Experimental infection of ostriches with H7N1 low pathogenic and H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4B highly pathogenic influenza A viruses.

Infection dynamics data for influenza A virus in a species is important for understanding host-pathogen interactions and developing effective control strategies. Seven-week-old ostriches challenged with H7N1 low pathogenic viruses (LPAIV) or clade 2.3.4.4B H5N8 high pathogenic viruses (HPAIV) were co- housed with non-challenged contacts. Clinical signs, virus shed in the trachea, cloaca, and feather pulp, and antibody responses were quantified over 14 days. H7N1 LPAIV-infected ostriches remained generally healthy with some showing signs of mild conjunctivitis and rhinitis attributed to Mycoplasma co-infection. Mean tracheal virus shedding titres in contact birds peaked 3 days (106.2 EID50 equivalents / ml) and 9 days (105.28 EID50 equivalents / ml) after introduction, lasting for at least 13 days post infection. Cloacal shedding was substantially lower and ceased within 10 days of onset, and low virus levels were detected in wing feather pulp up until day 14. H5N8 HPAIV -infected ostriches showed various degrees of morbidity, with 2/3 mortalities in the in-contact group. Mean tracheal shedding in contact birds peaked 8 days after introduction (106.32 EID50 equivalents/ ml) and lasted beyond 14 days in survivors. Cloacal shedding and virus in feather pulp was generally higher and more consistently positive compared to H7N1 LPAIV, and was also detectable at least until 14 days post infection in survivors. Antibodies against H5N8 HPAIV and H7N1 LPAIV only appeared after day 7 post exposure, with higher titres induced by the HPAIV compared to the LPAIV, and neuraminidase treatment was essential to remove non-specific inhibitors from the H5N8-positive antisera.

Gastrin and somatostatin enteroendocrine cells in the small intestines of ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus) during pre -and post-hatching period.

Studies on localization and distribution of enteroendocrine cells (EECs) are important for better understanding of their role in the ontogenetic development of intestines. Information about the distribution of the most important endocrine cells in the digestive tract of the ostrich is very limited; therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify gastrin and somatostatin EECs in the small intestine of the ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus) chicks at different ages. Six embryos along with 42 ostriches of both sexes from hatching up to 60 days post-hatching, including six embryos, were obtained from an ostrich farm in Latvia. Duodenum, jejunum and ileum were investigated using routine histology and immunohistochemistry methods. Gastrin and somatostatin EECs were examined in 10 microscopic fields of the intestinal mucosa in each tissue sample. The cells were detected in all age groups as well as the embryos. The number of both types of EEC in the mucosa of the ileum was significantly lower (p < .01-.05) than in the duodenum. The present study suggested that the EEC may have a role in the development of the mucosa of the intestinal tract of ostriches with possible involvement in the development of the digestive functions.

Nutritional value of whole date waste and evaluating its application in ostrich diets.

Although date waste products have been used as an alternative feed source in the diets of poultry for a long time, there is no quantitative information available regarding date waste used in ostrich diets. Therefore, two experiments were performed to evaluate the feeding value of whole date waste (WDW) as a feed ingredient in ostrich diets. In the first experiment, apparent metabolizable energy corrected to zero nitrogen balance (AMEn) of WDW was determined using 12 young ostriches (6 months old). The treatments included a reference diet and a test diet consisting of 60% of the reference diet and 40% of WDW. The AMEn of the WDW determined by total collection was 3216 kcal/kg. In the second study, four groups of eight growing ostriches (seven month old), with almost similar BW (60.4 ± 1.6 kg), were individually housed in outdoor paddocks of ≈24 m2 and were tested from 7 to 9 months of age. The groups were fed four isocaloric (2420 kcal of AMEn/kg) and isonitrogenous (16.4% CP) diets containing 0, 10, 20, and 30% WDW. The results demonstrated that there were no significant differences among treatments in average daily feed intake, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and apparent total tract digestibility coefficients of DM, organic matter, energy, ether extract, ash, nitrogen-free extract, calcium, and phosphorus. In contrast, birds fed 0, 10, and 20% WDW diets had similar CP digestibility and this was significantly (P < 0.001) higher than that of birds on 30% WDW diet. The least crude fibre digestibility (P = 0.003) was also observed in birds fed 30% WDW diet. Blood RBC count, lymphocyte percentage, glucose concentration, and glutathione peroxidase activity increased linearly (P < 0.01), whereas heterophil percentage and heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio decreased linearly (P = 0.002), in response to dietary inclusion of WDW. It can be concluded that WDW can be incorporated into the diets of ostrich chicks at levels of up to 30% without compromising growth performance. These results also suggest that WDW could be used as a feed ingredient for growing ostriches to improve stress-related variables and antioxidant status.

Isolation and characterization of Clostridium perfringens strains isolated from ostriches (Struthio camelus) in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Clostridium perfringens can cause enteritis in ostriches. The toxin release is believed to play a major role in determining pathogenesis properties of these pathogenic bacteria. This study was conducted to isolate and characterize C. perfringens strains from ostriches in Vietnam for identifying if particular virulence factors of these pathogenic bacteria are associated with enteritis progress in ostriches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prevalence of cpa, cpb, iA, etx, cpe, and cpb2 genes among C. perfringens isolates was determined by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The NetB toxin-encoding gene was detected by PCR and then sequenced to observe their variation. The expression of NetB toxin was checked by SDS-PAGE. RESULTS: A total of 116 C. perfringens isolates were obtained from 318 fecal samples and 105 intestinal organs. Of 80 isolates from fecal samples, 33 isolates were from healthy and 47 isolates were from diseased ostriches. The results of multiplex PCR showed that all 116 C. perfringens strains from healthy and enteric disordered ostriches were positive for the alpha toxin-encoding gene (cpa). The cpe and cpb2 genes were found in only one and five diseased ostriches, respectively. The netB gene was detected in 1/33 (3.03%) C. perfringens isolates from healthy ostriches, in 8/47 (17.05%) isolates from feces, and in 7/36 (19.44%) intestinal contents of diseased ostriches. The full-length sequences of 5 out of 15 netB-positive isolates from diseased ostriches showed 100% identity to each other as well as to the netB sequences available in GenBank. All of these five isolates produced NetB toxin in vitro. CONCLUSION: Type A is the most prevalent among C. perfringens isolates from ostriches in Vietnam. Especially, the study provides data emphasizing the role of NetB toxin in causing necrotic enteritis by C. perfringens in ostriches.

Prevalence of Campylobacter and Arcobacter Species in Ostriches from Oudtshoorn, South Africa.

ABSTRACT: Cloacal swabs were obtained from live ostriches reared on 30 different farms situated in South Africa (Oudtshoorn) during the period of June 2018 to July 2019 to determine the prevalence of Campylobacter and Arcobacter species. PCR (n = 168 pooled cloacal swabs), the Cape Town protocol (n = 836 cloacal swabs), International Organization for Standardization ISO 10272-1:2006 (n = 836 cloacal swabs), and a selective Arcobacter spp. method (n = 415 cloacal swabs) were used for detection. PCR determined an average prevalence of 24.63% for species belonging to the Campylobacteraceae family. The ISO 10272-1:2006 method determined a Campylobacter spp. prevalence level of 16.83%, while the Cape Town protocol could not detect Campylobacter spp. For Arcobacter spp., a prevalence of 18.80 and 39.14% was determined with the Cape Town protocol and the selective Arcobacter spp. method, respectively. Results showed that prevalence levels could be influenced by season, the source of water, and the presence of wild water birds. Higher prevalence levels for Campylobacter spp. (23.38%) and Arcobacter spp. (68%) were detected in ostriches sampled during spring and autumn, respectively. Higher prevalence levels for Campylobacter spp. (25.23%) and Arcobacter spp. (44.50%) were detected in ostriches reared on farms that made use of borehole water. Higher prevalence levels for Arcobacter spp. (44.38%) were seen in ostriches reared on farms with wild water birds. This research shows that ostriches from South Africa can be considered as potential carriers of species belonging to the Campylobacteraceae family.

Effects of water supplementation of an organic acid-trace mineral complex on production and slaughter parameters, intestinal histomorphology, and macronutrient digestibility in growing ostriches.

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of water supplementation of organic acid-chelated trace minerals (OTM) on production traits, carcass characteristics, intestinal histomorphology, and nutrient digestibility in African ostrich chicks from 8 to 12 mo of age. A total of 20 growing ostriches, with almost similar body weight (73.4 to 75.8 kg), were individually distributed in outdoor paddocks of ≈ 24 m2 and were randomly allocated into 1 of the following 4 treatments: (1) control/basal diet, (2) low OTM (basal diet + 100 mg/bird/day OTM powder in water), (3) medium OTM (basal diet + 1 g/bird/day OTM powder in water), and (4) high OTM (basal diet + 2 g/bird/day OTM powder in water). The body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency were greater (P < 0.05) in ostriches receiving medium-OTM treatment compared to control during the overall phase of the experiment. Although whole carcass yield, the yield of parts, and the relative weights of internal organs were not affected by experimental treatments, supplementation of higher amounts of OTM (medium- and high-OTM) resulted in a decrease (P < 0.05) in the subcutaneous and abdominal fat contents. Medium- and high-OTM treatments increased (P < 0.05) the villus height/crypt depth ratio in the jejunum and ileum compared with control and low-OTM treatments. Moreover, ostriches receiving the medium-OTM had also higher total tract apparent digestibility of energy (P = 0.048), ether extract (P = 0.050), crude fiber (P = 0.063), and higher AMEn (P = 0.094) than the control group. Overall, supplementation of OTM at the level of 1 g/bird/day to the drinking water of growing ostriches fed diets containing the recommended levels of inorganic trace minerals could beneficially affect productive performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology.

Feather and skin development of ostriches Struthio camelus.

Information on feather and skin growth is important for the development of mathematical optimisation nutritional models for ostriches. Ostriches (n = 65) were subjected to a four-stage formulated growth diet programme (pre-starter, starter, grower and finisher), with declining protein and energy content. Nine birds were weighed, stunned, exsanguinated, defeathered, skinned and eviscerated at 1, 54, 84, 104, 115, 132 and 287 days of age. Feathers from four pre-selected locations on the body were harvested and weighed. The wet skin weight, wet unstretched skin size and wet unstretched crown size were measured at each slaughter stage. The live weight, feather and skin yields of the birds increased with age at slaughter, as did feather shaft diameter. Prediction models were developed to estimate the yield of the skin in terms of live weight and of empty body protein weight to aid in diet formulation. The allometry of feather growth was determined from total feather weight, as the maturation rates of the feathers differ from that of the ostrich body. Results from this study will aid in setting up a mathematical optimisation nutritional model for ostriches.

First record of the nematode Libyostrongylus dentatus Hoberg, Lloyd & Omar, 1995 (Trichostrongylidae) in ostriches (Struthio camelus Linnaeus, 1758) (Struthionidae) outside the Americas.

BACKGROUND: Libyostrongylus douglassii, Libyostrongylus dentatus and Libyostrongylus magnus are nematodes that infect ostriches. The first species has been identified in ostriches from Africa, Europe, Americas and Oceania. Although the natural range of ostriches is Africa, L. dentatus was first described in birds from the USA and later identified in Brazil, where co-infections with L. douglassii have been commonly reported. Libyostrongylus magnus is known from the original description only. There are a few reports on infections with L. douglassii in ostriches from Africa and all farmed birds examined are from the southern region of the continent. The aim of this report was to verify Libyostrongylus spp. infections in wild ostriches from Ethiopia. Fecal samples from ostriches, Struthio molybdophanes, were collected and submitted to coproculture. Infective larvae were identified to the species level based on general morphology and morphometry. In addition, phylogenetic analysis of the first and second internal transcribed spacer (ITS1 and ITS2) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA was performed. RESULTS: Infective larvae from Ethiopian ostriches had the morphological characteristics of L. dentatus. Confidence interval estimate for sheath tail length from Ethiopian Libyostrongylus sp. isolates overlapped one for Brazilian L. dentatus. Neighbor-joining and Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic trees based on sequences of the ITS1 and ITS2 regions revealed that the Ethiopian samples belong to the L. dentatus species clade. Monospecific infections with L. dentatus were confirmed in Ethiopian wild ostriches, opposed to the co-infections typically found in the Americas. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first record of L. dentatus from African ostriches, the region from which this parasite originated.

Risk of Human Infections With Highly Pathogenic H5N2 and Low Pathogenic H7N1 Avian Influenza Strains During Outbreaks in Ostriches in South Africa.

Background: Risk factors for human infection with highly pathogenic (HP) and low-pathogenic (LP) avian influenza (AI) H5N2 and H7N1 were investigated during outbreaks in ostriches in the Western Cape province, South Africa. Methods: Serum surveys were conducted for veterinarians, farmworkers, and laboratory and abattoir workers involved in 2 AI outbreaks in the Western Cape province: (1) controlling and culling of 42000 ostriches during (HPAI)H5N2 outbreaks in ostriches (2011) (n = 207); (2) movement control during (LPAI)H7N1 outbreaks in 2012 (n = 66). A third serosurvey was conducted on state veterinarians from across the country in 2012 tasked with disease control in general (n = 37). Antibodies to H5 and H7 were measured by means of hemagglutination inhibition and microneutralization assays, with microneutralization assay titers >40 considered positive. Results: Two of 207 (1%) participants were seropositive for H5 and 4 of 207 (2%) for H7 in 2011, compared with 1 of 66 (1.5%) and 8 of 66 (13%) in 2012. Although individuals in all professions tested seropositive, abattoir workers (10 of 97; 10.3%) were significantly more at risk of influenza A(H7N1) infection (P = .001) than those in other professions (2 of 171;1.2%). Among state veterinarians, 4 of 37(11%) were seropositive for H7 and 1 of 37 (2.7%) for H5. Investigations of (LP)H7N1-associated fatalities in wild birds and quarantined exotic birds in Gauteng, AI outbreaks in poultry in KwaZulu-Natal, and ostriches in Western Cape province provide possible exposure events. Conclusion: (LPAI)H7N1 strains pose a greater infection-risk than (HPAI)H5N2 strains to persons involved in control of outbreaks in infected birds, with ostrich abattoir workers at highest risk.

Effect of lantibiotic gallidermin against biogenic amine-producing faecal staphylococci from ostriches and pheasants.

In ostriches and pheasants, there is still limited information relating to staphylococci and their properties. Biogenic amines (BAs) are nitrogenous low-molecular-weight substances with biological functions in animals, plants and microorganisms. In this study, we focused on BA production by targeted faecal staphylococci from ostriches and pheasants and their sensitivity to lantibiotic bacteriocin gallidermin. Gallidermin belongs in a group of polycyclic proteinaceous antimicrobial substances. Thirty-six faecal staphylococci (24 strains from 140 ostriches, 12 from 60 pheasants) comprising different species were tested. Staphylococci from ostriches and pheasants did not produce tryptamine-TRYP, putrescine-PUT, cadaverine-CAD or histamine-HIS. Production of tyramine-TYM, phenylethylamine-PEA was high or very high (100-1000 mg/L). Production of spermine-SPM and spermidine-SPD by staphylococci was very low or low although in the case of staphylococci from pheasants medium production of SPM was found. Because of the risk posed by BAs for consumers, the control of BA-producing bacteria is important from the points of view not only of safety assessment of food-producing animals but also of human health safety. The sensitivity to gallidermin in biogenic amine-producing staphylococci from ostriches and pheasants detected here is the most promising indication for further application of gallidermin for veterinary purposes. The novelty of our study lies in testing the ability of faecal staphylococci from ostriches and pheasants to produce BAs and in their treatment with gallidermin which has so far not been tested in this way.

Micro-Focus X-Ray Tomography Study of the Microstructure and Morphometry of the Eggshell of Ostriches (Struthio Camerus).

In ostrich husbandry, economic losses have mainly been attributed to low hatchability of eggs, which has mostly been attributed to the structure of the eggshell. The main aim of this study was to investigate the morphology and the morphometry of the ostrich eggshell using micro-focus X-ray computer tomography and scanning electron microscopy. The mean weight and volume of the eggs were 1,312 ± 56SE g and 1,333 ± 44SE cm(3) , respectively. The mean thickness and the mean surface area of the eggshell was 1.83 ± 0.10SE mm and 619 ± 15SE cm(2) respectively and the mean total number of pores in the shell was 40,596 ± 1832SE. No significant correlations were found between the thickness of the shell and the weight of the eggs, the volume of the egg and the thickness of the shell, the diameter of the pores and the number of pores, the volume of the pores and the number of pores or the surface area of the pores and the number of pores. The mean diameters of the pores on the blunt (air cell) - (0.02 ± 0.04SE mm) and the sharp (0.26 ± 0.36SE mm) parts of the eggshell were significantly different (P = 0.0001) while the mean volumes and the surface areas of the pores in these parts were not significantly different (P = 0.203 and P = 0.089, respectively). The sizes of the pores differed in different parts of the eggshell, which consisted mainly of tightly arranged mammillary cones that that fused to the palisade columns. The external surface of the ostrich eggshell was covered by a cuticle. Anat Rec, 299:1015-1026, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Population dynamics of Libyostrongylus dentatus and L. douglassii of ostriches raised in the Northern Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.

Libyostrongylus genus contains three species of gastrointestinal nematodes that infect ostriches. Of these, only Libyostrongylus douglassii has been implicated in diseases and lower productivity. A morphological diagnosis method allowing the discrimination of infective larvae of L. douglassii and Libyostrongylus dentatus and the evaluation of eggs per gram of feces (EPG) was used to determine the population dynamics of both species from two ostrich farms located in the northern region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The presence of these nematodes was monitored every 15 days for two years. The average EPG was 4631 and 587 on farms 1 and 2, respectively. Overall, the highest values of EPG were associated with the rainy season on both farms. However, only on farm 1 the rainy season correlated statistically with EPG. Both species of Libyostrongylus occurred on both farms with a higher predominance (86%) of L. douglassii on farm 1, whereas the distribution of infection on farm 2 was more heterogeneous with a slight predominance of L. douglassii. The infection and the prevalence of these species may vary considerably according to the farm facilities, management adopted, and season.

Histologia do fígado de avestruz (Struthio camelus, Linnaeus 1758) / Histology of ostrich liver (Struthio camelus, Linnaeus 1758)

A criação de avestruz (Struthio camelus, Linnaeus 1758) é uma atividade de grande potencial, porém não existem padrões definidos sobre a histologia do seu fígado, que é um órgão de grande importância no metabolismo. O conhecimento de sua histologia pode contribuir para a detecção de doenças e deficiências nutricionais no animal. Para este estudo foram utilizados 24 avestruzes com idades entre 12 e 18 meses (com peso médio em torno de 80 a 100 kg), provenientes do abatedouro Don Pig, em Botucatu no estado de São Paulo. Os animais foram abatidos com pistola pneumática e, após a sangria, as amostras do fígado foram processadas e observadas em microscopia de luz e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET). A hematoxilina e eosina (H.E), picrossírius, Gordon e Sweets, Sudan black e o ácido peródico de Schiff (PAS) são colorações usadas respectivamente para observar a morfologia do fígado, colágeno, fibras reticulares, gordura e glicogênio. Foram encontrados os espaços portahepáticos.O glicogênio mostrou média de 5,68%, o conteúdo lipídico, média de 9,83%, o colágeno média de 14,71% e as fibras reticulares média de 5,96%. Quanto à MET notou-se no citoplasma dos hepatócitos, numerosas mitocôndrias, glicogênio, muitas gotas de gordura, alguns lisossomos, retículo endoplasmático granular ao redor das mitocôndrias, algumas células estreladas, célula em degeneração e o canalículo biliar ao centro. Provavelmente o quadro sugestivo de esteatose é resultante do estado nutricional dos animais. Estes resultados demonstraram que os hepatócitos dos avestruzes são muito similares às outras aves, como também muito semelhantes à estrutura e ultraestrutura das células do fígado de mamíferos.

are not distinct patterns about the histology of its liver, which is an organ of key importance in terms of metabolism. The knowledge of its histology can help the detection of diseases and nutritional deficiencies of this bird. Twenty four ostriches with an average age of 12-18 months and average weight of 80-100 Kg, proceeding from Don Pig Abatteur, located at Botucatu, São Paulo, were used. The birds were slaughtered with and to bleeding. Liver samples were processed for light and electron transmission microscopic studies. Hematoxilin and eosin (HE), picrosirius, Gordon and Sweets, Sudan black and Schiff periodic acid (PAS) were respectively used to observe the liver morphology, collagen, reticular fibers, lipids and glycogen. The liver portal spaces were determined. An average of 5.68% of glycogen was observed. The lipidic content with an average of 9.83%. Collagen fibers at an average of 14.71%. Reticular fibers with an average of 5.96%. Through transmission electron microscopy we noticed in the hepaticyte cytoplasm the presence of numerous mithocondria, glycogen, several lipidic droplets, some lysosomes, granular endoplasmatic reticulum around the mithocondria, some stellate cells, erythrocytes, nucleus and degenerating cells, besides the central biliary canaliculus. The suggestive steatotic results might result from the animals nutritional status Our results demonstrated that ostrich and other birds hepatocytes are very similar.

Struthiolipeurus rheae Harrison, 1916 (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) infestando avestruzes (Struthio camelus) em uma criação no Município de Três Rios, RJ / Struthiolipeurus rheae Harrison, 1916 (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) infesting ostriches (Struthio camelus) in one farming in the Municipality of Três Rios, RJ

No Brasil, a criação de avestruzes foi iniciada no final do Século XX, para suprir o mercado internacional de carne, plumas e couro. As plumas têm importância econômica nos setores industrial e artesanal. Os piolhos podem causar prurido intenso, que, dependendo da intensidade de infestação, pode levar à depreciação das plumas. No Estado do Rio de Janeiro, são desconhecidas as espécies de piolhos que infestam avestruzes. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar os piolhos que ocorrem nas aves pertencentes a um criatório comercial no Município de Três Rios. Nos anos de 2003 a 2006, mensalmente, as avestruzes foram examinadas, para verificar a presença de ectoparasitos. Quando constatada a infestação, algumas plumas foram retiradas, colocadas em sacos plásticos e enviadas ao laboratório para exame. Após serem coletados das plumas, os ectoparasitos foram examinados ao microscópio estereoscópio, clarificados em hidróxido de potássio a 10%, desidratados em álcool etílico e montados em lâmina com balsamo do Canadá natural, para observação em microscópio óptico. Baseando-se na observação das características, foi possível determinar os espécimes coletados como pertencentes à espécie Struthiolipeurus rheae.

In Brazil ostriches farming began at the end of 20th Century, to supply the international market of meat, feathers and leather. Feathers are economically important to industry and artisanal sectors. Lice can cause intense pruritus that depending on the intensity of infestation can lead to depreciation of feathers. In Rio de Janeiro there are unknown species of lice infesting ostriches. Thus the objective of this study was to identify the lice that happen in birds from commercial farms in the Municipality of Três Rios. From 2003 to 2006 ostriches were monthly examined for the presence of ectoparasites. When infestations were detected some feathers were removed, placed into plastic bags and sent to the laboratory for further analysis. After removed from feathers, ectoparasites were examined using a stereoscope, followed by clarification in 10% potassium hydroxide and dehydrated in ethanol. Permanent slides were mounted in natural Canada balsam for observation in optical microscope. Based on observed characteristics, it was possible to determine that collected specimens belong to the species Struthiolipeurus rheae.

Struthiolipeurus rheae Harrison, 1916 (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) infestando avestruzes (Struthio camelus) em uma criação no Município de Três Rios, RJ

In Brazil ostriches farming began at the end of 20th Century, to supply the international market of meat, feathers and leather. Feathers are economically important to industry and artisanal sectors. Lice can cause intense pruritus that depending on the intensity of infestation can lead to depreciation of feathers. In Rio de Janeiro there are unknown species of lice infesting ostriches. Thus the objective of this study was to identify the lice that happen in birds from commercial farms in the Municipality of Três Rios. From 2003 to 2006 ostriches were monthly examined for the presence of ectoparasites. When infestations were detected some feathers were removed, placed into plastic bags and sent to the laboratory for further analysis. After removed from feathers, ectoparasites were examined using a stereoscope, followed by clarification in 10% potassium hydroxide and dehydrated in ethanol. Permanent slides were mounted in natural Canada balsam for observation in optical microscope. Based on observed characteristics, it was possible to determine that collected specimens belong to the species Struthiolipeurus rheae.

No Brasil, a criação de avestruzes foi iniciada no final do Século XX, para suprir o mercado internacional de carne, plumas e couro. As plumas têm importância econômica nos setores industrial e artesanal. Os piolhos podem causar prurido intenso, que, dependendo da intensidade de infestação, pode levar à depreciação das plumas. No Estado do Rio de Janeiro, são desconhecidas as espécies de piolhos que infestam avestruzes. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar os piolhos que ocorrem nas aves pertencentes a um criatório comercial no Município de Três Rios. Nos anos de 2003 a 2006, mensalmente, as avestruzes foram examinadas, para verificar a presença de ectoparasitos. Quando constatada a infestação, algumas plumas foram retiradas, colocadas em sacos plásticos e enviadas ao laboratório para exame. Após serem coletados das plumas, os ectoparasitos foram examinados ao microscópio estereoscópio, clarificados em hidróxido de potássio a 10%, desidratados em álcool etílico e montados em lâmina com balsamo do Canadá natural, para observação em microscópio óptico. Baseando-se na observação das características, foi possível determinar os espécimes coletados como pertencentes à espécie Struthiolipeurus rheae.

Serum biochemistry of 4-day-old ostriches (Struthio camelus) / Bioquímica sérica de avestruzes (Struthio camelus) com quatro dias de idade

An analysis was made of 30 four-day-old ostriches to evaluate their protein, metabolite, mineral, and serum enzyme profiles, to correlate them with the birds' sex. The values obtained were: Total proteins 3.59±0.72g/dL, albumin 1.04±0.14g/dL, globulins 2.51±0.56g/dL, A:G ratio 0.43± 0.07, total cholesterol 615.10±101.15mg/dL, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) 132.72±20.33mg/dL, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) 454.93±90.81mg/dL, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) 27.45±9.96mg/dL, triglycerides 137.23±49.78mg/dL, uric acid 6.24±2.15mg/dL, urea 18.27±12.33mg/dL, creatinine 0.30±0.04mg/dL, total calcium 9.38± 0.76mg/dL, ionized calcium 7.17±0.64mg/dL, phosphorus 6.96±0.91mg/dL, Ca:P ratio 1.37±0.21, iron 24.74±13.02µg/dL, sodium 142.03±6.17mEq/L, chlorides 109.59± 4.99mEq/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 200.67±31.42 U/L, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 3.90±1.92 U/L, γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) 1.18±0.73 U/L, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) 597.30± 231.36 U/L, and creatine kinase (CK) 2348.30±755.60 U/L. Males and females showed significant differences in total proteins, globulins, alkaline phosphatase, A:G ratio, and uric acid.

A fim de avaliar o perfil de proteínas séricas, metabólitos, minerais e enzimas séricas e correlacionar com o sexo das aves, este estudo analisou 30 avestruzes de quatro dias de idade. Os valores obtidos foram: proteínas totais 3,59±0,72g/dL; albumina 1,04±0,14g/dL; globulinas 2,51±0,56g/dL; relação A:G 0,43± 0,07; colesterol total 615,10±101,15mg/dL; lipoproteína de alta densidade colesterol (HDL-C) 132,72±20,33mg/dL; lipoproteína de baixa densidade colesterol (LDL-C) 454,93±90,81mg/dL; lipoproteína de muito baixa densidade colesterol (VLDL-C) 27,45±9,96 mg/dL; triglicérides 137,23±49,78mg/dL; ácido úrico 6,24±2,15mg/dL; uréia 18,27±12,33mg/dL; creatinina 0,30±0,04mg/dL; cálcio total 9,38±0,76mg/dL; cálcio ionizado 7,17±0,64mg/dL; fósforo 6,96±0,91mg/dL; relação Ca:P 1,37±0,21; ferro 24,74±13,02µg/dL; sódio 142,03±6,17mEq/L; cloretos 109,59±4,99mEq/L; aspartato aminotransferase (AST) 200,67±31,42 U/L; alanina aminotransferase (ALT) 3,90±1,92 U/L; γ-glutamiltransferase (GGT) 1,18±0,73 U/L; fosfatase alcalina (ALP) 597,30± 231,36 U/L; e creatina quinase (CK) 2348,30±755,60 U/L. Diferenças significativas existiram para proteínas totais, globulinas, fosfatase alcalina, relação A:G e ácido úrico entre machos e fêmeas.

Anatomia do sistema porta renal e suas implicações no emprego de agentes anestésicos na contenção de avestruzes (Struthio camelus) / Anatomy of the renal portal system and its implications for the use of anesthetic agents in the restraint of ostriches (Struthio camelus)

Objetivou-se com este estudo caracterizar a anatomia do sistema porta renal e verificar sua influência sobre o protocolo anestésico xilazina, tiletamina e zolazepam na contenção de avestruzes, por comparação da administração dos fármacos nos músculos da perna ou da asa. Em cinco animais foi injetado látex nas veias femorais no sentido de drenagem e, posteriormente, as aves foram fixadas em formol a 10 por cento, por 72 horas. Em uma ave, procedeu-se à localização, colheita e fixação das valvas portais renais em formol a 10 por cento. O sistema porta renal apresentou-se constituído por duas veias portais renais craniais, duas veias portais renais caudais e seis valvas portais renais. Na contenção química, seis avestruzes foram pré-tratados com xilazina (1mg kg-1) e, decorridos 10 minutos, receberam tiletamina/zolazepam (6mg kg-1). Os animais foram manipulados em duas ocasiões diferentes, sendo que na primeira anestesia o protocolo foi administrado nos músculos da base das asas (GI) e, após 15 dias, os mesmos animais receberam o protocolo nos músculos das pernas (GII). Os períodos de latência, hábil e de recuperação não foram diferentes entre os grupos (P>0,05). A freqüência cardíaca permaneceu abaixo dos valores basais durante a anestesia (P<0,05) nos dois grupos. A temperatura cloacal aumentou nos grupos, principalmente no GII, levando ao incremento da freqüência respiratória para facilitar a perda de calor. Como a contenção química foi adequada para a realização de procedimentos de curta duração a campo nos avestruzes dos dois grupos, não foi possível evidenciar a influência do sistema porta renal.

This study was aimed at characterizing the anatomy of the renal portal system, and determining its influence on the anesthetic protocol xylazine, tiletamine and zolazepam, in the restraint of ostriches, compared with the administration of drugs into the leg or wing muscles. Latex was injected into the femoral veins of five animals, for drainage purposes, and the birds were then fixed in 10 percent formaldehyde, for 72 hours. In one bird, the renal portal valves were located, collected and fixed in 10 percent formaldehyde. The renal portal system consisted of two cranial renal portal veins, two caudal renal portal veins, and six renal portal valves. In the chemical restraint, six ostriches were anesthetized with xylazine (1mg kg-1) and after 10 minutes, tiletamine/zolazepam (6mg kg-1). The animals were handled on two different occasions: in the first anesthesia, the protocol was administered into the muscles at the base of the wings (GI) and after 15 days, the same animals received the protocol in the leg muscles (GII). The periods for the onset and duration of the anesthesia, and recovery, showed no difference between the groups (P>0.05). The heart rate remained below the basal values during the anesthesia (P<0.05), in both groups. The cloacal temperature increased in both groups, particularly in GII, leading to an increased respiratory rate to facilitate heat loss. Since the chemical restraint was adapted for procedures of short duration in the field in the ostriches of both groups, it was not possible to demonstrate the influence of the renal portal system.

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of doxycycline in ostriches (Struthio camelus) at two different dose rates

A bioavailability and pharmacokinetics study of doxycycline was carried out on 30 healthy ostriches after a single intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM) and oral dose of 15 mg/kg body weight. The plasma doxycycline concentration was determined by HPLC/UV at 0 (pretreatment), 0.08, 0.25, 0.5 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h after administration. The plasma concentration-time curves were examined using non-compartmental methods based on the statistical moment theory for only the higher dose. After IV administration, the elimination half-life (t(1/2beta)), mean residence time (MRT), volume of distribution at the steady-state (V(ss)), volume of distribution (Vd(area)) and total body clearance (Cl(B)) were 7.67 +/- 0.62 h, 6.68 +/- 0.86 h, 0.86 +/- 0.16 l/kg, 1.67 +/- 0.52 l/kg and 2.51 +/- 0.63 ml/min/kg, respectively. After IM and oral dosing, the mean peak plasma concentrations (C(max)) were 1.34 +/- 0.33 and 0.30 +/- 0.04 microgram/ml, respectively, which were achieved at a postadministration time (t(max)) of 0.75 +/- 0.18, 3.03 +/- 0.48 h, respectively. The t(1/2beta), Vd(area) and Cl(B) after IM administration were 25.02 +/- 3.98 h, 23.99 +/- 3.4 l/kg and 12.14 +/- 1.71 ml/min/kg, respectively and 19.25 +/- 2.53 h, 61.49 +/- 7 l/kg and 40.19 +/- 3.79 ml/min/kg after oral administration, respectively. The absolute bioavailability (F) of doxycycline was 5.03 and 17.52% after oral and IM administration, respectively. These results show that the dose data from other animals particularly mammals cannot be extrapolated to ostriches. Therefore, based on these results along with those reported in the literature, further studies on the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic, in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration values and clinical applications of doxycycline in ostriches are required.