Congenital extra-hepatic biliary cyst in a Congo African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus)

An 8-week-old Congo African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) was presented with a history of abdominal enlargement since hatch. Trans-illumination of the abdomen suggested that the enlargement was due to marked hepatomegaly. This was supported by radiographic and ultrasonic examination. Postmortem examination revealed an extra-hepatic biliary cyst 4 cm in diameter.     

Histopathological survey of protozoa, helminths and acarids of imported and local psittacine and passerine birds in Japan.

A total of 534 psittacine and passerine birds consisting of 241 imported and 293 local birds were examined histologically. As a result, the following parasites were found: Giardia (86 cases), Knemido-coptes (26 cases), coccidia (10 cases), Ascaridia (6 cases), Cryptosporidium (5 cases), Sarcocystis (5 cases), tapeworm (4 cases), microfilaria (2 cases), Hexamita (1 case), and Spiroptera (1 case). High incidences of giardiasis and knemido-coptic infestation were detected in the local birds, but rarely in the imported birds. Giardial trophozoites were observed mainly in the duodenum of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). Knemidocoptic mites burrowed into the epidermis producing proliferative dermatitis in 25 budgerigars and 1 African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus). This ectoparasite often infested the skin around the cloaca. Coccidiosis was seen only in the small intestines of the finch (Poephila gouldiae gouldiae), African Grey Parrot, Rainbow lory (Trichoglossus haematodus), Indian Ring-necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri manillensis) and peach-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis). Two parrots (Amazona aestiva aestiva and Psittacus erithacus erithacus) and two budgerigars had intestinal cryptosporidiosis. Conjunctivitis associated with cryptosporidial infection was seen in a lovebird. Sarcocystis cysts containing crescent-shaped bradyzoites were found not only in the thigh and breast but also in the heart and cloacal muscles. Other organisms such as Ascaridia, tapeworm, microfilaria, Hexamita, and Spiroptera were clinically less significant. However, infections such as Giardia and Cryptosporidim might have zoonotic implications.     

Acute beak and feather disease in juvenile African Grey parrots--an uncommon presentation of a common disease

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease is commonly diagnosed all over the world as a viral disease of psittacine birds that primarily results in abnormalities of the feathers and beak. The clinical presentation of this disease varies between species and age groups, but in the majority of cases the course of the disease is chronic. This case report documents an acute form of the disease in African Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) that resulted in death without lesions in the feathers and beak.     

Multisite integumentary squamous cell carcinoma in an African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus)

A 22-year-old male African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) had had episodes of chronic feather picking and self-mutilation for 10 years; it had a 5 cm diameter right axillary wound and a 2 cm left dorsal patagial wound. Initial treatment with azithromycin and wound management was unsuccessful. Biopsies of both masses indicated squamous cell carcinoma. The left patagial tumour was removed completely by electrocautery. Cisplatin was administered weekly into multiple sites on the right axillary tumour and it initially appeared to regress; however, the bird's condition deteriorated after a month of treatment, and it was euthanased. The tumour was confirmed postmortem to be squamous cell carcinoma, which had invaded local tissues. The aetiology of the carcinoma may have been secondary to chronic focal trauma.     

Blindness as a sign of proventricular dilatation disease in a grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus)

An approximately eight-year-old female grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) was presented with a two months history of blindness. The radiographic examination showed a dilatation of the proventriculus, ventriculus and gut. Ophthalmoscopy and electroretinography revealed degeneration of the retina. A proventricular dilatation disease was suspected. The bird was euthanased because of deteriorating condition and poor prognosis. The pathological examination showed an atrophy of the ventricular muscles and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates of the myenteric plexus of the proventriculus, ventriculus and gut as well as moderate lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates of the cerebrum with moderate neuronophagia. Lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates in the retina, indicating proventricular dilatation disease, and subsequent retinal degeneration were found. A potential common aetiology for proventricular dilatation disease and blindness is discussed.     

Analgesic effects of butorphanol and buprenorphine in conscious African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus and Psittacus erithacus timneh)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of butorphanol tartrate and buprenorphine hydrochloride on withdrawal threshold to a noxious stimulus in conscious African grey parrots. ANIMALS: 29 African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus and Psittacus erithacus timneh). PROCEDURE: Birds were fitted with an electrode on the medial metatarsal region of the right leg, placed into a test box, and allowed to acclimate. An electrical stimulus (range, 0.0 to 1.46 mA) was delivered to each bird's foot through an aluminum perch. A withdrawal response was recorded when the bird lifted its foot from the perch or vigorously flinched its wings. Baseline threshold to a noxious electrical stimulus was determined. Birds then were randomly assigned to receive an i.m. injection of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, butorphanol (1.0 mg/kg of body weight), or buprenorphine (0.1 mg/kg), and threshold values were determined again. RESULTS: Butorphanol significantly increased threshold value, but saline solution or buprenorphine did not significantly change threshold values. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Butorphanol had an analgesic effect, significantly increasing the threshold to electrical stimuli in African grey parrots. Buprenorphine at the dosage used did not change the threshold to electrical stimulus. Butorphanol provided an analgesic response in half of the birds tested. Butorphanol would be expected to provide analgesia to African grey parrots in a clinical setting.     

Severe leukopenia and liver necrosis in young African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) infected with psittacine circovirus

This paper describes the signs, clinical pathology, and postmortem findings in 14 young African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) that were naturally infected with psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) virus (psittacine circovirus). All but two of the parrots had severe leukopenia at clinical presentation. Two other parrots also had severe anemia. All birds died within 3 wk after presentation. Postmortem examination documented liver necrosis in 11 of 14 birds and secondary bacterial or fungal infections in 9 of 14 birds. Tests for Chlamydia psittaci, polyomavirus, and Salmonella sp. were negative. PBFD viral infection could be demonstrated in all birds by polymerase chain reaction. Supporting evidence of PBFD viral infection was gathered by histologic examination of the bursa of Fabricius, electron microscopy, and DNA in situ hybridization. Electron microscopic examination of both the bursa of Fabricius and liver revealed virus particles resembling circovirus. DNA in situ hybridization of six liver tissue samples confirmed the presence of PBFD virus and excluded the presence of avian polyomavirus. Our findings suggest that a specific presentation of peracute PBFD viral infection, characterized by severe leukopenia, anemia, or pancytopenia and liver necrosis in the absence of feather and beak abnormalities, may occur in young African grey parrots.     

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Feather Plucking in African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus and Psittacus erithacus timneh) and Cockatoos (Cacatua spp.)

Feather plucking, or the removal by a parrot of its own feathers, is thought to be one of the most common behaviour presentations in veterinary practices that treat avian patients. However, its aetiology is poorly understood. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of feather plucking within the population of African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus and Psittacus erithacus timneh) and cockatoos (Cacatua spp.) registered with 9 veterinary practices in the United Kingdom (UK) and to explore the association between frequently hypothesised risk factors and feather plucking in these species. A questionnaire was sent to the owners of 400 African grey parrots and 310 cockatoos registered with 9 UK veterinary practices. Returned questionnaires from 137 African grey parrots and 92 cockatoos were analysed, of which 39.4% of African grey parrots and 42.4% of cockatoos had exhibited feather-plucking behaviour at some point in their lifetime. Multivariable logistic regression modelling demonstrated that increasing hours of sleep and length of ownership were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with feather plucking in African grey parrots. Pet shop origin, cage location against ≥1 wall and ≥1 vacation taken by owners each year were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with feather plucking in cockatoos. The high prevalence of feather plucking in these commonly kept pets highlights this problem as a welfare concern, whereas the risk factor analysis challenges many frequently cited hypotheses regarding its aetiology. Further research is required to explore whether there is a causal relationship between the significant risk factors identified in this study and feather-plucking behaviour.     

家蚕新突变型从性黑蛾(sml)的遗传分析初报

西南大学家蚕基因库保存的遗传系统18-130的蛾体色表现特殊性状,雄蛾为灰黑色,雌蛾为白色。用多个白色蛾系统与之进行杂交分析,饲养F1、F2和RF1代,分析该黑蛾的遗传规律,结果:18-130系统黑蛾由常染色体上隐性突变基因控制,且表现为从性遗传,在雌体中几乎不能表现黑蛾性状,而在雄蛾中黑体色表现明显,即性别不同是影响其表型的主要因素。研究证明该灰黑蛾是家蚕从性遗传的一个典型代表,命名为sex-controlled m ela-n ism,基因符号为sm l。同时,经过连锁分析探明sm l基因与第7连锁群的鹑斑(q)、第13连锁群的隐性赤蚁(ch)、第16连锁群的颊尾斑(cts)均为独立遗传。     

Effects of UVB radiation on calcium metabolism in psittacine birds

The effects of providing ultraviolet (uv) radiation (285 to 315 nm, ultraviolet B) on calcium metabolism in two groups of 20 healthy grey parrots (Psittacus e erithacus) fed either a seed or pellet-based diet were investigated. There was a significant increase in the concentration of ionised calcium in the plasma of both groups, independent of the calcium and vitamin D(3) content of the diets fed, and a significant increase in the plasma concentration of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in only the seed-fed group. In a separate study there were no significant increases in plasma ionised calcium or 25-hydroxycholecalciferol between March and August in a group of 28 South American parrots (Pionus species) exposed to unfiltered natural sunlight.     

ABDOMINAL MASS DUE TO CHRONIC SALPINGITIS IN AN AFRICAN GREY PARROT (PSITTACUS ERITHACUS)

An adult female African Grey Parrot ( Psittacus erithacus ) was referred with a two year history of intermittent illness and a recently palpated abdominal mass. Hematologic and microbiologic laboratory results on presentation were non-diagnostic. In survey and barium sulfate contrast radiographs there was a large soft tissue mass in the abdominal cavity displacing the proventriculus craniodorsally, and the ventriculus and small intestines cranially. Euthanasia was elected after exploratory laparotomy revealed extensive peritonitis and intestinal adhesions in the coelomic cavity. At necropsy, a 3.5 cm diameter mass was removed from the left oviduct. The histopathologic diagnosis was chronic salpingitis with intraluminal mass, and serositis of many abdominal organs. The oviduct mass consisted of concentric layers of egg yolk and inflammatory cell debris.     

家蚕蛾油对蛹虫草液体发酵培养的影响

通过对蛹虫草菌丝体干产量以及胞外高分子聚合物和胞内多糖含量的测量分析,研究了添加家蚕蛾油对蛹虫草(Cordyceps militarisL.)液体发酵培养效果的影响。添加4%雄蚕蛾油或2%雌蚕蛾油,蛹虫草菌丝体的产量分别增加76.1%和45.9%,胞外高分子聚合物含量分别增加64.2%和43.0%,均达到最大值;添加3%雄蚕蛾油或雌蚕蛾油使胞内多糖含量分别增加46.8%和47.1%,菌丝体产量分别增加145%和102%,均达到最大值。结果表明,添加一定量的家蚕蛾油对蛹虫草液体发酵培养具有促进作用,而在作用效果上,家蚕雄蛾油要优于家蚕雌蛾油。     

Pharmacokinetics of paroxetine,a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor,in Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus): influence of pharmaceutical formulation and length of dosing

van Zeeland, Y. R. A., Schoemaker, N. J., Haritova, A., Smit, J. W., van Maarseveen, E. M., Lumeij, J. T., Fink‐Gremmels, J. Pharmacokinetics of paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, in Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus): influence of pharmaceutical formulation and length of dosing. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.  36 , 51–58. Paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, may be beneficial in the treatment of behavioural disorders in pet birds. The lack of pharmacokinetic data and clinical trials currently limits the use of this drug in clinical avian practice. This paper evaluates the pharmacokinetic properties and potential side effects of single and repeated dosing of paroxetine in Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus). Paroxetine pharmacokinetics were studied after single i.v. and single oral dosing, and after repeated oral administration during 1 month. Plasma paroxetine concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. No undesirable side effects were observed during the study. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed a quick distribution and rapid elimination after i.v. administration. Oral administration of paroxetine HCl dissolved in water resulted in a relatively slow absorption (T_max = 5.9 ± 2.6 h) and a low bioavailability (31 ± 15%). Repeated administration resulted in higher rate of absorption, most likely due to a saturation of the cytochrome P450‐mediated first‐pass metabolism. This study shows that oral administration of paroxetine HCl (4 mg/kg twice daily) in parrots results in plasma concentrations within the therapeutic range recommended for the treatment of depressions in humans. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the clinical efficacy of this dosage regimen in parrots with behavioural disorders.     

Is the expansion of the pine processionary moth,due to global warming,impacting the endangered Spanish moon moth through an induced change in food quality?

Recent climate change is known to affect the distribution of a number of insect species, resulting in a modification of their range boundaries. In newly colonized areas, novel interactions become apparent between expanding and endemic species sharing the same host. The pine processionary moth is a highly damaging pine defoliator, extending its range northwards and upwards in response to winter warming. Its expansion in the Alps has resulted in an invasion into the range of the Spanish moon moth, a red listed species developing on Scots pine. Pine processionary moth larvae develop during winter, preceding those of the moon moth, which hatch in late spring. Using pine trees planted in a clonal design, we experimentally tested the effect of previous winter defoliation by pine processionary moth larvae upon the survival and development of moon moth larvae. Feeding on foliage of heavily defoliated trees (>50%) resulted in a significant increase in the development time of moon moth larvae and a decrease in relative growth rate compared to feeding on foliage of undefoliated trees. Dry weight of pupae also decreased when larvae were fed with foliage of defoliated trees, and might, therefore, affect imago performances. However, lower defoliation degrees did not result in significant differences in larval performances compared to the control. Because a high degree of defoliation by pine processionary moth is to be expected during the colonization phase, its arrival in subalpine pine stands might affect the populations of the endangered moon moth.     

家蚕灰黑蛾夏秋用品种517×518的育成

将家蚕暗化型灰黑蛾基因(m ln)导入实用品种,育成强健型灰黑蛾中系品种517,与常规日系强健型白蛾品种518组配成夏秋用品种517×518,利用蛾色差异,可使杂交率提高到99%以上。该品种强健好养,眠起齐,耐粗食,茧丝长1 096 m,解舒率71.84%,茧丝纤度2.874 dtex,洁净95.89分,已通过安徽省桑蚕品种审定委员会审定。     

家蚕雌蛾粉对四氧嘧啶模型小鼠抗氧化水平的影响

为明确家蚕雌蛾的药用价值,采用腹腔注射四氧嘧啶法建立抗氧化模型小鼠,灌胃给予不同剂量的家蚕雌蛾粉,通过对小鼠血清及肝脏的超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)等生化指标测定,研究家蚕雌蛾粉的体内抗氧化作用。结果表明家蚕雌蛾粉可明显降低模型小鼠血清及肝脏的MDA含量,高剂量组(8 g/kg)的MDA含量降低至正常对照组的水平,家蚕雌蛾粉还可提高模型小鼠血清及肝脏的SOD、GSH-Px活性,中剂量(4 g/kg)、高剂量组的提高幅度达极显著水平。实验结果提示家蚕雌蛾粉具有明显的体内抗氧化作用。     

Phylogenetic analysis of six isolates of beak and feather disease virus from African grey parrots in Portugal

Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV), a member of the genus Circovirus, was detected in six dead African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) in Portugal. The complete nucleotide sequences of these six BFDVs (PT05, PT08, PT08-2, PT08-3, PT09, and PT09-2) were determined and analyzed. The seven open reading frames (ORFs) described for other BFDVs were detected in all strains, except for PT05 and PT08, in which ORFs 4 and 7 are absent. Bayesian inference of phylogeny based on complete genomes of BFDVs isolated in Portugal and 32 other BFDVs found in other parts of the world revealed that PT05 is included in lineage IV, whereas the others form a new proposed genotype lineage IX. The nucleotide diversity ranged from 2% to 12% between the BFDV strains isolated in Portugal and other BFDVs found worldwide.     

Characterization of a reo-like virus and its isolation from and pathogenicity for parrots

Necropsy of an African Grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) revealed subcutaneous hemorrhages, multiple foci and microfoci of necrosis in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and intestinal lamina propria, mild air sacculitis, and epicarditis. A virus, isolated from the liver, was non-enveloped, was polyhedral with a diameter of 84.9 +/- 3.4 nm, possessed a double-stranded RNA genome, and was stable at pH 3.0 for 30 minutes and at 56 C for up to 120 minutes. The virus was propagated in cell culture, purified by limiting dilution, and inoculated into two African Grey parrots. The experimental infections were fatal on the 8th and 9th days postinoculation in the orally and intramuscularly inoculated birds, respectively, and produced hemorrhages and necrotic lesions that recapitulated those of the index case.     

柞蚕雄蛾浓缩液生产的部分工艺条件改进与产品质量检测

以初羽化、未交尾的柞蚕雄蛾为原料,采用低温负压浓缩技术生产柞蚕雄蛾浓缩液,通过改进粗制柞蚕雄蛾浓缩液离心去杂质、去脂肪工艺流程中的离心时间、离心速度、离心温度等条件因素,改善柞蚕雄蛾浓缩液产品的感官性状。试验结果表明,粗制柞蚕雄蛾浓缩液在-5℃低温下,以4 500～5 000 r/min离心15 min,可在保证营养与活性成分含量的基础上,去除杂质和部分脂肪。采用改进后的工艺生产的柞蚕雄蛾浓缩液清澈透明,不浑浊,感观品质好,脂肪质量分数由原来的0.30%降低到0.09%,可延长产品的保质期。该项生产工艺已获得国家发明专利(专利号:2009 1 0016120.X),生产的柞蚕雄蛾浓缩液可直接加工成产品服用或用于勾兑蚕蛾酒及饮料等。     

用放射免疫法检测家蚕雌蛾体中雌二醇的含量

为了便于对大量家蚕雌蛾粉及其制品样本中雌二醇的含量进行快速测定,研究了家蚕雌蛾体中雌二醇含量的测定方法。以0.1 mol/L HCl为处理液,乙醚为提取溶剂,振荡重复抽提3次,可有效地提取家蚕雌蛾体中雌二醇。以90 g/L牛血清白蛋白Tris缓冲液为测定溶剂,采用均相竟争的放射免疫法,可精确、稳定地测定出家蚕雌蛾体中雌二醇含量。