Parrots in captivity are frequently affected by Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections. The objective of this study was to collect information on the carrier state for E. coli pathotypes in asymptomatic free-ranging parrots. Cloacal swabs were collected from nestlings of Hyacinth, Lear’s macaws and Blue-fronted Amazon parrots and tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for virulence factors commonly found in enteropathogenic, avian pathogenic, and uropathogenic E. coli strains. In total, 44 samples were cultured and E. coli isolates were yielded, from which DNA was extracted and processed by PCR. Genes commonly found in APEC isolates from Blue-fronted Amazon parrots and Hyacinth macaws were expressed in 14 of these 44 samples. One atypical EPEC isolate was obtained from a sample from Lear’s macaw. The most commonly found gene was the increased serum survival (iss) gene. This is the first report, that describes such pathotypes in asymptomatic free-living parrots. The findings of this study suggest the presence of a stable host/parasite relationship at the time of the sampling brings a new understanding to the role that E. coli plays in captive and wild parrots. Such information can be used to improve husbandry protocols as well as help conservation efforts of free-living populations.

/pdf/a-survey-for-escherichia-coli-virulence-factors-in-4rkri44cgx.pdf

A Survey for Escherichia coli Virulence Factors in Asymptomatic Free-Ranging Parrots

http://www.zoologia.hu/list/Philornis_Olah.pdf

Philornis sp. bot fly larvae in free living scarlet macaw nestlings and a new technique for their extraction

CHAPTER 13 – Advances in clinical pathology and diagnostic medicine

Reintroduction is a growing field in the conservation of endangered species. The vinaceous Amazon parrot (Amazona vinacea) is extinct in several areas, and a project to release confiscated individuals to their former range is currently underway. The objective of this study was to evaluate and improve the selection and treatment of individual release candidates by detecting possible pathogen carriers using samples taken before and during release. As part of prerelease health protocols, samples were obtained from 29 parrots on three different occasions while in captivity and once after their release. Samples were screened for paramyxovirus type 1, avian influenza, poxvirus, coronavirus, psittacine herpesvirus 1, Chlamydia psittaci, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), Salmonella spp., and endoparasites. The majority of samples returned negative results, with the exception of two individuals that tested positive for C. psittaci in the first sampling and for Ascaridia spp. in the second pooled...

https://bioone.org/journals/Journal-of-Zoo-and-Wildlife-Medicine/volume-46/issue-4/2013-0152.1/HEALTH-SCREENING-PROTOCOLS-FOR-VINACEOUS-AMAZONS-AMAZONA-VINACEA-IN-A/10.1638/2013-0152.1.pdf

Health-screening protocols for vinaceous amazons (amazona vinacea) in a reintroduction project

A parasitological survey was conducted at some zoos in the states of Sao Paulo and Parana, Brazil, from 2009 to 2011. Several groups of birds were surveyed for fecal samples, but the most important was Psittacidae. Among the parasites, Eimeria (coccidian) and Capillaria, Ascaridia and Heterakis (nematodes) were observed in almost one third of the samples. Presence of a rich parasite fauna associated with captive birds seems to be an effect of captivity, since data on free-ranging birds indicate few or virtually no parasites at all. The discovery of new coccidian species during this survey reveals the need of more research on the subject as even well-known bird species have unknown parasites, but caution must be exercised in order to avoid descriptions of pseudoparasites.

/pdf/parasitological-survey-on-birds-at-some-selected-brazilian-4ib90xc94e.pdf

Parasitological survey on birds at some selected brazilian zoos

This study evaluated the health status and established hematologic and serum biochemistry parameters for free-living nestlings of the Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) from the Brazilian Pantanal (19°51′–19°58′S; 56°17′–56°24′W), for four consecutive years (from December 2003 through December 2006). Physical examinations indicated that all the birds were in good health. Endoparasites and blood parasites were not detected in any of the nestlings, and ectoparasites seemed to be limited to Philornis sp. (Diptera: Muscidae). Significantly higher levels of total white blood cells and heterophils, glucose, total protein, triglycerides, and phosphorus were observed in females. In females, higher cholesterol levels and packed cell volumes were observed in older birds, and total white blood cell and heterophil counts were higher in young animals. In males, uric acid levels were higher in older individuals. Wild Pantanal Hyacinth Macaws feed on only two species of palm nuts (Acrocomia totai and Scheelea p...

https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-wildlife-diseases/volume-45/issue-4/0090-3558-45.4.972/CLINICAL-PATHOLOGY-AND-PARASITOLOGIC-EVALUATION-OF-FREE-LIVING-NESTLINGS-OF/10.7589/0090-3558-45.4.972.pdf

M. Cziulik

Papers

Clinical pathology and parasitologic evaluation of free-living nestlings of the hyacinth macaw (anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)