A new haemosporidian parasite from the Red-legged Seriema Cariama cristata (Cariamiformes, Cariamidae).

Haemoproteids (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae) are a diverse group of avian blood parasites that are transmitted by hematophagous dipterans. In this study, we describe Haemoproteus pulcher sp. nov. from a Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata) in southeast Brazil. Analysis of the mitochondrial cytb gene indicates this parasite is closely related to Haemoproteus catharti (from Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura) and the unidentified haemosporidian lineages PSOOCH01 (from Pale-winged Trumpeter, Psophia leucoptera) and MYCAME08 (from Wood Stork, Mycteria americana). This group of parasites appears to represent an evolutionary lineage that is distinct from other Haemoproteus spp., being instead more closely related to Haemocystidium spp. (from reptiles), Plasmodium spp. (from reptiles, birds, and mammals) and other mammal-infecting haemosporidians (Nycteria, Polychromophilus, and Hepatocystis). Current evidence suggests that parasites of this newly discovered evolutionary lineage may be endemic to the Americas, but further studies are necessary to clarify their taxonomy, life cycle, vectors, hosts, geographic distribution and host health effects. Additionally, it should be borne in mind that some PCR protocols targeting the cytb gene might not reliably detect H. pulcher due to low primer affinity.

Successful Treatment of Capture Myopathy and Satellite Transmitter Injury in an Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos).

An Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos) was found on shore 3 days after having been captured at sea by researchers. It presented very lethargic, moderately dehydrated, and in poor body condition. It was mildly hypothermic, with moderate pediculosis, and dark malodorous feces with yellow urates. The bird had a 48-g satellite transmitter attached with a backpack-style chest harness, which caused an ulcerative lesion on the interscapular area. The bird was severely anemic (packed cell volume, 18%), and plasma chemistry results were suggestive of a severe rhabdomyolysis (aspartate transaminase, 3620 U/L; creatine kinase, 100 400 U/L). We hypothesized that capture myopathy occurred because of a combination of capture stress and prolonged physical restraint by researchers, stress associated with repeated attempts by the bird to remove the satellite-transmitter harness, and a lengthy road transport to the rehabilitation center. A treatment protocol, which relied on a combination of aggressive fluid therapy, selenium, vitamins E and B12, and multivitamin supplementation, was administered after the initial physical assessment of the albatross. Isoflurane inhalation anesthesia was used to minimize stress associated with the performed medical procedures (eg, physical examination, removal of the satellite transmitter harness, blood collection, and wound management). Measures were adopted while the bird was hospitalized to reduce stress (eg, quiet and comfortable environment with visual barriers and restricting handling of the patient to experienced staff). Clinical and hematological monitoring was used to assess the patient's condition as the bird gradually recovered while hospitalized. The albatross was successfully released 28 days after the initial presentation, suggesting that the medical protocol employed in this case may be useful for the treatment of capture myopathy in albatrosses and other birds.