Anatomopathological aspects of avian aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is a fungal disease caused by fungi of the genus Aspergillus, in particular A. fumigatus and A. flavus. This paper focuses on anatomopathological aspects resulting from a chronic infection from Aspergillus spp in the chicken (Gallus domesticus), in the herring gull (Larus cachinnans micaelli) and in the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa rufa). Microscopically, we observed some histological lesions that are related to the two typical forms of Aspergillosis: a deep nodular form, typical of organs with a non-aerated parenchyma, and a non-encapsulated superficial diffuse form typical of the serosae and the lung. The observed forms of aspergillosis have been found in animals raised in poor hygienic environmental conditions or malnourished animals (chicken); in wild birds from wildlife recovery centres (herring gull), which underwent some forms of stress, such as traumas, detention, starvation, extended antibiotic treatments; in game birds (red-legged partridge) used for restocking natural areas that had been negatively affected by such stressors as captivity in aviaries, containment and transport in cages, release in unsuitable environments and malnutrition. The observed anatomopathological and istopathological aspects can therefore be regarded as the outcome of a number of factors that have reduced the typical resistance of the species and impaired the efficiency of their immune systems

Observations on the occurrence of Heterakis gallinarum in laying hens kept on soil

The occurrence of Heterakis gallinarum infection in a flock of Rhode Island Red laying hens is described. These hens were entirely kept in houses on a farm for commercial egg production, where a deep litter production system was adopted. Faecal samples from 120 hens selected at random were examined by common flotation technique and modified McMaster's technique. H. gallinarum eggs were detected in 50% of the examined samples with very low faecal egg counts (<50 eggs per gram of faeces). There was no evidence of clinical signs, gross pathological lesions, and consequences on production level linkable to heterakiasis. H. gallinarum is transmitted by direct ingestion of infective eggs from the soil and is one of the most important intestinal helminths of poultry due to the role it plays as vector of histomoniasis. In accordance with European legislation on the welfare of laying hens, a progressively increasing number of farmers can adopt breeding programs on soil. Periodic coprological examinations of chickens reared on commercial farms from areas throughout Italy are thus advisable to determine the exact distribution of H. gallinarum and the extent to which heterakiasis may influence health status and production of chickens in this country

Study of embryos stages of development for estimation of day of death in red-legged patridge (Alectoris rufa rufa L.)

The exact determination of the death age of embryos could be important in determining causes of embryonic mortality. For this reason, a study on partridge chick embryo development was useful. To monitor red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa rufa) embryo development, we incubated 80 eggs, chosen randomly, all laid in the same day of the 9th laying week. Every day during the incubation period 2 eggs were opened, embryos were photographed, described in a macroscopic manner and several measurement were carried out. In order to estimate embryo age, we can divide the whole development process into two main periods. The first period is mainly characterised by formation of new organs (embryonic or extra embryonic or body portions), going from the first to 17th incubation day. The second period is characterised by growth of body organs and limbs from the 18th day to the 24th. The study also elucidated enough development stages to estimate embryo age within an approximation of about one day

Embryos stages of development for estimation of day of death in pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and partridges (Alectoris rufa and Perdix perdix)

In captivity condition rearing of many game bird species is affected by low hatching rate. Besides, there are not sufficient specific references about embryo development of these species. The exact estimation of the embryos death age, is the base for carrying out the diagnosis of the death causes during incubation and, consequently, to improve hatchability. A comparative study on embryo development was carried out on pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), red legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) and grey partridge (Perdix perdix). For each specie, 100 eggs laid in the same day of the 9th laying week were incubated contemporarily in the same incubator. Longitudinal and transversal diameters and weight of the eggs were measured. At least 3 eggs for each specie were opened daily during the incubation period. Embryos were photographed, described in a macroscopic manner and the main measurements of anatomic portions were taken. The day of appearance of new organs and/or body portion (e.g. eye, claw, beck, etc.) was determined and the study allowed to elucidated enough development stages to estimate macroscopically embryo age within an approximation of about one day. A general delay in the hatching time of grey partridge was observed in comparison to pheasant and red legged partridge