Cryptosporidiosis in lovebirds (Agapornis sp.)

Abstract

Extract

Madam: — Cryptosporidiosis is now well recognised as a cause of gastroenteritis and diarrhoea in several animal species, especially calves, lambs and man. However, recent reviews(2) Current, W.L. 1985. Cryptosporidiosis. J.A.V.M.A., 187: 1334–1338.  [Google Scholar] (4) Tzipori, S. 1983. Cryptosporidiosis in animals and humans. Microbiological Reviews, 47: 84–96. [PubMed] , [Google Scholar] cite few reports of enteric cryptosporidiosis in birds.     

Spinocellular epithelioma of the skin: etiology of the eczema syndrome in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) and lovebirds (Agapornis sp.)

Squamous cell carcinoma in the axilla, unilaterally as well as bilaterally, is described pathologically in three love-birds and two budgerigars. The deep, hemorrhagic ulceration with secondary bacterial and/or mycotic infection corresponds to the "EMA-Syndrome".     

Cryptosporidium avian genotype III as a possible causative agent of chronic vomiting in peach-faced lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis)

In the present study, Cryptosporidium oocysts were found, by light microscopy, in 37 fecal samples of peach-faced lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis). Cryptosporidium avian genotype III was isolated in 13 of the 37 infected birds by sequence analysis of the small subunit ribosomal RNA and the actin genes. All of the birds showed chronic vomiting and weight loss with enlargement of isthmi, narrowed proventricular lumens, and thickened proventricular walls radiographically. Cryptosporidium parasites were found only in the ductal epithelium of the proventricular glands in three of the tissue samples provided for necropsy. To date, there have been no reports concerning the pathogenicity, nor the location, of avian genotype III in avian hosts. Our report confirms, for the first time, the presence of avian genotype III in peach-faced lovebirds in Japan and also reveals the location in the avian host.     

Investigations in pet birds (Agapornis spp.) fed different vitamin K contents in the diet

In the past many discussions about possible toxic effects of vitamin K(3) fed to pet birds arose frequently, and were published also in magazines for pet bird fanciers, in the internet as well as in veterinary journals. Therefore, the aim of this study was an evaluation of effects of different dosages of vitamin K(3) on birds' health when given orally for a longer period. These investigations were carried out with adult lovebirds (Agapornis spp.) fed a pelleted diet with different levels of vitamin K(3) (menadione-sodium-bisulphite): control group 0 mg, group V1 20 mg and group V2 200 mg/kg diet dry matter. General condition and well being of the lovebirds were checked daily. Body weight gains as well as feed and water intakes were examined once a week. Every 2-month blood samples of each lovebird were collected and analysed. After a period of 6 and 10 months, respectively, four birds of each group were necropsied in order to carry out a pathological and histological examination. In general, the behaviour, feed and water intakes as well as quality of excreta were not influenced by ingestion of diets with different levels of vitamin K(3). All variations were in physiological ranges. Individuals of all groups showed positive body weight gains and an active reproduction status. However, the best body mass (BM) development and egg laying activity could be observed in lovebirds of group V2 with the highest vitamin K(3) supplementation. In the haemotogram some time-depending variations could be observed; however, a systematic influence of vitamin K(3) could not be determined in any group or at any time. All analysed biochemical values in plasma and the activities of enzymes were within normal ranges. Only few birds of every group showed aberrant histological findings, but none of these could be related to the vitamin K(3) intake. Moreover, no forced accumulation of vitamin K(3) in the liver depending on vitamin K(3) intake was found. This result suggests a rapid metabolism of the absorbed vitamin K(3). All in all, the application of pelleted diets with addition of 20 or 200 mg vitamin K(3)/kg diet over a period of several months did not affect pet birds' health. Given these results, any doubts about the compatibility of usual doses of vitamin K(3) in diets for lovebirds must be considered as absolutely groundless.     

An interesting neurologic case in a lovebird (Agapornis fisheri).

The pathogenic agent of proventricular dilatation disease causes a lymphoplasmacytic inflammation of the central peripheral nervous systems. Usually, the splanchnic nerves are affected, with resultant gastrointestinal dysfunction and clinical signs related to this. When the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves are affected, neurologic signs may be present in various degrees. This case emphasizes the importance of necropsy and histopathologic examination in making a diagnosis and treatment.     

Clinical problems of sloths (Bradypus sp. and Choloepus sp.) in captivity.

A 20-yr retrospective study of disease prevalence was carried out for 51 sloths (34 Bradypus sp. and 17 Choloepus sp.) at the S?o Paulo Zoo. A total of 81 clinical disorders were detected, including nutritional (45.7%), digestive (12.3%), and respiratory (12.3%) problems and injuries (6.1%). A definitive diagnosis was not possible in 8.6% of the cases. The incidence of disease varied according to seasonal climate (winter, 32.5%; spring, 24%; summer, 22.9%; autumn, 20.5%), time in captivity (96.4% of diseases occurred within the first 6 mo and 3.6% occurred thereafter), and type of enclosure (quarantine cage, 96.4%; exhibition enclosure, 3.6%). Both young animals (86.7%) and adults (3.2%) were affected. Parasites were identified by fecal examination in 45.4% of animals with clinical illness (Ascaris sp., 80%; Coccidia sp., 20%). Bacteria such as Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, and Citrobacter freundii were isolated from feces and/or organs. The first 6 mo in captivity are critical for these animals. Proper management and early identification of medical conditions in captivity have implications for sloth population in the wild.     

Cryptosporidiosis in newborn red deer (Cervus elaphus).

Red deer calves dying at 24 to 72 hours old were infected with cryptosporidia. The clinical signs were extreme depression and weakness, but they did not consistently have diarrhoea. One calf was severely uraemic, and evidence from subsequent cases suggested that cryptosporidium infection in very young red deer calves may result in terminal uraemia. The possibility of intrauterine infection is considered. The factors which could have predisposed to the outbreak of infection were investigated; the calves were deficient in vitamin E despite having received adequate colostrum.     

Cryptosporidiosis in a pup

Cryptosporidiosis is a coccidian parasitism which has been implicated as a cause of diarrhea in man and a variety of animals. Cryptosporidiosis was diagnosed in a one-week-old pup which had a history of acute diarrhea. Organisms, 2 to 3 mm in diameter, covered the microvillous border of intestinal epithelium. Ultrastructurally, the cryptosporidia had one or more nuclei with prominent nucleoli and abundant cytoplasmic endoplasmic reticulum. Cryptosporidia may have played a role in the enteritis seen in this pup but further studies are needed to establish its pathogenicity.