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PubMed1985

Humerus length and foramen magnum area as indicators of size in birds.

In a group of birds (passerines and non-passerines) body weight was found to be highly correlated with the length of the humerus and with the area of the foramen magnum. In addition, body weight was highly correlated with humerus length in 58 specimens of streak-necked fly-catcher, Mionectes striaticollis, suggesting a possible use of this measurement to estimate body weight of individuals in a single species. Body weight was not correlated with foramen magnum area in 25 specimens of savannah sparrow, Ammodramus sandwichensis.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

[Arbovirus serological survey among marine and non-marine birds of Brittany].

Sera from 215 seabirds (mainly gulls) and 74 landbirds (mainly starlings) from Brittany were studied by hemagglutination inhibition and complement fixation tests for antibody against 9 arboviruses among them 8 were previously isolated from ticks associated with seabirds. Among seabirds, 145 or 65% were found positive for flaviviruses and nairoviruses of the Hughes serogroup. Unexpected frequency of HI positive reactions for Tyuleniy virus indicate the possible circulation of this virus among seabirds colonies of Brittany in addition to the recently isolated Meaban flavivirus. Among landbirds, only one positive HI reaction for Tyuleniy virus was detected in a house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and it seems that landbirds may not play an important role in the dissemination of these arboviruses to man and to domestic animals.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

[Adrenergic neuromuscular junctions in the cerebral arteries of birds].

By means of the histochemical and electron microscopical methods, adrenergic innervation of the middle cerebral artery and its branches have been investigated in three sparrows (Passer montanus), blue rock pigeons (Columba livia), hens (Gallus domestica), hazel-grouses (Tetrastes bonasia), large billed crows (Corvus levaillantii), ducks (Anas domestica) and slaty backed gulls (Larus schistisagus). Neuromuscular connections in all the birds investigated have similar organizational features. Some adrenergic effectors are situated 700 nm from the external layer of myocytes in the vascular middle tunic, and they perform the distant transmission. Other effectors are at the distance of 40-80 nm from myocytes, and they are built according to the synaptic type. They produce certain action upon single muscle cells, thus performing local transmission. For the neuromuscular connections of the cerebral vessels in the birds, presence of multiaxonal complexes is specific. Axons of the complex innervate groups of muscle cells and they are at the distance of 50-270 nm from their plasmic membranes. Perhaps, they combine the local and distant means of transmission.

Adrenergic Fibers↗
PubMed1983

Flavivirus infections in Chiang Mai area, Thailand, in 1982.

Infection by JE virus still constitutes major cause of encephalitis in Chiang Mai Area, although some cases of possible dengue encephalopathy were observed. In spite of many apparent encephalitis cases, infection of vector mosquitoes by JE virus was not demonstrated. Virus isolation from hospitalized patients showed that the principal type of dengue virus circulating in Chiang Mai in 1982 was type 1 virus. Seroepidemiological survey on healthy humans indicated that the northern part of Chiang Mai Province in the region of the Maekong Valley has not yet been invaded so much by dengue viruses, compared with the Chiang Mai Valley, where dengue infection apparently became more prevalent than 12 years ago. The survey also indicated that the spread of JE virus in the study area was not uniform. Survey on vertebrates showed that anti-JE antibodies were highly prevalent among swine, horses, mules, sheep, and dogs. On the other hand, antibody prevalence was low in monkeys, ducks, and sparrows, and was negative among chickens and lizards. IgM-ELISA appeared to help differential diagnosis on JE from dengue even when the HI test did not give positive results.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Incidence and some ecological aspects of avian trypanosomes in Czechoslovakia.

A total of 1 874 birds belonging to 99 species was investigated on the presence of trypanosomes in Czechoslovakia, using the method of blood smears and cultivation from peripheral blood (PEN method) and autopsies with subsequent cultivation from the bone marrow. Apart from a single finding in owls, the trypanosomes were detected only in passerines which represent the majority of birds investigated (1 518 specimens belonging to 66 species). Except for sparrows, in which trypanosomes were present very rarely, they were abundant practically in all bird families represented by a sufficient number of specimens. Autopsies showed that trypanosomes occurred on the average in 23.6% of passerines. Throughout the year their presence in peripheral blood of birds ranged from a peak in June (29% of positive passerines after PEN method) to their absence in the winter months. There were differences in the incidence of trypanosomes in birds coming from localities with different biotopes. No essential difference was found in their incidence in migratory and non migratory birds. In birds several years old the incidence of trypanosomes was higher than in younger birds. Repeated investigations of ringed birds recaptured point out long-lasting infections with avian trypanosomes. A considerable correlation between the incidence of trypanosomes and that of Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus and microfilariae indicates that avian trypanosomes are probably transmitted by blackflies (Simuliidae), biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) and louse flies (Hippoboscidae).

Animals↗
PubMed1978

The prevalence of serum antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in Ontario mammals.

The prevalence of seropositive reactions to Toxoplasma gondii was studied in farm animals, companion animals, wild rodents and birds. Of the animals tested, 17% of cattle, 65% of sheep, 45% of pigs, 9% of horses, 33% of dogs and 20% of cats were seropositive by the Sabin-Feldman dye test. In addition 11% of mice (Mus musculus), 5% of deer mice (Peromyscus), 3% of rats (Rattus norvegicus) and less than 2% of sparrows (Passer domestcus) were seropositive. All samples from short-tailed field mice (Microtus pennsylvanicus), squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), chipmunks (Tamias striatus), meadow jumping mice (Zapus hudsonius) and starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were seronegative. The significance of these findings in relation to the epizootiology of toxoplasmosis in Ontario is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

[Technic for the collection of Mallophaga from live birds].

The author describes his technique of collecting Mallophaga on live birds (chiefly Passeres, size like sparrow or blackbird). The description comprises the collecting of Mallophaga and the thorough examination of the Mallophaga infestation typical of the host. By these examinations valuable information about biology and ecology of the biting lice species can be obtained. The examinations can be combined with the ringing of the birds. Whereas Ischnocera of one host usually allow qualitative and quantitative determination, Amblycera (with the exception of Ricinus) do not always. Considering the ectoparasitocoenosis and the condition of the bird the examination data are recorded on the spot. The material collected (e.g. the nits, too) has to be preserved in dry state.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Wildlife surveillance during a Mycoplasma gallisepticum epornitic in domestic turkeys.

During a major Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) epornitic in domestic turkeys, tracheal swabs were collected and cultured from 477 and 770 potentially exposed wild mammals and birds, respectively. All culture attempts were negative. Serum-plate (SP) and hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) tests on 770 bird sera revealed low titers (less than or equal to 1:40) in 0.9% of tested house sparrows, 1.1% of brown-headed cowbirds, 35.7% of common grackles, 1.0% of starlings, and 16.6% of eastern meadowlarks. Low titers are believed to have resulted from birds feeding on contaminated litter and becoming sensitized. Wildlife species did not appear to be involved in transmission or maintenance of MG but may have been mechanical carriers of this pathogen.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

A study on the reservoir status of Q-fever in avifauna, wild mammals and poikilotherms in Uttar Pradesh (India).

Fifteen species of free-living birds (pigeon, mynah, house-sparrow, crow, vulture, owl, swallow, parrot, heron, duck, guinea fowl, hawk, kite, dove and peacock), 11 species of small/large wild mammals (rat, bandicoot, house mouse, shrew, bat, mongoose, ant eater, Jackal wild cat, chinkara and tiger) and 5 species of poikilotherms (snakes, python, tortoise, monitor and eel) were screened for evidence of Q-fever infection by the capillary agglutination test on sera to detect antibodies and/or by attempts to demonstrate Coxiella burnetii in samples of visceral organs. Sero-reactors were observed among mynah (19/69), owlet (1/6), pigeon (1/11), swallow (6/200), parrot (13/56), rat (3/21), shrew (1/24), bat (2/14) and snake (7/23). Eleven strains of the organism comprising 3 from mynah, 2 from rats, and 1 each from parrot, crow, swallow, bandicoot, chinkara and python were isolated. This appears to be the first record of natural Q-fever infection in free-living birds in India. C. burnetii was also recovered in 1 of 12 water samples processed from ponds. Possibility of contamination of ponds with C. burnetii from infected water-fauna has been discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

[On the Filariae of the genus Aproctella (Splendidofilariinae) (author's transl)].

Aproctella alessandroi n. sp., parasitic in various Passeriformes in Colombia and Guadeloupe, and A. golvani n. sp., a similar species with smaller microfilariae parasitic in sparrows in Guadeloupe, are described. The life cycle of A. alessandroi was studied in Aedes togoi (development in 13 days in the flight muscles; first-stage larva cylindrical; third-stage larva 1 330-1 600 microns long; oesophago-intestinal junction distinct). The larval biology of Aproctella is very similar to that of Cardiofilaria, confirming the close relationship of these two genera. The biology differs from that of two other genera of Splendidofilariinae of birds, Splendidofilaria and Chandlerella (vectors: Culicoides and Simuliids; development in flight muscles and haemocoel; first stage larva almond-shaped; third stage larva 400-600 microns de long; oesophago-intestinal junction indistinct). In these latter genera, the larval biology is remarkably similar to that of Lemdaninae of reptiles and birds (Saurositus, Eufilaria). It seems there is not a distinct separation between the Splendidofilariinae and the Lemdaninae.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Non-rotational teaching of obstetrics in a family practice residency.

The E. W. Sparrow Family Practice Residency Program has developed a unique system of training family practice residents in obstetrics. A continuous obstetrical training experience is provided on a non-rotational basis over the three-year residency training period. This experience has been arranged through the creation of the family practice obstetrical population, the use of family practice faculty as primary teachers, and the use of residents and faculty in obstetrics-glynecology as consultants. Extensive documentation and evaluation is used to allow residents to progress through varied levels of privileges in preparation for private practice.

Curriculum↗
PubMed1978

Seasonal fluctuations in the testicular asymmetry of birds.

A comparative study has been made of the seasonal fluctuations in the testicular asymmetry of the house crow, the common mina, the bank mina, the house sparrow and the roseringed parakeet. Their left testis usually attains a larger size and higher weight than the right one. These differences are more pronounced during the breeding seasons.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

The occurrence of salmonellae in free-flying-avifauna: isolation and antibiogram.

The occurrence of salmonellae in a variety of free-flying birds was investigated. Of 790 intestinal-content-samples examined, 20 yielded different Salmonella serotypes, which included 10 strains of S. saint-paul, 4 of S. bareilly, 3 of S. weltevreden, 2 of S. typhimurium and 1 of Salmonella E1 group. Common Mynah, house-sparrow, swallow, grey-partridge, parrot and crow were found positive for the presence of salmonellae. Antibiogram of the isolates was studied against 14 common chemotherapeutic agents.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

[Epizootiology and pathogenesis of avian mycobacteriosis in doves (Streptopelia sp.)].

The collared turtle-dove (Streptopelia decaocto) and the turtle dove are common synanthropic bird species. The collared turtle dove in particular comes to close contact with farm animals, including with tuberculosis-infected small poultry on farms. It can thus be infected by avian mycobacteria and to become their further source and disseminator. Elucidating the occurrence of avian mycobacteriosis in turtle we examined 218 specimens of the collared turtle-doves and 22 specimens of turtle-doves taken in habitats with different epidemiological setting. We found no pathomorphological tuberculous lesions and isolated no mycobacteria from organs or the contents of intestines in any of them, though we also examined turtles living near poultry farms infected with tuberculosis or near farms where avian tuberculin-positive cattle was reared. Under the same conditions we found repeatedly, e.g. in sparrows, both the tuberculous lesions and mycobacteria. The turtle dove can thus be considered as very resistant to avian mycobacteria and the occurrence of avian mycobacteriosis can be regarded as rather exceptional. The susceptibility of the collared turtle-dove to avian mycobacteria was verified also by experimental infections. After intramuscular infections of M. avium serotype 2 suspension, we demonstrated macroscopic tuberculosis lesions only in the site of inoculation from day 21 onwards. The histological lesions were found in the liver, spleen and bone marrow from day 28 after inoculation. However, mycobacteria were isolated from various organs and tissues as early as 12 days after inoculation. Attempts to demonstrate tuberculous lesions and to isolate mycobacteria from the intestines failed. No tuberculous lesions produced in turtle dove within the period of 122 days after peroral infection by food contaminated by TBC poultry livers and bacteriologically examined was negative too. After free contact between TBC poultry and turtle doves the sporadic histological TBC changes in liver were found after 180 days and in one case mycobacteria were isolated from the liver and muscle after 157 days. The transfer of M. avium from TBC infected turtle doves pigs and poultry was successful. After 45 days of join contact among TBC turtle doves, healthy pigs and poultry in stables and after further stay of pigs and poultry in contaminated environment for additional 65 and 175 days, respectively. In the course of the experiment, 105 days after its onset, marked reaction to avian tuberculin was demonstrated in one pig. Simultaneously with it, the TBC lesions in mandibular and mesenteric lymphatic glands were found. In one pig, mycobacteria were isolated from those suspectedly affected lymphatic glands.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1993

[The occurrence of avian mycobacteriosis in wild birds during various epizootic conditions of tuberculosis in poultry].

The occurrence of tuberculosis in free-living birds was studied in relation to a certain epidemiological situation in a long-term study from 1966 to 1990. A total of 3210 birds were examined. Mycobacteria were isolated in five cases from free-living birds in the environment of six poultry rearing farms where tuberculosis was found in domestic fowl. At individual localities, the occurrence of mycobacteria was 3.5-50.0%. Generalized tuberculosis was found in one case in house sparrow (Passer domesticus). On the investigated poultry rearing farms, the distribution of tuberculosis infection in free-living birds was directly related to the distribution and stage of tuberculosis in poultry or to the achieved extent of eradication. On a poultry rearing farm where no mycobacteria were isolated from free-living birds, a successful eradication of tuberculosis by flock exchange was in progress. During the examination of free-living birds on three farms, mycobacteria were found at two localities where poultry infected with tuberculosis was kept either on the farm or in its immediate vicinity. On the third farm, where no mycobacteria were found in free-living birds, only sporadic reactors to tuberculin were found during survey in spatially separated flocks. No mycobacteria were isolated from birds examined on two farms in whose vicinity poultry was not reared at all. Similarly, bacteriological cultures were negative in a group of 298 birds examined during five years in the environment of a poultry enterprise farm free from tuberculosis. No mycobacteria were found in a large group of 2303 free-living birds taken in the wild except four rooks (Corvus frugilegus). However, this is a migratory species which is noted for its considerable longevity. It is thus more probable that these birds were infected outside the locality which the specimens were taken from. Out of the isolated strains of mycobacteria that were further examined by a biological experiment, 86.6% were pathogenic to domestic fowl, serotype M. avium 2. The results of these examinations suggest that the presence of tuberculosis-infected poultry as a major source of M. avium is necessary for the infection of free-living birds. The infectious agent apparently does not persist and spread within the flocks of free-living birds.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Amebicidal activity of wild animal serum.

The sera of 16 species of wild animals representing 5 classes of vertebrates were assayed for amebicidal activity against species of Naegleria. The greatest activity was observed for sera of bullfrogs, muskrats, and raccoons, all of which are animals associated with water. In contrast, the sera from animals such as toads, box turtles, sparrows, and squirrels exhibited minimal or no amebicidal activity. In general, pathogenic Naegleria tended to be less susceptible than nonpathogenic Naegleria to the lytic effect of raccoon serum. Heat-inactivated serum was not amebicidal, suggesting that perhaps complement may be involved in the serum-mediated lysis of amebas.

Amebiasis↗
PubMed1999

Contributions of social cues and photoperiod to seasonal plasticity in the adult avian song control system.

In seasonally breeding birds, the vernal growth of the song system is thought to result primarily from increased daylength and the associated increase in circulating testosterone. Other environmental factors such as social cues between mates influence the timing of reproduction, but less is known about how social cues might affect the song system and song behavior. We used white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii) to test the hypothesis that the presence of a female in breeding condition influences song nuclei and song behavior of adult males. There were four treatment groups: (1) eight males housed individually in the same room on long days and paired with estradiol-implanted females; (2) eight males housed similarly on long days but without females; (3) four males isolated on long days; and (4) four males isolated on short days. The volumes of two song nuclei, HVc and RA, were significantly larger in males housed with females than in any other treatment group. Males isolated on short days had smaller HVc, RA, and area X volumes than all other groups. The volumes of Rt (a thalamic nucleus not involved in song) and the telencephalon did not differ among groups. Plasma androgen levels did not differ among the three long-day, social treatment groups at the times sampled, but were lower in the short-day isolates. Males paired with females sang at a higher maximum rate than males housed together, who sang at a higher rate than long-day isolates. These results suggest that seasonal plasticity in the adult song system is influenced by social cues.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Observations on the involvement of wildlife in an epornitic of chlamydiosis in domestic turkeys.

In an investigation of potential wildlife reservoirs of Chlamydia psittaci at the site of an acute, highly fatal epornitic of chlamydiosis in domestic turkeys in Texas, various species of wild birds and rodents were captured and tested for chlamydial serum antibodies and chlamydiae in their tissues. Thirteen (65%) of 20 blackbirds (Agelaius sp), 4 (44%) of 9 killdeer (Oxyechus vociferus), 3 (27%) of 11 sparrows (Passer sp) and 1 of 4 mourning doves (Zenaidura macroura) were seropositive, but chlamydiae were not isolated from their tissues. Two of 3 rats (2 cotton rats, Sigmodon hispidus, and 1 roof cat, Rattus rattus) were seropositive, but 7 gophers (Citellus sp), 1 ground squirrel (Tamias sp), an opossum (Didelphis virginiana), and a domestic cat (Felis domesticus) were seronegative; however, chlamydiae were recovered from the livers and spleens of the opossum and domestic cat, both of which had been observed scavenging carcasses of turkeys dead of chlamydiosis. Cultures of these isolants were inoculated experimentally into turkeys and produced lesions of chlamydiosis that were indistinguishable from those caused by the strain originally recovered from diseases turkeys on the premises. Nine of 50 domestic goats quartered near the diseased turkeys were tested, and all were seropositive.

Animals↗