First detection of Macrorhabdus ornithogaster in wild Eurasian Siskins (Carduelis spinus) in Germany. A case study.

OBJECTIVE: The colonization of the gastric ascomycetous yeast Macrorhabdus (M.) ornithogaster could be associated with a chronic wasting disease in several bird species in captivity. The prevalence and clinical relevance of M. ornithogaster in wild birds is unknown in detail. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the wintering season 2012/13 injured Eurasian Siskins (Carduelis spinus, n = 8) from the area of Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany were examined microbiologically and pathologically. RESULTS: In six out of eight injured Eurasian Siskins M. ornithogaster were detected. The yeast was diagnosed microscopically in wet smears from the gastric isthmus and/or in faecal samples. Histopathological examination (n = 4) of the macroscopically slightly enlarged proventriculus in infected birds demonstrated the growth of M. ornithogaster in the mucosal surface and in the ducts of the glands without an inflammatory reaction. As a possible sign of a lowered fitness, all six infected siskins had a reduced body weight (mean: 11.8 ± 1.64 g) in the lower normal weight range compared to the two injured Eurasian Siskins without M. ornithogaster (15.0 g) as well as to data from the literature. Concurrent intestinal bacterial infections comprised Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens or Salmonella Typhimurium, that are regarded as an abnormal bacterial flora for Eurasian Siskins. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Infections with M. ornithogaster can be found in the wild population of Eurasian Siskins in Germany. The frequent occurrence of secondary bacterial infections associated with M. ornithogaster infections should be considered in the treatment and rehabilitation of finches.

[Recommendations for the veterinary care and assessment of bird of prey collections]. / Empfehlungen für die tierärztliche Bestandsbetreuung und die Beurteilung von Greifvogelhaltungen.

Legislation from a new regulation of the Federal Nature Conservation Act that became effective on March 1, 2010 requires a written program for veterinary prophylaxis, treatment and nutrition for zoo and animal collections. As a result of this act, veterinary care is now obligatory for all captive birds of prey kept within either private or commercial collections, independent on the number of birds involved. The legal requirements of the Act will shortly be introduced and recommendations for the veterinary care of bird of prey collections are provided. Firstly, risk assessment of different husbandry systems (falconry birds, show birds, breeding stock, rehabilitation) is performed and veterinary care programs are provided based upon these assessments. Additionally, instructions for anamnestic ascertainments, work flow, feeding, quarantine, cleaning and disinfection procedures as well as prophylactic measures such as vaccination are provided. As husbandry, in particular the size and equipment of cages is important for the health and welfare of the birds, species specific housing, care and protection measures are also discussed. Veterinarians will be able to refer to these guidelines and can use them in the future for collection management.

Ataxia and disequilibrium in domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos f. dom.) with intracranial lipomas.

Four birds in a flock of 125 purebred Crested ducks (Anas platyrhynchos f. dom.) had cerebellar signs of unknown etiology. They had radiographically evident perforations of various sizes in the parieto-occipital calvaria. Gross necropsy of euthanatized ducks revealed yellow intracranial masses in the brain of each. Histologically, these masses were intracranial lipomas consisting of univacuolated fatty tissue separated into lobules by strands of connective tissue. The masses had caused serious deformation of the rostral part of the cerebellum, leading to a nearly complete flattening of cerebellar folia, and were interpreted as the cause for the central nervous clinical signs observed. These intracranial lipomas were similar to those previously reported in other animals and humans.

Magnetic resonance imaging of intracranial tissue accumulations in domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos f. dom.) with feather crests.

The crested breed of domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos f. dom.) has been described as a variety which has high pre- and postnatal mortalities, malformations in skull and brain anatomy, and several central nervous deficiencies. In addition, intracranial tissue accumulations have been diagnosed in purebred Crested ducks. The incidence, heredity and inheritance of these accumulations as well as their pathogenesis are still generally unknown. The aims of this study were to examine the head of Crested ducks, plain-headed duck breeds, and their crossbreeding relating to the incidence of intracranial alterations. These examinations were performed using magnetic resonance imaging. We found a high incidence of intracranial tissue accumulations in domestic ducks with feather crests. Creasted ducks had more intracranial tissue deposits than plain-headed ducks (p < 0.001). In the present study a correlation between the volume of the crest cushion and the volume of the intracranial tissue deposit could not be found (r = 0.014). Some of the Crested ducks had encephaloceles in addition to the crest cushion.

Osteological investigations of the incidence of cranial alterations in domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos f. dom.) with feather crests.

The feather crest of the domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos f. dom.) represents a peculiar mutation of the integument of the head, which has been known since the 17th century. In literature this is described as a variety with malformations in skull and brain anatomy in which various central nervous deficiencies in affected birds are possible. Our examinations demonstrated several conspicuous anatomical alterations in the skulls of domestic ducks with feather crests. Osteophytes of different size in the hypodermis of the crest integument were found as well as cranial perforations located in the parieto-occipital region. In morphometric studies, a significant increase in the capacity of the cranium was found in Crested ducks compared to other examined breeds (Abacot Ranger, German Pekin ducks). This increase in cranial capacity in Crested ducks results from the occurrence and enlargement of a tentorial fatty depot during craniogenesis. The formation and enlargement of the fat body can influence cranium growth as long as the cranial bones are not entirely fused. Thus, in comparison to other phenotypically similar domesticated birds like the crested chicken, the expression of feather crests in domestic ducks demonstrates symptomatologic differences. In conclusion, our examinations demonstrate that the skulls of Crested ducks show various peculiar morphological alterations whose genesis is up to now not known with satisfactory accuracy. Further investigations are continuing to assertain whether there are linkages between cranial alterations (malformations of the calvaria, osteophytes, increased capacity of the cranium) and the extremely high prenatal and postnatal mortalities and numerous abnormalities described in crested breeds of the domestic duck.

The use of conventional radiography and computer-assisted tomography as instruments for demonstration of gross pathological lesions in the cranium and cerebrum in the crested breed of the domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos f.dom.).

According to literature reports, the crested breed of the domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos f. dom.) is described as a variety with high pre- and post-natal mortalities, malformations in skull and brain anatomy, and various central nervous deficiencies in affected birds. A detailed examination as to the cause and pathogenesis of these neurologic disorders has not yet been conducted, nor has an explanation concerning the inheritance of the feather crest been found. By using two non-invasive radiographic techniques, conventional radiography and computer-assisted tomography, living ducks were examined. Our studies have demonstrated that brain and skull anatomy of ducks of various breeds (Crested, Abacot Ranger, and German Pekin) can be well visualized using computer-assisted tomography. The Crested ducks investigated in this study showed abnormal fatty tissue deposits in the tentorium cerebelli, cranial malformations, and variable bone formations in the thickened hypodermis of the crest. In comparison with computer-assisted tomography, only parts of the skull changes were detected with conventional radiography; in no case could fat bodies be seen with this imaging method. An increase of the cranial capacity in the Crested ducks compared with other breeds examined (Abacot Ranger, German Pekin ducks) was found in morphometric studies carried out by computerassisted tomography. This increase of cranial capacity in Crested ducks results from an increase of the tentorial fatty depot during craniogenesis, as an enlargement of the fat body can influence cranium growth as long as the cranial bones are not yet fused. Thus, in comparison with other phenotypically similar domesticated birds like the crested chicken, the expression of the feather crest in domestic ducks demonstrates symptomatologic differences.

[Plasma cholesterol determination in birds--a diagnostic tool for detection of organophosphate and carbamate intoxication]. / Plasma-Cholinesterase-Bestimmung bei Vögeln--ein diagnostisches Hilfsmittel zum Nachweis von Intoxikationen mit Organophosphaten und Carbamaten.

An investigation was done on the clinical usefulness of the dry chemistry analyzer Vitros DT 60 II for determination of avian plasma cholinesterase. The analytical reliability of the method, evaluated by precision and accuracy, proved to be high for plasma of numerous pet and wild birds. Values of normal plasma-cholinesterase activity were established for different psittacine and European wild birds. Significant differences in physiologic plasma-cholinesterase activity were noted between closely related species as well as between juvenile and adult birds. These findings emphasize the necessity to use control values of the same species and age group for comparison. Dry chemistry plasma-cholinesterase determination can be used as a diagnostic tool for detection of organophosphate and carbamate poisonings in the majority of investigated birds.

[Preliminary examinations on the effects of the breed characteristic feature "feather crest" on skull and brain anatomy of domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos f. dom.)]. / Voruntersuchungen zur Auswirkung des Rassemerkmales "Haube" auf die Schädel- und Hirnstruktur bei Hausenten (Anas platyrhynchos f. dom.).

As mentioned in older sources, the crested breed of the domestic duck is described as variety with high pre- and postnatal mortalities, malformations in skull and brain anatomy, and several central nervous deficiencies in affected birds. Therefore this breed is to be called defective and abnormal in the sense of section 11b of the German protection of animals legislation. Poultry fanciers reject these findings as incorrect, but accurate scientific examinations that bear out this allegation are not available. Preliminary examinations have demonstrated that brain and skull anatomy of living animals can be described by using non-invasive diagnostic techniques (magnet-resonance-imaging, computerized tomography, radiography). The use of this progressive methods enables to expressive findings on present stocks of domestic ducks. Many of the test animals investigated in preliminary examinations by using magnet-resonance-imaging and radiography showed abnormal tissue deposits in the tentorium cerebelli, meningo-encephalocele, cranial malformations, and variable bone formations in the thickened hypodermis of the crest. If crested ducks are mated against each other, numerous offspring show malformations of upper beak and cranium, encephalocele, as well as craniopagal parasites in form of rudimentary legs.

[Animal nutrition in veterinary medicine--actual case reports. Nutritionally related disturbences in bone development in emus and rheas]. / Tierernährung für Tierärzte-aktuelle Fälle. Ernährungsbedingte Störungen des Knochenwachstums bei Emus und Nandus.

Two cases of disturbed health and growth of the skeleton in emus and rheas caused by faults in feeding and mineral supply are reported. 13 of 37 emus developed (beginning in the 3rd week) more and more signs of perosis. The diet fed in this case was based mainly on pelleted diets for piglets and rabbits and unpelleted supplements. The ingesting behaviour (selective intake and refuse of fines and supplements) resulted in an imbalanced mineral intake. In the second case 3 of 15 young rheas showed unphysiological postures of the necks vertebral column. Disposed by an absolutely insufficient calcium supply (the real ingested diet was based on corn and white bread mainly) fractures of vertebrae were provoked by unprofessional handling. During the healing process (uncalcified) connective tissue near to fractures localization led to the abnormal posture of the neck.

[The clinical and radiological diagnosis of gastric foreign bodies in ornamental birds]. / Zur klinischen und röntgenologischen Diagnostik von Magenfremdkörpern bei Ziervögeln.

Sometimes curious foreign bodies placed in the proventriculus/ventriculus of companion birds are causes of single case diseases. Clinical signs include atypical symptoms such as distress, lameness, vomiting and diarrhea. In cases of heavy metal intoxication, e.g. lead poisoning, CNS-disorders are found. Radiographs taken in a ventro-dorsal and a latero-lateral view show the presence of foreign bodies in suspicion. In most cases of foreign bodies in birds a surgical intervention (Gastrotomy) is indicated.

[Clinical diagnosis and differential diagnosis in ornamental birds]. / Zur klinischen Diagnostik und Differentialdiagnostik bei Ziervögeln.

Clinical diagnosis in companion birds consists of well established procedures such as case history, clinical observation, physical examination and further special investigations, e.g. radiology, endoscopy or clinical chemistry. Also some peculiarities of the numerous bird species have to be taken into consideration. These are, for example, certain characteristics of the different species, the varieties of husbandry and environment as single caged birds or flocks in zoos and aviaries and, especially, the lack of typical clinical symptoms in most cases. In regard to those aspects, case history concerning aspects such as age, sex, feeding or course of the disease and special investigations in the case of single caged birds and diagnostic dissections and etiological laboratory examinations, e.g. microbiology, parasitology and toxicology, in the case of flock problems are of major significance. Examples of differential diagnosis in single caged birds, e.g. abnormal behaviour ("feather plucking"), gout, intestinal foreign bodies, tumors or pneumomycosis, and flock health problems, e.g. acariasis, canary pox, coccidiosis or bacterial infections complete this paper.

[Hygiene problems with ornamental birds in the household]. / Hygieneprobleme mit Ziervögeln im Haushalt.

Approximately 8 million pet birds are kept in the Federal Republic of Germany. The number of households where these birds are living is insignificantly lower, and the birds are usually kept as singles. Hygienic problems can arise due to the close contact between humans and birds. In view of the different pet birds species originating from different biotopes, specific knowledge is often lacking regarding adequate housing, nutrition and general management. This can result in a decrease of natural resistance and therefore can lead to diseases of those birds. Therapy, performed by a nonveterinarian, usually does not only affect the birds, but also endangers the owners themselves. Especially, the carrier state of newly purchased birds with pathogens hazardous for human health has to be considered. Psittacosis has to be mentioned as one of the major zooanthroponoses deriving from birds. This requires to reconsider governmental measures to cope with this disease including policies of bird import as one of the major reasons for spreading the disease. Better management conditions can extend the life expectation of birds. This might also lower the fluctuation within the pet bird population and therefore biohazards for humans. Therefore, instruction and advice of pet bird-owners are necessary.

[Fixation of an upper beak fracture in a Moluccan cockatoo (C. moluccensis)]. / Transfixation einer Oberschnabelfraktur beim Molukkenkakadu (C. moluccensis).

In this report the successful stabilisation by full-pin external fixation of the fractured beak of a Moluccan Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) was described. Suppositions and the technique of this surgical procedure were discussed.

Persistent viraemia of a cell-associated herpesvirus in white storks (Ciconia ciconia).

Heparinised blood samples from white storks were assayed for the presence of stork herpesvirus in peripheral leukocytes and neutralising antibodies in blood plasma against stork herpesvirus during a 3 year period. A total of 12 herpesvirus isolants were obtained. The presence of neutralising circulating antibodies does not preclude viraemia. Most of the infectivity of the isolated viruses remained cell-associated in chicken embryo fibroblast and chick kidney cell cultures.