Assessment of the reliability of plasma electrophoresis in birds

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliability of plasma electrophoresis (EPH) in psittacine birds. ANIMALS: 93 psittacine birds. PROCEDURE: Jugular venipuncture was performed on 93 awake psittacine birds. The plasma was centrifuged, separated, aliquoted into duplicate samples, frozen, and sent to 2 commercial laboratories that routinely perform avian EPH. Samples from 51 birds were sent to laboratory A, and samples from 42 birds were sent to laboratory B. The reliability of EPH results within each laboratory was assessed, but not between laboratories. To determine the reliability (agreement between duplicate samples) of total protein, albumin, prealbumin, alpha1-, alpha2-, beta-, and gamma-globulin concentrations, the intraclass correlation coefficient (r(i)) was calculated. RESULTS: Both laboratories had excellent agreement between samples for measurement of total protein concentration and only good agreement for albumin concentration. Except for the prealbumin concentration measured at laboratory B, both laboratories had poor agreement for all other values of the EPH. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data indicate that plasma EPH for measuring prealbumin, alpha1-, alpha2-, beta-, and gamma-globulin concentrations may not be a reliable tool for assessing avian health. Small amounts of these proteins in birds plus human variation in reading the EPH curves may lead to variable results. Avian veterinarians should cautiously interpret results from plasma EPH assays for these protein fractions.     

THE NORMAL XERORADIOGRAPHIC AND RADIOGRAPHIC ANATOMY OF THE ORANGE-WINGED AMAZON PARROT (AMAZONA AMAZONICA AMAZONICA)

The purpose of the study was to provide a reference for xeroradiographic and conventional radio-graphic anatomy of the orange-winged Amazon parrot ( Amazona amazonica amazonica ) as a representative of medium-sized psittacine birds that are commonly kept as pets. The head, body, wing, and pelvic limb of a mature bird were radiographed using xeroradiographic and conventional radiographic techniques. Ten xeroradiographs and ten corresponding radiographs were selected, and the xeroradiographs labeled to illustrate the normal radiographic anatomy of these regions. Also included is a short discussion of unique avian anatomic features which are important to clinical evaluation.     

Concentration of Selenium in Liver in Relation to Copper Level in Normal and Copper-Poisoned Sheep

Copper absorption, liver accumulation and development of copper toxicosis in sheep are influenced by a variety of other elements, in particular molybdenum, sulphur and zinc (Underwood 1977). In a previous study on liver concentrations of copper, molybdenum and zinc in normal and copper-poisoned sheep, no direct correlation was found between the concentrations of the three metals, but molybdenum was significantly lower in the livers from sheep dead from chronic copper poisoning than in normal animals (Frøslie & Norheim 1976).     

Common infectious diseases of psittacine birds seen in practice.

The "average" small animal practitioner who sees pet birds in practice comes across a variety of bacterial, fungal, protozoal, viral, and chlamydial diseases. Diagnosis and treatment of some are relatively uncomplicated, but many psittacine diseases remain enigmatic. Ante-mortem diagnosis of some diseases is extremely difficult. The clinician must often rely on combinations of clinical signs, clinical pathology, and experience to diagnose many bird diseases correctly. Many viral diseases are devastating to collections and have no cure, preventive program, or even well-documented modes of transmission. Some psittacine syndromes have yet to be definitively associated with a particular infectious agent. Get to know your local federal, state, and private diagnostic laboratories. Good relationships with other avian practitioners, both locally and through the Association of Avian Veterinarians can be extremely helpful. (See the article on sources of information.)     

Compendium of measures to control Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly Chlamydia psittaci) infection among humans (psittacosis) and pet birds, 2005

Psittacosis, also known as parrot fever and ornithosis, is a bacterial infection of humans that can cause severe pneumonia and other serious health problems. It is caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, formerly known as Chlamydia psittaci. From 1988 through 2003, 935 human cases of psittacosis were reported to the CDC and most resulted from exposure to infected pet birds, usually cockatiels, parakeets, parrots, and macaws. In birds, C. psittaci infection is referred to as avian chlamydiosis. Infected birds shed the bacteria through feces and nasal discharges, and humans become infected from exposure to these materials. This compendium provides information about psittacosis and avian chlamydiosis to public health officials, physicians, veterinarians, the pet bird industry, and others concerned with controlling these diseases and protecting public health. The recommendations in this compendium provide standardized procedures for controlling avian chlamydiosis in birds, a vital step to protecting human health. This document will be reviewed and revised as necessary.     

Avian mycobacteriosis in companion birds: 20-year survey

The causative agents of avian mycobacteriosis in pet birds are rarely identified. The aim of this study is to add information about the etiology of avian mycobacteriosis. The identification of mycobacterium species in 27 cases of avian mycobacteriosis in pet birds was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of a rRNA hypervariable region. Avian mycobacteriosis appeared to be an infrequent diagnosis. Interestingly, a few cases of avian mycobacteriosis were recorded in very young birds. The most commonly affected species were the canary (Serinus canarius), the Eurasian goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) and the red siskin (Spinus cucullatus). All but one bird were infected with Mycobacterium genavense. Mycobacterium avium was identified only in one case.     

Normal and toxic zinc concentrations in serum/plasma and liver of psittacines with respect to genus differences.

Determination of zinc concentration in serum/plasma and tissue of caged and aviary birds is commonly requested by practitioners because of an increased awareness of zinc toxicity. However, interpretation of zinc levels is often based on normal zinc concentrations established for poultry. Also, it is likely that intergenus differences exist in normal zinc concentrations of pet birds. In an attempt to determine normal and toxic concentration ranges, zinc concentrations in liver (n = 276) and serum/plasma (n = 260) collected from psittacines between 1990 and 1998 were analyzed. Zinc concentrations were determined by inductively coupled argon plasma emission spectroscopy analysis. The results were categorized by genus and, when available, by history. Birds that were diagnosed with zinc toxicosis (on the basis of history, clinical examination, pathology, and laboratory findings) were exempt and not included in establishing normal ranges. The results indicate that important differences occur with respect to genera. For example, cockatoos and Eclectus parrots have higher normal zinc concentrations in serum or plasma than other psittacines. In addition, analysis of all the submitted cases suggests that potentially toxic zinc concentrations in livers of psittacines can be well below the range considered toxic in chickens (> 200 ppm).     

Avian skin diseases.

Avian dermatology is an important part of avian practice. Feather plucking, or self-mutilation, is one of the most common and challenging syndromes seen in avian practices, yet our understanding of it has developed piecemeal. Psittacine circovirus, which causes psittacine beak and feather disease, can devastate breeding programs and cause masked distress to new bird owners and their young birds. Cutaneous neoplasms are increasing in incidence as veterinarians are seeing more older bird patients.     

Pancreatic atrophy due to zinc toxicosis in two African ostriches (Struthio camelus)

Two of three captive adult African ostriches exhibited inappetance and weakness. In spite of treatment, the two birds were euthanized because of lack of clinical improvement. Postmortem examination demonstrated exocrine pancreatic degeneration, necrosis, and atrophy. Grossly, one ostrich had a markedly diminished pancreatic mass. Histologically, there was massive pancreatic acinar (exocrine) atrophy, marked interstitial fibrosis, and tubular complex formation in one animal, and the second ostrich had active pancreatic acinar necrosis. Toxicologic testing revealed markedly elevated liver zinc levels in the first two birds, whereas the third ostrich had normal serum levels of zinc and continues without apparent disease. This form of zinc toxicosis, while previously reported in different avian species, has been only rarely described in ratites.     

Evaluation of plasma (1-->3) beta-D-glucan concentrations in birds naturally and experimentally infected with aspergillus fumigatus

Avian aspergillosis, most often caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, is a common and devastating disease affecting a range of bird species. Early diagnosis is difficult and often unreliable. The current study evaluated the utility of measuring (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan (BG) concentrations in avian plasma samples to aid in the diagnosis of aspergillosis. We evaluated a commercially available BG assay (Fungitell, Beacon Diagnostics) using 178 plasma samples from naturally infected, experimentally infected, and aspergillosis-free birds. Although there was variation in BG concentration, as reflected by high standard deviations, seabirds with confirmed aspergillosis had the highest mean BG concentrations (M = 3098.7 pg/dl, SD = 5022.6, n = 22) followed by companion avian species and raptors with confirmed aspergillosis (M = 1033.8 pg/dl, SD = 1531.6, n = 19) and experimentally infected Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica; M = 1066.5 pg/dl, SD = 1348.2, n = 17). Variation in severity of disease, differences among species of birds with and without disease, and also different levels in environmental exposure likely contribute to the differences among avian groups. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the BG test for diagnosis of aspergillosis in birds was 60.0 and 92.7%, respectively, with an overall optimized avian cut-offvalue of > or = 461 pg/dl for positive disease. Our findings suggest that, although BG concentrations are highly variable between and within different avian groups, it could serve as a useful adjunctive diagnostic test for aspergillosis that is applicable to multiple avian species in some settings, particularly as a negative predictor of infection.     

Use of zinc acetate to treat copper toxicosis in dogs.

Zinc acetate was used for the treatment and prophylaxis of hepatic copper toxicosis in 3 Bedlington Terriers and 3 West Highland White Terriers. Two dogs of each breed were treated for 2 years, and 1 of each breed for 1 year. A dosage of 200 mg of elemental zinc per day was required to achieve therapeutic objectives related to copper, which included a doubling of plasma zinc concentration to 200 micrograms/dl and a suppression of oral 64 copper absorption. The dosage was later reduced to 50 to 100 mg/day to avoid an excessive increase in plasma zinc concentration. The preliminary clinical results were good. Three dogs had mild to moderate active liver disease and high liver copper concentrations at the time of initiation of zinc administration. Biopsy of the liver 2 years later revealed a reduction in hepatitis and copper concentrations. One other dog without active hepatitis also had a reduction in hepatic copper concentrations over a 2-year period. All 6 dogs have done well clinically. On the basis of these findings, we believe zinc acetate to be an effective and nontoxic treatment for copper toxicosis in dogs.     

Retrospective study of toxic metal analyses requested at a veterinary diagnostic toxicology laboratory in Ontario (1990-1995).

During the 5-year period from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 1995, 887 diagnoses of metal toxicosis in domestic animals and wild birds were documented at the Veterinary Laboratory Services Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Most of these cases involved cattle, sheep, and birds. Lead toxicosis was diagnosed in 399 cases, copper toxicosis in 387, zinc toxicosis in 49, mercury toxicosis in 44, iron toxicosis in 4, and selenium in 4 cases. Trends in species affected and sources of metals are discussed.     

Health evaluation of free-ranging rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes chrysocomes) in Argentina.

As part of annual colony counts in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, a health survey of rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes chrysocomes) was conducted in 1994. Forty-five birds were examined during handling procedures, and blood and fecal samples were collected for laboratory analysis. All birds appeared to be in good condition. No ecto- or endoparasites were found. Hematology, plasma chemistry, and plasma mineral levels were measured and correlated with the results of bacterial and viral serology. Antibodies against Chlamydia sp., avian adenovirus, avian encephalomyelitis virus, infectious bronchitis virus, avian reovirus, and paramyxovirus-1, -2, and -3 were found. Mean plasma chemistry and mineral values differed between individuals testing positive and negative on serologic tests. There was no serologic evidence of exposure to avian influenza virus, duck viral enteritis, infectious bursal disease, infectious laryngotracheitis, Aspergillus sp., or Salmonella pullorum. Trace amounts of endrin were found in the plasma of one bird, but all other chlorinated pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl levels were below detectable limits.     

Parrot Rescue Organizations and Sanctuaries: A Growing Presence in 2010

Parrots are amazing creatures. They are beautiful, intelligent, and entertaining. Many psittacine species have the ability to mimic speech and sound, thereby making them a desirable animal to own. People may obtain parrots, believing they are easy to care for because they live in a relatively small cage. In reality, these birds are loud, messy, destructive, live long lives, and need a great deal of attention. On occasion, new parrot owners quickly realize that a bird is not a good choice for a pet. This buyer regret may lead the bird owner to sell or give the bird away; consequently, these parrots may end up in the care of rescue or sanctuary organizations. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of rescue and sanctuary organizations and the need to establish guidelines for the welfare of parrots maintained at these facilities.     

Genetic, immunologic, and pathologic characterization of avian chlamydial strains

Chlamydia psittaci is a diverse group of organisms that affects birds and mammals. The number of biovars is unknown, and less is known about the number of serovars. Our restriction endonuclease analysis indicates that there are at least 5 biovars including avian, abortion-enteritis, IPA, M56, and GPIC. Monoclonal antibody studies revealed 4 serovars in the avian biovar. Monoclonal antibody studies have not yet been performed to identify multiple serovars in the other biovars; however, microimmunoassay studies indicate that a number of serovars may exist in the abortion and arthritis biovars. Of the 4 avian serovars, 2 are of major importance in the US avian population. These 2 serovars, psittacine and turkey, are each associated with important host preferences and disease characteristics. The turkey isolates have all been associated with either a serious disease in birds or human beings or with major epizootics in turkeys, often resulting in human disease. The psittacine serovar has been associated with serious disease in human beings; however, human involvement is usually limited to sporadic cases following exposure to companion birds or pigeons. The other 2 serovars, German duck and WC, are single isolates and their distributions and disease characteristics are not known.     

Evaluation of adrenal function in psittacine birds, using the ACTH stimulation test

The effect of ACTH (16 units) on plasma cortisol and corticosterone concentrations in healthy psittacine birds was evaluated. Plasma corticosterone significantly increased (P less than 0.01) from a mean (+/- SD) basal concentration of 3.25 +/ 3.6 ng/ml to 26.47 +/- 9.25 (one hour after ACTH administration) and 25.69 +/- 13.23 ng/ml (2 hours after ACTH administration). For maximal increase in plasma corticosterone as measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA), heat denaturation was necessary to release corticosteroids from steroid-binding proteins. As measured by RIA, plasma cortisol concentrations did not increase, whether or not the heat denaturation step was included. Addition of cortisol to avian plasma did not prevent accurate quantification of cortisol as measured by RIA. Plasma corticosterone concentrations in cockatoos, macaws, Amazon parrots, conures, and lorikeets before and after ACTH administration indicated that the ACTH stimulation test could be used to evaluate adrenal secretory capacity in psittacine birds.     

Detection of beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) and avian polyomavirus (APV) DNA in psittacine birds in Italy

Beak and feather disease (psittacine circovirus) and Budgerigar fledgling disease (avian polyomavirus) are viral diseases that can frequently affect captive psittacine birds. We designed the first survey to investigate the presence of beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) and Avian polyomavirus (APV) inside the population of captive psittacine birds in Italy. Samples were collected in 18 Italian psittacine breeding centres and four trade centres over a 4-year period. A total of 1516 birds were tested for BFDV and 877 birds were tested for APV by means of a polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) assay. BFDV was found in 122 (8.05%) and APV in 7 (0.79%) birds. No significant difference in infection rate was found between imported and locally raised parrots. We report the first BFDV DNA isolation in wild birds imported to Italy from Papua New Guinea.     

A survey of avian polyomavirus (APV) infection in imported and domestic bred psittacine birds in Japan

Although birds infected with avian polyomavirus (APV) subclinically could be a source of infection, no epidemiological studies of APV in psittacine birds have been reported in Japan. In the present study, we investigated subclinical morbidity rate of APV in imported and domestically bred psittacine birds by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of 402 live birds from which blood or feather samples were taken between April, 2003 and March, 2004, 11 (2.7%) were found to be APV positive. The DNA sequences of the APV t/T antigen region were determined for five APV-positive randomly selected samples and were found to be conserved.     

A survey to detect subclinical polyomavirus infections of captive psittacine birds in Germany

Infections of avian polyomavirus (APV) are known to cause fatal disease in a wide range of psittacine and non-psittacine birds. Here, we present a survey to investigate the existence of subpopulation of persistent or subclinically infected parrots inside the population of captive psittacine birds in Germany. DNA was isolated from feathers of 85 symptom-free birds from 20 different genera (all psittaciformes) taken from 30 different breeders from all over Germany. The presence of APV was analysed by performing polymerase chain reaction assays (PCR). APV was detected in none of the samples, indicating that the existence of a subpopulation of captive psittacine birds having a persistent APV infection in Germany seems to be relatively low.