of ketamine HCl and diazepam given intravenously was successfully utilized to induce anesthesia for various surgical procedures in 40 raptors. A dosage of 30 to 40 mg of ketamine HCl/kg of body weight and 1.0 to 1.5 mg of diazepam/kg of body weight was satisfactory for diurnal raptors. Owls were more sensitive to the anesthetic combination, necessitating greater care in anesthetizing them. Abundant body fat was found to be an important factor in calculation of the proper dose of this combination.

Anesthesia, General↗
PubMed2001

Lead shot ingestion in two raptor species from Doñana, Spain.

Diurnal raptors inhabiting wetland areas where waterfowl shooting is conducted have many opportunities to ingest lead (Pb) shot pellets when feeding on their prey. Exposure to Pb shot was studied in the Spanish imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti), an endangered species with a world population of about 150 breeding pairs, and in the red kite (Milvus milvus) from Doñana (southwest Spain). Lead exposure was evaluated by the presence of Pb shot in the pellets of both species. Results obtained by this noninvasive method demonstrated Pb shot in 11.0% of Spanish imperial eagle and 5.5% of red kite pellets. When the data of both species were pooled, there was a significant relationship between Pb shot ingestion and consumption of waterfowl during the hunting season. Pb shot found in pellets exhibited signs of erosion, and their weight distribution had peaks at 70, 170, and 240 mg, which could correspond to ammunition used for duck and goose hunting.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Lead in feathers and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity in three raptor species from an unpolluted Mediterranean forest (Southeastern Spain).

This paper presents the levels of lead found in the feathers of adult and blood of nestlings of booted eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus), European buzzard ( Buteo buteo), and goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) sampled in the 1999 and 2000 breeding seasons in a Mediterranean forest of the Province of Murcia (Southeastern Spain) located far from potential sources of metal contamination. Levels of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity (delta-ALAD) in blood were also measured in the nestlings. Lead concentrations ranged from 1.1 to 11.21 microg/dl in blood of nestlings and from 0.35 to 1.66 mg/kg d.w. in the feathers of their parents. A significant relationship was found between blood delta-ALAD and lead (rho = -568), showing a negative correlation with blood lead levels even at lead concentrations below 5 microg/dl. This fact suggests the usefulness of this enzymatic biomarker for low lead exposure in forest raptors. There were also positive relationships between the lead concentrations in blood of nestlings and those in feathers of their parents (rho = 0.817), suggesting the usefulness of feathers for biomonitoring environmental exposure to lead.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Curved paths in raptor flight: Deterministic models.

Two deterministic models for flight of Peregrine Falcons and possibly other raptors as they approach their prey are examined mathematically. Both models make two assumptions. The first, applicable to both models, is that the angle of sight between falcon and prey is constant, consistent with observations that the falcon keeps its head straight during flight and keeps on course by use of the deep foveal region in its eye which allows maximum acuity at an angle of sight of about 45 degrees . The second assumption for the first model (conical spiral), is that the initial direction of flight determines the overall path. For the second model (flight constrained to a tilted plane), a parameter that fixes the orientation of the plane is required. A variational calculation also shows that the tilted plane flight path is the shortest total path, and, consequently, the conical spiral is another shortest total path. Numerical calculations indicate that the flight paths for the two models are very similar for the experimental conditions under which observations have been made. However, the angles of flight and bank differ significantly. More observations are needed to investigate the applicability of the two models.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Two new species of Caryospora Léger, 1904 (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae) from accipitrid raptors.

Two new species of Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) are described from European accipitrid raptors (Falconiformes: Accipitridae). Oöcysts of Carvospora aquilae n. sp. found in faeces of the gold eagle Aquila chrysaetos are subspherical to broad ellipsoidal and measure 43 (40-49) x 37.5 (34-39) microm. Polar granule, oöcyst residuum and micropyle are absent. Each oöcyst contains one spherical to subspherical slightly polygonal sporocyst measuring 23.8 (23-25) x 23.3 (22-25) microm. Stieda and substieda bodies are absent. The sporocyst residuum is composed of numerous small granules less than 0.5 microm in diameter dispersed randomly among the sporozoites. Sporulated oöcysts of Carvospora circi n. sp. from faeces of the marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus are widely oval, measuring 24.5 (23-25) x 21.8 (21-24) microm. A polar granule, oöcyst residuum and micropyle are absent. Each oöcyst contains one spherical to subspherical sporocyst measuring 16.2 (15-17) x 15.6 (15-17) microm. A compact granular, spherical to subspherical sporocyst residuum, 10.4 (10-11) x 8.5 (7-9), was present in 76% of measured sporocysts. In 24% of sporocysts the granules of sporocyst residuum were scattered among the sporozoites.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Investigation into the seroprevalence of falcon herpesvirus antibodies in raptors in the UK using virus neutralization tests and different herpesvirus isolates.

Increasing numbers of reports of clinical falcon herpesvirus infection (Falconid herpesvirus-1; FHV-1) have been seen in the UK since 1996. The aim of this epidemiological study was to investigate the seroprevalence of FHV-1 and owl herpesvirus (Strigid herpesvirus-1; StHV-1) infection in the UK, using virus neutralization tests, and to evaluate the prevalence of herpesvirus infection in captive and wild raptor populations. The results, using the English FHV-1 CVL 32/93 isolate, revealed a seroprevalence of 3.97% (10/252). The seroprevalence for StHV-1 was 12.3% (8/65). Analysis of the data by captivity status, age and species revealed that the family Falconidae showed the highest seroprevalence with 6.7% (5/75), while only one of 104 captive Accipitridae was positive for FHV-1 (0.96%). The incidence of FHV-1 neutralizing antibodies in owls was 5.5% (4/73), representing only wild individuals. Eighty-nine serum samples were additionally tested using two other FHV-1 isolates, the German isolate Merlin 1869/92 and the Dutch isolate Peregrine Z100. The seroprevalences of FHV-1 were 28.1% (25/89) and 32.6% (29/89), respectively. All these samples, however, were negative using the CVL 32/92 isolate.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Bird orientation: compensation for wind drift in migrating raptors is age dependent.

Despite the potentially strong effect of wind on bird orientation, our understanding of how wind drift affects migrating birds is still very limited. Using data from satellite-based radio telemetry, we analysed the effect of changing winds on the variation of the track direction of individual birds. We studied adults and juveniles of two raptor species, osprey Pandion haliaetus and honey buzzard Pernis apivorus, on autumn migration between North Europe and Africa, and demonstrate an important difference between the age categories of both species in the extent of wind drift. For juveniles, side- and following-wind components affected the rates of movement perpendicular to and along the mean direction, respectively, to a similar degree, suggesting full wind drift. By contrast, for adults the rate of crosswind displacement was significantly smaller than the effect of wind on forward movement, showing much reduced wind drift (29%). This indicates that adults have acquired a more sophisticated orientation system, permitting detection of and compensation for wind drift, than juveniles. These drift effects are likely to reduce the ability of juveniles to locate species-specific wintering areas in case of rapid climatic wind change.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2004

Helminths isolated from the digestive tract of diurnal raptors in Catalonia, Spain.

The prevalence of parasitic helminths in the digestive tract of 119 diurnal raptors (Falconiformes), which had died in a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Catalonia, was studied. The birds belonged to 13 species, with 100 of them (84 per cent) being kestrels (Falco tinnunculus), buzzards (Buteo buteo), sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus) and goshawks (Accipiter gentilis). Ninety-five of the birds (79.8 per cent) were infected with helminths. Nematodes were the most frequently found helminth (75.6 per cent), followed by trematodes, cestodes and ancanthocephalans. All the buzzards and sparrowhawks and 92 per cent of the goshawks were infected, but only 59 per cent of the kestrels were infected.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Newcastle disease virus and Chlamydia psittaci in free-living raptors from eastern Germany.

Organ samples from free-living raptors from the federal states of Berlin and Brandenburg in eastern Germany were tested for Newcastle disease virus (NDV; n = 331) and Chlamydia psittaci (n = 39) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In 18 individuals NDV nucleic acids were detected. These samples originated from barn owls (Tyto alba; n = 15, 28%), tawny owl (Strix aluco; n = 1, 5%), common buzzard (Buteo buteo, n = 1, 1%), and European kestrel (Falco tinnunculus; n = 1, 4%). In 29 (74%) of 39 samples C. psittaci was detected. Chlamydia psittaci is common in free-living birds of prey in the investigated area.

Animals↗
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↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Distribution of aquatic and raptor birds in a freshwater artificial pond of Baja California Sur, Mexico].

We determined the taxonomic composition and spatial-temporal distribution of aquatic and raptor birds in a freshwater artificial pond of El Centenario, Baja California Sur, México, during 24 biweekly censuses (April, 1998 to March, 1999). The pond is particularly attractive for birds because of its variety of food items. A total 25,563 records of 69 species were done, among them the first report of Chlidonias niger and Phalaropus tricolor for the region. Species richness and abundance were determined for the migrant component, mostly Anatidae (16 species and 55.6% of the total abundance) and shorebirds (18 species and 13.3%). The greater number of species and individuals was in C the deepest and more heterogeneous section of the pond. The most important species was Oxyura jamaicensis (30% of the total observed individuals), with highest abundance in the peninsula. The artificial pond presented an atypical and distinct ornithological composition because it is located in an arid region, and acts as a resting site for migrant birds. The site included species that usually live in freshwater and coastal areas, a characteristic reflected in their high richness. It contributes noticeably to the local avian biodiversity.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

The prey consumption and prey preference of the larvae of the mosquito Culex (Lutzia) raptor on the larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus.

The maximum consumption of the larvae of the pest and vector mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus by the predatory mosquito Culex (Lutzia) raptor was studied at various instars of both the predator and the prey. The prey preferences of the predator when given lavae of different instars were also investigated. The IVth instar of the predator consumed the maximum number of Ist instar and the maximum biomass of IVth instar larvae of the prey. Instars I and II of the predator preferred the Ist of the prey; instars III and IV of the predator preferred instars II and III of the prey respectively. The predator consumed an average of 157.1 larvae during its whole larval period, when each instar of the predator was given its preferred instar of the prey.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Effects of Military Training Activities on Shrub-steppe Raptors in Southwestern Idaho, USA.

/ Between 1991 and 1994, we assessed relative abundance, nesting success, and distribution of ferruginous hawks (Buteo regalis), northern harriers (Circus cyaneus), burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia), and short-eared owls (Asio flammeus) inside and outside a military training site in the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, southwestern Idaho. The Orchard Training Area is used primarily for armored vehicle training and artillery firing by the Idaho Army National Guard. Relative abundance of nesting pairs inside and outside the training site was not significantly different from 1991 to 1993 but was significantly higher on the training site in 1994 (P &le 0.03). Nesting success varied among years but was not significantly different inside and outside the training site (P > 0.26). In 1994, short-eared owl and burrowing owl nests were significantly closer to firing ranges used early in the spring before owls laid eggs than were random points (P < 0.001). In 1993, distances from occupied burrowing owl nests to firing ranges used early in the year were similar to those from random points to the same firing ranges (P = 0.16). Military activity contributed to some nesting failures from 1992 to 1994, but some pairs nested successfully near military activity. KEY WORDS: Distribution; Military impacts; Nesting success; Raptors; Relative abundance; Shrub-steppe

Journal Article↗
PubMed1986

Correlation of simultaneously determined plasma insulin and glucose levels in fasting and mildly or severely stressed raptors.

Plasma insulin and glucose levels were simultaneously determined in 60 fasting raptors (seven species) which had experienced mild or severe stress: prolonged confinement in flight cages (Type A), and serious debilities such as fractured bones, soft-tissue damage and/or starvation (Type B) respectively. Two of the species contained Types A and B (43 birds) while the remaining five species (17 birds) were of Type B only. Wide ranges in plasma insulin (0-135 pg/ml or 0-3.0 microU/ml) were observed in both Types A and B. Mean levels were not significantly different between species, although levels in Type B tended to be lower than those in Type A. Wide ranges in plasma glucose (195-485 mg/dl) were also observed in Types A and B but mean levels between species were remarkably similar, and likewise were not significantly different. However, even though mean insulin and glucose levels did not differ significantly between mildly or severely stressed and fasting birds, a low-level but significant (P less than 0.001) correlation (r = 0.5772) between insulin and glucose levels existed. This suggests that insulin contributes minimally, but significantly, to regulation of plasma glucose levels during stressful experiences or the fasting state.

Animals↗