Abstracts from the 8th International Conference on cGMP Generators, Effectors and Therapeutic Implications

This work was supported by a restricted research grant of Bayer AG

Trichomonosis in a free-living Stock Dove (Columba oenas)

In October 2004, a free-living Stock Dove (Columba oenas) was found infected with Trichomonas spp. in the district of Soest, North Rhine- Westphalia, Germany. A huge buccal nodular lesion caused an occlusion of the esophagus and an external swelling. The bone of the mandibula was already softened and nearly solubilised. The microscopical examination of a wet swab sample from the carcass detected Trichomonas spp. in huge numbers. The morphological diagnosis of the flagellate revealed T. gallinae. Although trichomonosis is well described for several other columbid species around the world, this is probably the first described case of a trichomonosis in a free- living Stock Dove. The possible prevalence in the dove population is discussed

Erfolgreiche Wiederauswilderung eines einäugigen Uhus (Bubo bubo) mit anschließender Brut

The rehabilitation and release of injured or ill raptors and owls is widespread. The overall aim of this intervention is the successful reintroduction of the bird into the wild population. Though many injuries are treatable, it is thought that vision-impaired birds have no change of survival and their release is refused. Here we report a case study and give a description of the rehabilitation and subsequent release of an injured Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo). The bird was found with an injured eye and a paralysed wing in the district of Soest, North Rhine - Westphalia, Germany. While the paralysis healed, the bird stayed blind in one eye. Nevertheless it was released with a radio-transmitter. The female Eagle Owl could be followed by radio-telemetry for more than half a year after release, by visual and acoustic skills for a full year after release. Although the female was only two years old, it paired successful with a partner, and raised a brood with three offspring. No differences in the behaviour compared to non-handicapped birds could be detected. This one-eyed Eagle Owl demonstrates not only survival, but also successful reproduction following reintegration into the wild population. However, low intraspecific competition in the area might have contributed to the reproductive success of the owl