Avocado (Persea americana) intoxication in caged birds

Avocados of 2 varieties were mashed and administered via feeding cannula to 8 canaries and 8 budgerigars. Two control budgerigars were given water via feeding cannula. Six budgerigars and 1 canary died within 24 to 47 hours after the first administration of avocado. Deaths were associated with administration of both varieties of avocado. Higher dose was associated with greater mortality. The 2 budgerigars given water were normal throughout the observation period. Results indicated that avocados are highly toxic to budgerigars and less toxic to canaries. Postmortem findings observed in some birds included subcutaneous edema in the pectoral area and hydropericardium.     

Isolation of Sarcocystis falcatula from the South American opossum (Didelphis albiventris) from Argentina.

Sarcocystis sporocysts from the intestines of four opossums (Didelphis albiventris) from Argentina were identified as Sarcocystis falcatula based on schizogonic stages and pathogenicity to budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). Seven budgerigars fed sporocysts from the opossum feces died of acute sarcocystosis 8, 9, 11, 12, and 14 days after inoculation. Schizonts and merozoites found in the lungs and other organs of the budgerigars were identified as S. falcatula based on structure and immunoreactivity with S. falcatula-specific antibody. Sarcocystis falcatula was also isolated in bovine monocyte cell cultures inoculated with lung tissue from a budgerigar that died nine days after ingesting sporocysts. Two budgerigars inoculated subcutaneously with 1,000,000 culture-derived S. falcatula died 11 and 12 days post-inoculation. This is the first report of S. falcatula infection in South America.     

Osteological Examinations on the Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus Shaw 1805) with Special Reference to Skeletal Alterations Conditioned by Breeding

The aims of this study were to examine the skeleton of domesticated budgerigars of phenotypically different breeding types, to describe the expression of skeletal changes and to discuss the results with special reference to the causes and effects of breed-conditioned alterations. Complete skeletons of 39 adult budgerigars of both sexes were the object of our research. The examinations demonstrated that almost all metrically sized skeleton dimensions of budgerigars of the exhibition type were increased significantly, compared with those of the non-exhibition type. Only for the scapula significant length differences between the budgerigars of both breeding types could not be verified. It can be stated that the measuring parameters 'occipital width', 'maxilla length', 'skull length' and 'prefrontal width' are suitable for the characterization of exhibition budgerigars. However, sexual dimorphisms could be verified in only three parameters (width of the pars symphysialis mandibulae, height of the skull, width of the skull within the range of the occiput). It has to be clarified in future studies to what extent the changes in the skeleton of budgerigars of the exhibition type have already had consequences for their flying ability, metabolism, health and well-being.     

Ultrastructural studies of blue fox spermatozoa

The fine structure of epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa from blue fox is analyzed by electron microscopy. The result of this investigation seems to indicate that the blue fox spermatozoon is of the same type as that of the dog. The apical body appears, however, to have a rather characteristic shape and to be more well-developed than found in sperm cells from the usual domestic animals.The other structures studied in the different parts of the blue fox spermatozoon including the head, neck and flagellum displayed the same principal characteristics as those in the sperm cells of other domestic species.In a few cases double development of the middle piece could be observed.     

Influence of outlying values and variations between sampling days on reference ranges for clinical chemistry in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)

Reference ranges for clinical chemistry variables were established for 99 budgerigars sampled monthly for 12 months. The data from the repeated measurements were compiled to obtain the most reliable population-based reference range defined to be relevant for the population of budgerigars over the whole year. Outlying values were excluded by reference to the population-based reference range and to previously determined values from the same individual, following the guidelines of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry. The exclusion of outliers significantly reduced the calculated reference ranges.     

Flow cytometric analysis of nuclear DNA for sex identification in three psittacine species

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate flow cytometric analysis for sex identification in 3 psittacine species, establish reference values for blood cell DNA content for each species, and determine effects of sample storage on DNA content. ANIMALS: 36 orange-winged Amazon parrots, 41 budgerigars, and 39 cockatiels. PROCEDURE: Blood samples were stained and analyzed by use of flow cytometry to measure cellular DNA content. Samples were analyzed immediately after collection and after being stored at 4 C for 48 and 72 hours. RESULTS: Mean DNA content (picograms per cell) was 3.248 for Amazon parrots, 2.702 for budgerigars, and 2.946 for cockatiels; DNA concentrations in samples analyzed immediately overlapped in a male and a female Amazon parrot and among 19 cockatiels. For budgerigars, DNA overlap between sexes was not detected in samples analyzed immediately or after storage for 72 hours. Sex was identified correctly in 94.4% of Amazon parrots, 100% of budgerigars, and 51.3% of cockatiels. For both sexes, DNA content in samples analyzed immediately was significantly different from that of stored samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Flow cytometric analysis was accurate for sex identification of Amazon parrots and budgerigars. Sample storage at 4 C for 48 or 72 hours caused variability in DNA content.     

达赉湖保护区鸟类多样性研究

2007年3～11月,在达赉湖自然保护区4个管护站周边地区,利用样带调查,记录鸟类种类和数量,分析鸟类多样性。本次调查共记录鸟类103种,隶属于14目31科。其中,非雀形目鸟类74种,占总种类数的71．8％,雀形目鸟类29种,占总种类数的28．2％,非雀形目鸟类中尤以水禽占有较大比例,共有7目9科56种,为全部鸟类种数的54．5％,占总种类二分之一以上,反映出湖区的特点。该地区的鸟类α多样性水平较高（3．6）;其中,乌兰诺尔的鸟类物种数、数量、多样性指数、均匀度指数均为最高。     

Leucocytozoon-like infection in parakeets, budgerigars and a common buzzard

The gross and histological lesions of a protozoan infection, possibly caused by Leucocytozoon, in parakeets (genera Neophema and Cyanoramphus), budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) and a wild buzzard (Buteo buteo) are described. The infection appears not to have been identified before in budgerigars in Great Britain, and in its chronic form resulted in vomiting and wasting. The possible identity of the parasite and the epidemiological factors are considered.     

An outbreak of the polyomavirus infection in budgerigars and cockatiels in Slovakia, including a genome analysis of an avian polyomavirus isolate

In winter 2003-04, large numbers of budgerigars (Mellopsitacus undulatus) and cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) fell ill and died in a large parrot-breeding aviary in Slovakia. In budgerigars, the disease outbreak occurred at the age of 2-3 weeks; cockatiels died within their first 7 days of life. In budgerigars, symptoms of the disease included delayed growth, tremor, darkish discoloration of skin, quill bleeding, and feathering defects. cockatiels often died without any symptoms and with a full crop; feathering defects occurred sporadically. Electron microscopy with negative staining of aqueous lysates of the affected skin and of bleeding quills showed isolated or clustered polyomavirus particles 45-50 nm in size. Long filamentous forms of the virus were also found in virion clusters of skin lysates from the budgerigars. In ultrathin sections through the pathologically altered skin tissue of budgerigars, virus particles were present in both nuclei and cytoplasm of epidermal cells, often in crystalline form. In infected cells, enlarged nuclei showed an extensive chromatin margination. On the DNA level, presence of a polyomavirus infection was conclusively proved by the polymerase chain reaction using avian polyomavirus (APV)-specific primers. A sequence analysis of the gene encoding viral protein (VP)1 and of the combined region for VP2 and VP3 proteins revealed a previously undescribed synonymous mutation in this isolate. This report extended the knowledge of the area of APV occurrence and of the spectrum of hosts in the context of genomic and morphologic variability of APV isolates.     

Effects of midazolam and lorazepam on food intake in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)

BackgroundMidazolam has been shown to increase food intake in budgerigars. However, its effect on appetite beyond one hour after administration is unknown. Lorazepam is a longer-acting benzodiazepine and may provide more sustained appetite-stimulating effects in birds, but currently, no information on its appetite or sedative effects in budgerigars is available.MethodsIn a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded, complete crossover study, the effects of midazolam (1 mg/kg IM) or lorazepam (1 mg/kg IM) were compared to a control treatment (1 ml/kg sterile water IM) in healthy adult budgerigars (n = 22). Food intake was measured for one hour before and twelve hours after drug administration. Behavioral changes and adverse effects were monitored by video recording.ResultsCompared to the control treatment, food intake increased significantly following midazolam and lorazepam administration in the first hour after drug administration. The total amount of food ingested over time was significantly higher for the first five hours after midazolam or lorazepam administration compared to the control treatment. Sedation occurred for the first three hours after drug administration with both drugs. There was no clinical or statistical significance difference between lorazepam and midazolam regarding appetite stimulation or sedative effects in this study.Conclusions and clinical relevanceBoth midazolam and lorazepam are potent, short-acting appetite stimulants in budgerigars. To induce a sustained increase in food intake, the repeated administration of these drugs would be required. The use of lorazepam does not appear to provide any advantages compared to the more widely available and frequently used midazolam in budgerigars.     

Haematological findings in budgerigars with megabacterium and Trichomonas infections associated with 'going light'

Eighteen budgerigars with clinical signs of 'going light' were euthanased and examined post mortem; ingluvitis caused by Trichomonas gallinae infection was present in seven birds, proventriculitis associated with the presence of megabacteria in eight birds and in three birds both conditions were present. Haematological examinations of blood taken from the living birds showed that those with T gallinae infection had normal white cell counts whereas those in which megabacteria were present had significant leucocytosis and heterophilia. Some birds in both groups were anaemic. The findings suggest that infection with megabacteria may be responsible for a proportion of cases of 'going light' in budgerigars and that haematological examination can establish this diagnosis in living birds.     

日粮维生素E水平对山羊精液品质的影响

采用4×4拉丁方设计,给金堂黑山羊饲喂维生素E浓度不同(常量:30 mg/kg维生素E,10,50,100倍常量的添加量)而其他营养成分均一致的4种日粮,探索日粮中添加维生素E对山羊精液品质的影响。结果表明:日粮中添加维生素E有助于提高山羊采精量、精子密度和鲜精活率,改善其精液品质(P<0.05);随着日粮中维生素E浓度的增加,山羊采精量、精子密度和鲜精活率也随之改善,添加量为常量的50倍(1500 mg/kg)时,精子密度和鲜精活率最佳(P<0.01)。当添加量超过常量50倍时(100),精子密度和鲜精活率有所降低,但与添加量为50倍的试验组差异不显著(P>0.05)。     

Psittacine beak and feather disease virus in budgerigars and ring-neck parakeets in South Africa

Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) is a common disease of the psittacine species and is caused by the psittacine beak and feather disease virus (PBFDV). In this study the occurrence of the disease in ring-neck parakeets and budgerigars in South Africa suffering from feathering problems, using polymerase chain reaction as a diagnostic test was investigated. The genetic variation between viral isolates was also studied. Results indicate that PBFDV can be attributed to being the cause of feathering problems in some of the ring-neck parakeets and budgerigars in South Africa. Genetic variation of isolates occurs between species and individuals. A cheap and easy to use method of blood sample collection on filter paper for diagnostic purposes was also evaluated. It proved to be less stressful to the birds and did not inhibit further processes.     

Trichomonas gallinae in budgerigars and columbid birds in Perth, Western Australia

Objective To estimate the prevalence of infection with Trichomonas gallinae and other parasites of the alimentary tract in psittacine and columbid birds in Perth and to determine in vitro the effectiveness of drugs commonly recommended for treating trichomoniasis.
Design and procedures Samples of crop contents were collected from aviary flocks of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) and other psittacine and columbid birds in both private and commercial collections in Perth. Similar samples from wild Senegal doves (Streptopelia senegalensis) also were collected. Crop contents were examined and cultured for Trichomonas gallinae and in vitro studies were conducted on the susceptibility of isolates to several drugs used commonly. Other parasites also were detected by faecal examination and/or necropsy.
Results T gallinae was recovered from birds in 1 of 13 private collections of budgerigars (2/289 birds in total). Direct wetmount examination of crop fluid identified 36.4% of samples at four commercial bird dealers which were later determined by culture to contain T gallinae . The prevalence of T gallinae infection ranged from 0 to 11.4% in budgerigars. The prevalence of T gallinae infection in wild Senegal doves was 46% and from one flock of racing pigeons was 59%. The in vitro minimum lethal concentrations of metronidazole, dimetridazole and ronidazole ranged from 40 to 96, 30 to 80 and 40 to 92 μg/mL respectively for six isolates of T gallinae . Other alimentary parasites detected during the survey included Spironucleus sp (syn Hexamita sp), coccidia, Ascaridia platycerci and Raillietina sp.
Conclusions Thirteen budgerigar flocks belonging to members of avicultural societies in Perth had a low prevalence of trichomoniasis and other parasitic infections. The dose rate currently recommended for ronidazole may not result in complete protozoacidal activity against T gallinae infection.     

Experimental infection of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) with a low virulent K21 strain of Toxoplasma gondii

In total 53 budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) were divided into six groups and orally infected with a suspension of oocysts of low virulent Toxoplasma gondii K21 strain in the doses of 10(2), 10(3), 10(4), 10(5) and 10(6), respectively. Blood was collected from the birds prior to the inoculation and then on days 10, 20 and 30 post infection. Latex-agglutination test (LAT) was used for the detection of antibodies in the inoculated birds. The infected birds showed no apparent signs of disease. The antibodies were found in all but two birds inoculated a dose of 10(2) oocysts. Haematological values remained unchanged after infection. T. gondii was isolated by bioassay in mice from all 37 birds fed 10(3) or more oocysts and 6 of 9 fed 10(2) oocysts. The results demonstrate that budgerigars are resistant to T. gondii infection.     

Varied pathogenicity of a Hong Kong-origin H5N1 avian influenza virus in four passerine species and budgerigars

This investigation assessed the ability of the zoonotic A/chicken/Hong Kong/220/97 (chicken/Hong Kong) (H5N1) highly pathogenic avian influenza virus to infect and cause disease in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus), house sparrows (Passer domesticus), European starlings (Sternus vulgaris), and budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) after intranasal administration. Zebra finches were the most severely affected of the five species, demonstrating anorexia, depression, and 100% mortality within 5 days of inoculation. Gross lesions in this species were absent or only mild. But histologic lesions and the corresponding viral antigen were observed in multiple organs, especially in the nasal cavity, brain, pancreas, spleen, adrenal glands, and ovary. Significant morbidity and mortality also were observed in both house finches and budgerigars. Affected birds of these two species demonstrated anorexia, depression, and neurologic signs and typically were moribund or dead within 2 days of the onset of clinical signs. Gross lesions were mild or absent in house finches and budgerigars. Histologically, the brain and pancreas were the most consistently and severely affected organs in house finches. The brain was the most affected organ in budgerigars. Unlike these three species, house sparrows suffered only mild transient depression, had no mortality, and lacked gross lesions. Viral antigen and microscopic lesions were observed only in the heart and testicle of a minority of birds of this species. Starlings demonstrated neither clinical disease nor mortality and lacked gross and histologic lesions. Viral antigen was not observed in any of the collected tissues from starlings. These results indicate that there is significant variation in the pathogenicity of the chicken/Hong Kong virus for different species of birds, including species within the same order. In addition, neurotropism is a recurrent feature among birds that eventually succumb to infection.     

Serum enzyme activity evaluated in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) inflicted with muscle injury

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations were measured in 73 budgerigars. In spite of increases in the serum concentration of AST and ALT the loss of enzyme activity from the injection site occurred at about the same rate for all four enzymes tested. The rate constants, calculated in birds administered muscle extract via the intravenous or the intramuscular route of injection, disclosed that in subjects treated intramuscularly the serum enzyme elevation was dependent on the elimination half-life of the enzyme and partly on the rate at which the particular enzyme was absorbed into the bloods-tream. Moreover, serum enzyme elevations correlated inversely with total clearance. To determine the aetiology of blood enzyme elevation in budgerigars, for diagnostic purposes, the absorption rate, total clearance and elimination half-life of each of these four enzymes are deemed valuable components.     

Clinical approach to renal neoplasia in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)

Renal neoplasia in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) is seen regularly in general practice and is of interest to many practicing veterinary surgeons. This review article provides an overview of the current knowledge and the most recent reports in avian literature regarding renal tumours in budgerigars, with the emphasis on clinical diagnosis and treatment. The high prevalence of renal neoplasia in budgerigar is discussed, with notes on the most commonly diagnosed tumours, possibility of metastases, sex and age predisposition. The possibility of ultrasonography and radiography in the diagnosis of this pathological condition are compared as well as the possible role of blood and urine analyses. Two studies are described, both of which investigate the possible involvement of a retrovirus as the aetiological agent.     

Evaluation of a fast,objective tool for assessing body condition of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)

There is currently no suitable system available for the assessment of budgerigar body condition. A tool has been developed that uses an algorithmic decision tree of yes‐no answers based on physical examination to objectively guide the assessor to a body condition score. The aim of this work was to evaluate the guide. Repeatability and reproducibility were measured by four assessors on three sequential days, using 38 budgerigars of mixed sex, age and weight. Data were analysed using a 3‐factor anova , with Person and Bird as variable factors and occasion as a fixed factor. The association between body condition score and body fat was measured using three assessors and 63 dead budgerigars, which were chemically analysed for fat content after assessment. Data were statistically analysed to determine correlation using Spearman's Rank Coefficient. Occasion and person had no significant effect on body condition score (p = 0.988 and 0.347 respectively). Body condition score and percentage body fat were highly significantly correlated (R² = 0.768): percentage fat increased with increasing body condition score. The guide would appear to be a repeatable measure of body condition in budgerigars, suitable for use during physical examinations.     

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".